Ordination Charge
By Sarah Hallstrand
Margaret, I am honored to participate in this your ordination to the ministry of Word and Sacrament. In planning this service, your colleagues and friends lovingly spoke about this being “Margaret’s day.” But the truth is that this is “God’s day!” God’s celebration of the Call to service you have willingly accepted just as Mary who responded to the angel Gabriel long ago in the town of Nazareth with these words, “I am the Lord’s servant.” Indeed, Margaret you have been in the heart and mind of God; destined for a special purpose from the very beginning of creation. God in each generation calls forth persons to witness by their words and deeds to the Truth, Love and Holiness of God. For Christians, the greatest and complete revelation is in Jesus, who we exalt as our Risen Lord and Savior. Not limited by any earthly dimensions, He teaches and inspires us today by the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.
A “charge” is a challenge laid before you. It is something to aspire to and to attain a certain measure of it as you continue to grow in your faith. There are many women, named and un-named, who have served God’s purposes and dared to speak for God throughout history. Many are recorded in the Bible. Of course, there are contemporary models, as well. May these who I name today inspire you with their qualities that were pleasing to God.
Sarah, wife of Abraham and “Mother of Nations,” stepped out in faith into an unchartered future because God called her. Margaret, seek in all your decisions to trust God like Sarah, knowing that God is already in your tomorrow.
Miriam, with tambourine in hand, led the women of Israel in song and dance to celebrate God’s power after escaping from the Egyptian chariots by crossing the parted sea. She turned frenzied shouts into corporate songs and dance of worship. Margaret, like Miriam, lead people to God by worship.
Deborah, judge and military leader, was revered by her people for her wisdom that she shared because of her concern and love for those who sought her counsel. She was a fearless leader in war and inspired others because she possessed spiritual insight. Margaret, like Deborah, speak the truth in love to others and with courage from God, step forward to lead by inspiration.
There is not a finer representation of love than Ruth. She is lovable in our eyes because of her faithful friendship to Naomi, her mother-in-law. She took care of their practical needs and humbly followed Naomi’s directions which resulted in a marriage to Boaz that served the higher purposes of God. Margaret, dare to be like Ruth so that your intentions in ministry are always rooted in selfless love. Never seek to take power but humbly receive it from those you serve as a gift from God. Love begets love.
The Woman at the Well was thirsty for God’s truth and love. She sought the meaning to living that hot dusty day when she made it possible for Jesus to encounter her because she needed forgiveness and renewal. Refreshed, she ran to tell others about Jesus. She mirrors the salvation stories of every one of us. Margaret, go to the well of study, prayer, and work so that like this Woman, you may drink in God’s forgiveness and be renewed to tell the story of redemption with enthusiasm and joy.
The Apostle Paul deemed Priscilla so worthy of respect as a church leader that in his letters she was addressed before her husband, Aquila, who assisted her in her ministries. Hers was a powerful ministry of preaching and teaching in a dangerous time of persecution. She is known for her hospitality as well as courage. She has our respect as a model of a well balanced life as she managed her household, a business and found ample time to be a thorough student of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Margaret, ask God to give you the energy and zeal for living a balanced and full life in Christ. Take good care of yourself always in body and spirit.
As a contemporary woman who inspires us, there is no finer model than Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She has made Jesus so real to all of us by her unselfish and caring ministries to the poor, ailing and dying of the city. Margaret, follow her advice, “Just allow people to see Jesus in you; to see how you pray, to see how you lead a pure life, to see how you deal with your family, to see how much peace there is in your family. Then you can look straight into their eyes and say, ‘THIS IS THE WAY.’”
My dear friend and sister in the ministry always remember that your life belongs to the Lord and as the unforgettable character of Auntie Mame of the movie by the same name, admonished her loved ones, “LIVE! LIVE! LIVE!”
God Bless You!