As chief pastor of the Diocese of New Westminster, Bishop Michael Ingham inducted Jeremy Clark-King as rector of the parish of St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale, on Wednesday, September 5th, 2012.
The St. Mary’s Bell Choir set the tone for the evening with their offering of Susan Ohannesian’s original work, Carillon Prelude. The prelude was followed by the first hymn, Marty Haugen’s much loved, All are Welcome. During the singing of the hymn, more than 40 robed clergy processed into the sanctuary and took their places in the nave. Once everyone was present the Bishop offered “the grace” and then he added his welcome. He went on to say that this is not just a special occasion for St. Mary’s, but it is a special occasion for the diocese as well. Continuing, he welcomed ecumenical friends and partners from the Roman Catholic and Presbyterian churches present that evening. He said that in his experience people do not usually remember an induction. They remember when a priest leaves but an induction is just as significant, as it is a joy- filled worship that creates memories.
The preacher for the service was The Reverend Canon (Mother) Melissa Skelton, Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Seattle and Canon for Congregational Development in the Diocese of Olympia. An accomplished theologian, scholar and teacher, Mother Melissa also possesses experience in the private sector through her years as the Vice-President of Marketing for Tom’s of Maine (think eco- friendly, natural toothpaste).
Jeremy and Melissa have spent quite a bit of time together over the last few years through their work in congregational development and the training of church leaders, most recently at the first ever Diocese of New Westminster Leadership School held this past July. Melissa was the Director and Jeremy was one of four trainers.
Melissa began by looking at the various definitions of the word induction, settling on the one that define, induction of birth. She cleverly wove this definition through references to the three readings and built on the metaphor of birth and the bonding that happens after a birth to Jeremy’s new relationship in shared ministry with the faith community of St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale. She closed her address with a poem, “Mary considers her situation” written earlier this year by Pacific Northwest poet, Luci Shaw.
Following the sermon, was the Covenant in Ministry where representatives of the congregation presented various symbols of the ministry of the whole people of God. This particular Covenant was particularly effective as the participants remained at the chancel entrance after presenting, forming a semi-circle, symbolizing their shared ministry.
The traditional welcome of the new rector by the Regional Dean, The Reverend Dr. Richard Leggett and the Archdeacon, The Venerable John Stephens was quite brief as Jeremy is well-known around the diocese. Not only from his years in parish ministry at St. Martin’s, North Vancouver and St. Christopher’s, West Vancouver but through his very active ministry at the diocesan level on a number of diocesan committees and initiatives. Archdeacon John received the biggest chuckle of the evening when he welcomed Jeremy to the “Best Archdeaconry in the diocese.” He said this while looking over to where Jeremy’s spouse, The Venerable Dr. Ellen Clark-King , Archdeacon of Burrard was seated.
The St. Mary’s Bell Choir set the tone for the evening with their offering of Susan Ohannesian’s original work, Carillon Prelude. The prelude was followed by the first hymn, Marty Haugen’s much loved, All are Welcome. During the singing of the hymn, more than 40 robed clergy processed into the sanctuary and took their places in the nave. Once everyone was present the Bishop offered “the grace” and then he added his welcome. He went on to say that this is not just a special occasion for St. Mary’s, but it is a special occasion for the diocese as well. Continuing, he welcomed ecumenical friends and partners from the Roman Catholic and Presbyterian churches present that evening. He said that in his experience people do not usually remember an induction. They remember when a priest leaves but an induction is just as significant, as it is a joy- filled worship that creates memories.
The preacher for the service was The Reverend Canon (Mother) Melissa Skelton, Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Seattle and Canon for Congregational Development in the Diocese of Olympia. An accomplished theologian, scholar and teacher, Mother Melissa also possesses experience in the private sector through her years as the Vice-President of Marketing for Tom’s of Maine (think eco- friendly, natural toothpaste).
Jeremy and Melissa have spent quite a bit of time together over the last few years through their work in congregational development and the training of church leaders, most recently at the first ever Diocese of New Westminster Leadership School held this past July. Melissa was the Director and Jeremy was one of four trainers.
Melissa began by looking at the various definitions of the word induction, settling on the one that define, induction of birth. She cleverly wove this definition through references to the three readings and built on the metaphor of birth and the bonding that happens after a birth to Jeremy’s new relationship in shared ministry with the faith community of St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale. She closed her address with a poem, “Mary considers her situation” written earlier this year by Pacific Northwest poet, Luci Shaw.
Following the sermon, was the Covenant in Ministry where representatives of the congregation presented various symbols of the ministry of the whole people of God. This particular Covenant was particularly effective as the participants remained at the chancel entrance after presenting, forming a semi-circle, symbolizing their shared ministry.
The traditional welcome of the new rector by the Regional Dean, The Reverend Dr. Richard Leggett and the Archdeacon, The Venerable John Stephens was quite brief as Jeremy is well-known around the diocese. Not only from his years in parish ministry at St. Martin’s, North Vancouver and St. Christopher’s, West Vancouver but through his very active ministry at the diocesan level on a number of diocesan committees and initiatives. Archdeacon John received the biggest chuckle of the evening when he welcomed Jeremy to the “Best Archdeaconry in the diocese.” He said this while looking over to where Jeremy’s spouse, The Venerable Dr. Ellen Clark-King , Archdeacon of Burrard was seated.
The evening concluded with a festive reception in the St. Mary’s Hall. Please keep the Parish of St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale, clergy, laity and Incumbent, The Reverend Jeremy Clark-King in your prayers as they move into this new phase of shared ministry.
Images: Top, Jeremy quietly acknowledges the greeting of the congregation after Bishop Michael presented him as the "leader of your ministry." Upper right, The Reverend Canon Melissa Skelton. Lower left, Archdeacon John Stephens welcomes Jeremy to the "Best Archdeaconry". Below the Covenant in Ministry.