Ordain-a-thon Continues with Rev Jessie Thornton Black, Rev Heidi Nayak, and Rev Lynda Whitwell
On Sunday we celebrated the ordination to the Priesthood of Rev Jessie Thornton Black, Rev Heidi Nayak and Rev Lynda Whitwell in their local context.
It was sitting room only (on the floor that is) at Rev Jessie Thornton Black’s ordination as students filled Ramsey House to celebrate her appointment as priest. The only ordination with a Bishop’s sofa, followed by a BBQ and ice creams for children and children-at-heart. Following on from Bishop Justin’s birthday on the day of the Transitional Deacons’ ordination, this service coincided with Rev Luca Duckworth’s birthday so it included everyone singing Happy Birthday to her. The ordination service was beautiful, encouraging and a sign of hope.
Rev Heidi Nayak’s ordination at St Christopher’s Church, Tawa, was wonderful, warm and personal finishing with a dinner, gifts and speeches. The ordination is timely, marking a change for Heidi as she transitions from heading up the Anglican Studies programme this year to spending more time ministering in her local context in 2024.
A packed house participated in the ordination of Rev Lynda Whitwell to the priesthood at St Peter’s, Palmerston North on Tuesday evening. Guests came from many different contexts, which reveals how far-reaching Lynda’s ministry continues to be.
A wonderful moment was when Lynda’s microphone cut out at the Dismissal, requiring her to repeat it, to which she responded, “Being sent out with peace is worth saying again!”
We wish Jessie, Heidi and Lynda all the best as they enter into this next stage of their ministry as priests.
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