Consecration Service - Friday March 6th.

I probably will say a bit more about this wonderful evening, but I want first to include the comments of Pastor Daniel Graham, of the Free Methodist Church as he shared with members on his newsletter list.

I had a great experience last night attending the service for "The Consecration of Michael Hawkins as a Bishop in the Church of God".  In other words, Michael Hawkins is now a bishop in the Anglican church.

If you have attended a wedding, funeral, special service, mid-week service, or even a regular worship time at St. Alban's Cathedral, then you have maybe met Michael. He has been the pastor there, and the Dean of the Prince Albert area for about 8 years now, and when that is your role, you are stationed at St. Alban's (St. Alban's is the big church that the mall and Dairy queen were built around.)

Last night's service was a 2 hour event with all the rich symbolism and tradition that you might expect from our Anglican brothers and sisters at such an important time. loved seeing the robes.  I love the grandeur of the Sacred Heart Cathedral where it was held.  The gifts of a ring, cross, Stole (shawl) & Cope (cloak), Mitre, Bible, and Staff from various church leaders and his own family seemed like such an appropriate set of tools so that Michael may never forget the great trust placed upon him by those he will serve.  The liturgy of prayers, scriptures, responsive readings, and statements of truth was never boring, but rather... um... captivating.  The whole atmosphere was fresh to a guy like me, raised solidly inside the ultra-pragmatic world of evangelical protestantism; and so I thoroughly enjoyed the many symbolisms in the service because they reminded me that we are part of something really important.  I am glad that my friend Michael has been selected to be the Bishop of Saskatchewan ('Saskatchewan really meaning the area around Prince Albert and the north, in Anglican leadership terms).  He is wise, he is a capable leader, he has been a competant pastor at St. Alban's, he is very personable, he has a great track record, and most importantly - he relies on Jesus for guidance and strength.  Lord, may your servant Michael be ever more reliant upon you as he is given greater responsibility.  Give him your grace and wisdom as he helps to lead a major denomination through unstable waters.  Work through him so that he is a blessing to everyone whom he comes into contact with.  Bless our Anglican brothers and sisters in Christ that they may see many new disciples made through their churches.

Amen.