Today marks the 13th year anniversary of my ordination.
And I would have totally forgotten about it if a friend didn’t send me a picture from that day.
The service was held at my home congregation, St. Andrew’s Brampton, and it was a very hot and humid day. I remember being so nervous and excited. It had been a long 5 years of studying and I was about to become ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament and then start a new job.
Here are the vows that I took that day:
1. Do you believe in God the Father, made known in his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom the Holy Spirit witnesses in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?
2. Do you accept the subordinate standards of this Church, promising to uphold its doctrine under the continual illumination and correction of the Holy Spirit speaking in Scriptures?
3. Do you accept the government of this Church by sessions, presbyteries, synods and general assemblies, and do you promise to share in and submit yourself to all lawful oversight therein, and to follow no divisive course but to seek the peace and unity of Christ among your people and throughout the Holy, Catholic Church?
4. Do you promise in the strength and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to conduct yourself in your private and public life as becomes his gospel, and do you give yourself diligently and cheerfully to the service of Christ’s Word, sacraments and discipline, for the furtherance of his reconciling mission in the world?
5. When the time comes, are you willing to sign the formula, giving your assent to the preamble and questions required of those being ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacraments?
As I reflect on these vows now, I understand how challenging they are to uphold. Vow #1 is the easiest one to uphold, but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t experienced times of doubt, especially during the pandemic. Vows #2 and #3 have been particularly challenging for someone who been known to rebel from time to time. And vow #4…oh, how I have failed at this one!!
Thankfully, the Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. (Psalm 103:8) Even though I have failed on many occasions to uphold my vows, I know that I am still loved by the Creator of the Universe and forgiven by Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. The Holy Spirit continues to guide my path in faith, love, and hope.
And for that, I am eternally grateful.
As I seek to uphold these vows in my new ministry, I remember the words of the Apostle Paul from his first letter to Timothy:
Rather, train yourself to be godly.
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,
holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.
That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,
who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Command and teach these things. 1 Timothy 4:7-11
Blessings, Rev. Emma
General Presbyter