Seats were at a premium in St Andrew's Cathedral on Saturday 2nd February as hundreds of friends and families gathered to see what Archbishop Jensen described as a 'work of God' - the end of the journey to ordination as deacons for 34 men and women.
The Archbishop specifically welcomed the high number of children in the congregation which filled the cathedral 'in the round' and required extra chairs to be set out.
Visitors included Bishop Tim Harris, from Adelaide, where one of the ordinands will be working.
The Archbishop's Ordination supervisor Rev Rob Smith says "Most of them are ministering in the Sydney diocese in a range of capacities, as assistant ministers, some as youth ministers and some as chaplains in schools. One of the ordinands is going to the Diocese of Adelaide and we're very glad about that. The majority are going into praish ministry to be preachers and teachers of God's people."
Mr Smith had just spent several days in a final ordination conference, although had watched many of the candidates coming through college during the past four years.
"They are a very sincere and godly group of people, who I think are very impressive in a range of ways and fill me with confidence and thankfulness for God. Confidence in the work of the Gospel going forward in and through their hands and just thankfulness to God for answering our prayers and raising up such fine workers for the harvest".
Among the ordinands were musician Andy Judd, from the group Garage Hymnal, CMS missionary Michael Taylor and Kylie Wilson, Pastoral Chaplain at St Catherine's school, Waverley.
The Federal secretary of the Church Missionary Society, the Reverend Canon Peter Rodgers, spoke from Joshua, Chapter 1, and compared the task and faith of Joshua with what the deacons will be called upon to do.
He said Joshua was reminded to not depart from the word of God, to be courageous and that the Lord would be with him.
"Firm foundations, like we have here in our diocese, are important but they do not guarantee the future. each new generation of leaders needs to recommit itself knowing the word of God, to being obedient to all that it says, lest we too find ourselves turning to the right or to the left. And so we look to you today to guard the faith of God for the sake of generations to come" Canon Rodgers said.
One of the ordinands, Stuart Woods, had members of the Ambassadors christian motorcycle group on hand to congratulate him.
He said he was particularly struck by the promises the candidates made.
"I felt the weight of it today, Its a privelege. It is an amazing journey to get to here. I still can't beleieve that I'm here. Its fantastic - quite an honour".
Stuart has been working at Glenquarie Anglican Church and with the 'Break the Cycle' project.
"I've been there for a number of months. that work is growing and showing a little bit of fruit. Hopefully more fruit to come, so watch this space" says the newly ordained Woods.
Another deacon, Jonathan Kwan will minister at Annandale in the inner west.
"It's been a long road but a great road. It's a great blessing to be ordained with my brothers and sisters in Christ,I'm excited and looking forward to working with them as we share the gospel with Sydney and beyond" he said.
