Yesterday’s highlight at Annual Conference was the
ordination service. It brought back the
recollection of my own ordination as an elder in full connection on that very
stage last June. Rev. Eddie Fox preached
a truly wonderful sermon for the service.
He has preached to Methodists world-wide. One story he told was of preaching barefoot
in India to a crowd of 100,000. It’s the custom to do that there as they believe
pastors are standing on holy ground. We
didn’t have quite that many in the Classic Center theatre but it was standing
room only. A custom at these services is
to stand up whenever the bishop lays hands on a friend or loved one and imparts
the authority of clergy upon them. I stood for 11 friends of the 34 who were
either commissioned as provisional deacons or elders or fully ordained. I
thought of how many years each had spent between the time they answered God’s
call until last night’s service. It was
probably anywhere from 4 (for commissioning) to 9 years or maybe even more of
discernment, seminary, ministry and other hard work. I remembered how members
of Hapeville First traveled to Athens to stand for me along with Joe and my son
Robert and my clergy family. It meant a lot to me to see so many standing for
me. It still means a lot because they
are still standing. As I stand in the
pulpit and impart the Good News of Jesus Christ, so many are standing behind me,
helping me along. It takes us all and I
am so thankful for my wonderful partners in ministry.
Holy
God, we ask your blessing upon those who were commissioned or ordained this
year and all whom they join, both lay persons and clergy who work to advance
your Kingdom and to bring people into a saving relationship with your Son. Help us all in this holy work. In Christ’s
name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment