I met Bev Larzelere and Pastor Ben Larzelere in 2005 or 2006. The three of us had dinner together last night, June 24, 2018, and during our conversation we couldn't quite remember when the first time the three of us met. We were positive we were all at Christ Lutheran in Santa Fe, where Ben was the pastor, in 2006 because that is when Christ Lutheran sponsored a Building an Inclusive Church training. It was the first official training I attended for Lutherans Concerned/North America (LC/NA). I am positive I became a leader in LC/NA because of that first training. How could I not? The facilitators were Emily Eastwood, Michael Adee, and Rebecca Voelkel. At the time, they were each an executive director of an organization working toward the inclusion of the LGBT community in the life of each of their respective denominations. Anyway, Bev and Ben have remained dear friends since the 2006 training. Because Bev and Ben lived in Santa Fe and I in Louisville CO, our paths didn't cross terribly often, but when we did meet, it was like we saw each other yesterday. Belonging to the same synod helped keep us connected. We would meet at synod assemblies as I was very active in my church and was elected as a voting member to synod assembly more times than I can remember. Ben was a pastor, so he always went to assembly and Bev would always be with him, usually as a voting member as well. As a matter of fact, Bev and I sat next to each other at the 2009 and 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assemblies. The churchwide assemblies were a week long, so Bev and I spent a lot of time together.
It has been at least two years since Bev and Ben were in the Denver area. The last time they were here, we went to House for All Sinner and Saints for service and went out to dinner. It was at least a couple years ago because at that time, HFASS had services in an Episcopal church. We had dinner after that service. Yesterday, we went to HFASS at 16th and Pearl. It was an incredible service and it also happened to be the last sermon Pr. Nadia Bolz-Weber preached as their pastor. Nadia has known Bev and Ben for many years. I think I first met Nadia when she was an intern at St. Paul Lutheran in downtown Denver. St Paul was my home congregation then. Nadia also invited me to be a speaker at Why Christian in Durham NC last March. That is another wonderful story. Anyway, Bev, Ben, and I were inspired by service and went to dinner afterwards. It was wonderful to catch up with each other's lives and talk about all the friends we have in common. We remenisted about assemblies and conferences we have attended together and we each have wonderful memories of talks and dinners and conversations. We talked about the state of "the church" and our hopes and fears for the future of the church. Ministry is about relationships. First and foremost, our relationship with God. Knowing I am loved by God allows me to reach out beyond my fears and go to places I thought I would never go. My faith in God has allowed me to put my name forth and be elected to attend synod and churchwide assemblies. I have always been apprehensive when I attend an assembly, but the Lord sent angels to walk with me. Bev and Ben are two of the angels who have walked with me through difficult times and glorious times. I was terrified when I spoke at the microphone at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly, but I remember Bev holding my hand and giving me a loving look. Bev gave me the strength I needed to speak. I professed my faith in the love of God and I knew I was chosen by God because of Acts 8:26-40, Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. Later that week, I was at a reception when I met Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson. He shook my hand and said something to the effect, "ah Nicole, the eloquent orator." I am honored to say I had the opportunity to shake Bishop Hanson's hand many times before he retired, including when he was the keynote speaker at the 2010 LC/NA assembly and I was a co-chair of the board of directors. Another story for another day. Bev and Ben are dear people in my life and I am thankful to call each of them a friend. As I wrote that sentence, I looked up from my desk to the books on the shelf above and saw the Greek parsing guide Ben sent to me when I was floundering in Greek translation. They are always close to my heart and I expect to see them smiling ear-to-ear at my ordination. Thanks be to God.
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