We celebrated the Life and Mission of St. James Church and officially welcomed the Rev. Timothy S. Reger as our new minister. The Right Rev. Bishop Adams presided over this service of installation of Fr. Tim as the eighteenth Rector of our Parish.

The Rector and Wardens, standing before the Bishop, say

Bishop, on behalf of the people of St. James Church, we present ourselves to you and the gathered church to receive God’s blessing as we begin a new ministry together.

The Bishop says to the Rector, Wardens and members of the parish

Dear Tim and people of St. James, do you commit yourselves to lively proclamation of the gospel through the work of this congregation and the larger church, working together in love and harmony and in mutual respect for the ministries of all the baptized?

The Rector, Wardens and members of the parish respond

We do.

The Bishop reads a charge to the members of the parish:

Good people of St. James, together with your rector, you have been called to share in the Church’s mission to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. As your bishop, I remind you that in Baptism, you are fully empowered and authorized to exercise ministry in Christ’s name, with mutual affection and respect, within this parish, in the Diocese of Central New York, and in the wider community.
Having covenanted in Baptism to do this work, remember that each of you has resources and gifts for ministry. Join your rector, in prayer, in discerning a vision for this parish, and in calling forth the leadership, resources, and talents to carry out that vision. As you love and serve God’s people, remember to love, support, and nourish your rector, his family, and the members of the staff who serve you here.
May the One who has given you the will to do these things, give you the grace and power to perform them.