Rev. James Manyang (left) and Denise England (right) lead the Installation service of Pastor Peter on October 16, 2009.

“You have been called to be among us to baptize, to teach, and to forgive sins.”

“You have been called to be among us to proclaim the good news.”

“You have been called to be among us to lead worship and preside at the Lord’s Supper.”

Dear Friends,

Grace and peace to you from St. Andrew’s.

It is a privilege to have celebrated with you this past weekend my formal installation as the church’s next pastor.  I invite your prayers and your participation as we begin this new chapter of faithful ministry at St. Andrew’s.

Yet, this celebration was not only about my installation, but it was also a celebration of our whole church community.  Many parts of the service illustrated this.  Several individuals from diverse backgrounds read the above statements during the service.  The Sudanese church leaders who lead the various congregations who make up our community read scripture passages.  We were led in worship by the Nuer Sudanese choir.  We sang traditional and favorite hymns like “The Church’s One Foundation” while at the same time we learned a new hymn led by one of the Sudanese leaders called “What a Mighty God We Serve.”

All in all, last weekend was a celebration of the whole life and ministry of St. Andrew’s and the faithful witness that we make here.  I look forward to enjoying this faithful witness in the future as we serve God together. May God continue to bless us by his presence.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Peter