Worship Guide

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Contents

A Message from the Guest Worship Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Opening Worship and Service of Memorial, Word and Table: “Preparing to Plant Seeds of Trust” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Friday Morning Worship: “To the Wellsprings of Forgiveness” . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Service of Commissioning and Ordination: “Rooted in Trust” . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Saturday Morning Worship: “Pushing Toward the Light” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Closing Service and Sending Forth: “Learning to Love” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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A Message from the Guest Worship Leaders, Marcia McFee and Mark Miller

Greetings, friends. You know us. We know you. And as such, it is with deep pleasure that we are both here to worship with you this year and we want to express our gratitude and honor at the task of leading this body in worship this year.

While conference worship is specifically designed for this body of worshipers, as we prepared we held some values in mind that we believe pertain to local worship as much as to the worship at this conference:

Intentional Spiritual JourneysWorship is a “primary theology” wherein we open to God’s presence with the belief that the Spirit moves among us as we walk together with Jesus, our Teacher, Friend and Savior. Worship is not simply “about” God, but encounter with God. We are formed and shaped by our rituals as those who then “go and do likewise” as the reign of God revealed. To this end, we spent time creating a thematic thread throughout conference worship that would help us move on a symbolic journey, inspired by scripture, from preparing to plant seeds of trust to planting and watering those seeds with compassion and love.

Sensory-Rich ExpressionThe first language of worship is symbol as expressed in word, music, visuals and actions. Because each of us learns in a variety of ways, we are called to bring God’s Word alive through every possible avenue of communication—to worship God with “every ounce of our being.” We are blessed to have all the worship arts so that we might reach all people, honoring the diversity of ways that people take in information and express themselves.

Participation of the PeopleLiturgy means “work of the people”—not primarily the work of the “professionals” on their own. All worship design must enliven the people’s participation. While we have prepared the framework for our time together, it is only in our coming together that the Spirit will do its work of unfolding what will be. Let us open ourselves to that Spirit and see what God will do!

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Our Spiritual Journey

Our worship themes are inspired by a book that your Cabinet asked me (Marcia) to use in designing the Cabinet Retreat late last year, Seeds of Trust from Taizé. Given the tumultuous times in all of our institutions, the subject of trust is timely.

The scriptures are a story of trust because they disclose a God who, even when rejected and abandoned, still keeps believing in human beings, loving them to the end and doing everything possible to awaken their trust.

In our opening worship, we will remember that God invites each of us to trust in Divine Love, to place our confidence in it, so as to enter into a communion that will have no end. When human trust feels elusive, when we have ourselves forgotten how to trust and be trustworthy, we must begin again, trusting in God.

On Friday morning we open our awareness to the trust in God’s unfathomable forgiveness. We are invited to change the world by being changed and to plant seeds of forgiveness for ourselves and others.

On Friday night we remember that we are rooted in our trust in God’s possibilities as we commission and ordain persons to ministry.

Saturday morning will be filled with blessing the genesis of various ministries for local pastors, spiritual directors, deaconess’ and home missioners. Like a seedling that pushes its way upward past the safe, dark, warm earth we are called to the freedom to move forward–to push toward the light.

And finally we will go out, called once again, learning to be love in the world. Let us plant and harvest the seeds of trust in a world that so desperately needs it. May the Spirit plant something within you as we worship together in this time.

Marcia McFee and Mark Miller

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“Preparing to Plant Seeds of Trust”

NEAC Opening Worship,A Service of Memorial, Word & Table

Thursday, June 16

Too often we interpret the Parable of the Sower by casting ourselves in the role of the sower. We imagine spreading the gospel among others who may or may not be in the “right place” to receive

the word and flourish. But perhaps God is calling us to be the soil. To be good soil. To tend and nurture and nourish our soil, the foundation of growth, so that all might flourish. Today we

celebrate the lives of those who nurtured seeds of love in us and now rest in the garden of God’s promised eternal life. And we prepare to plant the seeds of trust

by first beginning with trust in God!

WE GATHER

Music for Gathering Mark Miller

Centering Moment

Invocation

All readers: Holy God, Holy One, Holy Three!

Reader 1: You beyond the galaxies,You under the oceans,

You inside the leaves,Reader 2: You pouring down rain,

You opening the flowers,You feeding the insects,

Reader 3: You giving us your image,You carrying us through the waters,

You holding us in the night.

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Let the Body of Christ reply:All: Holy God, we cry out for your Spirit:

Enliven this moment,Awaken this body,

Pour us out for each other.

Transfigure our minds,Ignite your church,

Nourish the life of the earth.

Make us, while many and diverse, united.Make us, though broken and hurting, whole.

Make us, despite fear and death, alive.

And so we cry, Come, Holy Spirit:Come, Holy Spirit!

And so the church shouts, Come, Holy Spirit:Come, Holy Spirit!

And so the earth pleads, Come, Holy Spirit:Come, Holy Spirit!

All Readers: You, Holy God, Holy One, Holy Three,

Our Life, our Mercy, our Might,Our Table, our Food, our Server,

Our Rainbow, our Ark, our Dove,Our Sovereign, our Water, our Wine,

Our Light, our Treasure, our Seed,Our Way, our Truth, our Life.

You, Holy God, Holy One, Holy Three!

Praise now,Praise tomorrow,Praise forever!Amen!

