Rosemary Blenman (Burngreave Church Reporter)

An ordination service was held by the Burngreave Seventh-day Adventist church in Sheffield, during the fading hours of the first Sabbath of the New Year 2010. Two brethren, Mandla Ndlovu and Victor Chitando, were ordained into the sacred office of deacon.

A procession of deacons and deaconesses escorted the candidates and their wives to the fore of the congregation, where they were formally introduced by the resident minister, Pastor Victor Marshall. The candidates were then seated on the platform to hear God’s message in sermon, and to be reminded of the solemn obligations of deaconry.

Preceding the sermon and the charge of office by the presiding minister, Pastor Trevor Thomas – Pathfinder Director of the North England Conference, the congregation was regaled with song by the musical group, Heavenly Melodies.

The candidates knelt and were encircled by their wives, pastors and ordained elders, while Pastor Thomas offered a prayer of consecration. The newly ordained deacons were presented with certificates and their wives with gifts. Certificates were also given to senior personnel of the previous year in recognition of services rendered. The Youth Ministries team received a special mention and a challenge to re-consecrate themselves for further service.

The programme ended with praise and thanksgiving, followed by a benediction.