The Bendigo congregation hosted the Victoria Area Gathering last Sunday. My day started early with preparations for this special occasion, including a luncheon for our many visitors, followed by a worship service and then my ordination to Elder.
I felt very privileged to have so many church friends, some I hadn’t seen for a long time, and family members attend this special day. Forty-one of us enjoyed lunch together, followed by ministry from our new Mission Centre President, Meredith Carr; her husband Dennis, who shared his DGR story; and our message on Hope for the day from Apostle Lachlan Mackay. After worship, we moved into a Q&A time where all three ministers shared stories, news, and updates. We then broke for some light refreshments before entering my Ordination Service.
Annie Falcke, along with Adam Wade and Barbara Woodward, presented my call earlier this year, so it was especially meaningful to have Annie participate in the service, together with Elder Barbara Woodward who officiated the ordination, and Evangelist Helen McIlroy who assisted. Helen gave the message for the service, reflecting on the words of the hymn I chose for my husband, Ray, to sing—A Diligent and Grateful Heart. I felt the words of this hymn reflected who I am or who I aspire to be. Some of the words that resonated with me were: “a grateful heart, been blessed all my days; to serve and share with utmost care; to minister through deeds and sharing brings me utmost joy when lifting others’ lives.”
My ordination was very special to me, as I had two sets of hands from two women who mean so much to me. Their mentorship, friendship, and love are gifts I deeply treasure.
Our final hymn was As the Wind Song Through the Trees, accompanied by a film clip from the Beyond the Walls choir featuring beautiful images of trees. This hymn is a favourite of mine. I am still singing the words in my head, and I have woken the last few mornings with these lines on my mind:
“As the wind song through the trees,
as the stirring of the breeze,
so it is with the Spirit of God.”
Dianne Kent
