A universal gathering was held at Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church as people from all around the world participated in the installation and blessing of Rev. Junius B. Dotson.
On October 6, universal members of the Disciple Ministries, friends, family and the community attended a special worship service. Rev. Junius B. Dotson was installed and blessed as General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries.
The spirit-filled program was led by Bishop Mark Webb and consisted of prayer, praise, music and a message. The music was provided by song leader Rev. Ronda Kingwood of St. Mark UMC, Wichita, Kan. and a collaboration of choirs from Gordon Memorial and Clark Memorial United Methodist Churches. A special prayer was given by Rev. Motoe Yamada Foor, who prayed in French with an English interpreter.
“I do speak English; however, it is my desire to pray in French. Sometimes it is good to hear other languages in prayer,” said Rev. Foor.
Following the program of worship, the Installation was given and concluded with the ‘Presentation of Stole.’
“The Stole reflects the ministries you are called to lead as General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries,” the congregation was told. Others also spoke regarding to the Stole, including: Kim Simpson (Central Texas Conference), saying, “the cross and flame symbolizes church”; Rev. Dr. Mike Bowie (North TExas Conference) said, “Woven through the stole, wheat and grapes are signs of life and fruitfulness, bread and wine for the physical and spiritual nourishment of the world; Rev. Magusig ‘John’ Manalo (West Africa Central Conference) said, “The multi-colored and patterned green background speaks of the rich multi-cultural diversity of our church”;
Rev. Dr. Hermance Akpes (West Africa Central Conference) said, “Two images of the earth, one on each side, reflect the global nature of our church”; Rev. Dr. Sloan said, “The circled divided into four parts represents the ministry of our agency—the encircled cross, representing a communion host, repeats the motif of the four ministry areas, drawing attention to our common focus on the evangelical and sacramental life and witness of our church;” Rev. Patricia Pena (New England Conference) said, “The church building at the top and the rejoicing youth at the bottom capture our calling to plant new congregations and to reach and engage new generations as together we seek”; the people said, “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
A sermon was then delivered by Rev. Dotson: ‘Greater is Coming’ drawn from Isaiah 43:18-19. He began with a quote from the movie Dead Poets Society.
“Carpe Diem, seize the day, encourage the people to make the most out of opportunities and challenges!” he said.
The senior pastor of Gordon Memorial is Rev. Charles L. White, Jr.