Opening Hymn“Hymn of Promise”

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Prayer for our GatheringBishop Devadhar

Act of Remembrance“In Gratitude”

In gratitude you have watered seeds of love in me, in gratitudeIn gratitude I will water seeds of love in others tooKnow that I am there for you, no need to feel alone

In gratitude

Prayer Leader: Let us pray together:O God of both the living and the dead,

we praise your holy name for all your servantswho have faithfully lived and died.

As they trusted in your abundant promises in life, they now rest in the garden of those promises in life after death.

We pray that,encouraged by their example and strengthened by their fellowship,we may be diligent followers, nurturing seeds of love on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Sung Response“Alleluia”

A Ritual of Thanksgiving

Bishop: To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. We release what is past in trust and open ourselves to the new creation God brings.

[Church name] has provided refuge and comfort for God’s people, servanthood and witness for its neighbors and the world.

With sign for “remember” then hands over heart.Our hearts are filled with thanksgiving for this ministry.

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When each church has been named:Blessed be the name of God, whose Word has long been proclaimed

within each of these hallowed places.We give you thanks, O God.

Generations have prayed their prayers and sung their praises as members and friends in these churches;

your Spirit has blessed countless worshipers.We give you thanks, O God.

Grace upon grace nurtured people in the Lord’s Supper, study, fasting and holy conversation.

We give you thanks, O God.Bless, O God, those who are going out from each of these churches

with a continued journey of faith.They are yours, we are yours.

Thank you for the glory of the power that is love, forever and ever. Amen.

WE PROCLAIM

The Word of God

Mark 4: 26-29

[sung]The Word of God is source and seed;it comes to die and sprout and grow.

so make your dark earth welcome warm;root deep the grain God bent to sow.

Psalm 92: 12-15

The Word of God is flesh and gracewho comes to sing, to laugh and cry.

So dare to be as Jesus was,who came to live and love and die.

Jeremiah 17:7,8; 29:11

The Word of God is source and seed;it comes to die and sprout and grow.

So make your dark earth welcome warm;root deep the grain God bent to sow.

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Prayer of Confession

Forgive us, God,when we insist on seeing ourselves

as the source and seed of all we do.Forgive us, God,

when we forget that you have sown the seedswe are simply to receive, to tend.

Open us to make our earth welcome warm;Open us to receive your love

that is being planted within us.Usher that love into the dark earth of our lives

and help us to trust that what feels dormant is life-sustaining hibernation.

Help us be patient… willing… attentive…in ways we have not been.

Silence

Assurance

Trust the transformation that God has in store for us,know that nothing is impossible with God.

We are forgiven. We are freed.All: Glory to God. Amen!

[Sung]The Word of God is breath and life;it comes to heal and wake and save.

So let the Spirit touch and mendand rouse your dry soil from its grave.

Proclamation of the WordBishop Violet Fisher

1 Corinthians 15:51-54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

WE RESPOND

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Preparing to Plant - A Prayer“Sower Song”

Introduction to Communion and the Peace

[Sung]I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord,

I will trust in the Lord, till I die;I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord,

I will trust in the Lord, till I die!

Great Thanksgiving

Peace be with you!And also with youLift up your heartsWe lift them up to the LordLet us give thanks to the Lord our GodIt is right to give our thanks and praise.

The leader continues…

And so,with your people on earthand all the company of heavenwe praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy , holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,heaven and earth are full of your glory.Hosanna in the highest.Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.Hosanna in the highest.

(sung) I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord,I will trust in the Lord, till I die;

I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord,I will trust in the Lord, till I die!

Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ…

The leader continues…

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And so,in remembrance of your mighty acts in Jesus Christ,we offer ourselves as a holy and living sacrifice,in union with Christ’s offering for us,as we proclaim the mystery of faith.

Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

(sung) I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord,I will trust in the Lord, till I die;

I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord,I will trust in the Lord, till I die!

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here…

The leader continues…

Breaking the Bread and Pouring the Cup “The Lord’s Prayer”

Communion

SENDING FORTH

Closing PrayerBishop Devadhar

Closing Hymn “God Has Work for Us to Do”

Music on next page

Worship Notes:All liturgy by Dr. Marcia McFee, www.worshipdesignstudio.com“Hymn of Promise” UMH 707. By Natalie Sleeth © 1986 Hope Publishing Co. OneLicense # E-803510.“The Word of God”“The Word of God” words by Delores Dufner, GIA Publications. OneLicense # E-803510.“In Gratitude” Words by Irene D’Aruia, Kayla Mueller, music by Chuck Bell. Used with permission.“Sower Song” words by Laurie Zelman. music by Mark A. Miller © 2003 Abingdon Press, admin. by The Copyright Co. OneLicense # E-803510.“I Will Trust in the Lord” UMH 464, African-American spiritual.“The Lord’s Prayer” Words Matt. 6:9-13; adapt. by Mark A. Miller and Laurie Zelman, music by Mark A. Miller © 2008 Abingdon Press, admin. by The Copyright Company. OneLicense # E-803510.

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“God Has Work for Us to Do” Words by Carl Daw © 1996 Hope Publishing Company, OneLicense # E-803510, music by Mark A. Miller © 2011 Mark A. Miller, Used by permission.

