Recent ordinations and thanksgiving

The second Sunday in Advent is a popular day for ordinations in Uganda; both Mukono and Kampala had their ordinations Sunday.  I had been invited to the Mukono ordination, but it began at 10 (and apparently went until 2 or 3), and I had already been coopted to celebrate both services at UCU.  However, to make up for my not attending the service, I did attend David’s thanksgiving at his father’s house that evening.

It’s always a joy to see my students be ordained; this is what they’ve been studying and working towards.  Several of David’s classmates also came, and it was simultaneously odd (because I’m not accustomed to it) and right (because they’ve been training for this) to see them in their collars! 

My goddaughter, Makable, in front of two of David's classmates, John (front) and Joshua.  They were also recently ordained. 

There were at least 100 people at the thanksgiving, and we were seated under tents on the compound.  When we arrived, the police directed us to the neighbor’s compound to park.  I have no idea how one goes about getting police to direct traffic and guard the cars, but I’m grateful they were there. 

While talking with David, he told me that UCU should have prepared him for his ordination.  I asked what he meant (because everything we do is geared towards ordained ministry), and he said that we had not prepared him for the vows he took.  I laughed, but I know exactly what he meant.

I had read the ordination service several times in advance of my ordination, but nothing can prepare you for actually taking those vows in front of God, the bishop, and the congregation.  It is truly awesome:  inspiring awe, admiration, and wonder, that God would call someone like me to this ministry.  It is also absolutely terrifying that God would call someone like me to this ministry.  There’s absolutely no preparing for that.