Induction, Fellowship, Funeral, and Necklaces

Today was super busy. 

This morning we worshiped at Thome Parish. There was a new pastor who was installed. Here it is an expectation that every member of the presbytery attends installation services whenever pastors are transferred to this presbytery. This is a major point of contention for some pastors. Nairobi North Presbytery has had 9 new pastors installed since the first of the year. This means all the pastor's in the presbytery have had to spend almost as much time away from their congregations as they have with them. Thus the frustration. Anyway, the service was very nice even though it lasted 3 hours and 45 minutes. Yep, you read that right. Fortunately, I was hidden out of view on the back of the platform so I could enjoy the service and not be too much on display. I was asked by the Moderator of the Presbytery to read the scripture for the service (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). This was a big deal. There's a lot of discussion (and conflicting opinions) about what I'm allowed to do around here. This was one of those things some people felt strongly that I shouldn't be allowed to do because I'm a Theological Student and not a Student Minister. Those seeking ordination through PCEA must complete their theological education and then do a year of supervised ministry where they shadow a PCEA pastor as a Student Minister. In the US, supervised ministry is required for our degrees and we typically go straight into ministry after completing education. Even though this is my equivalent of their Student Ministers, I'm not allowed to participate in a lot of things like session meetings, preaching, and leading worship. I've been a very frustrated with this reality, but am finally learning to keep my mouth shut and go with it. I'm not technically allowed to pray/read liturgy/lead worship during any type of formal service since I'm not a Student Minster or an ordained Elder. However, while we were preparing for worship (yes, these things are planned 5 minutes before the service starts) someone suggested I read the scripture and someone else quickly dismissed the idea. Then the most powerful person in the room won the debate so I was volun-told to read the scripture by the Moderator. I didn't mind and was quite honored to do so. Most people in the presbytery acknowledge that the scripture reading is the most important aspect of the service. So the fact that the Theological Student read it instead of one of the 15 elders or 20 ordained clergy was a big deal. Fortunately, I got some positive feedback so I guess it went pretty well even if some people weren't cool with it. After the service, we debriefed in the vestry with all the clergy and spouses. I got the opportunity to mingle with other folks (even some female clergy - woo hoo). Several people have invited me to spend time with their families and I'm looking forward to getting to know more people in this presbytery. 

We spent the afternoon at the monthly fellowship of elders and their spouses. I thought this was going to just be lunch and a Bible study. I was certainly wrong. We spent the afternoon worshiping, bonding, and building community. Elder Simon (aka the Youth Minister) and his wife Kate were in charge of leading the afternoon's activities. They certainly lived into their reputation as the young energetic ones. They led activities that they do with youth. This was particularly fun because everyone there (except the three of us) was over 50. The activities prompted a lot of therapeutic laughter and definitely brought the group closer together. It was a great opportunity for me to get to know them better. The elders have been responsible for getting a lot done in preparation for my visit (aka giving the host family money to buy groceries to feed me and other stuff like that) so it was a great opportunity for me to say thank you and spend some time getting to know them. This evening we were able to get home in time for me to watch my Aunt Sue's funeral on video chat. Thank goodness for technology. The pastor was appropriately western and the music had just the right amount of twang. What a special service it was. I'm so grateful I was able to be present even if I was thousands of miles away. ~ Nell in Nairobi PS: This is Kate (mentioned above) she made me some special handmade jewelry. I was thrilled to support a friend from church. Kate is a stay-at-home mom and she recently discovered a passion for jewelry making. Now she's started her own business making jewelry and other goodies. You can check out her Instagram page @zafaraniafrikabykatesaich if you're interested in supporting her. Here's a picture of us wearing necklaces she made.