My very dear and amazing friend is being ordained this weekend. She is youngish (40) and very vegan hip. she introduced me to you and is the reason I am now in seminary. I have two questions: I am giving the offertory speech during her ordination ceremony and since I am not quite a candidate I cannot robe. So, shall I wear a suit? Can I get away with nice slacks and a conservative blouse (with heels)?
Second, I really want to get her a meaningful gift and just have no inspiration or ideas. Any thoughts?
Many thanks.
Dear Seminarian Pigeon,
Congratulations on this great honor and responsibility!
First of all, you are not “giving the offertory speech,” you are announcing the offering. The offertory refers to the music that is played while the offering is taken up. I correct you on this small detail because I have too often seen the offering announced with a speech, and it was both liturgically inappropriate and boring, so I am trying to spare future generations similar pain. Do make a point of understanding the liturgical function and importance of taking up an offering during the ordination service and compose your words accordingly. The occasion is extremely formal, and so should your words and appearance be.
You should indeed wear a suit, and that means a blazer over that nice blouse. It also means that your hair and make-up are as elegant and formal as they get, and that you wear dressy shoes and that you — in the way back of your mind — remember that this is an occasion that brings together many clergy people from your denomination, some of whom you may want to have mentor you as you work toward your M.Div. and eventual ordination. Show your very best self and work that reception, honey.
As for a gift for your friend, if she’s hip and vegan, perhaps you could get a half dozen friends to go in on a fabulous vegan bag by Matt & Nat?
Last week, in our seminary chapel service, one of the students serving communion was wearing a football jersey. It was so distracting and inappropriate. Students helping with chapel services are typically dressed pretty casual, and I get it that we’re students, but …. what say you?
p.s. this may or may not have happened at a seminary you may or may not be visiting next week. [Absolutely horrifying!- PB]
I know who this is! : )
I can testify that both the Ordinand and the Seminarian Pigeon are fabulous, snazzy women. And: all 3 of us belong to a District with a long tradition of offering announcements that grind on (and on… and on…) with little liturgical grace. Hear, hear on that piece of advice, PB.
I’ll also point Seminarian Pigeon (whose cover I won’t blow here, but… Hi, Gavin’s mom!) to my favorite line of vegan bags, the Portland, OR-based Queen Bee: http://www.queenbee-creations.com/items?category_id=50.
I have one of their wallets, which last forever while attracting a million compliments:
http://www.queenbee-creations.com/items?category_id=84
kiss of peace from the minister in charge of the Ordination’s processional… *E
I thought I would follow up, I wish I had a picture to send. I wore a nice black pants suit with a great, feminine, brown & black blouse. That said, since we did process around the block I carried the jacket and slipped it on just before my small small part in the service. And I heeded all advice, my offering announcement was 150 words . . .and the offering collected $1800.
Thanks to you PB and a shout out to Rev E whose advice is always appreciated and whose style is always noticed! [ Yay for you, congrats! And thanks for checking back in .- PB]