Letter from the Editor
It’s interesting how the most significant moments of your life are often the ones that, when you look back on them, feel like a blur. got married in June, and though we have lovely wedding photos to capture the day, there are so many details that already feel fuzzy. It makes sense now why people often hire a videographer to capture every moment!
The same could be said about our ordinations, at least that’s how I feel about mine. I had never attended an ordination service before my own, so the entire experience felt new and unfamiliar. It’s been over ten years ago now; some parts of that day feel so crystal clear (like the story my pastor told in his sermon and how heavy the laying on of hands felt), but mostly I have faint memories with blurred edges that won’t quite come into focus.
Thankfully, in the Presbyterian Church (USA), I am reminded regularly of the ordination vows I promised. Every time we ordain or install a new pastor, deacon, or elder, the same constitutional questions are proposed. Although I don’t clearly remember answering these questions in October 2015, each time I hear them now, I try to hear them as a renewal of the promises I made to my calling.In particular, the last question—“Will you pray for and seek to serve the people with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love?”—“ sticks with me as I go about the daily tasks of ministry.
Our theme for this month’s Fidelia issue is “Ordination.” Whether you are recently ordained and remember the day well, or it feels like ages ago, I hope that these pieces draw you back into the mystery, wonder, and celebration that comes with the beautiful experience of ordination.
Peace,
Rev. Leslie Lang Denny
Content Editor, Fidelia Magazine
Leslie currently serves as the Associate Pastor for Young Adults and Missions at First Presbyterian Church Spartanburg in Spartanburg, SC. She has been a member of the YCWI Board since 2024.
Leslie Lang Denny
