Dear Church,
I am very excited to be installed as your new pastor this afternoon. The installation of a pastor at the request of a local congregation confirms and celebrates the covenant between a local church, and the newly called pastor and teacher, and reaffirms the covenantal relationship of all the churches in the association (from the United Church of Christ’s Book of Worship). This afternoon Rev. Chad Abbott our Conference Minister and Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins our Association Conference Minister for Leadership Formation and Discernment in will part of the service. Two members of the Kentuckiana Committee on Ministry, Joni Jenkins and Marsha Moors-Charles, will facilitated the installation liturgy. In addition, the clergy of the association are invited to attend and participate.
Part of the liturgy includes affirming our covenant together as congregation and pastor, and all of us as part of the Kentuckiana Association.
Lynnhurst Congregation: We, the members of Lynnhurst United Church of Christ, receive Monica Ouellette as our pastor and teacher, promising to labor with her in the ministry of the gospel and to give her due honor and support. We gather with her and with the United Church of Christ as a sign of our mutual ministry in Christ’s name.
Association Members: We, the members of the Kentuckiana Association of the United Church of Christ, gather with you, the people and the pastor and teacher of Lynnhurst United Church of Christ, as a sign of our covenant and in celebration of our mutual ministry in Christ’s name.
Here is one job description of a Pastor: Leaps tall buildings in a single bound. Is more powerful than a locomotive. Is faster than a run-away horse. Walks on water as needed. Regularly talks with and listens to God. Can read the mind of every person in the congregation. Never opens her mouth and inserts her foot. Has endless compassion and energy. Walks beside Jesus. Writes and delivers an inspiring and challenging sermon every week. I’m not sure I have on the right outfit for this job. But I pray that together we can create a realistic job description and engage in meaningful and joyful ministry together in the name of Jesus Christ.
I invite and encourage you to attend the celebration this afternoon at 3:00 pm in our Sanctuary.
Blessings on the journey,
Pastor Monica