Two things struck me during the service this afternoon:
First, the variety of gifts presented to the new vicar, and the symbolism behind each:
A) Bible + Book of Common Prayer = be a person of prayer & meditation
B) A ewer (vessel) of water (from the Bishop) = help me baptize in obedience to our Lord
C) TEC/Diocesan Constitution + Canons = obey these canons and be among us to share in the councils of
this diocese
D) Gospel Book = be among us as one who proclaims the Word
E) Keys to the Church + Chair Covering = let the doors of our Church be open to all people, and be among us
as the 3rd Vicar of St. PITW.
F) Stole & Chasuble = be among us as pastor & priest
G) Bread & Wine = be among us to break the Bread and bless the Cup
H) Cruet of Oil + oil stock = be among us as a healer & reconciler
I) Personalized Podium = be among us as a leader of liturgy
J) Plant + Nametag = be known among us as one who grows where you are planted
K) Sunday School curriculum + Children's Chapel Cross = be among us in the teaching of the Word
L) Hymnal + Renew song book = be among us in song and praise to God
M) Visitor's Book + a loaf of bread = be among us in welcoming others in their walk with Christ
N) Tray symbolizing hospitality + fellowship = be among us in our joyful celebrations as people of God
O) A Floor Plan of future phases on church construction = be among us as together we grow this church
P) A Budget and copy of financial accounts = be among us good stewards of this church
Q) A basket symbolizing Outreach activities + ministries = be among us in service to others
R) A prayer shawl = be among us in pastoral care to one another
The Bishop concluded saying "D-D, let all these be signs of the ministry which is mine and yours in this place."
Nice.
Second, I loved the Invitation issued to the Eucharist:
"Come to this table, you who have much faith and you who would like to have more; you who have been here often and you who have not been for a long time; you who have tried to follow Jesus and you who have failed; come, it is Christ who invites us to meet Him here."
Really Nice.
What a wonderful occasion and a lovely celebration.
Of course, it didn't hurt that the Bishop, Bishop's wife, rector friend and new vicar now all know I start seminary in August. It's never too early to begin scouting out parishes for possible field work opportunities next year.
- Current Mood:
excited
Comments