News and Views

By Alison Burdett
Director of Communications

The Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church celebrated the calling, commissioning, and ordination of a new class of clergy leaders during a joyful and spirit-filled Service of Ordination and Commissioning held May 29 at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor.

Led by Resident Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling and joined by retired Bishops Gregory Palmer and Peggy Johnson, the service brought together clergy, laity, family members, and friends from across the conference to affirm God's call on those entering set-apart ministry.

As clergy processed into the worship space, flashes of red shoes beneath robes and vestments offered a subtle but powerful reminder of the 70th anniversary of the ordination of women in The United Methodist Church. Worn by many clergy and laity throughout the congregation, the red shoes became a visible sign of gratitude for the generations of women whose leadership helped pave the way for those serving today.

The service celebrated this anniversary through a litany led by Board of Ordained Ministry Co-Chairs the Rev. Amanda McMurtrey and the Rev. Paul Johnson. The litany honored the faith, leadership, and witness of women who have helped shape the church's ministry over seven decades.

Drawing on themes of discipleship, service, and community, worshippers renewed their baptismal covenant and affirmed their shared calling to ministry before witnessing the presentation of candidates for commissioning and ordination.

Preaching from John 15, retired Bishop Gregory Palmer reminded the ordinands that ordination is not a destination but a continuation of God's call. Reflecting on Jesus' words, "I am the vine, you are the branches," Palmer urged those preparing to receive holy orders to remain deeply connected to Christ, the source of their life and ministry. Returning repeatedly to Jesus' declaration, "You did not choose me, but I chose you," he challenged candidates to remember that ministry is rooted not in personal achievement but in God's initiative and grace.

Building on the image of the vine and branches, Palmer reminded the congregation that "Your assignment is not pruning other branches. Your assignment is bearing fruit." Encouraging clergy and congregations alike to measure ministry by transformed lives rather than institutional success, he called the church to turn its attention outward toward the world God loves.

Palmer also challenged those entering ministry to love the church deeply, even as they work to strengthen it. "I love the church," he declared, reminding the congregation that the church exists as God's instrument for bringing hope and transformation to the world.

The congregation also demonstrated its commitment to supporting clergy throughout their ministries. An offering received during the service raised $7,011 for the Baltimore-Washington Conference Board of Ordained Ministry's Clergy Renewal Leave Fund, which provides opportunities for clergy rest, renewal, and spiritual growth. An additional $360 was received for Seeds of Security, a ministry that supports victims of domestic and intimate partner violence. The gift supplemented an offering received during Opening Worship two days earlier.

The conference then commissioned David Scott as a provisional member preparing for ordained ministry as an elder. During the commissioning, Bishop Easterling prayed for the Holy Spirit to strengthen Scott's ministry as he continues his journey toward full ordination.

Three candidates were ordained as deacons:

• William Carpenter
• Jaleesa Hall
• Cassandra Lawrence

Deacons are called to ministries of Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice, connecting the church's life with the needs of the world.

Eight candidates were ordained as elders:

• Charles Anderson-Gray
• James Cogman
• Gerald Elston
• Joshua Gillen
• Ashley Hoover
• Jenn Osterfeld
• Yongchi Rhie
• Leo Yates

Elders are ordained to ministries of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service, serving congregations and communities through preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and leadership.

Throughout the service, candidates publicly affirmed their commitment to Christ, The United Methodist Church, and the vows of ordained ministry. Family members, sponsors, clergy colleagues, and conference leaders participated in the laying on of hands, a historic act symbolizing the church's blessing and recognition of God's call.

The celebration continued at the Lord's Table, where worshippers shared Holy Communion administered by the newly ordained leaders.

Following Communion, Bishop Easterling extended an invitation to ministry, reminding worshippers that God's call comes in many forms and places. “Abram was called under the stars. Miriam was called beside the waters. Deborah was called under a tree. Isaiah was called in a temple,” she said, before reflecting on the many ways people continue to encounter God's call today. As the congregation sang “Here I Am, Lord,” several people stepped forward to answer God's call. With each person who came forward, Bishop Easterling responded with an enthusiastic “Hallelujah!” celebrating their willingness to offer themselves to God's service.

Following a litany of sending that declared, “We are the ones God has called,” Bishop Easterling closed the service by echoing themes first shared earlier in the week during the memorial service by the Rev. Narae Kim. Reminding worshippers that discipleship is lived in community, she proclaimed, “When we go together, it's twice the joy and half the grief. When we go together, the roots are deeper and stronger. When we go together, we gain the courage to love more boldly.”

Drawing on the conference theme, she sent the congregation into the world with a final charge: “May the people called United Methodist go out singing and dancing, ready to be deeply rooted in Christ and to love more boldly.”