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By Pamela Day  

The sound of J.S. Bach’s “Air from the Suite No 3” from the organ brought an exuberant congregation to quiet for the Installation/Induction of The Rev. Brenda Nestegaard Paul in the afternoon of March 11. The procession of clergy and bishops led by cross bearer, Miss Amber Santarelli, entered to the Introit “What does the Lord Require of You?” and the call to ‘seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God’. These words from the prophet Micah were the prevailing theme throughout the service.   

Bishop Gregory Mohr, BC Synod, ELCIC began the service as its presiding minister, with Bishop Logan McMenamie, Diocese of BC, ACC, preaching. Bishop Logan started his sermon by reminding everyone that Trinity Church was the one church that could claim him as theirs, as he said ‘you can take the boy out of Port Alberni, but you cannot take Port Alberni out of the boy’. He then went on to recognize some of the challenges that Trinity and Port Alberni have faced, while proclaiming the hope we have in Christ that good news will be created by doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with our God.   Brenda is the first Lutheran minister to serve Trinity Church. The Installation/Induction rite was a combined rite that reflected that she, as a Lutheran minister was called to serve both and Anglican and Lutheran congregation that came together as a parish many years ago. A number of visiting clergy from both Anglican and Lutheran churches were involved, including both bishops. After Brenda committed herself to the people of Trinity, the parish committed themselves to her, followed by the guests in attendance promising to support Brenda and the people of Trinity to live out this covenant together.  

Bishop Greg, with the help of the assembly, then performed a blessing upon the newly installed pastor. Members of the congregation led Brenda to the place of baptism, the place of the word and the place of communion as a reminder of the focus of her call. Parish wardens, Liz Stokes, presented Brenda with the keys to the parish buildings.

After Bishop Logan presented the license, Brian Evans, archdeacon of Cowichan/Malaspina inducted Brenda as incumbent of the parish. As the rite came to a close, the congregation erupted in applause. Brenda then presided over an uplifting Eucharist. There was much glorious music by the choir under the direction of organist David Cox. A delicious reception followed, and while it may have been a cold, wet, wintry day outside, there was a wonderful warm joyous atmosphere in Trinity Anglican Lutheran Church in Port Alberni.  

Photos by Larry Craig:1. Group shot of everyone who attended. 2.Bishop Logan McMenamie, Rev. Brenda Nestegaard Paul, Bishop Gregory Mohr, BC Synod, ELCIC 3.The Venerable Brian Evans, Bishop Logan McMenamie, Rev. Sue House, Rev. Brenda Nestegaard Paul, Rev. Carol Dennison, Bishop Gregory Mohr

This article will appear in the May 2017 issue of the Diocesan Post.