Guidelines for the Celebration of a New Ministry in the Diocese of Washington

The Celebration of a new ministry is the time when the community as a whole celebrates the covenant they make with their rector to live in their various ministries with the support of one another.  It is also the opportunity to install their new rector.

In this service not only will the Bishop read the Rector’s Letter of Institution, he will also give a charge to the parish, reminding them of the gifts and responsibilities given them in Baptism.

The service is centered round the renewal of the Baptismal Covenant, the Letter of Institution of the new priest in charge and the Eucharist.  The reasoning for the various choices is laid out in the accompanying notes from the editors of the liturgy, and included in this template.

Enriching Our Worship 4 is a supplemental liturgy to the Book of Common Prayer 1979.  The service of the Celebration of a New Ministry is designed to address an issue that was not evident in the same service in the Book of Common Prayer until after several years of use,  the need to emphasize the mutual ministry of clergy and people as they embark on a new ministry together.  The existing service in the Book of Common Prayer tends to emphasize the ministry of the rector.  It is, however, still permissible to use the Prayer Book service.

Between this, the Prayer Book and your music resources you should have what you need to put a joyful service together. Please don’t hesitate to call if we can be of any help to you.

While most things are open to negotiation, one thing is not: the Bishop must see the proposed liturgy well in advance of your order of service going to the printers. A full week is recommended.  This will avoid complications and the hurt feelings in case an issue arises.

In addition here are some points to ponder:

1.  The Bishop will preside at the service

2.  The new rector has the choice of being the preacher, inviting the Bishop to preach, inviting another person to preach and submitting the name to the Bishop.

3.  Parish lay leaders are encouraged to read the lessons, lead the prayers, serve as LEM’s etc.

4. The offering taken at that service goes to the new rector’s Discretionary Fund. This should be made clear in the announcements of the service and at the service.

5.  The exchange of gifts is an ancient ritual.  Unlike previous liturgies, the gifts are incorporated in the service, and they are specific. 

If you wish to have extra gifts presented, any celebration following the service should plan for those presentations.

If the congregation wishes to give a gift to the Bishop during the these presentations,  it is suggested that a basket of food be presented to the Bishop that later the congregation will give to a food pantry or other outreach ministry in the name of the community and the Bishop. The wordsmay be:

Bishop Mariann, accept this basket of food as a sign of our commitment to address the hunger of people, both physical and spiritual, in this world. People  Amen.

A basket is a good visual and the gift will also be a blessing to those in need.

If the Canons of the Church are to be presented, they are given by another clergy person of this diocese. You may invite the Canon for Deployment to do this or consult her regarding another clergy person. The Canon to the Ordinary is another possible presenter.

6. Invite the clergy of the diocese. Consult Cheryl Wilburn about the best way to extend invitations and to be sure you have a current address list.  These invitations may be sent by email.

7. You will also be asked to provide a chaplain for the Bishop.  Cheryl Wilburn can instruct this person in those duties if that will be helpful.

Following is a service template with the text of the litanies we hope you will consider.  This service is adapted from the text as cited in the following copyright notice. Adaptations include the insertion of the text of suggested litanies, the general text for the Letter of Institution, and the text of the Eighth Bishop of Washington’s Charge to communities entering a new pastoral relationship. 

Please don’t hesitate to call with your questions, concerns and requests.

Cheryl Wilburn
Episcopal Diocese of Washington
202.537.6543
cwilburn@edow.org

 

The Renewal of Ministry with the Welcoming of a New Rector or Other Pastor

Enriching Our Worship 4
Supplemental Liturgical Materials
prepared by The Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music 2006

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Concerning the Service
The catechism of the Book of Common Prayer (1979) indicates that there are four categories of ministers, beginning with the laity. Baptism is seen as the sacrament that initiates Christians and empowers them for ministry. As articulated by one of the pioneers of renewed appreciation of baptismal ministry: “…there is one ministry of the one body, which is Christ’s ministry as exercised through that body. All vocations contribute to the efficacy of that one ministry, expressed in mission.
All baptized people – lay and ordained – participate in it according to the gifts given them.” (Stewart C. Zabriskie, Total Ministry. 1995: Alban Institute, page 7)

Hence, pastoral leadership and oversight both spring from and need to be celebrated within the community of the baptized.  From a baptismal-ministry frame of reference, the rite entitled “A Celebration of New Ministry” in the Book of Common Prayer focuses almost entirely upon the priest, with little recognition of the ongoing ministry of the congregation. Since the development of that rite, the imbalance has been noted and further attention has been paid by the Church to naming and celebrating the role of all the baptized.

