Sunday the 7th June was another mild, sunny winter day and at 2pm the Commissioning Service for Nigel Irwin began. (On his arrival here, two days previously, Nigel and family were treated to a spectacular thunder and lightning display which lasted hours, so we have a gambit of weather experienced in the earliest days of Nigel’s Ministry.)

The service was led by Glen Ashworth, regional Dean, Vicar of Nativity Church. His easy manner eventually subdued some of the high excitement which prevailed throughout the church, prior to the service getting underway. The church was full. The opening hymn ‘Be Thou My Vision’ set the scene for the spirit led service. Following the introduction, and opening prayers, Nigel was invited to be presented to Bishop Steve for Commissioning. Bishop Steve himself, was equally excited to have Nigel in our midst, as were we, and his words to him were warm and very sincere.

A reading from 2 Timothy 4: 1-5 prepared us for the Bishop’s sermon entitled “The Weight and Wonder of the Pastoral Call” which was very practical in its Bible based foundation - to encourage Nigel in the Ministry he had decided to undertake. Bishop Steve is a passionate preacher and there was no doubt in his words that he identified - this was Nigel’s calling.

From this point in the service it became a visual feast, because several staff members came forward each with a few encouraging words, presenting Nigel with an array of gifts, including a Bible, the Bread and the Wine, the Vessel of Baptism Water, the Holy Spirit symbol of the candle, and the community gifts in the form of a book and a home communion set. From there, Laura-Jane was gifted flowers and her two teenagers presented with sealed envelopes.

There was formality which followed and the climax was the opportunity for people to step forward and pray for Nigel and family and welcome him from various parts within our church. The service ended most appropriately with the hymn ‘in Christ Alone’, a very moving rendition carried out by the full throated congregation. This service had been meticulously planned to enable Nigel Irwin to transition to his newly chosen, God inspired future. The warmth of all the people present in their welcome for him, will stay with us all, as we look back at this day

Afternoon tea followed, in the Hall, and it was another very jolly occasion. And we were very blessed to have many gracious and helpful people serving our food. So many people endeavoured, also, to snatch a minute or two to wish Nigel and Laura-Jane well for the coming weeks until they can be together as Husband and Wife, with Laura-Jane and children returning to the North Island the next day, for the next few months.

Jackie Hall

Commissioning Service for Ps. Nigel Irwin