The Installation of the Rev. Canon Britt Olson

September 14 was a day of celebration for the Diocese of El Camino Real.  A number of diocesan leaders (lay and clergy) joined two bishops (Bishop Sylvestre Romero and Bishop Katharine Jefferts-Schori) to celebrate the installation of the Rev. Britt Olson as our new Canon for Evangelism and Congregational Development.  (Bishop Jefferts-Schori and members of the Diocese of Nevada were present because Canon Olson comes to us from the Diocese of Nevada.)

In his sermon, Bishop Romero reminded us that God calls us to move from safe and comfortable places to unknown -- and usually uncomfortable -- new places.  Noting that Canon Olson has responded to God's call by leaving her thriving parish in Nevada for a challenging new ministry in the Diocese of El Camino Real, he called on every member of this diocese to be prepared to move to new places as well.

Bishop Romero also said that the new job description for our Canon is impossible.   Only God, he said, could fulfill the job as we have defined it: (1) to supervise congregational and mission development; (2) to assist with clergy and congregational personnel issues; and (3) to help build relationships throughout the diocese by modeling and teaching shared ministry.  Since Canon Olson cannot do this vast job without assistance, Bishop Romero told it will be our job to help her.

Symbols of Canon Olson's new ministry were given to her in the service of installation and, in her response to each gift, she called upon everyone in the diocese to share in her new ministry:

A Bible was given with the words, Be among us as one who proclaims the word.  Canon Olson responded, Together let us spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

A vessel of water was given by Bishop Romero with the words, Help me baptize in obedience to our Lord. Canon Olson responded, Let us share in the ministry of ongoing formation in the Christian life.

A stole was given with the words, Be among us as a pastor and priest and never forget the servant ministry to which Christ calls us. Canon Olson responded, Let us share together in Christ's ministry of service.

A book of prayers was given by Bishop Jefferts-Schori with the words, Be a person of prayer for the Diocese of El Camino Real as you were for us in the Diocese of Nevada.  Canon Olson responded, Let us share together in the life of prayer.

A vessel of oil was given with the words, Be among us as a healer and reconciler. Canon Olson responded, Let us share together in the ministry of healing and reconciliation.

Keys to Mission House were given by Administrator Nordwick with the words, Through your work in this place, help us to be an open and welcoming people. Canon Olson responded, Let us share together in the ministry of welcome and hospitality.

Copies of diocesan and national canons were given with the words, Obey these canons, and be among us to share in the councils of this diocese. Canon Olson responded, Together let us share in the building up of this diocesan community.

A packet of maps was given with the words, Use these maps on your journeys through our diocese. Canon Olson responded, I look forward to journeying with you in El Camino Real.

Bread and wine were given with the words, Take this bread and wine, and be among us to break the Bread and bless the Cup. Canon Olson responded, Let us share together in this ministry of feeding God's people the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation.

When all these symbols of ministry were given the congregation prayed for Canon Olson:

Gracious and loving God,
we give you thanks for the ministry of all the baptized in this place.
We thank you for the ministry of Britt, called to minister among us.
Grant that she may faithfully administer your holy Sacraments,
and through her life and teaching set forth your true and living Word.
Be with her this day and throughout her ministry.
Accept and bless the work which we have now begun,
that it may be brought to completion,
to the honor and glory of your holy Name.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
and in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

We invite all members of the diocese to join in this prayer for Canon Olson, and to join her in her ministry among us.