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page 23 of 33
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From Call to Settlement |
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by Lloyd M. Hall, Jr. |
SOCIAL AMENITIES
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It is important to provide opportunities around this singular event
that enhance the celebration and give participants an opportunity to
react in less formal settings.
The meal following the Council meeting is provided for the
participants in the Council, including guests, but is not intended as
a public gathering. There may be no reason to provide any
program opportunities at this meal -just a time to enjoy good food
and fellowship. The Church will make its own decisions as to how
the meal is to be provided ("pot-luck," catered, otherwise).
Attention to the setting and the meal will help to enhance the
atmosphere surrounding the ordination.
The time for a celebration meal or reception follows the public
service. It is especially fitting after an ordination to provide not
only a first class meal but a time for programming in which those
who have been part of the ordinand's life have an opportunity to
share memories informally, a time for the presentation of gifts, and
a time for the new minister to say "thank you" to those gathered.
The social time following an installation may be less elaborate,
especially if the minister is already fairly well known among the
area Churches, though full celebrations of major events in a
Church's life are always beneficial.
Depending upon how events are scheduled and how many "out of
town" guests are involved there may be other opportunities when
the Church or the candidate might want to offer hospitality. As
with all such events, part of the success of the Council and public
service will be the efforts made to demonstrate the importance of
what is happening, to express our gratitude for those who have
come to participate, and to provide opportunity for real fellowship.
Thorough planning, attention to detail, and careful observance of
the tradition of our Way will insure that everyone involved will
emerge from this experience filled by God's Spirit and convicted
in the knowledge that we have been about Christ's business. |
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National Association of Congregational Christian
Churches
PO Box 288, Oak Creek, WI 53154
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