Steve Edge Ordained
Steve Edge is ordained - Lutherans in Brandon have Second Pastor
Steve Edge was ordained into the ministry of the Lutheran Church at Brandon on Saturday 15th August. At the same service he was installed as Assistant Minister (NSM) in Brandon by the Chairman of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England, the Rev. Dr Reginald Quirk. Lutheran clergy from Cambridge and London joined local minister, the Rev. George Samiec in the ordination. After studying part-time for over 8 years in Cambridge, while working full-time, and serving the congregation in the role of congregational chairman and then elder, Steve is excited to be involved now as Assistant Minister. "I was delighted to receive a call to stay at Ascension and I look forward to serving here in the future", he said. Greetings were received from congregations around the UK and from overseas. The Rev. Paul Sherouse from the USA began the Ascension Mission in 1998 and returned for the service as guest preacher. He had confirmed Steve as a member of the Lutheran Church. Miss Arynne Sherouse sang beautifully the aria 'Panis Angelicus' and Ascension's musicians, Mr Donald Georgie and Mrs Jennifer Crane, lead the congregation in song.
Steve's parents, his step daughter, Sara, and extended members of his family were able to be present at the service. Also present were some of Steve's Church of England ministerial friends as well as representatives from the other churches in Brandon. The reception after the service was held at The Wine Lodge in Feltwell, a restored pub owned by Ascension members.
Steve's position at Ascension and within the ELCE is breaking new grounds as he is currently a Non Stipendiary Minister acting as an assistant while he also works full-time in kitchen design and sales. Ascension covers expenses related to Steve's ministry but does not provide him with a salary or accommodation. He is involved each Sunday in worship and on the preaching schedule and is part of Ascension's ministerial support to other congregations and missions. Precisely because he is in fulltime employment, he acts as assistant to Pastor Samiec and a 'first point of call' when Pastor Samiec is not in the vicinity. In fact while one can't plan for emergencies, one can plan for other things and the day after his ordination, Steve took the service while Pastor Samiec led worship at Family Camp and in the following week was able to provide pastoral care for those in need while Pastor Samiec was 'camp pastor' in Wales. Steve's role also includes a particular emphasis on mission - the English helping Ascension to reach the English!
Steve is married to Debbie and they live in Feltwell in Norfolk.
