After almost four years of study and preparation at Sancta Sophia Seminary, the day of my ordination finally arrived.  Although there were some unexpected obstacles, the Light of Christ cleared the way for us to proceed.

The biggest challenge came when I heard that Rev. Carol had a minor stroke and was in the hospital.  I immediately contacted my adviser, Margaret Stephens, who sent me a message from Carol, that not to worry, she was coming to California as planned.  What magnificent determination and effort was demonstrated as Carol set a course for rehabilitation and recovery.

During the waiting period, I met with the Wisdom Circle several times.  We have been meeting at the Mason’s house and as I was sharing Carol progress, Rita pointed to a peacock that was in their front yard.  They had never seen it before that week, but it showed up twice before the meeting and this was the third time.  Rita named the peacock “Carol” and we saw it as a sign that all was well.  Mike took a picture and here is “Carol.”

It was touch and go as to whether Margaret was going to be able to come to California for the service. We put our heads together and figured out a way for her to teach her Saturday class and catch a plane to California in time for the service on Sunday morning.

An unexpected outcome and pleasure was that Cindy McGinnis was able to come to my ordination as she graciously accepted the opportunity to be Carol’s traveling companion in California.

Precious are my friends and family who were able to come to my ordination service. Many were not able to come in person, but sent their love and light in the form of prayers, cards, email messages, and gifts. I felt the presence of friends from Light of Christ Community Church in Tahlequah, OK and from friends in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah.

All of my children and grandchildren were able to come.  My son Robert and his family from Reno pictured here and my daughter Rachelle and her family from Woodland pictured below. Not only were my children and grandchildren present, but also they participated in the musical portion of the ceremony.  My granddaughter Cady is quite a good pianist and I asked her to play in the service. My son Robert Fine, daughter-in-law Martie, and granddaughter Emma decided to accompany Cady in song.  Needless to say, it was  beautiful and touching.

My daughter Rachelle Howard and son-in-law John with my grandchildren: Jacob, Joey, Jason, and Jessica.  They also sang an original song at the reception which followed the morning service. They are all pictured here sharing their love and light at the service.

As you can see my husband Bill Fine is by my side.  Not only to help me get up from the stairs when I kneel, but also to lend me his love and support as he has done for the last 44 years. Thank you Bill!

He was also a star in Rev. Carol’s eyes as he was her co-pilot navigating the stairs and dicey spots in the terrain for both Saturday's workshop and Sunday's service.

I am so fortunate to have some wonderful and talented people participating in my work with Sophia’s Well of Wisdom.  One of them, Shari Anderson, is a professional flautist and singer. She was most willing to share her musical gifts for the ordination ceremony.  And this was just one week after she successfully completed a musical fundraiser for the Amador County Interfaith Food Bank.

Among the audience were Kathy and Dave Ghormley. Kathy is the owner of Refresh at Sutter Creek, where I work three days a week providing holistic massage and bodywork services.  Some of our clients Jamie Kenwood, Betsy Sanders and her husband Sandy are also celebrating with me, making this an evermore special day.  Some friends from my former days at Preston School are also present. Rev. Marilyn Beuhler, a co-worker and fellow-student at Sancta Sophia Seminary is here to lend her support. Marilyn is the director of Radiant Light in Sacramento. Also present are some friends of Sophia's Well of Wisdom, Mike and Rita Mason, Tom Esposito, Chris Heim, Lynnea Honn, Sheila Berg, and Jessie McBride.  Friends Lori and Claresa Mills, Janie, and some new friends from Saturday's workshop blessed our gathering.  Also present are my sister-in-law, Joetta Brown and her husband Gerry Brown. And of course, our lovely hosts, Susan and Koji Sonoyama and Jeremie Jenkins. So you see, I am so very blessed on this day!

Its 10:30 Sunday morning, July 19, 2009 and the guests have arrive to the garden service held at the home of Koji and Susan Sonoyama in Ione, CA.

The Prelude begins...

and Rev. Margaret Stephens gives the invocation.

