Pastor Mycah was ordained by Patricia Davenport, Bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to the ministry of Word and Sacrament and was installed as pastor of Saint Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church, Devon on October 14.
We learned many things during the ordination and installation service, including that Pastor Mycah is now a “Dungeon Master Pastor,” an aficionado of the Dungeon and Dragons role playing game.
As preacher Pastor Lauren Eanes, senior pastor at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in Harrisonburg, Va., (Pastor Mycah’s home congregation) tells the story, her 12-year-old step son was in the other room with youth leader, Mycah, and she jumped at the chance to play Dungeons and Dragons with him. It was there that she engaged with Pastor Eanes’ step son.
“Mycah invites all of God’s people to explore Christianity and to live us into this great story. Our story today is how a Dungeon Master becomes a Pastor,” she said.
Pastor Eanes said there are many parallels between being a Dungeon Master and a Pastor including the ability to communicate effectively. This drew a laugh from the many well-wishers, family members, clergy, and Saint Luke members in attendance. A Dungeon Master and a pastor invite people to join them on the journey “to explore their identity and find their place in the story.”
As a pastor, you remind people that there is good in the world and it’s worth fighting for. You get to embrace collaboration and community, imagination, creativity, and hope. “And, you embody the message that, ultimately, the story is going to keep on going. It’s not about winning or losing, but inviting, inviting everyone, and keeping everyone at the table,” Pastor Eanes said.
As Pastor Eanes said, Pastor Dungeon Master Mycah has invited us into an adventure. The campaign we’re told in the Gospel of John (John 21: 15-17) is on a beach on the Sea of Tiberias. Simon Peter has been in this story with Jesus from the beginning. You are Simon, son of John, and you are to be called Peter.
From John 21: When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt, because he said to the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
Pastor Eanes said that Jesus knew that Peter loved him, but he wanted to make sure that Peter knew. “Jesus invites us to proclaim who we are with boldness. I am grateful for the Dungeon Master Pastor. And, Dungeon Master Pastor Mycah reminds us of who we are and where we fit into the story. She knows from the Master sheet, that we are all beloved children of God. Saint Luke, you are so lucky to have Mycah. Mycah, keep inviting us into the story. Help us to find our place in the story and point us to the one who is love.”
““Overwhelming love – that’s what we get to share as a faithful community and that’s how I experienced my ordination and installation as pastor at Saint Luke!”
Reflecting back on the special day, Pastor Mycah shared, “Overwhelming love – that’s what we get to share as a faithful community and that’s how I experienced my ordination and installation as pastor at Saint Luke! I loved seeing so many folks from different eras of my faith life, and notes sent to me from my childhood church in Washington state, the folks from the church my mom still attends, my home pastor coming here to preach, the whole company of Pennsylvanians who have helped shape me during seminary (internship supervisors, church members from the area), and of course my family.” She went on to explain, “The greatest thing I get to do as a pastor is share Christ’s love with everyone, and it’s a blessing to receive that love from so many folks. I can’t wait to see where “God is on the Move” (as the bookmarks that Em Fowler made for the occasion!) at Saint Luke and our ministry together!”
The Call
Hear the whisper of the spirit calling you.
As the wind, the mountains, the stars and the waters of the sea
carry you and provide you strength.
For the new journey you enter into with God’s love and care.
As we grow as one interconnected people serving one another with humility.
May you shepherd as well with a certain mind and presence.
Letting grace in, welcoming you, no exceptions.
-A Prayer for Mycah From Jodi Cunniffe and the Call Committee