Induction of Linda Driver

A Service of Induction of Reverend Linda Driver

Kardlayirdi Karnungga
The light on the hill

August 6, 2023

Prelude

Welcome

We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional carers of the land on which our church is built.

Lighting of the Candles on the Communion Table

Call to Worship

The world belongs to God,
The Earth and all its people.

How good it is, how wonderful,
To live together in unity.

Love and faith come together,
Justice and peace join hands.

If Christ’s disciples keep silent
These stones would shout aloud.

Open our lips, O God
And our mouths shall proclaim your praise.

We Sing: Gather us in

1. Here in this place new light is streaming,
   now is the darkness vanished away,
   see, in this space, our fears and our dreamings,
   brought here to you in the light of this day.
   
   Gather us in, the lost and forsaken;
   gather us in, the blind and the lame;
   call to us now, and we shall awaken,
   we shall arise at the sound of our name.

2. We are the young, our lives are a mystery;
   we are the old, who yearn for your face;
   we have been sung throughout all of history,
   called to be light to the whole human race.
   
   Gather us in, the rich and the haughty;
   gather us in, the proud and the strong;
   give us a heart so meek and so lowly,
   give us the courage to enter the song.

3. Not in the dark of buildings confining,
   not in some heaven light years away,
   but here in this space, the new light is shining,
   now is the kingdom, now is the day.
   
   Gather us in, and hold us forever;
   gather us in, and make us your own;
   gather us in, all peoples together,
   fire of love in our flesh and our bone.

Together in Song 474. Marty Haugen. © 1982 GIA Publications. All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A‑604444.

WELCOME AND GREETING FROM PRESBYTERY

The Presbytery of South Australia has resolved to induct Linda Driver to serve as a minister of the Word in the Congregation of Brougham Place

Linda, we rejoice that God has called you by the voice of the Church to serve Jesus Christ in this congregation and presbytery.

I welcome you all to this joyful occasion, and greet you in the name of God:

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.

Prayer of Confession

In baptism we are claimed by God, and given the gift of the Holy Spirit that we may live as witnesses to Jesus Christ and share his ministry in the world.

We have not always lived as Christ’s disciples. Let us confess our sins:

We have failed to live out our baptism: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

We have been blind to the vision of a renewed world: Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

We have been indifferent to the suffering of others: Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

In your mercy, pardon and restore us, that bound together in the ministry of Christ we may serve you with joy all the days of our life.
Amen.

Declaration of Forgiveness

God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting our sins against us, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.

Hear then Christ’s word of grace to us: ‘Your sins are forgiven.’
Thanks be to God.

Through baptism, the sign of the cross is upon you. Remember your baptism and be thankful.
As members of Christ’s body, the Church,
we will live out our baptism,
serving together in Christ’s name.

Minim Choir – Roll Down Justice

Mark A Miller, Melody from A Repository of Sacred Music, 1813. Adapted for MiniM Choir by Jennifer Hughes.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:13-21

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

The Gospel of Christ, Light of the world.
Thanks be to God.

Preaching of the Word – Rev Paul Turley

We Sing: Praise with Joy the World’s Creator

1. Praise with joy the world’s Creator,
   God of justice, love and peace,
   source and end of human knowledge,
   force of greatness without cease.
   Celebrate the Maker’s glory,
   power to rescue and release.

2. Praise the Son who feeds the hungry,
   frees the captive, finds the lost,
   heals the sick, upsets religion,
   fearless both of fate and cost.
   Celebrate Christ’s constant presence –
   Friend and Stranger, Guest and Host.

3. Praise the Spirit sent among us,
   liberating truth from pride,
   forging bonds where race or gender,
   age or nation dare divide.
   Celebrate the Spirit’s treasure –
   foolishness none dare deride.

4. Praise the Maker, Son and Spirit,
   one God in community,
   calling Christians to embody
   oneness and diversity.
   Thus the world shall yet believe, when
   shown Christ’s vibrant unity.

Together in Song, 179, John L. Bell 1949- and Graham Maule 1958- Words from Wild Goose Songs 1, Heaven Shall Not Wait. Words used with permission under copyright CCLI Licence No 37219. Copyright cleared music for churches.

