Story by Cn. Debbie Low-Skinner, photos by Peter G. Marcus of Marcus Photography
Bishop Marc Andrus presided and preached. He ordained two new priests: Lisa Virginia da Silva and Whitney Kay Wilson, and ordained nine new deacons: Annalise Brittany Deal, Benjamin Simon Dinglasan Jr., Rebekah Anne Hays Estera, Brendan Francis Nee, Jeremy Robert O’Neill, Calvin Payne-Taylor, David Thomas Poynor IV, Larisa Yeranig Shaterian. (Erin Wiens St. John, who was ill, will be ordained at a later date.)
Also in attendance, supporting the ordination of Tom Poyner, was the Bishop of Alabama, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Glenda Curry.
In his wonderful homily, Bishop Marc said to the ordinands that, “Spiritual practice is what you do outwardly for yourself inwardly. The Good Shepherd is a model as a path for spiritual practice. Your flock will see you as a leader and protector. Move with the Shepherd in the rhythms of life. Seek the lost, even leaving behind the 99 to bring that which was lost, disregarded, outside to be brought into the fold to make the flock one in heart, unity of love and charity, if not of the same mind or consensus.”
In this work, there is the call for the inner work of the Shepherd, to tend to that which has been alienated within yourself. The work of nurturing is yours (as well as the need for spiritual self-care) and the work to nurture the people of God whom you serve, who may be suffering, hungry, sinful. We are called to defend the Diocese, too, as well as defend the flock.
Thich Nhat Hanh said that we should guard and protect our inner selves. Watch what you let into your heart and disturb your peace. It may cost your life/ego, as Jesus Christ laid down his life as a testament of faithfulness. Sacrifice is what the shepherds did to care for their flock. And yet, when they were away from others in the pastures, they were able to see the stars and hear the angels. It was then God that became the shepherd to the shepherds. Remember to practice the inner life of the Good Shepherd.
Photos of the Diocesan December 8th Ordination Service by Peter G. Marcus.
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