Memorial gifts:

Bob (Song Bok) Jon in memory of Bishop Martin McLeeJerome King Del Pino in loving memory of Kathleen Joy Del Pino and the Rev. E. McKinnon WhiteJohn Taylor in loving memory of Rev. Blaine E. TaylorDeborah Shipp in memory of colleaguesBetty Shippee in memory of my dad, Rev. Robert F. ShippeeRoberta Williams in memory of my mother, Adelaide B. WilliamsBeverly Lucas in memory of past ministersAnne Carter in memory of Rev. Dr. Shirley Mader

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Kerry Cameron in memory of Rev. Oren LaneJeffrey Hunt in memory of the Rev. Ned C. Watts, Jr.Donald Wilby for Joanne SusagMartin Myung SukRick BourneDemaris Kooker in memory of Revered Frank KookerPhillip Susag for Joanne SusagPreachers’ Aid Society in memory of those retired clergy and spouses who have died this past year.

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“To the Wellsprings of Forgiveness”

Morning WorshipFriday, June 17

“The most expensive thing in the world is trust. It can take years to earn and just a matter of seconds to lose.” - Tupac

Opening

If the first step in restoring trust is to trust in God’s love, the second step is to trust in God’s forgiveness… even and especially beyond our own capacity to forgive ourselves and others. God does not condemn, but invites us to see our lives and our actions in the light of the liberating Gospel. And to turn–to be changed.

“Ready for a Change”

Take this broken spirit, create in me a clean heart,heal this wounded healer and point me to the good road.

Lord, I’m ready for a change, only you can make me changeLord, I’m ready for a change, only you can make me change

Wipe away these tears, Lord, and end my night of weeping,wash away the old ways, replace my pain with your joy!

Lord, I’m ready for a change, only you can make me changeLord, I’m ready for a change, only you can make me change

Give my life a new start and plant in me a fresh seed that grows and blossoms

into the fruit of blessing.Lord, I’m ready for a change, only you can make me changeLord, I’m ready for a change, only you can make me change

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WordEzekiel 36: 25-28

Witness

ResponseEzekiel communicates God’s word to the people in exile, in the face of indifference, apathy, despair. God makes a commitment to restore the people. What would it be like to allow God’s forgiveness to permeate our next steps in creating right relationship with each other? Let us plant a few seeds this morning with this question upon our hearts.

Each person plants a few seeds.

Is there anything that came to you as you planted the seeds of forgiveness? Please share this with someone next to you if you so choose. And then take a moment to water the

seeds.

When the sharing has finished…

Closing Song“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”

Benediction

Worship Notes:

“Ready for a Change” Words by Jenni Lee Boyden and Rusty Edwards, music by Mark A. Miller © 2009 Mark A. Miller, Rusty Edwards, Jeni Lee Boyden, used with permission.“What a Friend We Have in Jesus” UMH 526, Words by Joseph M. Scriven, 1855 and music by Charles C. Converse, 1868.

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“Rooted in Trust”

A Service of Commissioning and Ordination

Friday, June 177:00 pm

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” - Corrie ten Boom

You are welcome to stand at the times in the service when individuals are recognized, commissioned and ordained. As we stand where we are in silent prayerful support, we embody the Church in affirming the work of the Holy Spirit in these persons.

In keeping with the significance of the occasion, please refrain from the use of flash photography, especially at the times of commissioning and ordination. We ask that you do not approach the worship platform with cameras or camcorders.

All are invited to greet the newly commissioned and newly ordained persons in the reception area at Stanton Plaza, directly in front of the hotel.

We celebrate the presence and participation of Bishops Clif Ives, Susan Hassinger, Violet Fisher, and Jin-Hung Kim, Yang-Hee Chung, and A. Robert Hirschfeld.

The bibles given to commissioners are a gift fromThe Massachusetts Bible Society. The chalices and patens give to the ordinands are a gift from our sisters and brothers in The Nicaragua Covenant.

Please see the end of the Worship Guide for further notes of explanation about this ritual.

WE GATHERPreparing our Hearts

Prelude

The Procession“In Unity We Lift Our Song”

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Please sing at the direction of the song leader.

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“Hallelujah!” Zimbabwe

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Greeting and Prayer

Bishop: The grace of Jesus Christ be with you all.All: And also with you!Bishop: We come together to praise God, to hear the Holy Word,

and to seek for ourselves and others the power, presence, and direction of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray:

You, whose hope for communionsparked an idea,

You, whose breath over the watersstirred up life,

You, whose steadfast lovereels us into your grace time and again:

We glorify you!

You, who came in flesh and blood to meet our flesh and blood,You, who came in cry of babe’s first breath,You, who were born into the mess of humanity for our sake:We offer our awe and gratitude.

Pour into us your Spirit. Root us in trust and awaken our hope.Open our eyes to witness your love made flesh

in these persons who have answered your call this night.Hear our prayer, O God!

Recognition of Our Common MinistryThe bishop, standing near a baptismal font, shell, or vessel of water, begins:

Ministry is the work of God, done by the people of God.Through baptism all Christians are made part of the priesthood of all believers, the church, Christ’s body, made visible in the world.We all share in Christ’s ministry of love and service for the redemption of the human family and the whole of creation.

