“Continuation of a Ministry Already Begun”
“This moment in the call to the priesthood does not signify that the ordinand is just beginning his ministry, but celebrates and consecrates the continuation of an often long and faithful ministry already begun,” were the words of Fr. Greg Snyder during his sermon for the Rev. Jeremy Shelton’s ordination to the priesthood on December 1, 2018 at St. John’s Parish Church on Johns Island.
Snyder continued, firmly placing God’s calling on Jeremy’s life as subject to God’s glory, “Fr. Jeremy, you must never forget this: the whole earth is full of His glory! And, it is in the Lord’s glory, not our own, where we must kneel, because we are unable to stand.”
Jeremy’s oldest son, Will (11), was the reader of the referenced Old Testament text from Isaiah 6:1-8.
Snyder gave an encouraging reminder, “Fr. Jeremy, never forget that you are a sinner of God’s own redeeming…your calling from God never waivers, because it is from Him.”
When questioned if any part of the service had a specific impact, Shelton answered, “Yes! When the bishop laid his hands on my head. The only word I can use to describe it is…intense.” Appropriately, it was in Jeremy’s kneeling before God and Bishop Lawrence, that he had that intense experience.
Jeremy will continue to serve as curate of St. John’s Parish Church. “I have felt affirmed again and again in my calling to the people of St. John’s Parish, I am grateful for them and for being called here” said Shelton. He continued, “our family is becoming ingrained in life here at St. John’s and on Johns Island. We love living here, serving here, and making our lives here.”
Jeremy, his wife Jessica, and sons, Will (11), Ben (9), and Hayes (2) are committed to ministry and life on Johns Island. The continuation of a ministry already begun, indeed.
Listen to the sermon.
