A Nice Times-Picayune Profile of Jerry Kramer Who is Leaving for the Mission Field

Posted by Kendall Harmon

The Rev. Jerry Kramer, a hyper-energetic Episcopal priest who transformed a small neighborhood church into a powerhouse that helped drive the post-Katrina recovery of the entire Broadmoor neighborhood, stunned his parishioners last week with news that, sick and exhausted, he has resigned.

In an accompanying e-mail message, Kramer said that if he recovers after several months on a temporary medical disability, he hopes next year to return to missionary work in Tanzania with his wife and two children.

"But I have to get well to do that, " he said last week. "I need some rest. I absolutely need some rest.

"I haven't been able to put in a full day (of work) in over a year."

In the four years since Katrina, Kramer developed a reputation as a innovative priest who, from the moment he paddled up to his flooded church on South Claiborne Avenue, merged its recovery with the recovery of the surrounding neighborhood.

One of God's special people. May the Lord bless him and his family. Read it all--KSH

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • TEC Parishes • * Christian Life / Church Life • Parish Ministry • Ministry of the Ordained • * Culture-Watch • Hurricane Katrina

4 Comments
Posted September 27, 2009 at 3:32 pm [Printer Friendly] [Print w/ comments]



1. RichardKew wrote:

My friend, Jerry Kramer and his wonderful wife, Stacy, have done a fabulous job in the most trying of circumstances. They deserve rest and refreshment, and our prayers as they prepare for the next stage of their Christian journey.

September 28, 6:45 am | [comment link]
2. Sick & Tired of Nuance wrote:

I have always thought of missionaries as “God’s Commandos”...

They drop in behind “enemy” (the devil’s) lines, establish a base of operations, and begin to train local partisans (Christians) to “fight” (wielding the truth of Scripture) in the spiritual battle against evil and the forces of darkness. 

They are inspiring heroes of the faith!

[Note for international readers and those for whom English is a second language:  All references to military actions are strictly metaphorical.  No actual military action is implied or ntended.]

September 28, 10:42 am | [comment link]
3. Sick & Tired of Nuance wrote:

Typo.  Should read:

No actual military action is implied or intended.]

September 28, 10:43 am | [comment link]
4. mhmac13 wrote:

We have watched Jerry Kramer’s impossible ministry since the early days, and have spent some time there.  When it comes to people who represent Christian love and action at it’s very best, the Kramers are at the top of the list.  So where were the kudoes from the TEC hierarchy for these modern saints?  O yea, they were busy suing people!  Certainly shows the true priority of TEC today, so sad.

September 28, 1:19 pm | [comment link]
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