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GUIDELINES FOR THE INTRODUCTIONThese guidelines are intended to assist Rectors and congregations in the Diocese of Washington in the creation of a theologically and liturgically sound celebration of the new ministry that begins when a priest and people merge their lives and work in the service of Christ and his kingdom. The new ministry should, except in unusual circumstances be marked publicly in a liturgical event. The problem with the current Prayer Book service is, however, that the focus is almost entirely on the priest. It is the priest who is presented for induction. It is the priest who receives a Letter of Institution from the Bishop. It is the priest who receives the symbols of ministry. It is the priest who kneels in humility, makes a new commitment to ministry and asks for God's grace in fulfilling it. Clericalism has even crept into the rubrics. One of them suggests that other clergy of the diocese participate in the service as an expression of collegiality, overlooking the fact that the laity of the diocese also share in a corporate ministry with the celebrating parish. It is broadly understood in the church today that the Christian ministry is shared by priest and people in interdependent, complimentary ways. This development is one of the great strides forward in twentieth century Christianity. Any liturgy, therefore, that fails to take this reality seriously or runs counter to it is incongruent with our ecclesiology and to that extent unauthentic. Materials prepared by the Rt. Rev. A. Theodore Eastman, retired Bishop of Maryland serve as the basis for the suggested modifications to the current liturgy so that its theology reflects a theology of mutual ministry. While a Celebration of New Ministry is appropriate at the beginning of the new ministry of an assistant clergyperson or lay professional in a congregation, these guidelines are prepared for the Celebration of a New Ministry between Rector and people. They may certainly be adapted for those in other positions, however the Bishop will only preside at Celebrations for new Rectors. The introductory notes to the Prayer Book rite indicate that alterations may be made in the service according to circumstances. The theological basis for this alternative approach is the concept of covenant so carefully spelled-out in the rite of Holy Baptism, which is the inauguration of the ministry of every Christian. The baptismal covenant is triangular, involving a web of commitments between the candidate, God and God's people represented by the sponsors and the congregation. Each entity makes promises and enters into a covenantal partnership. A renewal of this three-way covenant may take place later in the related rite of Christian maturation called Confirmation/Reception/ Reaffirmation. Another triangular covenant is expressed in liturgies that mark the beginning of special servant ministries called forth from the body of the baptized: the deaconate, the priesthood, the episcopate. Every ordination contains its own trilateral cluster of promises between God, the individual minister and the community of faith. While the celebration of a new ministry shared by priest and people in a local congregation doesn't quite carry the same sacramental freight as baptism and ordination, it does involve a similar three-way covenant. This must be plainly and powerfully evident in the service, if the liturgy is to be a sound and effective teacher, as well as an accurate reflection of our theology. Lex orandi, lex credendi, lex magistri! CONCERNING THE SERVICEThe Celebration of New Ministry should be scheduled within three months of the Rector's arrival if at all possible. The new Rector should call the Bishop's office soon after his or her arrival to arrange a date. Planning for the service should be done by the priest and a small group of laypersons working collaboratively. Adaptations to the liturgy suggested here may be made. Rubrics may be edited or deleted in preparing the booklet for the liturgy. A draft of the booklet must be reviewed by the Bishop prior to printing. The Celebration of New Ministry is not an appropriate time to introduce new music or liturgical practices to a congregation. If a particular hymn text is appropriate for the occasion and the tune is unfamiliar to the congregation, it is possible to find an alternative tune. A trained church musician will be able to provide assistance with this. It is important to remember also that many guests are likely to be present at the Celebration so use of texts or music familiar only to your congregation is not helpful. Both lay leaders and clergy of the diocese, and especially of the region, should be urged to be present, as a sign of the breadth and unity of the mission of the church. Clergy are expected to attend Celebrations of New Ministry in their own region and are asked to bring at least one layperson from their congregation. Invitations are to be sent to all clergy living in or serving in the diocese, and they are invited to vest and process. THE PRESENTATIONBishop N., on behalf of the people of (name of church), we present ourselves to you and the gathered church to receive God's blessing as we begin a new ministry together. Dear N. and people of (name of church) , do you commit yourselves to lively proclamation of the gospel through the work of this congregation and the larger church, working together in love and harmony and in mutual respect for the ministries of all the baptized? We do. Let us then offer our prayers to God for all his people and especially for N. and the people of (name of church). Litany for the Church of Christ O Christ the Rock, on which your people, as living stones joined together, grow into a spiritual house; O Christ the Vine, of which your people are the branches; O Christ the Head of the Body, of which your people are the members; O Christ our Prophet, you teach the way of God in truth; O Christ our Priest, you offered yourself upon the Cross, and now make intercession for us to the Father; O Christ our King, you reign over all the earth, and make us citizens of your heavenly kingdom; O Christ, you sent the Holy Spirit upon the Church, clothing it with power from on high; We pray to you, Lord Christ. That we may be devoted to the Apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers, That we may make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, That you will fulfill your promise to be with us always, even to the ages of ages, That you will sustain all members of your holy Church, that in our vocation and ministry we may truly and devoutly serve you, That you will bless the clergy of your Church, that they may diligently preach the Gospel and faithfully celebrate the holy Sacraments, That you will heal the divisions in your Church, that all maybe one, even as you and the Father are one, Arise, O God, maintain your cause; Look down from heaven, behold and tend this vine; Let your priests be clothed with righteousness;
Or
Litany for the Renewal of the Church Let us pray to the Lord and Giver of life that the Church of God may be renewed and strengthened for its mission in our day. That the Church may become alive again with the fire of its first charity, fearless of danger and reckless unto death, in the splendor of that Life which is the light of the world, That the Church may be worthy of its liberty, persistent in reform, active in benevolence, trusting the people, and ever faithful to the Jerusalem which is above, and free, and the mother of us all, That the old may dream dreams, and the young see visions; that its sons and daughters may prophesy, bearing eager witness of its beauty to the world, That all its members, putting self aside, disinterested and pure in heart, may seek and find God, and rejoice in the truth, That its clergy may be good and wise, strong and courageous, competent in their work, and faithful in their witness, That its bishops, full of insight and imagination, may venture great things, not exercising dominion, but serving as true leaders of the people, That its councils and conventions may be keen to go forward, filled with wisdom, eager to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, That its scholars may have disciples, its prophets hearers, its saints imitators, and all its pioneers many anxious to follow in their steps, That we may forsake that love of party which keeps us from loving one another; and so, coming together in friendship, we may find the overpowering love of God, which shall knit us all together in one united Church, And, finally, that the Church, with love recovered in its midst, may teach all to love one another, and all the nations to dwell together in helpfulness and friendship, reconciled and redeemed, Father, be with us all.