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Therefore, in celebration of our common ministry, I call upon all God’s people gathered here:

The bishop may scoop and pour water from the font, shell, or vessel and say:

Remember your baptism and be thankful.We remember our baptism and affirm our common ministry.

Song of Response“Shall We Gather at the River”

First UMC Sacred Dance Ministry, Manchester, NH

Shall we gather at the river,where bright angel feet have trod,

with its crystal tide forever, flowing by the throne of God?Yes, we’ll gather at the river,

the beautiful, the beautiful river;gather with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God.

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All people are seated.

Ecumenical GreetingThe Rt. Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld

Bishop of New Hampshire, The Episcopal Church

PRESENTATION OF PERSONS TO BE COMMISSIONED AND ORDAINED

A layperson, a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry, a deacon, and an elder present to the bishop those who are to be ordained. The bishop stands before the Lord’s Table, facing the people.

A layperson:

On behalf of the laity of local congregations who have examined and approved these candidates,

A member of the Board of Ordained Ministry:

and on behalf of the Board of Ordained Ministry of this annual conference, which has recommended these persons,and this annual conference, which has approved them,

Together the layperson and the member of the Board of Ordained Ministry:

we present

The full name of each candidate is read aloud by a presenter: a deacon reading the names of deacon candidates, an elder reading the names of elder candidates, and an associate member reading the names of associate member candidates. Each candidate stands when his or her name is read.

these persons to be commissioned for the work of an elder,

Stephen Alan DaleKathleen Mary Decker SzakasRachel Elizabeth FraumannMarcelo Damasceno Gomes

Shannon Diana KeeneyZachary Lee Harrison Kerzee

Myung Eun Park

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these persons to be ordained elders,

Shinhyung AhnSunmin Cho

Song Bok (Bob) JonGeisa Y. Matos-Machuca

Shandirai Kare Tendekai MawokomatandaPatricia Ruth Peña

Angela Lynn Rotherham

After all the candidates have been presented, they remain standing, and the bishop says:

These persons are by God’s grace to be commissioned, recognized or ordained to ministry in Christ’s holy church.Those authorized by the Church to inquire about them have discerned that they are persons of sound learning and of Christian character, and possess the necessary signs of God’s grace, and have demonstrated a profound commitment to serve Jesus Christ.Therefore, we believe them to be duly called to serve God.

We ask you, people of God, to declare your assent to the commissioning, ordination, or recognition of these persons.

Do you trust that they are worthy, by God’s grace, to be commissioned, ordained or recognized?

We do! Thanks be to God!

Will you uphold them in their ministry?

With God’s help, we will!

THE GENERAL EXAMINATION

My sisters and brothers in Christ, you have been called to a commissioned or ordained ministry.The church now confirms your calling.

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As commissioned or ordained ministers, you are to be coworkers with the laity, bishops,deacons, diaconal ministers, deaconesses, home missioners,commissioned ministers, local pastors and elders.

Remember that you are called to serve rather than to be served, to proclaim the faith of the church and no other, to look after the concerns of God above all.

So that we may know that you believe yourselves to be called by God and that you profess the Christian faith, we ask you:

Do you believe that God has called you to the life and work of ordained ministry?

I do so believe.

Do you believe in the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

I do so believe and confess.

Are you persuaded that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain all things necessary for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and are the unique and authoritative standard for the church’s faith and life?

I am so persuaded, by God’s grace.

Will you be faithful in prayer, in the study of the Holy Scriptures, and with the help of the Holy Spirit continually rekindle the gift of God that is in you?

I will, with the help of God.

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Will you do your best to pattern your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ?

I will, with the help of God.

Will you, in the exercise of your ministry, lead the people of God to faith in Jesus Christ, to participate in the life and work of the community, and to seek peace, justice, and freedom for all people?

I will, with the help of God.

Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline, defending it against all doctrines contrary to God’s Holy Word, and committing yourself to be accountable with those serving with you, and to the bishop and those who are appointed to supervise your ministry?

I will, with the help of God.

The bishop addresses the candidates:

May God, who has given you the will to do these things, give you grace to perform them, that the work begun in you may be brought to perfection.

All audibly affirm the action, saying, Amen.

“Spirit, I Have Heard You Calling”

Spirit, I have heard you calling, like a mem’ry long grown dimCrying from creation’s moment, seeking voice from deep within

I have heard you in my longing, I have heard you in my painNow I feel you moving in me, feel you burning like a flame.

Now I see you all around me, now I hear you call my nameNow I speak the words you give me, now I feed creation’s flame

You are speaking through my longing, you are speaking through my painNow I feel you moving in me and I’ll never be the same.

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THE LESSON FOR COMMISSIONING Acts 13:1-3

COMMISSIONINGThe bishop says to the congregation:

By affirming the covenant of baptism, all members of Christ’s holy church pledge to serve as Christ’s representatives in the world.

Christ gave all of us this command: “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest.”We have asked, and the Lord has answered. These sisters and brothers know our Savior’s concern for God’s people, see the plentiful harvest, and are ready to respond generously to the Lord in the words of the prophet: “Here I am; send me.”

Urged on by the love of Christ and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, they now come to declare in public their desire to live out the covenant made at their baptismby binding themselves to the service of Godunder the supervision of the bishop and the guidance of ordained colleaguesand by being appointed to share as servant leaders in the body of Christ.

