The Lord graciously provided an unusually mild autumn evening for the outdoor installation service of Garrett Mann as pastor of Lisbon Reformed Presbyterian Church.
A skilled and creative work crew set up a pulpit, chairs, speakers, overhead lighting, heaters and a warming tent on the lawn behind the church building.
Sadly, due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, most members of the Mann and Blackwood families were not able to attend the service. Pastors from the Canadian congregations of the St. Lawrence Presbytery were also unable to attend, but pastors and elders from the New York congregations were present, as well as the Lisbon congregation and local friends.
Elder Don Smith narrated the steps leading to the congregation’s call of Garrett. Pastor Brian Coombs asked the queries for installation, and preached from Jude on being “Kept in God’s Love.” Pastor Ed Blackwood, Garrett’s father-in-law, gave the charge to the pastor, and Pastor Gabriel Wingfield gave the charge to the congregation.
You can watch the service in full here:
Many North Country sounds punctuated the proceedings. We heard the honking of geese overhead and neighing from the horses of our Amish neighbors. A milk tanker truck and a truck full of chopped corn were part of the Friday night traffic. Several Amish buggies passed by, including one that slowed to a walk so that the passengers could take a good look at what was happening!
After the service, refreshments were served outside. Somehow, coffee was a more popular option than ice cream sandwiches, after the sun went down. It was a memorable and joyful evening! A video of the service is available on the congregation’s Facebook page until October 8th.
