Stalybridge Unitarian Church

 

Stalybridge Unitarian Church

Service of Induction

12-3-16

We, the congregation of Stalybridge Unitarian Church, do hereby install you as our Minister. We pledge ourselves to walk with you in the ways of God, to join you in the worker celebration of free religion and to follow the ways of peace, justice and compassion.

Friends: with a deep sense of responsibility, trusting not in my own strength, but in the grace and power of God, I take on the ministry of this church and I pledge myself, so far as in me lies, worthily to maintain the freedom of the pulpit, to speak the truth in love, without fear of persons; diligently to fulfill the several offices of worship, pastoral care and community service, according to your customs; and in all things to live as to promote generosity and faithfulness, love and peace, among you and all men.

 

 

May I invite Bob to remain standing in front of you; I'm going to direct him until I have the opportunity to do so, and to face this wonderful congregation.  And may I also at this point invite all Christian ministers to come forward, those who wish, and to stand behind Bob as we begin to offer our prayer of installation and dedication, as a symbolic expression of their support for him, and for their blessing of his ministry. I would also wish to invite Dr. Buckle, in her capacity as president of the East Cheshire Union, to stand with Bob at this point .

I call who wish to rest a hand on his shoulders and:

Let us pray!

Almighty and loving God by your grace you have called your servant Bob to Christian Ministry, and by this prayer, loving Father in Heaven, we install and dedicate the reverend Bob Pounder to Ministry and to Service, here at Stalybridge Unitarian Church.

We pray that you will bless, guide and support him in the office and in the work of ministry; and by the power of your Holy Spirit that he will faithfully lead worship, preach the Word, administer the Sacraments and care for the people; after the example of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Master in Whose name we pray. Amen

Amen

Dear friends, please be seated, my colleagues there, and Applause! might be good at this point!

May the peace of God, the peace that passes all understanding, that peace which the world can neither give nor take away, be with us now, this day, now and forever. Amen

Amen