Today we commission them to serviceas they continue to prepare for ordained ministry among us.

The candidates all kneel during the singing, facing the congregation.

[sung]Since you moved upon my waters, since you spoke and set me free

I have yearned for this communion, for your fire inside of meNow your love defines my longing, now your love shines through my pain

Now we dance in endless union, singing out Creation’s name!

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THE PRAYER OF COMMISSIONING WITH LAYING ON OF HANDS

The bishop, behind the kneeling candidates, facing the congregation and extending arms over all of the candidates, prays:

God of the apostles and prophets, of the martyrs and teachers, you raise up men and women to be apostolic leaders in your church.By your Holy Spirit help these, your servants, to understand and live the mystery of your love with boldness and joy.Deepen their sense of purpose as they exercise commissioned ministry. Empower them, and those who will walk with them to guide their ministry,together with all of your people, to heal the sick,

love the outcast, resist evil, preach the Word, and give themselves freely for your name’s sake.

The bishop, standing behind and laying both hands upon the shoulders of each candidate, prays:

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon Name.Send him/her now to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to announce the reign of God, and to equip the church for ministry, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.All audibly affirm the action, saying, Amen.

Welcoming Those CommissionedBishop: I present to you these newly commissioned members of the New England

Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church!

Sung Response“Halle, Halle”

THE WORD PROCLAIMED

First ReadingIsaiah 42: 1-9

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Sung ResponseAyudanos, O Dios

Joshua 1:1-11Mary Elizabeth Moore

After the reading:Deacon: The gospel of our Lord!

People: Praise to you, Jesus Christ!

Sermon“Pack Your Bags”

Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar

Response through Music

WE RESPOND

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Introduction to Offering and PrayerAshley Johnson

OfferingMinisterial Education Fund

“For Every Mountain”Conference Choir

Song and Words of Preparation “You Make Beautiful Things”

Full biographies of the ordinands are at the end of the notes for this service.

EXAMINATION OF ELDERS

The bishop examines the candidates for ordination or recognition as elder:

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An elder is called to share in the ministry of Christ and of the whole church: to preach and teach the Word of God

Here a large Bible may be lifted by an assistant.

and faithfully administer the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion;

Here a paten and chalice may be lifted.

to lead the people of God in worship and prayer; to lead persons to faith in Jesus Christ; to exercise pastoral supervision, order the life of the congregation, counsel the troubled, and declare the forgiveness of sin; to lead the people of God in obedience to Christ’s mission in the world; to seek justice, peace, and freedom for all people; and to take a responsible place in the government of the Church and in service in and to the community.

These are the duties of an elder.

Do you believe that God has called you to the life and work of an elder?

I do so believe.

Will you, for the sake of the church’s life and mission, covenant to participate in the order of elders?Will you give yourself to God through the order of elders in order to sustain and build each other up in prayer, study, worship, and service?

I will, with the help of God, and the help of my sisters and brothers in the order of elders.

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LAYING ON OF HANDS AND PRAYER FOR ELDERS

The bishop, facing the ordinands, calls the people to prayer, using these or similar words:

As these persons are recognized or ordained by God and the church for the ministry of elders to which we believe they have been called by the Holy Spirit, let us pray for them.

Invocation of the Holy Spirit“Veni Sancte Spiritus”

(Come, Holy Spirit)

The bishop, with hands extended over those being ordained, prays:

We praise you, eternal God, because you have called us to be a priestly people, offering to you acceptable worship through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Apostle and High Priest, Shepherd and Bishop of our souls.We thank you that, by dying, Christ has overcome death and, having ascended into heaven, has poured forth gifts abundantly on your people, making some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up Christ’s body, and to fulfill your gracious purpose in the world.

Give to these your servants the grace and power they need to serve you in this ministry.Make them faithful pastors, patient teachers, and wise counselors.Enable them to serve without reproach, to proclaim the gospel of salvation, to administer the sacraments of the new covenant, and to offer with all your people spiritual sacrifices acceptable to you;through Jesus Christ our Lord,who lives and reigns with you,in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and forever.

Candidates for ordination as elder are invited to kneel before the bishop one at a time as directed.

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Representatives from the laity, the ecumenical church, and the order of elders who are to join in the laying on of hands stand with the bishop. When the bishop lays hands on the head of the candidate, others may lay hands on the candidate’s back or shoulders.

Family members and friends are invited to stand where they are for silent prayer during the laying on of hands for each ordinand.

The bishop lays both hands on the head of each ordinand, praying:

Almighty God, pour upon Name the Holy Spirit,for the office and work of an elder in Christ’s holy church.

All audibly affirm the action, saying, Amen.

Immediately the candidate places hands on a Bible as the bishop lays hands on the hands of the ordinand and says:

Name, take authority as an elder to preach the Word of God, to administer the Holy Sacraments, and to order the life of the Church in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All audibly affirm the action, saying, Amen.

Presentation of New EldersBishop: I present to you these newly ordained and recognized elders of the New

England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church!

Sung Response“Halle, Halle”

Invitation to Ministry

Song of Dedication“I Need You to Survive”

WE GO FORTH

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Bishop: Let us pray: We thank you, gracious God, for raising up among us faithful servants. Clothe them with your righteousness, and grant that we, with them, may glorify you by giving ourselves to others. Amen

Dismissal with Blessing

The bishop blesses the people:

The grace of Jesus Christ,and the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all always.

