Ordination of Adam Wirrig

Shiloh gathered yesterday with representatives of the Southwest Ohio Northern Kentucky Association, as well as representatives from United Theological Seminary, to ordain Shiloh member and friend, Adam Wirrig. The 3:00 p.m. service included Kathryn Anadein, SONKA Designated Association Minister, Ruth Hopkins, from the Members-in-Discernment Team of Association Church and Ministry, Daria Schaffnit, friend and colleague, who provided the ordination address, Brice Thomas, who represented the seminary, Shiloh's own Discovery Team, which provided the energy and, if I may say so, the most poignant moment within the ceremony. I served as local church representative and liturgist for the Eucharist. Aaron Sheaffer played organ on the Processional and Recessional.

Shiloh's appreciation goes out to all who attended. Your presence made the gathering that much more special, both for Shiloh and for Adam. Thanks to those who served as ushers: Ila Ward, Karen Kanaga, Tom and Doris Murph. Thanks to our greeters: Jay and Dawn McMillen, Linda and Amy DeCamp, and Randy Zuercher. Special appreciation goes out to Shiloh's Worship Committee, who took care of set up and elements for the Eucharist, and to Shiloh's Women's Board, who provided for the Omega Hall reception that followed the service.Additional special appreciation goes out to John Rabius, Shiloh's Director of Media Ministries, and his crew, who worked hard to make everything function properly. Everyone performed perfectly. Thanks to each of you!

There were two highlights of the service. The first came with the address, provided by Daria Schaffnit. The image of old wine and new wineskins fit the occasion ideally. (It was also a charge for Shiloh folk to see the old lectern back on the chancel, just for this event) The second highlight came at the tail end of the service, when the Discovery Team sang "Go Light Your World," during which Adam Wirrig was handed the Christ Candle, as he prepared for the Recessional. It was a very emotional moment.

In case any are wondering, ordination in the United Church of Christ consists of a four-way call. A local church sponsors a candidate, who is recommended to an Association Member-in-Discernment Team, which, together with the local church and the candidate, discern that God is calling the candidate to a ministerial position in the church. Then, after proper education and training, the candidate completes the cycle, by accepting the call of a church or calling body. In this case, United Theological Seminary provided the call. Adam has accepted the position of Adjunct Professor of Church History, as he awaits completion of his Ph.D. from Aberdeen, in Scotland.

It was a joyous and celebratory event. Congratulations to Reverend Adam Wirrig on achieving this ministry milestone, to Shiloh Church for hosting such a fabulous event, to the Association for it's fine work in preparing and providing the opportunity for Adam, and to United Theological Seminary, for completing the loop. Each body will be well served by Adam Wirrig.

Way to go, Shiloh!