Barbara's Ordination

On Friday I went to Lecompton where I stayed with SAndy until Saturday. Then we went to Barbara's ordination as a Deacon. This is a really big deal in the Episcopalian religious sphere, and she has worked long and hard to attain the honor. It was held at Grace Cathedral in Topeka which is huge and beautiful. There were hundreds of people gathered to see three Deacons and three Priests ordained.

They marched in at the beginning in the middle of a long procession of priests, vergers, and other 'piscop dignataries that I can't ever remember, as well as smells and bells and lovely music.The ceremony was very long with lots of praying, kneeling, singing, choir music and a sermon. But the salient points seemed to be these:
The Bishop read their "orders" to them.Then Barbara and the other ordinands all got new clothes and people to help them into them.Then Barbara looked like this. Nice, huh?There were vows and promises and rituals of the new position. And then the Bishop gave Barbara a new Bible.
The whole family was there to celebrate this significant occasion in Barbara's life.Cousin Phil, who I think introduced Barbara to the Episcopalians was back from D.C., and he was one of her presenters.There were friends, including me.Joe the Lawn Boy.Garth and Craig who are Barbara's friends and her globe-trotting travel companions.As well as her neighbor who moved away a couple of years ago.
We were all very proud of Barbara and honored to be among those who celebrated her becoming a Deacon.