A deacon dismisses the people:

Inspired by the witness and service we have evidenced this night,go in peace to serve God and your neighbor in all that you do!

We are sent in Christ’s name.Thanks be to God!

Recessional Hymn“Come Sing, O Church, in Joy!”

DARWALL’S 148th

Come sing, O church, in joy!Come join, O church, in song!

For Christ the Lord has led us through the ages long!In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!

Long years have come and gone,And still God reigns supreme,

Empowering us to catch the vision, dream the dream!In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!

Let courage be our friend,Let wisdom be our guide,

As we in mission magnify the Crucified!In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!

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Come sing, O church, in joy!Come join, O church, in song!

For Christ the Lord has triumphed o'er the ages long!In bold accord, come celebrate the journey now and praise the Lord!

Postlude

Notes on Worship Resources

All liturgy other than the Commissioning and Ordination ritual of the United Methodist Church by Marcia McFee unless otherwise noted.

“In Unity We Lift Our Song,” FWS, 2221. Words by Ken Medema © 1994 Brier Patch Music; Music by Martin Luther; harm. from The New Hymnal for American Youth; descant by Charles H. Webb © 1991 Abingdon Press, admin. by The Copyright Co., OneLicense # E-803510.“Hallelujah” (Zimbabwe), New Century Hymnal 766. Words and music by Abraham Maraire © Zimbabwe East Annual Conference. Used by permission.“Shall We Gather at the River,” UMH 723. Words and music by Robert Lowry, 1864. “Halle, Halle” FWS, 2026. Words and music Trad. Caribbean.“Spirit, I Have Heard you Calling,” Words and music by Thew Elliott. “For Every Mountain” by Kurt Carr, © 1997 KCartunes Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), CCLI # 2645216.“You Make Beautiful Things” by Lisa and Michael Gungor © 2009 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), CCLI # 2645216.“Veni Sancte Spiritus” FWS, 2118. Words Pentecost Sequence, adapt. by Jacque Berthier, Music by Jacque Berthier © 1984 Les Presses de Taize´(France), admin. by GIA Publications, Inc. OneLicense # E-803510. “I Need You To Survive,” ZSS, 219. Words and music by David Frazier, arr. by Mark A. Miller © God’s Music, Inc., CCLI # 2645216.“Come Sing, O Church, in Joy!” Words by Brian Dill © 1989 Brian Dill. All rights reserved. Used with permission; Music by John Darwall, 1770.

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Notes about the service:

Welcome to this significant service of worship and celebration of ministry. We pray you may participate fully in offering praise and thanksgiving to our God for the work of the Holy Spirit.

In ordination, the Holy Spirit acts to maintain the priority of the gospel by setting apart Kindred in Christ called to leadership as apostles.

Acts of ordination and commissioning are anchored in the sacrament of baptism and the ministry of the baptized. All baptized Christians respond as ‘the priesthood of all believers’, and so, as we begin, we reaffirm our baptism together. Confirmands from area churches will assist in the remembrance of baptism tonight.

Commissioning may be compared to the experience of the early church in Antioch as the Holy Spirit instructed the community to ‘set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ (Acts 13:2, NRSV) As provisional members are commissioned, we acknowledge and affirm God’s call and the individual’s response, gifts and training for leadership in the local church. We offer our support for their continuing formation as each one journeys toward ordination and full membership in the conference.

The laying on of hands, referenced in Timothy 1:6 indicates the sign of calling on God’s Holy Spirit to bestow the gift of grace for ministry. Commissioned persons are blessed on the shoulders as a sign of sending into ministry for a specified period of time. They kneel facing the congregation as a sign that they are sent into the congregation for continued formation and service before ordination. In ordination, a bishop lays hands on the head of the candidate as a sign of the gifts of the Holy Spirit for a lifetime of ministry. The ordinands kneel facing the Bishop as a sign that they are sent and supported by the congregation into a lifetime of service. The whole church affirms together, with ‘Amen’ to indicate recognition, gratitude and commitment to the work of the Holy Spirit. The privilege of sharing in ministry with all in Christ’s holy Church is celebrated by the inclusion of the presence of an ecumenical representative. Today we welcome The Rt. Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld, Bishop of New Hampshire, The Episcopal Church.

Ordination is understood as the act of the Holy Spirit and, as a liturgical rite, the culmination of a process in which representatives of the whole Church discern and validate the call, gifts and effectiveness for ministry. Ordination of deacons and elders is both to an office and for a lifetime. Ordination confers a new identity in the life of the church as well as authority for ministry. This identity is claimed in relation to Christ and his call to leadership and service with the baptized for the life of the world. Upon ordination, deacons and elders become accountable to the whole church, to the community of the ordained, and to the order of deacons or elders of which they are a part.

