It is that time of year. Winter has passed to the dim recesses of our memory, and the earth is awakening with a profusion of blossoms.
The unexpected beauty of flowers topples over the walled church garden in celebration of springtime weather. The world has awaken and change is all around us. It is a time for new beginnings.
College students across the country have finished long years of study. Graduation commencements and ceremonies have taken place and many young pastors and priests have received their calls to the Holy Ministry. As they prepare for installation in their new congregations, many churches also make preparations to receive their new ministers. This often begins with prayer. There will be much that a young pastor or priest needs to learn. Congregations will need to have patience and understanding as their new pastor or priest grows and matures in their faith and their new role as a servant of the Word.
When a new pastor or priest joins a congregation, many churches have a special installation service. Many fellow clergy members join in this celebration to support the new pastor or priest with words from the Holy Scriptures and with the laying on of hands in prayer.
As a new graduate, many pastors and priest come out of seminary without a set of stoles for their own use. As a congregation, providing the gift of a stole for the ordination or installation of a new pastor or priest is a wonderful way to show your appreciation and support of their calling.
The prayers of the Ecclesiastical Sewing family are with all of new pastors and priests who will be installed in their first congregations in the coming weeks and months. May your calling and service as a servant of the Lord be a blessing to you and your new church.
Soli Deo Gloria
Please visit our website at http://www.ecclesiatisalsewing.com to see our complete line of pastor and priest stoles as well as liturgical fabrics and church vestments patterns for those who wish to create their own special gift for their clergy.