Service of Ordination and Installation of Mark Peters Ward

Act of Ordination

Beth Lazer, board president

In the Unitarian Universalist tradition, the authority to confer ordination lies wholly with the local church. It is a meaningful and joyous occasion when a congregation joins together, as we have, to recognize one who has chose the ministry as his life’s work. We come together this evening to ordain Mark Peters Ward into the Unitarian Universalist ministry.

Mark, we recognize your desire to serve the cause of liberal religion as a parish minister and the preliminary fellowship granted to you by the Unitarian Universalist Association. By authority of a vote of the members of this congregation, we affirmed our desire to ordain you to the Unitarian Universalist ministry. We offer you ordination, a privilege bestowed upon us by our free church. Among us, and wherever you may be called to serve, we would have you preach the word of truth in freedom and love, ministering alike to joys and sorrows, setting forth no less by your example than your recept the principles of our free faith. Are you ready to enter into this ministry?

Mark Ward

I am.

Beth Lazer

Will the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville please rise and join with me in reading the words of ordination.

Congregation

We, the members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, do hereby ordain you, Mark Peters Ward, to the Unitarian Universalist ministry. We charge you to speak to us and our children about the truth as you see it and about the wonder and mystery of life. We ask you to challenge us in witnessing to our moral and ethical concerns and the principles of our faith. We pledge ourselves to walk with you in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in the ways of truth and love.

Mark Ward

With a deep sense of obligation and opportunity, mindful of its privileges and responsibilities, I take up the ministry to which you ordain me.