Retrospective on the institution service ….
After much anticipation, our church community, the Bishop, Canons, and other representatives of the Diocese, and clergy from neighboring parishes, all came together this past Thursday evening to make official the installation of our next Rector, Father Grant Wiseman. This service is described as a ‘Celebration of New Ministry’, and it was indeed a splendid occasion, made much more so by musical contributions from Gordon Robert, and the choir under his  direction.

For those of you who didn’t witness it in person, the service format is different from your typical Sunday morning, but also has many similarities. Interspersed was a period where Father Wiseman took an oath of faith and signed some documents attesting to his commitment to his role as Priest-in-Charge. Another interlude invited parishioner presentation of symbols of his commitment to pastoral duties, and to the support of present and future ministries. That was the Episcopal formality of the evening … we embraced it, and in no way did it disappoint.

Following the service, many gathered for a beautiful reception in the Parish Hall.  Father Wiseman was introduced for the first time to the bearers of many ‘name tags’ and I’m sure, shared stories and histories. I can’t promise for sure, but some of them he may even recall. If you were among them, please do not be offended if you need to again make a connection as if it was a first encounter and there was so much to digest that evening.

Here are some pictures to commemorate this fantastic event:

 

Since that momentous evening is now behind us, what lies ahead? There will be one Sunday, July 24th, where we will hold services at the normal times, and with the usual format, with our beloved interim priests presiding.

The following Sunday, July 31st, we will bid farewell to our interim Priests, Father Harvey and Father Joseph, at a single service at 9:30 AM. We have chosen this approach because we want as many people as possible from both services to come together and participate in an expression of gratitude to our Sunday clergy for holding us together during the past year. A brunch will be provided in the Parish Hall following that service so that each of us can personally part ways with our interim priest in a less formal setting.

The following Sunday, August 7th , Father Wiseman will preside for the first time, and again, we will have a single service at  9:30 AM, with a reception in the Parish Hall to follow … after which we will embark on our future with new perspective and leadership. We pray that all of our readership will join us in growing God’s kingdom here at St. Mark’s and in our surrounding communities.

in appreciation … 

There is always a danger of omission in expressing gratitude, and I apologize up front if I end up being guiltyin that regard. There are so many thanks to express to so many people, starting weeks before the service this past Thursday evening.

 

 !!! THANK YOU !!!

To the Search Committee …  for overcoming challenges in a new clerical landscape … this service is the culmination of the successful accomplishment of your charge … God Bless You for your faith that He will send us someone who we will gladly follow, and for recognizing that Father Grant Wiseman is that perfect fit

Canon Affer and Canon Roberson, Chaplain Neville, and to Father Grant  … for your seemingly endless patience and guidance, and for enduring countless intrusions on your time as questions came to mind

Father Lee Davis, the Dean of our Broward convocation, and to our very special interim Priests, Father Harvey and Father Joseph, and to the clergy from our neighboring parishes … your presence made an already festive occasion that much more special

Kelly … for pulling everything together … I can’t imagine the time spent making revisions coming at you from all direction, yet culminating in a most impressive service bulletin, and in generating all of the ancillary documents and written prompts that helped the service flow … and then manning the camera for the live feed

Pia … for the planning and preparation of the celebratory meet-and-greet that followed … so appreciative of your taking that on as I would not have known where to begin, and it came off flawlessly as far as I can see

Gordon, for working with Father Grant in assembling the music portion of the service and honing it to perfection !!!  We are so thankful you have chosen to share your considerable talents in helping us sustain this most important ministry.

And to the choir for taking time to prepare for this special evening … I’ve heard nothing but admiration and praise for your performances, and not just that evening, but for how much more impactful a Sunday service has become in both inspiration and renewal

To the lay readers and gift givers for answering the call to fill these roles on short notice,  while we dealt with summer availability challenges

To everyone in the altar party for your patience while I fumbled through the thurifer role, and missed my first curtain call as a result … I’m thinking we need to use incense every Sunday until I get it right … but perhaps not  Emoji

I am so blessed to be a part of St. Mark’s Church and School community and look forward to joining our new Rector in discerning the path God would have us travel.

If you need anything, please think of me first … Harry

!!! THANK YOU !!!