First Contact
They have the distinction of being the members and guests’ first point of contact upon entering the Baton Rouge Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church. With identical attire and badges conspicuously placed on their left shoulders, there is no ignoring them. We often quote the Psalmist David, “I would rather be a doorkeeper … than dwell in the tents of wickedness,” but there is also Exodus 28:28 where Moses is instructed to make holy garments for glory and for beauty for his brother Aaron: “And they shall bind the breastplate … with a lace of blue, that it may be above the … ephod.”
This premise prompted usher coordinator, Ivy Jones, to meet with her team to arrive at a definitive uniform for its ministry. The unanimous choice was a colorful but dignified blazer to be worn with a solid dress, either black or sangria. Upon learning of the ministry’s decision, T. Ron Weegar, pastor, was excited and quick to add that “Ushers who exhibit a spirit of hospitality have the unique gift of uplifting or deflating a worshiper’s experience. As well, their dress can detract from or add to that same spirit.” With that admonition in mind, on the first Sabbath of the new year, 10 of Berean church’s proudest, clad in their new multi-colored blazers, entered a three-aisle processional where they converged facing the altar and Weegar to have their new uniforms consecrated to service for our Lord.
After complimenting Jones for her leadership and her team’s spirit of commitment, Weegar offered the prayer of consecration for both the garment and for the ushers. He then reminded them that every church ministry has evangelistic overtures; every event and every experience of the ministry should have some evangelistic thrust. Elders laid hands and prayed for the ushers. Our lone male, John Parker, was out of town for the ceremony but was recognized upon his return. The Berean church ushers are grateful for their role in the church’s worship service as each anxiously awaits their turn to serve.
By Evelyn M. Edwards
Pastor T. Ron Weegar prays for usher coordinator, Ivy Jones, and the team of ushers in a special usher consecration service.
