Earlier this week, I attended the ordination of a friend to the ministry of word and sacrament. Nikki is part of the community of RevGalBlogPals, a supportive online network for women in ministry - and some men. The community has members across the world. To mark the occasion of Nikki's ordination, we decided to post pictures of ourselves in a red stole, the colour that symbolises the work of the Holy Spirit in the discernment of vocation. And so, for several hours, the RevGals facebook Admin team showered Nikki with good wishes and blessings - and lots of red.
Being able to attend the ordination in real life, I was moved, not just by the proceedings taking place in a rural Scottish Kirk but by the knowledge of that vast community of saints across the world who were there in spirit with us that night. While I have always been sensitive to the presence of saints, in heaven and on earth, there was something extra special about the virtual community of RevGal saints joining us from all airts and pairts, bringing an added dimension to an awesome occasion.
Sorry we never got a chance to talk. I was in the row behind you, and I may or may not be the owner of the motorbike that was mentioned in the sermon.
ReplyDeleteIt was a fabulous night, and an honour to be there with Nikki.
Wow - what a brilliant thing to do. Did notice a few people wearing red stoles, now you mention it.
ReplyDeleteCertainly was a great night and it was a privilege to be there.
It just highlighted again for me how vital these online connections can be.
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