Reflections and Ramblings--Assistant Minister Pastor Dan Wilkie  

         It is so difficult for me to contain my excitement as I look forwIt is so difficult for me to contain my excitement as I look forward to my installation on March 9, 2008. As I have shared my thoughts with a lot of folks, both in and out of the church, there are a great many who wonder what installation is really about. So having heard these questions, I thought this might be a good place to share a little bit about the concept of installation, and share a few thoughts about what installation means to me in personal terms.

          The example that best describes the service of installation comes directly from the UCC Book of Worship: “Installation is the action of an Association of the United Church of Christ in cooperation with a local church. Installation confirms and celebrates the covenantal relationship among a local church, its minister or ministers, and the United Church of Christ. Installation is a sign that these covenantal partners are committed to share mutually in the mission of (First Congregational United Church of Christ), of the wider United Church of Christ, and of Christ’s larger church.”

          So what does all this language really mean? In a nutshell, it affirms a minister’s call to serve: first Christ, secondly the local church, and lastly congregational members of the church by providing pastoral care, preaching and teaching, doing outreach and other ministries that arise. It also calls upon the members of the congregation, the local church, the association and the wider church to support and honor the work of the minister so that together they may more fully live as Christ has called us all to live.

          On a personal note, installation is not something I take lightly and I find that doing this in a worshipful and public way — much as one would say vows in a wedding service, or be sworn in to testify in court — reinforces the importance of the ministry that one is called to. For me, my installation is truly a joyful experience, because it shows me that you have a great deal of confidence in me, which I am both honored and humbled by. Installation also recognizes my sense of calling, for I believe with all my heart, soul and spirit I am called to serve in this ministerial capacity with and among you, assisting Sharyl in the provision of pastoral care, preaching and teaching and other forms of ministry and outreach I am asked to undertake. I am also challenged, as I hope we all are, to continue to grow in faith and love as we seek to do God’s work in our world and live faithful Christ-centered lives.

          So as I look forward to this very profound experience in my life and ministry, I humbly ask for your prayers, and invite each of you to join in the incredible moment of celebration and challenge.   Blessings, Dan

Respite Night