Commissioning and induction

Well the day came and went. And what a day it was! Bright and sunny. Connah's Quay looked as pretty as ... it ever has. Palm trees adorned the plaza in front of the Civic Hall. The hall itself was resplendent in its nice new light decor. I spent the morning working on the form of words for the ordination and induction in Bethany Books. It had the added advantage of keeping me away from my phone and giving me some peace and quiet to get it all sorted out! Lunchtime took me home where my sisters and Pat's brother had gathered amongst the boxes and bags.

At 2:30 the Civic Hall was comfortably full - approaching 250 people were there, which was great because we had printed 250 orders of service, and all the people who were taking part had arrived.

We began with me chairing. We sang "Mighty Christ" to the tune Bryn Myrddin. Then Lynton told the story of how God has dealt with us as a church over the last year or so. I talked a little about our call to France. Then Lynton prayed for us Daveys. Then we sang "King of the Ages", a recent song based on Revelation 15.

Then came the induction part. We prayed for the Downes family as they move up north. Then Martin made his promises and we formally appointed him to Christian ministry and the pastorate in Deeside. Peter Milsom (Director of UFM, and our first pastor) prayed for Martin. Then we sang "Immortal Honours", partly unaccompanied.

Mark Rowcroft was assistant pastor with us until last year, and he read Acts 20 before Stuart Olyott preached with his characteristic grace and clarity.

Stuart said that Paul had 8 essentials for Christian service:
1. Clear priorities - "I served the Lord"
2. Personal integrity
3. Obvious courage - "the plots" against Paul
4. Deep emotion - "and with tears"
5. Unwavering faithfulness
6. Hard work
7. Extraordinary insight - "I know ... so be on your guard"
8. Shepherdly care - the word and God's grace.

He summed it up with Paul's lost 9th beatitude "It is more blessed to give than to receive".

We concluded by singing "Jesus! the name high over all!" before Pastor Downes closed the meeting and we adjourned to the church building for tea.

It was a very good day.

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