November 27, 2010

On February 27, 2011, the Rev. Philip Martin Konz was installed as Pastor of Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ. In the presence of about 100 friends and colleagues and in the name of Jesus Christ, and on behalf of the Sacramento Valley Association of the Northern California Nevada Conference of the UCC, he was declared duly installed as pastor and teacher.

The response from the pews was, "Thanks be to God."

We, as members of the church promised to labor with him in the ministry of the gospel and to give him due honor and support. The moderator of the service was Rev. Janice Steel of Imani Community UCC. The homily was given by Rev. Douglas Anders, Conference Minister, South Central Conference UCC. Rev. Anders traveled from Houston Texas to be a part of the installation.

The service was made all the more special because of the music provided by the Pioneer Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gilbert E. Crane They prepared a new anthem for the service. Their glorious voices filled the sanctuary. The Pioneer Children's Choir, under the direction of Rachel Kessler prepared a special song for the event as well. The congregation couldn't help but to applaud their performance.

During the ceremony the Pastor was presented with a gift from the congregation; a stole made of black and red raw silk on which was embroidered the Pioneer Church steeple and labyrinth.

Following the ceremony, the guests were invited to dinner in the Fellowship Hall. The tables were set with celadon linens, china and primroses. The menu for the evening was tossed greens, sauerbraten, mashed potatoes, green beans served with glasses of wine. The dessert was apple strudel served with coffee.

It was a wonderful event for our church. The Pastor expressed his gratitude to those who made "so much effort to make it all work so beautifully." He said, "I hope it was as joyful an experience for all of you as it was for me." There were many smiles on the faces of the people leaving after dinner, so it appears that it was a joyful event for everyone.