One of the amazing blessings for the Moderator of the URC’s General Assembly is the invitation to preside at the induction of a new moderator called to serve in one of our 13 synods.
Earlier in September I shared in this moment for the Revd Mike Thomason (pictured right) as he became the Moderator of our North Western Synod. What a glorious day of celebration it was! Soon, I’ll have the privilege repeated for the induction of the Revd Paul Robinson (pictured left, with family) as Moderator of Southern Synod.
I want to reflect on a particular element woven into the service we shared this month. Mike was presented with four symbols of ministry. First, there was a somewhat battered Bible (originally presented to Mike at his ordination in 2002): a reminder to always share with us all in opening God’s word, proclaiming it, exploring its riches, turning it into life.
Then came a jug and bowl of water; speaking of baptism and recalling Christ’s promise to be for us an endless wellspring of living water. Next, bread and wine: the holy meal we share at Christ’s invitation to remember his life, death, resurrection and ascension. Finally came a small pot of oil: a gift for anointing, a symbol of healing, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Our Reformed tradition places high store upon just two Gospel sacraments: baptism and communion. We say that these are the two ways we find in the New Testament that are offered to us with unique power and possibility to draw us closer to God. They are outward signs of what is nourishing and transforming our souls inwardly. They are rooted in the ministry of Jesus.
David Cornick writes movingly of our tradition and these “trysting places” where God appoints us to meet (Letting God be God, 2008). We cherish the possibilities of water for baptism and bread and wine at Christ’s table as they speak across millennia. But, as a new Moderator was offered, we also rejoice in God’s gifts of Scripture and the touch of healing prayer.
There will be other places, of course. But here, for sure, are four places where lovers meet.