The rite which follows, entitled “The Renewal of Ministry with the Welcoming of a New Rector or Other Pastor,” incarnates mutuality among the ministers of the Church. By setting ordained leadership within the context of baptism, and commending a variety of gifts, this liturgy serves as an alternative to its predecessor, with the caveat that its differences from 1979 are intentional.

“Blending” portions of the two liturgies is discouraged. Instead, adapting the rite to the requirements of architecture, culture, language, personnel and other resources of the congregation is expected. Rubrics within the rite offer suggestions and options.
The presence of the Bishop is assumed throughout, although a representative may function in that capacity. The Bishop’s presence brings together the elements of mutuality and continuity. A rubric directs that “The Bishop states the purpose of the gathering,” providing an opportunity for education and encouragement. It is the Bishop’s prerogative to preside at the font and the table.

As an alternative to the Prayer Book rite “Celebration of a New Ministry,” this order is for use when a priest is being instituted and inducted as the rector of the parish. It may also be used for the installation of deans of cathedrals, or the inauguration of other ministries, diocesan or parochial, including vicars of missions and assistant ministers. Alterations in the service are then made according to circumstances.
Primary symbols of ministry are presented within the liturgical context. At the time of the Offertory, other gifts may be brought to the altar which reflect the diversity already present in the congregation.

Suggested Propers
In addition to the Proper of the Day, suitable lessons may be selected from the following:
For All Baptized Christians
At Baptism
For the Mission of the Church
Feast of Title or Patronal Feast
Hymns and anthems should reflect themes of the lessons.

The Renewal of Ministry with the Welcoming of a New Rector

Gathering of the Community
A hymn, psalm or anthem may be sung.

The people standing, the Bishop says

Bishop Blessed be the one, holy, and living God.
People Glory to God for ever and ever.
or this

Bishop Blessed be our God.
People For ever and ever. Amen.

During Advent
Bishop Blessed are you, holy and living One.
People You come to your people and set them free.

From Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost
Bishop Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia.

In Lent and on other penitential occasions
Bishop Blessed be the God of our salvation:
People Who bears our burdens and forgives our sins.

The Bishop continues
There is one Body and one Spirit;
People There is one hope in God’s call to us;

Bishop One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
People One God, Creator of all.

Bishop The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.

Bishop Let us pray.

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The people are seated. The Warden(s) stand near the Bishop.

The Bishop states the purpose of the gathering, and concludes with this Charge;

Good people of Church of the NAME, through Baptism you have been adopted into the community of faith, God’s holy fellowship, the Body of Christ, the Church. Together with your rector, you have been called to share in the Church’s mission to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
As your bishop, I remind you that in Baptism, you are fully empowered and authorized to exercise ministry in Christ’s name, with mutual affection and respect, within this parish, in the Diocese of Washington, and in the wider community.
Having covenanted in Baptism to do this work, remember that each of you has resources and gifts for ministry. Join your rector, in prayer, in discerning a vision for this parish, and in calling forth the leadership, resources, and talents to carry out that vision. As you love and serve God’s people, remember to love, support, and nourish your rector, his family, and the members of the staff who serve you here.
May the One who has given you the will to do these things, give you the grace and power to perform them.

People of _____, you have reflected on your ministry and discerned your choice for a new Rector.
Wardens
We have chosen and called N.N. to be our Rector, and he has accepted.

Bishop
I commend your choice and affirm this call

The Letter of Institution (BCP, p. 557) is read.

RECTORS FULL NAME, Presbyter of the Church of
God, you have been called to work together with your Bishop and fellow Presbyters as a pastor, priest, and teacher, and to take your share in the councils of the Church.

Now, in accordance with the Canons, you have been called to serve God in Church of NAME,CITY, in the Diocese of Washington.
This charge is a sign that you are fully empowered and authorized to exercise this ministry, accepting its privileges and responsibilities as a priest of this Diocese, in communion with your Bishop.

Having committed yourself to this work, do not forget the trust of those who have chosen you. Care alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor. By your words and actions, and in your life, proclaim the Gospel. Love and serve Christ’s people. Nourish them, empower them for ministry, and strengthen them to glorify God in this life and in the life to come.
May the One who has given you the will to do these things, give you the grace and power to perform them.

