Dublin Core
Title
Martha L. Carroll
Contributor
Pastor Martha L. Carroll
Identifier
909
Coverage
South Bend, Indiana (USA)
Stole Item Type Metadata
Honoree
Martha L. Carroll
Stole Text
Martha L. Carroll
Pastor
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
South Bend, IN
In 1977 I was ordained as a deacon in the United Methodist Church at the annual conference held in Shreveport, Louisiana. I was presented with this stole. In 1979, I left the UMC and was ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Camden, Arkansas. Every time I look at this stole I am saddened. It is a constant reminder that I can no longer serve in the denomination in which I grew up and loved so much. Even as a Disciple, it has been difficult. This is my 25th year of ordained ministry. In 1996, at the age of 50, I was called to serve full time in this Open and Affirming congregation that has welcomed me and my partner, Sandra Stratton. It has been a wonderful experience. In many ways it makes up for the many years of secular employment, brief interims, and serving in other capacities, all the while waiting to do what I knew in my heart I was called to do. They were not wasted years. I’m glad I kept the faith. I am delighted to be serving this church. I mourn that so many of my brothers and sisters have given up, moved on, or wait with inordinate patience for the church to recognize what God already knows: We, too, are called to serve.
Pastor
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
South Bend, IN
In 1977 I was ordained as a deacon in the United Methodist Church at the annual conference held in Shreveport, Louisiana. I was presented with this stole. In 1979, I left the UMC and was ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Camden, Arkansas. Every time I look at this stole I am saddened. It is a constant reminder that I can no longer serve in the denomination in which I grew up and loved so much. Even as a Disciple, it has been difficult. This is my 25th year of ordained ministry. In 1996, at the age of 50, I was called to serve full time in this Open and Affirming congregation that has welcomed me and my partner, Sandra Stratton. It has been a wonderful experience. In many ways it makes up for the many years of secular employment, brief interims, and serving in other capacities, all the while waiting to do what I knew in my heart I was called to do. They were not wasted years. I’m glad I kept the faith. I am delighted to be serving this church. I mourn that so many of my brothers and sisters have given up, moved on, or wait with inordinate patience for the church to recognize what God already knows: We, too, are called to serve.
Contribution Date
2007
Denomination
United Methodist Church
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)