Stech and Glaser authorized for ordination, Scott and O'Connell head to final phase of certification
The congregation of St. Barnabas achieved another milestone in December. Bishop Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr., the Commission on Ministry and the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Michigan have authorized the Ordination of our to Candidates for Priesthood! Following our priests from Team #1, Myra Colvin and Doris Case, who have since retired, Bill Stech and David Glaser have been lifted up from the midst of the congregation for this important work and expect to be ordained as deacons shortly.
As members of Total Ministry Team #2 along with Kathy O'Connell and Nancy Scott, David and Bill are moving toward the culmination of their initial journey through ordination, however discernment never stops. Kathy has been discerned for the vital work of church administration and Christian education. Nancy has discerned a call to pastoral care, a gift we all see in her. Nancy and Kathy will receive formal certification from Bishop Wendell Gibbs, Jr., in these roles when Bill and David are ordained to the Priesthood. To learn more about the Total Ministry Model, go to http://stbarnabaschelsea.org/ministry-all-baptized
Kathy and Nancy will join Jan Varady who discerned her role as a pastoral care provider when Myra and Doris were studying for their roles. Jan was certified in 2005. Jan has a strong faith and an ability to empathize with someone who needs spiritual help and support.
Candidates to the priesthood must remain as such for a minimum of six months prior to their ordination to the Diaconate, or Order of Deacons. That Candidacy status was awarded in April, 2009. There are two types of deacons, vocational and transitional. Vocational deacons permanently serve the Church as the liaisons between the congregation and the world. They typically oversee mission work. One of their most important roles is that of Gospeler. Deacons read the Gospel during a service while standing in the midst of the people. Their function is always to represent the Gospel to the people.
Transitional deacons are those who go through the experience of serving as deacons for at least 6 months as they prepare for their role as priests. It is a very important transitional period. In his discernment of a call to the Priesthood, Bill identified gifts of preaching and teaching. He works with Kathy in developing the Christian education program and in teaching Sunday School. His sermons are deeply insightful and profound, challenging us to live into our Christian path. Bill epitomizes the portion of our motto calling for and announcing, "Progressive Minds" by exhorting us to apply the Gospel to 21st century life everyday.
David has discerned a deep love for the development of the worship service itself. His knowledge and love for the Liturgy, or "work of the people" grows daily. We experiment in worship at times with participatory or instructional homilies, music, prayers of the people, more inclusive language, and supplemental liturgies. However, our time together on Sunday always harkens back to the "Ancient Rites" of the early Church and the Holy Sacraments. We often get teaching moments from David before the service begins that explain why we do what we do-there is so much to learn! On the feast day of a saint, he often reads a short biography on the saint's life and contributions made in the service of Christ.
We earnestly await the announcement of the diaconal ordination date. You'll hear about it here first! Team #2 is a blessing, short and simple. They are hardworking, dedicated people who bring so much to the positive atmosphere and shared pilgrimage happening at St. B's. Alleluia!