And concludes with:

Are you, the people of _____, ready to continue in your ministry, with N. as your priest?
People We are.

The Wardens escort the Priest from the nave to the front of the assembly.

The Word of God
Representatives such as Lectors present the lectern Bible and say

N., with this Bible we proclaim and hear God’s living Word. Join us in the ministry of telling the Good News to the World.

The rector places the lectern Bible on the lectern with these words before they go to their places.

Rector
Amen. Let us hear again the Good News of salvation.

The Lessons
The people sit. One or two Lessons, as appointed, are read, the Reader first saying
A Reading (Lesson ) from _____.
A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.

After each Reading, the Reader may say
Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s People.

or
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches.
People Thanks be to God.

Silence may follow.
A Psalm, hymn, or anthem may follow each Reading.

Then, all standing, the Deacon or a Priest reads the Gospel, first saying

The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to _____.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
After the Gospel, the Reader says
The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Homily

Renewal of Baptismal Vows
Bishop
N.; people of _____: in Holy Baptism we received full adoption through God’s grace and full empowerment for ministry through the Holy Spirit. Will you work together as partners in the mission of the Church, to reconcile all people to God through Christ?

People We will, with God’s help.

Bishop
The water of baptism signifies our eternal covenant with God. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to Christ, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The Bishop may bless the water.

We pray you, O God, sanctify this water by the power of your Holy Spirit, that all who in baptism are cleansed from sin and born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our Savior.

Rector
Let us renew the solemn promises and vows of Holy Baptism, by which we renounce Satan and all his works, and promise to serve God faithfully in God’s holy Catholic Church.

Water is poured into the font and the Bishop or the Rector leads the renewal of baptismal vows.

Bishop or Rector
Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to
Jesus Christ?
People I do.

Bishop or Rector
Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Bishop or Rector
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Bishop or Rector
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.

Bishop or Rector
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of
bread, and in the prayers?
People I will, with God’s help.

Bishop or Rector
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent
and return to the Lord?
People I will, with God’s help.

Bishop or Rector
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God’s help.

Bishop or Rector
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God’s help.
Bishop or Rector
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People I will, with God’s help.

The Bishop then presents his gift of Chrism saying
Receive this Chrism and help me baptize in obedience to our Lord.

Rector Amen.

Bishop or Rector
May Almighty God, who has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, and called us to ministry in Jesus Christ, keep us in eternal life by his grace; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A baptismal hymn, psalm or other song may be sung. The congregation may be sprinkled with the water.

The Prayers
A symbol of prayer (e.g., a book of prayers, the list of intercessions, an icon) is brought forward by Intercessor(s) from the congregation.

N., with this _____ we offer our prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings to God.

Rector Amen. In the Spirit of God, who searches the heart and knows our deepest needs, let us pray for the Church, the world, and all who yearn for Christ’s healing.

Then follow Prayers written for the occasion; or the Litany for the Mission of the Church (Book of Occasional Services 2003, p 246); or the Litany of Thanksgiving for a Church (BCP p. 578).
The Litany for Ordinations is not appropriate for this occasion.

A litany for the Mission of the Church (BOS p246)
Holy God, in whom all things in heaven and earth have their being,
Have mercy on us.

Jesus the Christ, through whom the world is reconciled to the Father,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Spirit, source of both unity and diversity,
have mercy on us.

From blind hearts and petty spirits, that refuse to see the need of all humankind for your love,
Savior, deliver us

From pride, self-sufficiency and the unwillingness to admit our own need of your compassion,
Savior, deliver us

From discouragement in the face of pain and disappointment, and from lack of persistence and thoroughness,
Savior, deliver us

From ignorance, apathy, and complacency that prevent us from spreading the Gospel,
Savior, deliver us.

O God, we pray for the gifts of ministry.
Inspire our minds with a vision of your kingdom in this time and place.
Hear us, O Christ

Touch our eyes, that we may see your glory in all creation.
Hear us, O Christ

Touch our ears, that we may hear from every mouth the hunger for hope and stories of refreshment.
Hear us, O Christ

Touch our lips, that we may tell in every tongue and dialect the wonderful works of God.
Hear us, O Christ.

Touch our hearts, that we may discern the mission to which you call us,
Hear us, O Christ.

