I was witness to a historic event yesterday as
the Riverside Church in the City of New York installed Rev. Dr. Amy K. Butler
as senior minister. She brings an
extravagance of gifts to this august congregation, and together they have
forged a covenant of accountability and mutual respect.
Every liturgical
stop was pulled, and the organ and soaring music lifted the congregants to the
heights of worship. One of the most
moving parts of the service was the presence of the Transitions Pastor from
Calvary Baptist Church, Washington, D.C., The Rev. Allyson Robinson, who
entrusted her to the care of her new church, and the new congregation to her
shepherding. Many others of her former
church came to celebrate this new beginning with her. Their attendance speaks of how transparent
her departure was.
Friends and family had traveled from far and
wide to participate. On Saturday, I had
to wait to check into my hotel because it “is a particularly busy time in the
city,” according to the young clerk. “Of
course it is,” I said. “Do you not know
what is going on at the Riverside Church?”
The presence of so many speaks of Amy’s
remarkable networking capacity. Teachers
and colleagues and editors and friends gathered in support of this new call. Our school counts it a privilege to claim her
among our supplemental faculty, teaching leadership in the Doctor of Ministry
program.
On Saturday evening, the President of Union
Theological Seminary, Dr. Serene Jones, hosted a gala dinner for Dr. Butler. The luminaries were out, chief among them,
Bill Moyers. It was a privilege to have
a few moments of personal conversation with him—we are both Baptists, after
all—and then to hear his thoughtful reflection about the call to discipleship
in our day. He warned that if we claim
the title “Christian,” we are bound to some practices of remembering the poor
and taking up our cross that most of us avoid.
He asked his new pastor, “is there a word from the Lord?” in our day
concerning these issues.
On Sunday morning, The Riverside Church
celebrated World Communion Sunday. And
the world’s people were surely there. African women in colorful dresses,
complete with matching head-ties, brightened the lines processing toward the
communion table. Dignified business people
in the New York black formed the bas
relief of the community, and multitudes of children added their energy and
giggles to the festal occasion.
Duly feted, blessed, and installed, the Rev. Dr.
Butler commences her ministry there.
Thankfully, God has granted her what is needed to tend this challenging
flock with insight and good humor. I am
committed to regular intercession in her behalf, for the sake of this
church--and the world.
Molly T. Marshall
Central prepares women and men for seeking God, shaping
church, and serving humanity.
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