Ordination

Well, things are going relatively well, and I have just received a phone call from a colleague who wants to drive with me so I am going to the ordination! Hopefully some photos later in the day!

Order in the house

The newly ordained Jenny Wilson imparts
a blessing to the Reverend Caroline Pearce.
(Caroline had to be ordained in the US because
at that time (many years ago!!)
Australia did not ordain women priests)

In the scheme of things the world cares not an hoot about the fact that Archbishop Jeff Driver will ordain new clergy today.
We choose in our (Anglican/Episcopalian) church to recognise that everyone is called to ministry by sacramentally recognising that some are also called to specific roles of leadership and service. Those of us who are privileged to be bearers of that sacrament know what a great day your ordination is.
Although we have had a terrible time of it in recent years, there has always been a steady stream (sometimes a trickle) of people prepared to respond to God's call to be priests and deacons. Today there are two new priests. Jenny (a finer person you could not hope to meeet), Mike (an enthusiast and passionate about ministry. Three new deacons: Sam (who is the son of two of my parishioners and an articulate, intelligent man with a lovely wife and a beautiful new baby), Barbara (who is quiet, humorous, reflective and will be a great gift musically (opera singer)) and Tracey (who inspires us and attracts them (so it seems to me) to the possibility that church might be fun, enthusiastic, committed and effective.)
Hope for the Church?
Well it would seem that the Holy Spirit is working powerfully in these lives and that can only be good.