new church life: november/december 2014
ordinations
The Rev. Jean Aime Atta, the new pastor in La Crescenta, California, was
ordained into the second degree of the ministry by the Rt. Rev. Brian W. Keith
on September 21, 2014.
The Rev. Christopher Augustus Barber, religion teacher in the Academy
of the New Church Secondary Schools, was ordained by Bishop Keith during
a special chapel service in Benade Hall on October 17.
About the ordination of Mr. Atta, Gabrielle Reynolds writes in the
California New Church Digest:
“A diverse gathering attended the Sunday worship service at the tiny chapel
in the La Crescenta manse on September 21st. The group filled the space with
good will and joyful anticipation as Bishop Brian Keith heard the confession
of faith by Rev. Jean Aime Atta, and then bestowed on him the blue stole of the
General Church ministry, representing the role of full pastor.
“The rite of ordination is extremely rare for the General Church in
California. Rev. Atta’s service may have been humble in circumstance, but was
very rich in hope and in gratitude from the Los Angeles society, who have been
without a pastor for more than 10 years.
“There was much to celebrate on this very warm Sunday. ‘It was a very
long time to struggle through, but getting this particular pastor has been
worth the wait,’ observed church member Patrick Reynolds. Friends from
around the Church were present, including the Rev. David Roth from the
Boulder (Colorado) New Church, and very special guest, Denise, a friend of
Jean’s from Philadelphia and a countrywoman from his native Ivory Coast.
Neighbors Alecia and Larry attended, having lived across the street from the
manse for 40 years and being acquainted with each minister’s family who has
served Los Angeles through all this time.
“John and Greta Davidson hosted a lovely luncheon in celebration of the
event at their home, providing a very pleasant afternoon of fellowship and
lively conversation.
“It was a day not to be soon forgotten by all who attended, and to be long
remembered in the history of the New Church in California.”
Gabrielle also reported that, “Since arriving in California in mid-July,
Jean has overseen the construction work taking place to rehabilitate the manse
building, initiated meetings and services for the Los Angeles New Church,
traveled to Palo Alto to give services, and outlined his overall program. He
has re-initiated contact with past members, befriended many area locals, and
invited newcomers to church.”
The day before the ordination, Carla Washburn presided as president of
the California New Church Board, at which Bishop Keith helped to define Mr.
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