Notes on an Ordination

My friend's ordination yesterday was beautiful, smart, affirming, inclusive, joyful--all the things a worship service of any kind should be.

I didn't take any pictures, so all pictures came from Facebook posts, and I'm unsure of the photographers.  We sat in the back because more people came than expected, which was fine, but it did mean that I didn't have a good vantage point for photos.  Happily, that also meant that I was fully present, not thinking about taking photos.

I was impressed with the way that all the pieces fit together:  song, liturgy, communion, the worship space itself.  It was a treat to hear Bishop Strickland's homily on Mary and Martha (pictured above), the reminder that we don't have to choose between the two responses to Jesus (listening and hospitality), that a faithful life includes each.  My friend who was being ordained received two Mary and Martha icons as gifts, one traditional:

and one more modern:

There was the laying on of hands and the laying on of a stole.

There were blessings upon blessings, which of course, can lead to dancing.

At the end, there were refreshments and bubbly drinks and presents and cleaning up.  Afterward, those of us who were in town got dinner at a very crowded restaurant and then relaxed back at camp, where a bear ambled down from the chapel to give us a final blessing for the day.

As I said yesterday, I am so glad I was able to be present to witness this incredibly powerful day.  Throughout the day, I thought about how many changes these past few years have brought, and I am so profoundly grateful.