Touch our feet, that we may take your Good News into our neighborhoods, communities, and all parts of the world.
Hear us, O Christ.

Touch our hands, that we may each accomplish the work you give us to do.
Hear us, O Christ.

Strengthen and encourage all who minister in your name in lonely, dangerous and unresponsive places.
Hear us, O Christ.

Open the hearts and hands of many to support your Church in this and every place.
Hear us, O Christ.

Concluding Collect:
Blessed God, who makes all things new: Grant that this community of Word and Sacrament may be leaven for the world’s bread, and wine of delight for hearts in need; a gathering strong for service and glad in praise; and a people listening and responding to your presence in their midst; through Jesus our redeemer and steadfast companion. Amen. (BOS p249 – adapted)

OR

A Litany of Thanksgiving for a Church (BCP p578)

Let us thank God whom we worship here in the beauty of holiness.

Eternal God, the heaven of heavens cannot contain you, much less the walls of temples made with hands.  Graciously receive our thanks for this place, and accept the work of our hands, offered to your honor and glory.
For the Church universal, of which these visible buildings are the symbol,
We thank you, Lord

For your presence whenever two or three have gathered together in your Name,
We thank you, Lord

For this place where we may be still and know that you are God,
We thank you, Lord

For making us your children by adoption and grace, and refreshing us day by day with the bread of life.
We thank you, Lord

For the knowledge of your will and the grace to perform it,
We thank you, Lord

For the fulfilling of our desires and petitions as you see best for us,
We thank you, Lord.

For the pardon of our sins, which restores us to the company of your faithful people,
We thank you, Lord.

For the blessing of our vows and the crowning of our years with your goodness,
We thank you, Lord.

For the faith of those who have gone before us and for our encouragement by their perseverance,
We thank you, Lord.

For the fellowship of [N our patron, and of] all your saints,
We thank you, Lord.

A brief silence

Celebrant:  Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty;
People: For everything in heaven and on earth is yours.
Celebrant: yours, O Lord, is the kingdom
People: And you are exalted as head over all.  Amen.

A stole and/or flask of oil for healing may be presented by parishioners such as Pastoral Visitors, Eucharistic Visitors, or Prayer Circle Members.

N., with prayer, companionship and laying-on of hands we bring the reconciling presence of Christ to those who seek healing. Join us in this ministry by calling us to repentance, and assuring us of God’s forgiveness and love.

Rector Amen. Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, loves you eternally, and reconciles you to one another.

The Peace
All stand. The new Rector says to the people

Rector The Peace of Christ be always with you.
People And also with you.

The Bishop says to the people
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.

Such announcements and presentations as needful

The Holy Communion
Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offerings of bread and the wine.

Addressing the Rector, they say
N., when we share the bread and the cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Join us at God’s table to offer and bless our gifts of bread and wine.

Rector Amen. Together, let us keep the feast.

The deacon brings the elements to the table, and the Offertory continues as a hymn or anthem is sung. When the alms are brought forward, gifts for ministry may also be brought to the altar, and may be received with the following or similar words

Bishop
We offer thanksgiving to God for the ministries represented by these symbols, and ask God’s grace to live ever more fully into the commitments we have made in Baptism. People Amen.

The Great Thanksgiving
The Preface of Baptism is suggested.

Postcommunion Prayer

Almighty Father, we thank you for feeding us with the holy food of the Body and Blood of your Son, and for uniting us through him in the fellowship of your Holy Spirit. We thank you for raising up among us faithful servants for the ministry of your Word and Sacraments. We pray that NAME and the people of Church of NAME may be an effective example in word and action, in love and patience, and in holiness of life. Grant that we, with him, may serve you now, and always rejoice in your glory? through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

OR

Suggested text (Enriching our Worship 1, page 70)
Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image and nourishing us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Now send us forth a people, forgiven, healed, renewed; that we may proclaim your love to the world and continue in the risen life of Christ our Savior. Amen.

Bishop
We have celebrated this new pastoral relationship in the great prayer of the Church. N., I commend to your love and care the people of _____. My brothers and sisters in Christ, I commend to your love and care your new Rector, colleague and friend, N.

The bishop, or the priest, may bless the assembly.

Suggested text (Enriching Our Worship 1; source, Celtic)
God’s blessing be with you, Christ’s peace be with you, the Spirit’s outpouring be with you, now and always. Amen.

Closing Hymn

Dismissal