Evidence

We had a Celebration of New Ministry here at St. Mary Magdalene about a month ago. I said some vows in my office in the presence of the wardens and the bishop before the service began (the only one that included "so help me God" was the one where I swear obedience to the bishop. Hmmmm.) A good friend preached an excellent sermon, and the bishop read the letter to the parish making me the incumbent. I was also presented with some symbols of my ministry, such as keys, a Bible, canons, water, bread, and wine. A joyous celebration, and many friends were there along with members of the parish.

All went very well until the passing of the peace. Nothing went wrong when we passed the peace, but a man from the back approached me. He looked familiar. But when he said "peace be with you, father," I nearly fell out of my chair - it was a friend from seminary, who happens to live in *Alaska*, who just happened to be at the service.

As it turns out, Dick was on his way through Winnipeg from Alaska to Maine, where he is starting a new ministry.

So I did the Anglican thing, and had him over for Scotch after the service, we caught up, and he was off on his way the next morning.

It's hard to believe, really. It all happened so quickly. But here it is - the evidence. Dick gets first prize. He was the first friend to see me in action here at St. Mary Magdalene, and I've got the picture to prove it.