The Lord Being My Helper: The Diaconal Ordination of Jennifer Keifer and Jeff Wojcicki
The Rt. Rev. Alex Cameron, Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh
On what was almost certainly, the last breath of a late summer, on a perfectly still day that reached 83 degrees – the sun shone through the golden fall foliage, surrounding All Saints Cathedral, and lit up a full church that had assembled to pray for and witness the diaconal ordination of Jeff Wojcicki and Jennifer Kiefer. Bishop Andrew commented, “Jeff and Jen represent the fruit of a much more rigorous, more deeply focused, and well-prepared ordination process. All of our candidates in this new process were truly gifted and faithful people of God. Jen and Jeff distinguished themselves as specifically called to ordained servant leadership. Both Jen and Jeff have proven histories of leadership within the ADNE churches in which they currently serve, Trinity North Shore and All Saints Cathedral respectively. The large discernment team that came around them were unanimous in their agreement. I share their excitement at what we will see the Lord do next in their respective ministries.”
Bishop Alex Cameron of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, a firm friend of Bishop Andrew with a long-time history with the ADNE, was in attendance to preach. His message was winsome and honest, speaking to the Biblical mandate and responsibilities of the call to shepherd the Lord’s flock faithfully and lovingly. Bishop Alex commented, “It was a lovely homecoming for me to be back in New England preaching at this diaconal ordination. Lovely because, knowing Jennifer, it was familiar and having just met Jeff, it was encouraging of ongoing new life.”
The Rev. Jennifer described the day as both a milestone of God’s past promises and a foretaste of its eschatological fulfillment, saying “‘You have turned my lamentation into dancing.’ Years ago, coming out of a miry season, God spoke over me His great love with an invitation to dance with Him as I trust Him with my story. At that time, I had no idea that ordination would be part of that dance. The ordination service was a milestone of His steadfastness, my belovedness in Him, and our dancing together – a tangible marker of His faithfulness in all He promises. Palpable to me was the great love of the Triune God Himself, my Bishop, my mentor and visiting Bishop, my Rector and sponsor, my presenters, my family, my parish, my co-ordinand, and my extended family in Christ. The Eucharistic feast on that day will remain one of my most cherished memories as we anticipate together the great joy of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. I am humbled, grateful, and deeply touched.”
Canon Tim Clayton, Rector of Trinity North Shore where Deacon Jen serves, reflected, “we at Trinity North Shore are glad the day has happened! We’ve been looking forward to it. The next day, Sunday, the 29th, I could not help but notice the poise and not-uptight-reverence (what’s the word for this?) which the Rev. Deacon Jen brought to her new liturgical role! It just seemed natural, all around, for Jen and for the people. Which is a good note not only to start on, but for us all who are ordained clergy, to stay on! Be ourselves and walk with Jesus and his Spirit. We’re excited and glad for Deacon Jen serving among us at Trinity North Shore.”
The Rev. Jeff spoke to the sense of glory and love experienced that day, saying, “the service was filled with beauty and glory: from the procession of the clergy to the presentation; from the oath in the presence of a community to the celebration and joy of corporate singing; and from the ordination impartation to the serving and receiving of the Body and Blood of Christ. The power of God was felt in the peace, joy, love, and glory of the occasion. I was richly blessed by the breadth and depth of the gathered congregation.”
Bishop Andrew commented, “For me, one of the most important lines of liturgy in the ordination service acts as a kind of bookend at the beginning and end of the examination. The examination begins and ends with an important declaration from the ordinands, “I will, the Lord being my helper.” Ordained leadership is a great privilege, but it is also hugely challenging. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not good advice to be obeyed, it is good news to be believed, trusted and to be transformed by. Only by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit can we shepherd and lead God’s people into that transformation. Only love produces love. I believe that Jen and Jeff have the humility to be grown by Jesus in this critical Spirit-led capacity. I also know, that in Jesus, they have an entire Diocese to cheer them on, love them, and encourage them along the way.”
Photos by Ian Drummond