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The ministry of the deacon is to teach and to form disciples, to lead worship together with other ordained and lay persons, conduct marriages and bury the dead, and lead the congregation in interpreting the needs and hopes of the world. Deacons exemplify Christian discipleship and create opportunities for others to enter into discipleship. They assist laypersons as they claim their own ministry of compassion and justice. (¶ 328-9)

The ministry of the elder is expressed by leading the people of God in worship and prayer, by leading persons to faith in Jesus Christ, by exercising pastoral supervision in the congregation, and by leading the Church in obedience to mission in the world. (¶ 332)

Local pastors are appointed to a particular local church and are related to the community being served. They share with the elders the responsibilities and duties of Word, Sacrament, Order and Service. Local pastors are approved annually and are appointed and licensed by the Bishop to perform all the duties of a pastor. (¶ 316, 340)

Instruments and Sign Acts for the ordering of ministry are represented for the distinct orders. The Bible is common to all orders of Christ’s ministry. Commissioned ministers wear no stole. The ministry of the deacon is symbolized by the basin, pitcher and towel, representing servant ministry. The deacon’s stole, worn over the left shoulder, across the body, symbolizes the servant’s towel. The ministry of the elder is symbolized by the chalice (cup) and paten (plate), representing the sacrament of Holy Communion. The elder’s stole, yoked at the neck, hanging straight down, symbolizes the yoking with Jesus Christ. The bishop’s instrument of ministry is the crozier, or shepherd’s staff, symbolizing the pastoral leadership of Christ and his flock.

The No Robes Project began in New England Annual Conference in 2006 as an act of acknowledgment and awareness of the discrimination in the ordination process perpetrated by The United Methodist Church on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. In particular, it gave a voice to clergy people who were dismayed that there was no mention of the discrimination in the ordination liturgy, or any attempt at confessing the prejudice during the prayers.

Members of the former Troy Annual Conference credit Rev. Bill Barney with introducing this act of witness as a way to name injustice within the denomination and stand in solidarity with persons prevented from answering God's call to ordained ministry in their lives. With thanksgiving for the halting progress that has been made, but in acknowledgment of these wider systems of discrimination, and out of love for those in our midst and who have gone before, clergy continue to be invited to express their resistance to the injustice in our denomination by not wearing their robes, and wearing a reconciling/rainbow stole as a symbol of the hope for full inclusion of all people in the ordination process of the denomination. Lay people are also invited to wear reconciling stoles in a similar witness.

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Allies and advocates for justice come in all shapes and sizes! While not everyone will feel comfortable participating in witness in this way, nor choose to do so, it is hoped that each person finds a way to voice commitment to the full inclusion of all persons in the life, service, and lay and ordained ministry of The United Methodist Church.

The space left in the circle of the candidates for commissioning and ordination during the processional represents all those gifted and qualified persons who have felt a call to ministry and were denied ordination by the church through the ages, whether for race, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

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Ordinand Biographies

Shinhyung Ahn I was born and raised as pastor’s kid, given a name Shin meaning “faith,” and grew up with a dream to be a pastor. After majoring in German in college, I taught for several years. Even in the midst of a fairly satisfied life, something was missing and I was reminded of the call from God since my childhood. I am more than convinced that I am in the right place now, loving God and serving God’s people. Looking back on the past nine years of my pastoral ministry, I glimpse what the Apostle Paul meant when he stated “By the grace of God I am what I am.” Whatever I have done, am doing, or will do, I can say with confidence that “it [is] not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” (1 Cor. 15:10)

Sunmin ChoAs a boy I was very shy and would never have dreamed of speaking in public. Even after graduating college, I had trouble seeing myself as a pastor. Slowly, however, this began to change as God's grace opened my eyes to see some of my gifts. As I studied for my M.Div, did an internship at Harvard-Epworth UMC and served as a youth minister at Good Shepherd UMC in Malden, I saw myself growing as a pastor. God's grace also helped me to see that when we listen to God with faith, God is able to transform our weaknesses into opportunities to touch the lives of others.

Song Bok (Bob) JonI still think about the first time I preached my first sermon at Union UMC. I could feel that my knees were shaking. About 25 parishioners gathered to support. I just saw my professor of preaching from BUSTH walk in. My roommate took away my sermon manuscript saying, “Bob, preach from your heart.” It was my first time to preach in English! Upon watching me sweating nervously, Bishop Martin McLee, the pastor of Union at that time, called me to his office and anointed me with oil saying, “Bob, let God use you.” God filled my heart with peace and indeed used me to share the gospel of Christ with many. As I stand today for ordination, I humbly do so with confidence that God will continue to use me in my faith journey. And I stand on the shoulders of many who have nurtured me with God’s love. 

Geisa Matos-Machuca I grew up in the Dominican Republic. Most of the places in which I lived had land that allowed me to “get my hands dirty” by trying to grow plants. I tried planting different things but the results were always the same; the seeds that I sowed never produced fruit. As an adult I have even purchased plants a few times but somehow they always died. My mother told me once that I have to talk to the plants so they can grow and look beautiful. Well, I think that once I even sang to some of them but the plants died anyway.

When reflecting about the theme of “Planting Seeds of Trust,” I am reminded that though I am a terrible gardener, my heart is a fertile soil in which seeds of trust can be planted. I was called to

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the ordained ministry when I was a teenager. My journey has had ups and downs, but even when I reached my lowest point God sent people my way who planted seeds of trust and who saw gifts and potential in me when I could not see them in myself.  Thanks to those people and to God’s grace I was able to get to this final destination— my ordination as an elder. Now, a new journey begins! It is a journey in which I feel I will be a good sower of seeds with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I will sow seeds of trust, love, and hope that will bear much fruit in Jesus’ name. And for that I say: Alleluia! 

