This is the Day!
Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
Wow, today is the day!
It is hard to believe that all the preparation and training is really over and Ordination Day is here.
Yesterday, after a wonderful lunch with Bishop Dietsche, we walked back to The Cathedral of St. John the Divine for a rehearsal. We entered to the sound of singing as a choir was finishing a recital. They were standing on the steps leading up to the chancel with an audience seated in the same chairs some of our guests will be sitting in today.
All around, tourists were taking pictures, viewing the collection of Jane Alexander photographs on display, and admiring the architecture of the grand space, some with no idea that the church is actually used for religious services.
It occurred to me that for the group listening to the choir and for the tourists, this was it. This was the event of importance. The fact that there would be a major celebration in the church today, welcoming three new deacons was not even something they were aware of.
It puts it all into perspective in a way.
Bishop Dietsche described it as a truly joyous time for us and for the Church. Just before we take our vows, the existing deacons in the diocese will renew theirs, so they will be there, participating along with us. It is a time of communion, a coming together as one body, surrounded by those who love and support us, as well as our new family of clergy.
As the minutes tick away, I can feel the need to get busy, to start organizing my time, but as I write this, the sun is peeking through the branches of the tree I can see from my window, and I want to just take it in, without thinking of all I have to do.
In a few hours the bishop will explain to all present what I will be accepting as my responsibility in this new role within the church.
As a deacon in the Church, you are to study the Holy Scriptures, to seek nourishment from them, and to model your life upon them. You are to make Christ and his redemptive love known, by your word and example, to those among whom you live, and work, and worship. You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world. You are to assist the bishop and priests in public worship and in the ministration of God's Word and Sacraments, and you are to carry out other duties assigned to you from time to time. At all times, your life and teaching are to show Christ's people that in serving the helpless they are serving Christ himself.
It is an awesome responsibility.
I will do my best, and with God's help, that will be enough.