Last week, I join a crowd of clergy and congregants at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta to celebrate the ordination of the now-Reverend Phoenix Bell-Shelton Biggs.
Ordinations mark a peak moment in the life story of the person being ordained, and in the stories of family and friends who have traveled with the emerging minister through all the ups and downs, the twists and turns that have led to this transformation. We ministers come out of our ordination with a different identity than we went into it!
Last week’s ordination reflects the character and calling of Rev. Phoenix, which means it is particularly joyful, loving, and deep. Every moment is beautifully thought out. Every speaker, every musician, every technician, every design element adds to the sense that we’re all taking part in something transcendent—a rebirth of hope, a recommitment to Love.
The experience marks a shift in my story, too.
Over and over the speakers mention a core element in the story of Unitarian Universalism: We are descendants of the Christian Protestant tradition, and one of the important principles that set Protestants apart from Roman Catholics and other versions of Christianity is this idea that we are all ministers, known back in the day as the “priesthood of all believers.” At Rev. Phoenix’s ordination, it’s abundantly clear that, though some of us may get ordained and make the ministry our professional calling, all of us in our congregations are also ministers. We share the responsibilities of discerning what are our truths, of serving and caring for each
other, and of helping to create a more just and loving world.
Just like the partnership we have at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett!
Then, as I listen to Rev. Phoenix name what they promise to do and be in their role as ordained minister, I remember making my own promises at my ordination in January 2004. I remember how my voice seemed to drop two octaves, those promises were so huge and weighty.
But—what were they again? That was a long time ago.
I look them up. The congregation that ordained me said, “Wherever you are called to serve, we require you to bring your imagination, your willingness to learn, your love of life, and your laughter.”
And I said, “I promise to bring to every community I serve my gifts and my
vulnerabilities, a sense of balance and of limits, a passionate love of learning, a raucous sense of humor, and a deep longing to share in our growth toward more love, more peace, more justice, and more life.”
An ordination marks the start of a new chapter in the newly ordained minister’s story. In renewing my love for and commitment to this faith and the call of ministry, Rev. Phoenix’s ordination marks a new chapter in my story too. I am so grateful.
~Rev. Nancy Palmer Jones
