by Pastor Heather Apel
Friday evening’s “Created to Create” art show honoring Bishop Ginny Aebischer was a highlight of this year’s Assembly, featuring works from 26 artists from the SC Synod. There were paintings, quilts and other fiber arts, stained glass, wooden bowls, photographs and mixed media creations, showcasing the creativity and talent of God’s people.
Bishop Ginny had longed for years to bring an art show to the SC Synod, and this was a fitting way to honor her 37 years of ministry and leadership before her August retirement. Known for her creativity, she is an artist in her own right; she made three of the stained-glass pieces on display in the art show, one is a beautiful depiction of the two sacraments of the Lutheran church: Baptism and Holy Communion. This art show reflected the beauty, uniqueness and diversity of our Creator, and the stunning works of art that can be created with human hands.
This evening was also a time to share gratitude for Bishop Ginny’s impact throughout the SC Synod. Vice President Andrew Boozer hosted a time of reflection for her dedication to service, leadership and grace, once again sharing the theme verse, Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
He continued, “The Greek word that Paul uses for “workmanship” is poiēma, the very root from which we get our English word “poem.” Think about that for a moment – this verse beautifully illustrates that we are not mass produced. We are God’s masterpiece. His poem, created with intention, rhythm, and the beauty to perform good works. Our creativity, our faith and our service are not just random acts, they are direct reflections on our Creator. For years, Bishop Ginny has lived out this verse among us. Her ministry has been a living poem, a beautiful intentional expression of God’s grace, vision and love…encouraging us to walk boldly in the good works that God has designed for us. Tonight we celebrate the masterwork of her ministry and the lasting legacy that she leaves behind.”
Then came a time of sharing by individuals who have been part of different chapters of Bishop Ginny’s journey. Their collective words showed how Bishop Ginny’s leadership has shaped our synod and the people and communities within it, inspired our faith and reflected the heart of God. Pastor David Coffman, on behalf of President Dr. Harpool, announced that The Board of Trustees of Newberry College voted “to confer upon The Rev. Virginia S. Aebischer the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, with all the rights, honors, and privileges pertaining thereto.” Synod Council member Jaime Lleras presented a beautiful handmade seashell cross, and Dr. Susan McArver, retired professor from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) and Crumley Archives Board of Trustees President, expressed words of deep gratitude to know Bishop Ginny as both a friend and Bishop. Rev. Dr. Chad Rimmer, rector and dean of LTSS, offered appreciation on behalf of the seminary, as he knows Bishop Ginny to be a leader committed to well-trained church leaders. He presented her with an exquisite handmade bookend of the LTSS logo made from hickory wood, a nod to the new location of LTSS at Lenoir-Rhyne in Hickory, NC. The final words of appreciation were made by the entire synod staff, wearing cow ears and horns, as they shared a poem about how being a bishop isn’t that different from being a farmer, since sometimes the sheep act more like cattle (Bishop Ginny’s favorite barnyard animal is a cow).
In closing, Bishop Ginny commented, “This is truly an honor. The words that each of you spoke touched my heart and will stay with me forever. And the love that all of you share just means the world to me…I am truly grateful for today, and grateful for the gifts and the time together. I am truly honored to be your bishop.” She then introduced her family, acknowledging the love and support she’s felt from her husband, Paul; son, Joshua and his wife, Addie, and granddaughter, Rosie; son Micah and his fiancée, Reed; and her mother-in-law, Judy. The evening ended with an ice cream bar for attendees to enjoy – a special request from Bishop Ginny!
