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411 Service of commissioning parish councillors

411.1 Context

The service of commissioning follows as soon as possible after the election of new parish councillors. (The term elder may in some parishes need to be substituted for the terms parish councillor or councillor) Those previously commissioned as parish councillors may be invited to respond to the questions in 411.4 c) and to join with the new councillors as they are admitted to the parish council.

New councillors respond to the questions and are commissioned and admitted. The service may be part of any regular service of worship - Holy Communion or the covenant service (prepared by the Methodist Church) are particularly appropriate. The service may also be part of an annual act of dedication of the whole parish council.

411.2 Participants

The service is an act of the parish council and the senior office-bearer(s) should play an active part.

411.3 Order of service

This is at the discretion of the presiding minister but normally will include

  • The Collect of the Day
  • The Old Testament eg. Isaiah 42:14
  • A hymn or psalm
  • The Epistle
  • The Gospel e.g., John 13:1-17
  • The Sermon - this will include a charge to the councillors to be commissioned
  • The Creed
  • A hymn
  • Scriptural sentences.

411.4 The commissioning

(suitable Scripture sentences are read)

a)   The presiding minister says:

"Minister and councillors together exercise oversight within the parish. Councillors are persons who command the respect and trust of the people for the Christian quality of their lives and their fitness for this Office. They are expected to be faithful in their attendance at public worship and to share with the ordained ministry in the care of the people, the government of the church and in leading the witness of the church in the community.

The (parish meeting) has elected A, B, C and D to be parish councillors.

It is fitting that we proceed to commission them and admit them to the parish council."

b)    The person appointed to do so shall present to the presiding minister those who are to be commissioned saying

"1 present to you A, B and C to be commissioned by prayer as (elders or councillors) and D and E, previously commissioned, to be admitted with them to the parish council"

c)    The presiding minister then invites all the councillors?elect to answer these questions by saying I do

"Do you profess anew the Christian faith?"

"Do you promise to promote the life and mission of this parish and to foster its unity in Christ?"

"Do you respect the doctrine and practice of the Partners and accept the authority of the parish council and regional and national courts of the Partners?"

"Do you accept office on the parish council and undertake faithfully to perform the duties of a councillor?"

d)    The presiding minister then puts the following question to the congregation

"Do you in accepting these councillors whom you have chosen to share in the oversight of this parish, promise in Christian fellowship to give them your support and encouragement?"

The congregation responds by standing and saying We do.

e)    While the congregation remains standing the councillors?elect kneel and the presiding minister then prays

"Almighty God you have set your church in the world to bear witness to the Gospel. We thank you that you call men and women in every generation to offer their lives and their talents for the fulfilment of your purpose. Accept your servant(s) whom you have called to be councillors in this parish."

f)     Here the minister lays his hand upon the head of each person to be commissioned in turn and repeats the following words

"Give Holy Spirit to N.. whom we in your name commission as a councillor"

"Give them grace to do the work committed to them and vision to lead your people in their witness to the world. Make them constant in service and wise in counsel grounded in the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, that through them your will may be done and your name may be glorified"

All respond Amen.

a) The councillors stand. The presiding minister says "1 declare A, B, C and D commissioned councillors and members of the parish council. The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit be with you always."

All respond: "Amen thanks be to God."

411.5 Conclusion

Representatives of the parish council may welcome the new members in an appropriate way.

The service continues as arranged.