On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 24, surrounding communities of faith and friends gathered at Oak Lake United Church to celebrate with Tanis and her family the completion of her time as a Candidate and her recognition as a Designated Lay Minister.
The order of worship was planned by members of the executive council of the Prairie to Pine Regional Council and Tanis. Dorothy Willman from the Pastoral Charge and Reverend Chewe Mulenga of the Prairie Candidacy Board read scripture. Reverend Craig Miller from Knox United Church Brandon and former minister for the Oak Lake Pastoral Charge gave the message “Held together in Christ”.
The Celebration of Ministry was conducted by Lynne Sanderson, Chewe Mulenga and Reverend Shannon McCarthy from Prairie to Pine Reginal Council. Tanis was presented for recognition as a Designated Lay Minister and the congregation responded with a promise to support Tanis in the ministry to which God has called her and for which she has offered herself. Reverend McCarthy presented Tanis with a bible and certificate.
The offering from the service of $1018 went to the Mission and Service Fund through Oak Lake United Church.
Members of the Lay Supervision Team that worked with Tanis during her time as a student were recognized for their work that has now come to an end. They were Dorothy Willman (chair), Clare Moir, Lorrie Roulette and Audrey Harrison; Educational Supervisor Betty Kelly and Pastoral Charge Supervisor Faye Wilcox.
Music leadership for the service was pianist Karyn Morrow-Penner and a community choir.
Following the service, everyone was invited to the Oak Lake Community Hall for fellowship and a delicious, bountiful potluck meal.
