Local boy responds to call of God

Times Reporter

 

Last Sunday marked a new phase in Philip Penrod’s faith as he was ordained a minister in a service at Lord of All Lutheran Church in Strathmore, where he attended with his family from the time he was 9 months old. 

Penrod responded to the call of God and the church by taking his ordination vows in front of a church full of family and friends. Bishop Ron Mayan, of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada presided over the service, which included his commissioning the congregation to uphold Penrod in prayer. 

Many Lutheran clergy friends from Seminary took part in the service including one of his professors, Rev. Dr. Jann Boyd from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon, who spoke. Penrod’s wife and daughter also participated in the service, presenting him with his first stole – the long band of cloth Lutheran pastors wear as part of their vestments, symbolizing their office of ordained ministry.

Penrod’s journey to Sunday’s service began years earlier with his choice of what to do after high school. After some prodding and encouragement from his father Lyle, Penrod pursued his post secondary education at Augustana University in Camrose (also his father’s alma mater). When asked about what path he was pursuing Penrod humorously responded that truly he “majored in indecision”. He received an undergraduate degree in Physical Education and Theatre while he was taking an Educational track to become a teacher.

While attending Augustana, Penrod became actively involved in Campus Ministry where the seed was planted by long-time mentor and Campus Chaplin Lyle McKenzie. It was McKenzie who suggested that he should possibly consider Seminary. Penrod says he owes a debt of gratitude to McKenzie for a majority of the spiritual leadership and call to the life of a vocation in ministry.

Penrod’s first parish will be Our Savior Lutheran Church in Edmonton. Penrod said he looks forward to the “challenge of preaching and studying in a faith based community.” 

He is captivated by an approach to outreach and witness and is intrigued by justice work in an urban setting.