Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church

Ordination 2008

June 2, 2008

Last evening, the stately Central United Methodist Church building provided a beautiful and sacred space for the ordination of 11 elders and two deacons under the 1992 Book of Discipline. Doug Grove-DeJarnett and his able assistant, Lynn Hutton, helped to orchestrate a Service of Ordination that was well organized, yet open to the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Central United Methodist Church Choir, under the direction of George Hayden, provided us with excellent music and singing that ushered in the presence of God. And a service that when first announced met some skepticism was attended by more than 1,000 persons, helping to move these 13 persons to commit themselves to obedient service to the church for the remainder of their lives.

I want to thank Bruce Galyon and the people of the Central United Methodist Church for hosting us. I want to express my gratitude to the following persons for their faithful work that made all this possible: Grady Winegar and Shelia Knowles of the Conference Clergy Services Office; Anne Travis and Lori Sluder of the Office of Connectional Ministries; Millie Meese, Donna Hankins, and Ron Matthews of the Office of Conference Communications; Sandra Ruebush of Conference Financial/Administrative Services; and of course, Norma Edwards, my Executive Secretary.

I remember before I served as a bishop that I had no clue how much work went into the preparation and work for an annual conference session. Sitting in this office has given me a deeper appreciation for the many persons who work behind the scenes to produce what we experience.

It also reminds me that I learned many years ago, while serving as a soldier in Vietnam, that it took 10 persons working behind the battle lines to place one soldier in the field. I trust that some of you reading this blog will drop a note to these persons to thank them for their faithful behind-the-scenes work that helps us to be blessed by an annual conference meeting.

In addition, the clergy contributed more than $2,300 to "Partners in Crisis." This is a ministry to clergy spouses who, after divorce, sometimes find themselves without funds to start their lives over. Who said preachers don't give?

Blessings.

• Ordination mini photo gallery

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