Our postulant for the diaconate, Dennis Hartenstein, shared moments from his life and faith journey with attendees at St. Edward’s Dinner & More event earlier this month. And, boy, was it much, much more than just a shared meal with fellowship and a talk by Dennis.
A Life That Reads Like a Movie Script
What Dennis shared was the type of story that you could imagine becoming the basis of a movie script.
The first 25 years were the “formative years” of the lead actor, filled with family stories and moves across different parts of the United States. Those years were highlighted by a funny family fishing trip to Tennessee and a moving story about meeting his childhood hero at age 13 while attending school there.
After those formative years and military service, the script shifted. The story entered a season of raising a family, building a career, and beginning a deeper journey of faith. Over time, Dennis described how reflection led him to an awareness that something was missing. Like an actor digging deeper into his role, he realized his life needed new meaning. For Dennis, that growth led him to understand that the Church needed to be central in his life.
An Awakening and a Call to Serve
Dennis then shared about his awakening in faith and his involvement with the church vestry, including serving as Junior Warden. But the true emotional turn in his story came when he felt a strong stirring to learn about and pursue the diaconate.
The journey of discernment became both a spiritual journey of faith and a personal journey of growth.
Fifty years after completing his formal education, Dennis was not deterred by online coursework, independent study, written reports, or the need for greater computer proficiency. Instead, he relished the challenge. As he put it, he “couldn’t get enough.”
With his hands-on orientation, his 15-hour volunteer externship at Camp Boggy Creek quickly became much more. Working with the maintenance department, he said he enjoyed seeing what it takes “to run an operation like that from the inside looking out.” Needless to say, 15 hours turned into every Monday last summer, and he “had a blast being part of last year’s program.”
Postulancy, Field Work, and Ministry in Action
Dennis’ story then pivoted to his third year of diaconate training and his field work at St. Edward’s Episcopal Church. With his characteristic humor, he shared, “After completing all the medical evaluations and background checks, I received my Postulancy Letter from the Bishop. And, by the way, I found out that I wasn’t wanted [by the authorities] and I wasn’t crazy.”
As he concluded, Dennis also spoke about his Bicycle Ministry and its impact in providing transportation for those experiencing homelessness.
He closed with warm thanks to St. Edward’s Episcopal Church, and especially Fr. Mark, Deacon Mickey, and Deacon Dan, for “bearing with me through this learning process.” What Dennis may not fully realize is how much he has gifted to the St. Edward’s community during his time as a postulant.
As Matthew 5:16 reminds us, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” As followers of Christ, it is our experiences and actions that influence those around us. Following Dennis’ example, we are called to act with purpose and reflect our faith in every deed.
While Dennis shared only a few chapters of his life story with us, it was a rich and engaging script. Many of us will continue following Dennis Hartenstein as he turns the next page and, with our prayers, fulfills his calling to serve as a deacon behind the altar.
