Today we are in Montreal, Quebec, for the ordination service during which our son Isaac will become a United Church minister. We are proud of Ike, as we are proud of our two daughters, but I have remained reasonably calm. Two weeks ago he had his convocation, receiving his Masters of Divinity as a university degree prior to his ordination. He got the highest standing academically, as well as for the In Ministry year, along with several prizes. Last week he was interviewed about ministry by a Quebec radio station -- for an hour, in French. Still dad stays calm.
Then this last week I got emails from people in several congregations where I served and where Isaac grew up. Suddenly I was fighting back the tears. These church folk were part of our son's spiritual formation, as leaders in Sunday Schools and teen groups, as well as simply being wonderful role models. One from Sudbury recalled his baptism as an eight-year-old (we waited until he chose this sacrament.) He was baptised in a service filled with mystery on Easter Eve.
Isaac was originally allowed one person to lay on hands today, and after much soul-searching he chose his grandmother. She is thrilled and it was the right choice. Mom is unsteady on her pins so I will help her to the front. And when I get there I plan to pull a guerilla hand placement, sort of a rugby scrum move. What can they do, wash his head? Toss me out? Now he is allowed two people, and his mother will be the other official participant.
Thanks to the St. Paul's congregation for being so supportive as well. Isaac was never a member here, but has always felt welcome.
7 comments:
It's hard to stay calm when you are so very proud of your children. Any time our kids receive an award we want to shout out that's my boy/girl. We do try to remain calm, however, so as not to embarrass them. Isaac is following in the footsteps of 3 generations of men before him and if that doesn't make one proud I can't imagine what would. He has worked very hard, and with the help of a supportive family, today reaps the fruits of his labour. Enjoy this very special time in the life of the Munday family. Our congrats to all!!!
And so you should be proud!! Congratulations to Isaac and to all. Enjoy the day, hope it's sunny there!
Apple and tree come to mind. You and Ruth have every right to be proud.
Congratulations! I attended my cousins ordination service in the United Church a few years ago.It was a very moving service. 3 generations is remarkable! Hope you had good weather and a wonderful time.
You were very much a part of the spirit of St Paul's on Sunday...from the Sunday liturgy...
Good morning and welcome to St Paul’s. We are happy to have you worshipping with us this morning. Our worship service is a little different from a regular Sunday morning today, as our minister David, and his wife Ruth, are away celebrating and worshipping with their son Isaac on this, the weekend of his ordination as minister into the United Church of Canada. And so today, as we worship together, led by our young Sunday School crowd, we are reminded of faith journeys that start the day we are born and lead us all to hear God’s call for each of us. We keep Isaac, and his wife Rebekah, close in our hearts today and we celebrate their new ministry from afar. Today we also celebrate the children of St Paul’s who gather on Sunday mornings to explore God’s Word and figure its meaning in their lives as young Christians
and then in prayer
We pray today for Isaac and Rebekah, David and Ruth, Emily and Jocelyn as they begin this new phase in the life of their family. May the traditions of faith and the desire for change stir Isaac’s ministry into places of need.
and we'll keep praying....
We also celebrated with you at the time of the celebration candle. Hope you had a great day.
Thank you all for the good wishes and for the acknowledgements on Sunday. The service itself was long, hot and rather tedious. But the moment when Ike was ordained was wonderful and our family time was great. Now for the real work!
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