Shandirai MawokomatandaShandirai Kare Tendekai Mawokomatanda, a pastor’s kid himself, has come to acknowledge that the seeds for a call to ministry had already been planted in him on the very day of his birth. Given a name which means “to serve,” Shandi found himself on a journey through which he encountered many mentors, teachers, and friends who gently watered and tended to his faith until such a time that God’s call to ministry became self-evident to him. Although Shandi had dreams to become an Architect, he discovered in high school that he had a passion for serving with those on the margins of society. This passion would lead Shandi to receive employment as Director of Community Building and Funds Distribution with the Lycoming County United Way upon graduating from college. It was during this period in his life that Shandi eventually discerned and accepted a call to ordained ministry.

Patricia Ruth PeñaI was born in Dominican Republic. I come from a long line of pastors, including my parents. Since a young age, seeds of service were planted in me. It wasn't until my first year at Nyack College that God confirmed in my heart the call to ministry. During my time at BU, I began the process of walking in the call to serve with the UMC. Throughout this journey, I had the honor and privilege of having outstanding teachers, nurturing mentors, two beloved congregations, and friends along the way that sowed in me trust and cultivated me by forming me into who I am today. I see God's faithfulness in my life as I am before you today taking this vow of ordained ministry. I rejoice in God's continual work in my life and ministry. I continue rejoicing carrying the seeds to sow (Psalm 126) praying that it will bear much fruit. I'm thankful for the journey ahead.

Angela RotherhamMy call was a seed of trust planted more than 25 years ago at a tiny, rural church in northern Maine.  I was in middle school and “from away,” but I always felt valued by my church family.  They loved me, gave me responsibility, held me accountable, mentored me and celebrated my accomplishments.  As an adult, another church family in Maine helped me to name and develop my spiritual gifts.  Even at Seminary I resisted my calling, but there were friends and advisors who encouraged me to “just give it a try.”  It was God’s love extravagantly poured out through others that nurtured me.  Now, the seed of trust that was planted so long ago is bearing fruit in the congregations I serve as I help to plant seeds, nurture the vines, and harvest fruit from seeds planted long ago.  Together, we have the joy of tending God’s garden.

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Call to Worship

Like a seedling that pushes its way upward past the safe, dark, warm earth–or the bird that knows it is time to come out of its shell, we are called to the freedom to move forward–to push toward the light. “The Spirit is the source of freedom,” the apostle tells the Galatians, but freedom has nothing automatic about it. We need to make a choice, to find true freedom in a life and ministry that is creative; it does not lead to sterile isolation but engenders and unites. To enter it, one road: crossing over with Christ from death to life, consenting to the impulses of the Spirit at work in us, nudging us, pushing us upward, trusting the light.

Opening Song“Days of Elijah”

Prayer

Holy One, You know the memories Teach us to trustthat inhabit us those who will re-member us,beneath the layers who will reveal to usof our knowing, the blessednessbelow the depths of our own flesh,of our awareness, the belovednessbetween the bones of our own beings,that give us form. and the possibility of transformation

contained in each embrace.

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Pushing Toward the Light

Celebration of Ministry

Saturday, June 188:30am

Scripture

SermonZiegler Awardee

Sung Response

Recognition of Licensed Local Pastors

Thomas Monroe AtkinsGarland Martin

Stephanie Jean Miller FiliaultVincent Davis

Rachel Elizabeth FraumannDaniel Chungho Lee

Introduction to OfferingImagine No Malaria

Offering“There’s a Stirring”

Spiritual Director Training Commissioning

The Order of Commissioning for the Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner

Recognition of Our Varied Gifts and Ministries

Closing Song“I Will Call upon the Lord”

Worship Notes:“Days of Elijah” by Robin Mark © 1996 Song Solutions Daybreak (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.). CCLI # 2645216.Prayer by Jan Richardson, Night Visions (Wanton Gospeller Press, 2010), 107“You Make Beautiful Things” by Lisa and Michael Gungor © 2009 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), CCLI # 2645216.“There’s a Stirring” by Anne Herring © 1992 Latter Rain Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing). CCLI # 2645216.“I Will Call upon the Lord” by Michael O’Shields © 1981 MCA Music Publ., A.D.O. Universal Studio (Admin. by Universal Music Corp.). CCLI # 2645216.

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Learning to Love

Closing Worship

“Trust is to human relationships what faith is to gospel living. It is the beginning place, the foundation upon which more can be built.

Where trust is, love can flourish.” - Barbara Smith

Invitation

“We have to seek the spirit of unity… This means trusting that the Holy Spirit is doing the same work in others as in me, even if at times I can only believe this and not see any concrete signs of it. Mutual love is expressed through compassion and sympathy. Those who rejoice with those in trouble and know how to suffer with those in trouble become one heart and one soul.”

Song of Longing“Deep, Deep Love”

Table Sharing

Song of Trust for Going Out“My Life is in You, Lord”

Worship Notes:

“Deep, Deep Love” Original Words by Samuel Trevor Francis (1834-1925), Music, Chorus, and Alternate Words by Bob Kauflin, © 2008 Integrity's Praise! Music/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI). CCLI # 2645216“My Life is in You, Lord” FWS 2032, Words and music by Daniel Gardner © 1986 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music. CCLI # 2645216.

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