ELM Graduation for ELM VII - October 5th, 2013

Well our years of training in the Educating Lay Ministry Program came to it's official end yesterday with our ELM Graduation ceremony in Grand Island yesterday afternoon.

Fifteen of the sixteen of us gathered along with our Program Administrator Sharon Shields, one last time at the First Christian Church in Grand Island to receive our diplomas, congratulate one another, reminisce and exchange good byes.

We were all glad that Bev Hayes was able to join us as she has recently had hip surgery.  She was however moving along very well considering all she's been through.  We did however miss our classmate and friend Shirley Bible who is continuing to recover from a number of health issues that have plagued her this past year.

The Graduating Class of ELM VII, 10/5/2013
Front:: Kevin Wagner, Chuck Snow, Bob Sieck, Roy Karlen,
Howard Blecha, Sharon Shields
Back: Joey Colson, Sandy Denton, Denise Johnson, Janet Davis,
D'Arcy Blosser, Dee Boals, Bev Hayes, Karen Bortz, Patricia Miller,
Dustin Bower (not pictured Shirley Bible)
WmRoy Karlen photograph

Bob Sieck came up with the idea of developing one of his photographs and having all of us sign the mat as a gift to Sharon for all that she's done for each of us.  Bob gathered most of the signatures before turning it over to me to gather the last three or so signatures, I then had a plate made for it and finished the matting and framing of the photograph.  After our graduation ceremony Bob presented the photo to Sharon and we all gave her a round of applause as further recognition of her mentor ship.

Sharon Shields and Roy Karlen
ELM VII Graduation Ceremony 10/5/13
Wm Roy Karlen photograph

As I stated earlier, the event was held at the First Christian Church, in Grand Island and hosted by their Pastor, Rev. Scott Taylor.  Rev. Dr. Jim Gordon, Interim Regional Minister for the Disciples of Christ Church and Rev. Roddy Dunkerson, Conference Minister for the Nebraska Conference United Church of Christ, officiated during the ceremonies.

Sharon Shields and Roy Karlen
WmRoy Karlen photos

Jim gave the message for the ceremony titled 'Be Careful What You Swallow'.  Interestingly enough using as the backbone of his sermon a commencement address given years ago by Dr. Seuss.  The message was excellent for all of us as new graduates of the ELM program as we step forward into additional roles in ministry.  We all need to be wary of what we allow into our minds and hearts.  I was reminded during his message of the following quote.

Even though the ELM program has ended I will continue this Blog in order to share my continuing path into ministry.

I hope you all have enjoyed the blog thus far and I thank those that have followed along for their support to me and my fellow ELM members.

God's great and abundant blessings to you all.

In Christ,

Roy