Last November at the congregational meeting, we elected our officers for terms ending in 2028. This Sunday, we will install John Crozier, Trish Herrara, and Bruce Middleton as ruling elders. We will also install Judy Caggiano, Pat Maraziti, Marjorie Roller, and Leslie Smith-Ficaro as deacons. All of our elders and deacons have previously and dutifully served in their roles, and now the Church has called them once again to serve. The Book of Order says, “In installation the church sets in place with prayer those who have been (previously) ordained as deacons, ruling elders, and ministers of the Word and Sacrament, and are now called anew to service in that ministry.” In essence, once a deacon, always a deacon.
Our service on Sunday will install them into their new ministry for the next three years. Each of them will be serving, praying, and working diligently for our congregation in a wide range of matters. Each one will be called to something particular, and their ministry isn’t going to look the same, but that’s precisely why their ministries will be all the more important. They will face some challenges in their work, but as a congregation, it is up to us to support them, assist them, and pray for them in all that they do.
1 Corinthians 12:12 reads, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” On Sunday, we, the congregation, will also make a promise to support, guide, and pray for them as the officers of our congregation. Together we will recommit ourselves to making God’s love visible to the world through the wonderful work of this church. Please join us on Sunday the 11th for Worship, Installation, and Holy Communion at 10:00am.
~Pastor Nathaniel Fryer~
Q: What does installation of elders and deacons mean in the Presbyterian Church?
A: Installation is the church’s prayerful setting apart of previously ordained leaders who are called again to serve in ministry for a new term.
Q: Who is being installed as elders and deacons this Sunday?
A: Ruling elders John Crozier, Trish Herrara, and Bruce Middleton, and deacons Judy Caggiano, Pat Maraziti, Marjorie Roller, and Leslie Smith-Ficaro.
Q: How can the congregation support newly installed church officers?
A: By praying for them, assisting in their ministries, offering encouragement, and recommitting together to making God’s love visible in the community.
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