The Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence, Bishop of South Carolina, ordained Matthew Rivers to the transitional diaconate May 29, 2018 at St. John’s Chapel in Charleston. Rivers, who has been called to serve as the Vicar of St. John’s, received his Masters of Divinity along with his wife, Henrietta Rivers, from Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA, earlier in May.
The recently retired Vicar of St. John’s, The Rev. Dr. Dallas Wilson, who with his wife, Janie, served at St. John’s for more than 12 years, preached at the ordination.
“The time has come for you to lead these people,” said Wilson. He stressed the necessity of holding firm to scripture, “counseling” Rivers to adhere to the “three R’s for Pastors:”
“Realize as time passes the tendency to compromise our convictions will intensify and become a reality.
“Resist every temptation to drift away from the written Word of God (Sola Scriptura).
“Remember our adherence to the truth keeps us strong, not our agreement with the majority of our parishioners.”
Following the service Bishop Lawrence commented, “My prayer is that Matthew and Henrietta, along with the strong lay leaders of the congregation, shall lead St. John’s to new chapter of growth and mission, impacting changing neighborhoods of the east side with the transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
“It was wonderful to have all of the priests and members of St. John’s, as well as members of my family participating,” said Rivers. “It was a great day in the Kingdom. I was especial grateful for the Word of God from Brother Dallas – for the instructions he gave.”
Matthew Rivers was ordained a transitional deacon on May 29, 2018 by the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence at St. John’s Chapel, Charleston
