Following a prayer, introduction of local guests, and citation of a litany, the children "showered" Paul with blessings (through sprinkling of water) during the singing of the hymn "Move in our Midst".

   

    The service then progressed to the formal installation.  Regional representatives of the Church of the Brethren (Mary Gault) and the two Mennonite conferences (Lavon Welty and Bill Miller) conducted the formal commissioning.  The congregation then recited the following response:

    The charge to you becomes a charge to all of us, for we are all members of one another.  As you exercise your gifts in equipping God's people for their work of ministering, we also will exercise our Spirit-given gifts.  They are God's to use even as your gifts are at God's disposal.  As servants of Jesus Christ with you, we affirm the exercise of leadership ministry committed to you.  We earnestly desire that for us and for all whom you will serve, you will be a 'good minister of Jesus Christ’.

   

    The congregation formed a “prayer chain” around Paul during a dedicatory prayer.  Guests and congregates were invited to give comments, then Paul offered a response.  The service ended with the singing of the hymn  "Beyond a Dying Sun", a favorite of Paul.

   
    Following the service, there was a brief time to offer congratulations to Paul and Joy and picture taking before everyone sat down for a sumptuous fellowship meal.