Rev. Carol E. Parrish welcomes everybody and shares her thoughts,

...about the Light of Christ Community Church

...the International Council of Community Churches,

...Sancta Sophia Seminary, the educational arm of the church,

...the reading of scripture

...what the ordination service means.

Rev. Margaret Stephens presents the candidate for ordination.

                                    Ministers are invited to join us at the platform...

I take my vows of service to the Christ. I am filled with joy unspeakable. The Presence of Love is powerful.

(I find out later that Friends at Sparrow Hawk Village are meeting in the fellowship hall to add their Light and Love to the service just at this time.)

Words cannot describe what I am feeling inside at this time.  I hang on!  It is a humbling experience that I will never forget.

 Afterwards, I take my seat and the music begins.  I am still floating. I hear my children and grandchildren sing while Cady Fine plays "In the Garden," a beautiful old hymn that has a deep mystical meaning to me and I am touched to my very soul.

Shari Anderson sings “Presence of Love.” which reflects  the feelings of love I feel all around me. Rev. Carol later tells her that she "sings like a bird."

Rev. Carol address the audience...and I receive my ordination certificate. Gratitude and joy overwhelm me...

I am invited to speak. 

I share the story of how Rev. Carol had to practice writing her name 100 times so that she could sign my certificate.  She told me that she would sign another one if I wanted her to when her handwriting was back to normal. 

I told her that I would cherish this one all the more because of the labor of love that went into it.

Bill greets his wife, the new reverend; ever the gentleman, he actually is waiting to help me down the stairs.

A little later, Joey, my grandson, asks me, "What do I call you, Reverend Grandma?"

Shari plays the postlude and we slip into the celebration. 

Koji offers a toast…we drink…we eat…we laugh and enjoy the sweet fellowship of loving family and friends.

My daughter Rachelle and I in a special moment of grace. 

Bill visits with Joetta and Gerry Brown, his sister and brother-in-law from Oakley, CA.

Rev. Carol is tired from all her work, but not too tired to meet new friends and join in the festivities. She is talking with Lynnea Honn and Cindy, the every faithful companion, is checking to see if brunch is ready.  Carol really enjoyed Koji's good home cooking.

Rita Mason discovers a dragonfly that has joined the party and adds a blessing!

How wonderful for me to have so many of my friends celebrate with me!  The ceremony and reception were held at the home of my long-time dear friends

Koji and Susan Sonoyama. 

 Koji and Susan worked tirelessly preparing their garden and home and addressing the many details that go into an exceptional event like this.  They also prepared all the food, which was both abundant and delicious.  Just ask anybody! 

However, kudos also go to their son, Jeremie Jenkins, who pitched in to help beyond the call of duty.  He also helped with the sound system. 

Rob, Martie, Cady, and Emma also came down from Reno on Saturday and helped Susan and Koji prepare for the big day.  Rachelle and John and grandchildren also jumped in and lent a hand on Sunday. 

So many commented on what wonderful children we have and Bill and I agree wholeheartedly.  As we sat watching them seated just before the service began, we both said. "We are blessed beyond measure!"

Mike and Rita Mason are also supportive in more ways than I can count.  Mike was busy doing his job taking pictures for the event. That's why there are no pictures of Mike.

My dear friends Sheila Berg and Jessie McBride (talking to granddaughter Emma) also helped host the event and are pictured with my son Rob who is in charge of making sure people have a refreshing drink to cool off from the hot summer weather.

No body lets me do a thing, except prepare the alter in the gazebo.  Some of my favorite things from my home alter went onto the garden alter. St Francis of Assisi stood in front of the alter and his prayer was on the bulletins that I selected for the service.

Sheila Berg, our WWW "crone" - longtime supporter and friend in a reflective moment. 

What does not show in these pictures is how much all my friends and family worked to help out before, at the reception and the clean up afterwards. 

What fabulous and faithful family and friends! Thank you all so much for making this a day I will never forget.

Coming Soon...more pictures on the Album page.