Ordination and Installation

Russ was ordained and installed as Minister of the Word at Cloverdale URC on Friday, April 17.  

Of course, the day needed to have a little drama.  Dr. Bilkes, who gave the ordination message, was scheduled to fly into Boise at 2:20.  He called earlier that morning to inform us that because of mechanical problems (dead plane battery) he was put on a different plane/airline and was now scheduled to fly into Boise a little after 6:00pm.  Since the service was to start at 7:00, Russ did work out a contingency plan with Pastor Nick Smith, but all worked out just fine.  Dr. Bilkes and Farmer Paul arrived at the church around 6:30.  Plenty of time to change clothes!  

Dr. Bilkes read from Isaiah 52:7-12 and preached on Isaiah 52:7:

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

His sermon was divided into three points:

1.  The Messenger

     a.  Sent

     b.  Strong

     c.  Swift

     d.  Salvation

2.  The Message

     a.  Crescendo

     b.  Celebratory

     c.  Coronation

     d.  Cross

3.  The Marriage

       I don't remember the divisions in this point, but the idea was that a minister of the Word is a tool that God uses to bring the bride (the Church) to the bridegroom (Jesus Christ).

Dr. Bilkes mentioned the plane fiasco in his sermon and said that the portion from his text "Your God reigns!" was helpful in keeping perspective when things did not seem to be working out.  When Rev. Nick Smith stood up to read the form for ordination and installation he said he thought that God was speaking more directly to Dr. Bilkes from verse 12, "But you will not leave in haste or go in flight..."  Too funny!

Rev. Smith's Pastoral Charge was from Ephesians 4.  He warned against pastors who are willing to maintain status quo for unity and challenged that instead they should be striving for change that produces spiritual growth within the the church body.

Rev.  Richard Blauw gave the Congregational Charge from Philippians 4.  Rev. Blauw is a retired CRC pastor who assisted Cloverdale URC when they were vacant by providing long-term pulpit supply and overall pastoral support through an extremely trying time in the life of the congregation.

Rev. Russ Herman closed the service by giving the benediction at which time I promptly lost my battle with tears.  

We enjoyed a time of fellowship at the church (cake and punch) with the church family and later at our home with Dr. Bilkes and Farmer Paul.  Their flight was to leave early the next morning, so we, unfortunately, did not get to spend much time with them.  

Overall, it was a wonderful evening and we thanked God repeatedly for His blessings and faithfulness!