NICENE CREED

I invite you to stand if you are able and join me in the Nicene Creed.

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father,
who with the Father and the Son
is worshipped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Service of Induction

QUESTIONS TO THE MINISTER OF THE WORD

Trevor Phillips (Chair of Wimala Presbytery) addresses the minister:

Linda, my sister in Christ, you are called to be a servant and a shepherd in this congregation. It is your work to preach Christ’s gospel, to call people to repentance, to assure them of God’s mercy, and to baptise. You will teach, inspire and encourage, both by word and example, the people entrusted to your care. You will lead them in worship, and celebrate the Lord’s supper with them.

You will take Christ the Good Shepherd as your example, caring for his people and serving with them in their witness to the world.

In view of this solemn trust, we ask you to reaffirm the declaration of faith and obedience that you made at your ordination and to show that you desire, by God’s grace, to continue your ministry in this congregation.

Do you confess anew Jesus Christ as Lord?

I do.

Do you embrace the faith and unity of the holy, catholic and apostolic Church, as set forth in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, expressed in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds and described in the Basis of Union?

I do.

Do you accept the discipline of the Uniting Church and the oversight of this presbytery?

I do.

Do you affirm and commit yourself to the covenant made between the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress and the Uniting Church and accept the obligation to serve both First and Second peoples?

I do

Will you take part in the work of this presbytery and other councils of the Uniting Church, and will you share in the life and witness of the wider Church?

I will.

Questions to the Presbytery and Congregation

Trevor says:

My brothers and sisters in Christ, the Church declares that its members shall acknowledge Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord, confess the Christian faith, accept the discipline of the Church and share in its ministry.

THE PRESBYTERY

Trevor invites members of Wimala Presbytery to stand and says:

Will you support your sister Linda in the discharge of her responsibilities as a minister of the Word within this presbytery?

We will, in the love of Christ.

Members of presbytery then sit.

THE PEOPLE

Chairperson and Secretary of church council (Michelle and Talis) comes forward, invites the members congregation to stand, and addresses the newly-inducted minister:

Linda, we greet you as our new minister. We present to you the people of God in this congregation, ministers with you in the gospel, and we commend them to your prayers.

On their behalf, we greet you.

Trevor addresses those standing:

Will you take part in the public worship of God, and contribute to the work of God as you are able; will you endeavour to make a Christian witness in the community by word and action?

We will, the Lord being our helper.

Will you honour Linda as your pastor and leader; will you listen for God’s word in her preaching; will you welcome her into your homes; will you provide for her that which is necessary for her physical welfare; and will you at all times support her with your love and prayers?

We will, the Lord being our helper.

The people sit.

THE CHURCH COUNCIL

Trevor invites the minister and members of Church Council to stand and addresses them.

Linda, these are the members of Brougham Place Church Council You are called to work with them In building up the body of Christ.

Linda and Leaders, will you work together in harmony and trust to lead God’s people here to further Christ’s mission in this world

We will, the Lord being our helper

Members of Church Council sit.

Representatives of Brougham Place Congregation come forward, bringing –

Bible Emma, Hamish and Samantha
Jug of water Brett, Sarah, Stella and Amelia
Bread Brett, Sarah, Stella and Amelia
Wine Brett, Sarah, Stella and Amelia

Harris Family (Helen, Dave, Alexis and Eliza) says:

We are the people of God. We bring the holy Bible, and water, and bread and wine as signs of the ministry to which you were ordained.

Linda takes

• the Bible, opens it and places it on the Bible Stand;
• the jug and pours water into the font; and
• the bread and wine and places them on the communion table

The members of the congregation return to their places.

Congregation representatives come forward with the Pastoral List/Roll.

David and Erica Angus bring forward the list.

Harris Family (Helen, Dave, Alexis and Eliza) says

We come representing the Brougham Place Uniting Church Congregation. It is your duty to care for the people entrusted to you.

Linda takes the pastoral list and places it on the communion table.

David and Erica return to their places.

