St. Martin’s celebrated the ministry of Youth Minister Corrie Cabes in true St. Martin’s style, with laughter and joy and prayer and song, honoring her as she prepares to leave for seminary.
Saturday evening teens and parents surprised Corrie with a celebration. The group shared a meal and treats and fellowship, smiles and memories. There were sparkles, glitter, rainbows and a unicorn cake.
In our 10:30 worship service Sunday, the Rev. Henry Penner preached on discerning God’s call, and talked briefly about God at work in Corrie’s life. Listen, watch, or read Deacon Henry’s sermon here.
Corrie introduced Emilie Barbier as the summer “point person” for Service Sunday and presented her with floral apron. Our parish appreciates Emilie coordinating this ministry!
We prayed for the Cabes family as they prepared to leave us and move to Austin:
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel, in particular the Cabes family; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
~BCP p. 831
And our clergy laid hands on Corrie and prayed for her path in ministry:
O God, you led your holy apostles to ordain ministers in every place: Grant that your Church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may choose suitable persons for the ministry of Word and Sacrament as we have with Corrie, and may uphold her in their work for the extension of your kingdom; through him who is the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
~BCP p. 256
After church, we scurried through our work with making Service Sunday sack lunches for Union Gospel Mission, and celebrated Corrie with a cake reception. Our rector, Scot McComas, presented Corrie with financial gift of support from our congregation and a keepsake box to honor her time in ministry at our church.
St. Martin’s member Bill Matulevich sang Corrie a song and otherwise tried to keep her from leaving, all in good fun. Watch the video:
https://www.facebook.com/stmartinkellertx/videos/1340033879405919/
Corrie shares,
I’m so thankful and blessed beyond measure for the wonderful support, kind words, gifts and well wishes from St. Martin’s church and school. I especially give thanks for the financial support that will help make my seminary education possible. I feel that St. Martin’s and the diocese of Fort Worth are with me every step of the way and I’m so appreciative.
Corrie’s last day at St. Martin’s will be Sunday, May 21, as we recognize graduates at our Graduation Celebration.