by the Rev. Charlie Dupree
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church recently called their new rector, the Rev. Benjamin Badgett. When a new rector is called, the church and rector ritually participate in a service known as the Celebration of New Ministry. Similar to a marriage, the church and rector commit to each other as they vow to bring the Kingdom of Heaven closer. In some dioceses, the Bishop officiates at these services. In the Diocese of Virginia, however, the dean of the region (a geographical cluster of churches) represents the bishop. As the dean of the Central Richmond Region, I officiated at the celebration of new ministry at St. Mark’s last night. It was a beautiful service, filled with celebration and prayer.
Here’s an element that was included in the service. As we look ahead to our Ministry Fair on Sunday, this litany captures how we are called, through our various ministries and offerings, to bring the kingdom of God – the Beloved Community – closer.
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Intercessor: Holy God, in whom all things in heaven and earth have their being,
All: Have mercy on us.
Intercessor: Jesus the Christ, through whom the world is reconciled to the Father,
All: Have mercy on us.
Intercessor: Holy Spirit, whose glory fills the world and searches the depths of God,
All: Have mercy on us.
Intercessor: Blessed Trinity, source of both unity and diversity,
All: Have mercy on us.
Intercessor: From blind hearts and petty spirits, that refuse to see the need of all humankind for your love,
All: Savior, deliver us.
Intercessor: From pride, self-sufficiency and the unwillingness to admit our own need of your compassion,
All: Savior, deliver us.
Intercessor: From discouragement in the face of pain and disappointment, and from lack of persistence and thoroughness,
All: Savior, deliver us.
Intercessor: From ignorance, apathy, and complacency that prevent us from spreading the Gospel,
All: Savior, deliver us.
Intercessor: O God, we pray for the gifts of ministry. Inspire our minds with a vision of your kingdom in this time and place.
All: Hear us, O Christ.
Intercessor: Touch our eyes, that we may see your glory in all creation.
All: Hear us, O Christ.
Intercessor: Touch our ears, that we may hear from every mouth the hunger for hope and stories of refreshment.
All: Hear us, O Christ.
Intercessor: Touch our lips, that we may tell in every tongue and dialect the wonderful works of God.
All: Hear us, O Christ.
Intercessor: Touch our hearts, that we may discern the mission to which you call us.
All: Hear us, O Christ.
Intercessor: Touch our feet, that we may take your Good News into our neighborhoods, communities, and all parts of the world.
All: Hear us, O Christ.
Intercessor: Touch our hands, that we may each accomplish the work you give us to do.
All: Hear us, O Christ.
Intercessor: Strengthen and encourage all who minister in your name in lonely, dangerous and unresponsive places.
All: Hear us, O Christ.
Intercessor: Open the hearts and hands of many to support your Church in this and every place.
All: Hear us, O Christ.
See you in church,
Charlie+ (he/him)