This weekend was my first visit to Abiding Grace in Southlake for the ordination of Kathryn Saunders-Allen. Kathryn was a member of Abiding Grace and went through Candidacy here in NT-NL and has now been called to be pastor at Good Shepherd in Irving.

Abiding Grace has a very unique campus. The congregation is relatively young as the formed when a previous congregation left the ELCA and many members chose not to leave but to form a new congregation. They purchased this property which had been a Montessori school that had already repurposed a farm.

One of the additions the congregation has added is this permanent BBQ set-up. They’re well known for their amazing smokers, and they didn’t disappoint this day either. A team of smokers worked all day to prepare the meal for Kathryn’ Ordination celebration. Of course it helped that Kathryn’s dad is one of the smokers.

The service itself was wonderful, with a combined choir from both Abiding Grace and Good Shepherd, preaching by Pr. Nick Billardello, and participation from clergy colleagues who have been a part of Kathryn’s journey over the years.

Kathryn was surrounded by the love of her family as she received her stole, supported by many colleagues, and celebrated wonderfully by the combined congregations.