By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

Since he was a young boy, John Kearns felt called toward a life of serving others. Kearns has been very active throughout the Bradford community through his music ministry. But he still felt called to deepen his commitment to the church.

Following much prayer, he began attending seminary school six years ago.

On Saturday, he was ordained at Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church (EELC), 162 Seaward Ave., where he has served as vicar for the past year. ‘During this process there has been a lot of discernment and a lot of time spent in prayer asking the Lord if this is really what I am called to do,’ said Kearns. ‘But now I feel ready.’

Kearns has been attending classes through United Lutheran Seminary for the last six years. In addition, he served a one-year internship at EELC under the oversight of the Rev.

Canon Stacey Fussell of Episcopal Church of the Ascension.

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John Kearns is ordained at Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church on Saturday by Bishop Michael J. Lozano of the Northwest Pennsylvania Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Era photo by Wade Aiken He was presented for ordination by the Rev.

Bruce Burkness. The service was presented by Bishop Michael J. Lorzano of the Northwest Pennsylvania Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Fussell was the homilist. Readings were offered by the Rev.

Harold “Jake” Jacobson, director of Evangelical Mission for the ELCA.

Kearns said that type of interfaith teamwork has been a huge blessing to him on his journey to ordination. He is a dedicated member of the Bradford Area Ministerium, a group that brings various faith leaders together.

“I have been so fortunate to work with them on many events like the Cross Walk, baccalaureate celebrations and the Day of Prayer,” said Kearns.

“The ministers who I have worked with here in Bradford have taught me so many lessons on this journey.”

Bradford is an important place for Kearns.

“I have lived in a lot of places but Bradford always feels like home to me,” said Kearns. “I am very sure that I am able to serve my flock right here in my hometown because most priests are assigned to a new location.”

For many years, Kearns and his wife, Amy, have performed worship music at many churches across the area.

The pair have penned several shows, including the most recent Kiwanis Kapers held in November. Kearns considers his musical talent to be a gift from God and an important way to give back to the community.

“God didn’t charge me anything for me to be a musician so I feel the least I can do is to help others come together to glorify Him through my music,” said Kearns. “The arts are how we get to witness a little bit of heaven here on earth.”

His work in the arts has helped inform his ministry in many ways.

He credits the theaters with helping him learn how to talk with anyone. “It has allowed me to break down barriers and learn to work directly with a diverse group of people,” said Kearns.

He and Amy continue to provide free music lessons to children in the community. He says it is one way he can connect with those of all faiths.

“Something wonderful about performing is that it brings people together in such a special way,” said Kearns.

“I am constantly amazed at all the gifted people we have right here in town.”

He says that some of his greatest teachers on his faith journey so far have been members of his congregation.

“They have walked alongside me every step of the way and their support cannot be overstated,” said Kearns.

“This isn’t just my celebration — it is everyone’s celebration.”

He said that spirit of community togetherness is one of the things that makes him proud to be a Bradfordian.

“Something special about this place is the welcoming nature,” said Kearns. “Everyone kind of looks out for each other — that is such a blessing.”