We Sing – Everyone Born a Place at the Table

1. For everyone born, a place at the table,
   for everyone born, clean water and bread;
   a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
   for everyone born, a star overhead.
   
   And God will delight when we are creators of justice
   and joy, compassion and peace:
   yes God will delight when we are creators of justice,
   justice and joy.

2. For woman and man, a place at the table,
   revising the roles, deciding the share;
   with wisdom and grace dividing the power,
   for woman and man, a system that’s fair.
   
   And God will delight when we are creators of justice
   and joy, compassion and peace:
   yes God will delight when we are creators of justice,
   justice and joy.

3. For young and for old, a place at the table,
   a voice to be heard, a part in the song,
   the hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,
   for young and for old, the right to belong.
   
   And God will delight when we are creators of justice
   and joy, compassion and peace:
   yes God will delight when we are creators of justice,
   justice and joy.

4. For everyone born, a place at the table,
   to live without fear, and simply to be,
   to work, to speak out to witness and worship,
   for everyone born, the right to be free.
   
   And God will delight when we are creators of justice
   and joy, compassion and peace:
   yes God will delight when we are creators of justice,
   justice and joy.

Worship in Song 4139. Shirley Erena Murray. Words © 1998 Hope Publishing Co. All rights reserved. ONE LICENSE, License #A‑604444.

The people remain standing after the hymn.

INDUCTION PRAYER

Linda kneels and Trevor says:

Let us pray:

Almighty God, in every age you have chosen servants to speak your word and lead your people. We thank you for Linda whom you have called to serve you. Fill her with the Holy Spirit and give her gifts for this ministry. May she have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, and be a faithful disciple, being an example to the people of God and witnessing before the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

We Sing: The Aaronic Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious unto you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.

Together in Song 776

DECLARATION OF INDUCTION

The minister stands and faces the people. Trevor says:

In the name of Jesus Christ, the sovereign Head of the Church, and by the authority of the Presbytery of South Australia we now declare Linda Driver to be inducted into the Congregation of Brougham Place

Welcome by the People – Congregation invited to congratulate Linda with applause.

OTHER CHURCHES AND FAITHS

Trevor invites members of the presbytery to come forward and greet the newly-inducted minister.

Trevor may welcome and introduce clergy or representatives of other churches who are present.

Trevor invites them to come forward and greet the newly inducted minister.

If there are representatives of other faiths present, Trevor may invite them to come forward and greet the minister.

THE MINISTER OF THE WORD – Linda responds.

OFFERING (for Ministerial Training)

Trevor invites people to make an offering for Ministerial training –

We respond to God’s goodness with our offering. Todays offering will be a retiring offering and can be placed in the wooden bowl as you leave the service.

As is the custom for an Induction Services, today’s offering will be used to support training for ministry.

If you would like to donate electronically, please contact Uniting College for Leadership and Theology, info@unitingcollege.edu.au

Choral Anthem: – Jesus is Lord

by Martin How

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

The prayers are led by a group of people from the congregation.

• Linda Driver and her family – Gwenda Kerley
• The needs of the Church – Mark Waters
• Needs of the world – Skyla and Sophie Hutchinson

And now let us pray to the Father in the words our Saviour gave us:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be Your name,

your Kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in Heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins,

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours

now and forever. Amen

We Sing: Know that God is Good

1. Know that God is good,
   know that God is good,
   know that God is good,
   God is good, God is good.

2. Hale, haleluya,
   Hale, haleluya.
   Hale, haleluya,
   Haleluya, haleluya.

Church Hymnary 788Traditional Song, Congo.

BLESSING

Go forth into the world in peace;
be of good courage;
hold fast that which is good;
render to no one evil for evil;
strengthen the faint-hearted;
support the weak;
help the afflicted;
honour all people;
love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always
Amen.

Choral Blessing – Choir with Chimes – May the Lord gracious God,

Songs of Grace 812 Music Pao-chen Li (or Church Hymnary 4 787, Pao-Chen Li)

Postlude

Come and share afternoon tea together, downstairs in the basement. There are stairs behind the organ and a ramp between the church and the car park leading to the basement.