Two ordinations were held recently in the Uniting Church WA.
Rev Kim Francis was ordained as a deacon on 18 October at Nedlands Uniting Church. Rev Dr Alison Longworth preached for the occasion on John 21: 15-17. She explained that the reading is significant to Kim, for three reasons.
“The first Bible study Kim ever attended was focused on this passage and made a deep impression,” Alison said. “On a second occasion some twenty years ago this same passage confirmed Kim’s decision to leave her teaching career and enter into children and family ministry. The third occasion occurred more recently during a visit to Buckfast Abbey in England when Kim sensed again the call of Christ to ‘feed my sheep’.
“We have observed today that on three occasions in her life, the sequence of three questions and answers in John chapter twenty-one has caused Kim to consider how much she loves her risen Lord. And in the words of Jesus’ commission to Simon Peter – feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep – Kim has heard God’s call to her to the pastoral ministry of deacon,” Alison said.
After her ordination, Kim thanked everyone who has supported her through her journey towards ordination. Kim will be taking up a call to ministry with Maylands Mt Lawley Uniting Church in February.
Rev Rick Morrell was ordained as a minister of the Word in an outdoor celebration on 24 October at the Cottesloe Civic Centre.
Rev Hollis Wilson preached at the service, and spoke about the importance of taking notice of God’s call.
“Rick, remember the Great Commission: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’.” Hollis said.
“Rick, these words from the great commission always seems to give me a shiver. A shiver because of the profound call that Christ makes to us – to go.”
Rick has been in placement as the co-ordinator of the First Third Team with the Uniting Church in WA since 2008 and has worked with young people in the church for 23 years. He began a process towards ordination in 2009. He has taken up a placement as director of mission for UnitingCare NSW and ACT.
To read more on Rick’s journey visit http://revivemagazine.org.au/2015/10/22/rick-morrell-honoured-to-be-part-of-the-journey/.
Photos from Rev Kim Francis’ ordination:
Photos from Rev Rick Morrell’s ordination:
