This morning all three of Holy Communion’s pastors had flown the coop – Pastor Jeff to Minnesota to celebrate Jack Barrow’s 75th birthday . . . Pastor Steve to celebrate his honeymoon (he got married yesterday). . . and Pastor Kathy to Bethania to fill in for Pastor Steve . So into the breach stepped Lee Longrie, one of (at least) six retired pastors who either belong to Holy Communion or who attend. (I think it says something about what we do that this many retired pastors choose to settle into our circle of faith. And it’s great to have them.) I don’t know him well, but I know that at his final parish – Atonement Lutheran here in town – he was a formidable figure and strong leader there. He’s a big guy – looks like he played center on his college football team – although today he made an announcement about the church softball team having “rehearsal” today at 4:30, (Unless they’re rehearsing to sing the national anthem before the game starts, I think the proper term is ‘practice’) which leads me to think that he hasn’t been on too many athletic fields in his day. But boy, he’s a fine preacher – a bit of the old school in his style, which is fine, and I think that’s why so many people really enjoy it when he is in our pulpit.
What made today a special day for him – and for all of us who were at first service – is that he also baptized his grandson, Rex. Already at the announcements at the start of the service, he was getting a little bit choked up at the thought of it- and warned us of what might be ahead. And sure enough, he got emotional in the sermon and even more so during the baptism liturgy itself. And it was cool because I, for one, had never seen this side of this big bear of a man before. . . and it’s always really amazing to see the usually-hidden tenderness in somebody tough. And in that moment when he took his grandson in his arms to baptize him, and little Rex let out a scream that might have peeled the roof off of a more rickety structure, you couldn’t help but smile – and also cry a little bit thinking about how little of this youngster’s life his grandfather is likely to see -although who knows? It hardly makes the headlines anymore when someone reaches the milestone of 100 years old. But then again, we have no way of knowing how long we’re here. But there was one absolutely certainty to celebrate today- that Rex is adored by his grandfather – and God loves him even more.
pictured: Pastor Lee delivering a fine sermon today.