Or
A Litany for the Mission of the Church Holy God, in whom all things in heaven and earth have their being, Jesus the Christ, through whom the world is reconciled to the Father, Holy Spirit , whose glory fills the world and searches the depths of God, Blessed Trinity, source of both unity and diversity, From blind hearts and petty spirits, that refuse to see the need of all humankind for your love, From pride, self-sufficiency and the unwillingness to admit our own need of your compassion, From discouragement in the face of pain and disappointment, and from lack of persistence and thoroughness, From ignorance, apathy, and complacency that prevent us from spreading the Gospel, O God, we pray for the gifts of ministry. Inspire our minds with a vision of your kingdom in this time and place, Touch our eyes, that we may see your glory in all creation. Touch our ears, that we may hear from every mouth the hunger for hope and stories of refreshment. Touch our lips, that we may tell in every tongue and dialect the wonderful works of God. Touch our hearts, that we may discern the mission to which you call us. Touch our feet, that we may take your Good News into our neighborhoods, communities, and all parts of the world. Touch our hands, that we may each accomplish the work you give us to do. Strengthen and encourage all who minister in your name on lonely, dangerous and unresponsive places. Open the hearts and hands of many to support your Church in this and every place. The Litany for the Mission of the Church is adapted from the service The Lord be with you. People: And also with you.Bishop: Let us pray. Everliving God, strengthen and sustain the ministers of this congregation, lay and ordained, that they may faithfully follow in the way of your Son Jesus Christ, proclaiming in word and deed the good news of the kingdom; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. THE WORD OF GODOld Testament Joshua 1:7-9, or Numbers 11:16-17, 24-25a THE COVENANT OF MUTUAL MINISTRYGood people of (name of parish), 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. Bishop: Do you commit yourselves to this task? People: We do, by the grace of God. NN, 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 [parish name and location] 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. Bishop: Do you commit yourself to this trust and responsibility? Rector: I do, by the grace of God. Will you members of the local community and the wider church, who witness this new beginning, support and uphold the priest and people of this congregation in their ministry together? People: We will, by the grace of God. Holy Scripture records that when God and God's people enter into a covenant with each other, God establishes a sign to mark the new relationship. When a priest and people enter into a new covenant with one another, the exchange of symbolic gifts is an appropriate way to mark the occasion. (Name of Rector and congregation), let all these be signs of the ministry we share in this place, in our diocese and in the church throughout the world. People: Amen. O Lord my God, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; yet you have called your servant to stand in your house; and to serve at your altar. To you and to your service I devote myself, body, soul, and spirit. Fill my memory with the record of your mighty works; enlighten my understanding with the light of your Holy Spirit; and may all the desires of my heart and will center in what you would have me do. Make me an instrument of your salvation for the people entrusted to my care, and grant that I may faithfully administer your holy Sacraments, and by my life and teaching set forth your true and living Word. Be always with me in carrying out the duties of my ministry. In prayer, quicken my devotion; in praises, heighten my love and gratitude; in preaching, give me readiness of thought and expression; and grant that, by the clearness and brightness of your holy Word, all the world may be drawn into your blessed kingdom. All this I ask for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service. Renew in us the covenant you made with us at our Baptism. Send us forth in the power of that Spirit to perform the service you set before us; through Jesus Christ your Son our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Acknowledging the one mission of Jesus our Lord, which we share in unity, let us greet one another in the name of Christ. The Peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you. THE HOLY EUCHARISTAfter CommunionAlmighty 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 N. and the people of ( parish name ) may be an effective example in word and action, in love and patience, and in holiness of life. Grant that all of us together may serve you now, and always rejoice in your glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Saviour, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONSThe presentation and the Covenant of Mutual Ministry should occur at the entrance to the chancel, or in some other place where the participants may be clearly seen and heard by the people. Before the Gospel, there may be one or two Readings from Scripture. Any of the Readings , including the Gospel, may be selected from the Proper of the Day, or from the passages cited in the service. Other passages suitable to the circumstances may be substituted. Appropriate selections may be found in the Lectionary for Various Occasions. The following list of symbols and sentences of presentation serves as an example of what may be done. Any of the presentations that follow may be added to, omitted, or adapted, as appropriate to the nature of the new ministry, and to the order of the minister. Local adaptations are encouraged, except that the Bishop or the Bishop's representative always presents water or chrism to the priest, and the Rector and Wardens always reciprocate with an appropriate gift to the Bishop. In most instances, five gifts are sufficient.
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