Andrena Ingram, an HIV- positive ELCA pastor, enjoys serving a congre- gation while helping the wider church take action on HIV/AIDS.
Real talk W
hen I publicly disclosed my HIV status in The Lutheran (December 2006), I was a student at the Lutheran Theo- logical Seminary at Philadelphia. I was unsure, but hopeful, about a future call. Today I am pastor of St. Michael Lutheran in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, celebrat- ing five years of ministry with the
congregation. Like most ELCA pastors, I visit people in hospitals and nursing homes and celebrate baptisms and funerals. At the church door, I may find someone seeking coun- seling or a child who wants a drink of water and a hug. I
Ingram is pastor of St. Michael Lutheran Church, Philadelphia. 28 The Lutheran •
www.thelutheran.org
AMY ELLIOTT
One pastor’s perspective on the church & the fight against HIV By Andrena Ingram
handle emergencies, enjoy tea or coffee with a colleague and attend too many meetings. But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Initially there were the challenges of serving a congregation in transi- tion and learning to loosen up my leadership style (I pre- viously spent six years in the Army). But I couldn’t have found a better, more welcoming church home. I suspect calling me as pastor may have raised a few eyebrows at St. Michael. “So she has HIV. Who doesn’t have something?” I imagine them saying. “Let’s keep it moving.” Because keep it moving, we did. We were too busy with ministry and learning who we are. In the last five years worship has evolved to reflect the diversity of St. Michael’s members. Worship rotates between a service of prayer and anointing, a “conversa- tion” in place of the sermon where everyone participates in discussing a text, a youth-led Sunday and a special service featuring our liturgical dancers. After praying and seeking ways to serve our com-
munity, we became partners in mission with St. Peter Lutheran, Lafayette Hill, Pa., hosting a community meal with the church. We began holding an annual fundraiser for an elementary school. We continue to host Alcohol-
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