In a service like no other, Rev. Christie Love was ordained into Christian Ministry on Saturday in Springfield. Christie serves as the pastor of The Connecting Grounds, which celebrated its 5th anniversary, as well as its transition from a 'congregation in formation' to a fully formed Disciples congregation, with a birthday party after the ordination service. The congregation believes that the church is called to the work of justice, compassion, mercy, and love and they strive to find ways to answer this call daily in their community. These tenets were evident in the afternoon's celebrations as the service featured reflections from several members of TCG, as well as those from the wider community.

One of TCG's founding members, Holly Rose Madden (pictured with Christie at right), shared a special poem she wrote to honor Christie's journey in ministry, saying she wanted to give expression to "her love, her work, and her bravery to never give up." It's a beautiful reflection on ministry:

You nurture life.
from the pavement cracks
where dirt and sun
have birthed wildflowers
That the rest of the world
counts as broken.
You tend to the wounds
of those bleeding and traumatized.
You tend to the souls
of those hopeless and defeated.
You celebrate those with
One day, one hour, or one moment
Of fighting for better.
Your preaching is fire
that renews perspectives.
You are the farmer
whose hands are always stained with dirt,
who rests not at sundown
but at dawn
when the threat of frost is undone.
You saw a sanctuary and made it a home
Where you share meals and wash feet.
Pastor, Reverend, friend your actions are sermons
Your words spread light
and you are God’s healing
in action.

Thank you to Associate Regional Minister Phil Snider
for this information and photos.