Rushing, I thought I was late.  I had robe in hand but knew that clergy needed to arrive 20 minutes early to a pastor’s installation to be ready to robe and process and it was only 10 minutes before the hour.  Fortunately, a member of the church was greeting people at the door.  “Is it too late to join the clergy?” I asked.  “Well,” she said thoughtfully, “I think you have to go to seminary first.”

Well, I wasn’t too late and found the other – er – seven ministers.  I remember 25 years ago when we all attended every installation.  There were dozens of us robed and bedecked in red stoles.  There was solemnity, a sense of order, a sacred whisper of history in every ear.

And yet we who show up today, small in number, are so full of spirit.  Every single one of us loves Jesus and longs for the church to know and love him too.  I don’t remember such passion and hope a generation ago.  We were well-wrapped in our sense of professionalism, our security with the institution, our expectations of advancement up the ecclesial ladder.  (Do you remember when there was an ecclesial ladder to ascend to bigger and better churches?)

At this particular installation – there was singing, there was playful banter, there were heartfelt prayers – a church was blessed – a pastor was charged – the Holy Spirit danced.  All present agreed that we do not know what she will look like – this church of the 21st century.  But Jesus will be on her lips and there will be joy and healing and true Christian friendship in her midst.