The Celebration of Ministry: Commissioning and Ordination Service began with uplifting, worshipful song as guests were invited to remember their baptisms.
We were blessed by a myriad of voices around the Indiana Conference throughout the service including, our Conference Choir lead by Conference Worship Director Fran Wyatt, and the choir of Mizo United Methodist Church, directed by Zia R. Thanga.
During the 2018 Annual Conference, 23 members have been confirmed by the annual conference for commissioning and ordination.
Bishop Trimble led those being commissioned and ordinand through a response and examination as they agreed to uphold the covenant of the orders of which they were commissioned or ordained as Elders and Deacons in The United Methodist Church.
Rev. Brian K. Milford, President and CEO, United Methodist Publishing House, preached “That You May Be Faithful Disciples”
“You are taking an incredible leap of faith into a denomination that requires of your heat, mind, and spirit and will return very little of the what the world describes as security,” shared Milford.
He continued to challenge, remind, and encourage those being commissioned and ordained sharing, “our calling is to follow Jesus and invite others to do the same; to share the good news that God is very much at work in our world.”
Milford reminded all to remember their baptism and be thankful, and that the Holy Spirit is always at work within us so that we may live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
“We are all connected, he continued “stand in the gap and be evangelists of the Christian faith always ready to help.” Milford ended his sermon by reciting Romans 12: 1-2
The service continued with worship and song as hands were laid on those being ordained, followed by the receiving of Holy Communion.