Wardens'
Handbook
Installation
of Church Wardens
The
usual form of installation takes place after the election
of the People’s Warden in a quiet moment of prayer
for both Wardens and Vestry, during the Parish Annual
Meeting. If a more formal installation is desired, the
following short service for the first Sunday after the
Annual Meeting may be used.
Immediately
following the second hymn, or at some other point in
the service deemed convenient by the Incumbent, the
Wardens to be installed are asked to proceed to the
Chancel steps.
Incumbent:
(addressing the standing congregation, may
say:)
We
are here to install into office the Church Wardens of
this congregation, to ask God’s blessings upon
them in their newly accepted responsibilities, and to
pledge them our prayers and support in the extension
of God’s Kingdom. Let us, therefore, pray that
God may richly bless those who are about to assume this
office.
The
following Lesson may be read: Numbers 11:16 –
17
Let
us pray:
Incumbent: Lord have mercy upon us.
Response: Christ have mercy upon us.
Incumbent: Lord have mercy upon us.
The
Lord’s Prayer:
Collect:
O Eternal God, the fountain of all wisdom,
enlighten with Thy Grace the Wardens of this church,
and so rule their minds and guide their counsels, that
in all things they may seek Thy Holy Will; through Jesus
Christ, Our Lord, Amen.
Prayer
for Christian Service: O Lord, our Heavenly
Father, whose blessed Son came not to be ministered
unto, but to minister, we beseech Thee to bless all
who, following in His steps, give themselves to the
service of their fellow worshipers. We pray especially
for those who are about to assume office in the government
and work of this parish. Endue them with wisdom, patience
and courage to strengthen the weak and raise up those
who fall; that, being inspired by Thy Life, they may
worthily minister in Thy Name to the suffering, the
friendless and the needy; for the sake of Him who laid
down His life for us, the same, Thy Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
(Name),
you have been appointed Rector’s Warden, and
(Name),
you have been elected People’s Warden of this
congregation,
[(Name),
you have been elected Assistant Warden of this congregation.]
I
would remind you that the office of Church Warden is
an ancient and honourable one, and carries with it not
only dignity, but great responsibility. Each of you
is possessed of equal authority, and yours is a joint
and mutual responsibility.
Together
with the Incumbent and the Vestry, it will be your duty
to make provision for and to manage the temporalities
of this church in accordance with the Canons and Bylaws
of the Diocese of Edmonton.
I
would add, also, that on account of the office you now
hold, this congregation will look to you, not only for
leadership in all that pertains to the good management
and welfare of the temporalities of the parish, but
also for Christian example and encouragement in all
efforts to promote the spiritual and moral well–being
of the congregation.
In
order that you may have fuller and more detailed knowledge
of the duties and responsibilities that pertain to your
office, I commend to you to study the Canons of this
Diocese.
Before
investing you with the symbol of your office, may I
ask if you accept this office of Church Warden in this
church and the responsibilities pertaining thereto in
accordance with the principles set forth in the Canons
of this Diocese?
WARDEN:
I do.
Incumbent:
The Lord, who hath given you this good will, grant you
grace to perform your duty to His glory and the welfare
of this church and congregation.
I
present you with a copy of the Constitution, Rules and
Canons of the Synod of the Diocese of Edmonton, and
install you as Rector’s (and/or Peoples’
and/or Assistant) Warden of this parish church of N.
for the ensuing year, until a successor has been appointed
or elected.
May
you look well to the important duties of your office
and may God’s richest blessing rest upon you in
your efforts to discharge the same.
To
the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who has only the
gift of immortality, dwelling in the light which no
one can approach, be ascribed all right, majesty, dominion
and praise, henceforth and for evermore.
Amen.
Installation
of Church Wardens
Back:
Appendix
[Notes
to the reader: Throughout this document the word "responsible"
is used when defining a warden’s functions and
duties. This does not mean that the warden must carry
out a specific function or duty; rather, the warden
must ensure that the function or duty is carried out.
It
is our intent that this document will be reviewed and
updated at a minimum of every ten (10) years.]
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