John 15:16 (ESV) You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
Not with pride but with great joy I have to say that January 20, 2018 was an awesome day. As I stood at the front of church and looked around and at those in attendance I was in awe at how blessed I am to have so many people in my life.
At one point in the ceremony I was presented with priestly articles. My sister Doris, who painstakingly reworked my treasured red deacon stole, presented me with my priest’s stole. My son Nathan presented me with my bible and son Mathew presented me with a chalice.
With a lot of help from Betty & Bob Blanchette, my wife Judy transformed the sanctuary at New Life Assembly into a dual purpose facility in order that “my seniors” had easy access to both the service and the luncheon. Judy oversaw and almost single handedly prepared a meal of soup and salad for close to 100 people in attendance. My sister and her daughter Jo-Anne were a tremendous help on Friday prior to the service and many other friends and family graciously provided breads and desserts. Thank you to Pastor Dale Sanger and the good people of New Life Assembly for kindly allowing me to hold our service at your church.
My thanks to those in attendance and others who have been praying for me; thank you to The Right Reverend Charles Masters, Diocesan Bishop of the Anglican Network in Canada and Archdeacon Paul Charbonneau for making the trip to Belle River.
Thank you Jesus for allowing me to be your hands and feet and to serve you by serving others.
Yours in Christ,
The Reverend Phillip Rutledge
Click on any photo below to view are larger image and to scroll through a gallery of pictures from this glorious day. I say glorious not because of anything I’ve done but what God has done for me. Soli Deo Gloria!
