On Sunday, April 3, we, the members and friends of the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, will gather to officially install the Rev. Joan Javier-Duval as our minister.

We called Joan to be our minister last spring and she joyfully accepted! Throughout the past year we have learned much about each other. We have worshipped together, celebrated, attended meetings and classes, and worked hard to make our church the exciting and compassionate place it is… and that it is becoming.

So, why do we need an “Installation”?

The Ceremony of Installation is a long tradition within Unitarian Universalist churches. After a new minister has joined a congregation, and the great crush and excitement of those first months is past. The church begins to settle into a new rhythm, with some time to pause, consider, and reflect on this new ministry together. It is a time to celebrate and officially proclaim to the world, and to each other, that the Rev. Joan Javier-Duval is, in fact, our minister, and we, all of us, are her congregation. We are in this together.

On that Sunday, April 3, at 4:00pm in the afternoon, we will gather as a congregation here at the church. We will welcome speakers and guests from near and far: Joan’s ministerial colleagues, members of her family and friends, UUA District folks and local dignitaries and clergy, as well as our own church officers. A reception in the vestry will follow the service. There will be music and flowers and lots of wonderful food, thanks to our indomitable Woman’s Alliance!

Please plan to attend! It will be a joyous event…a real celebration and an official recognition of Joan’s very special ministry with us. We, the congregation, are both host and participants as we re-commit to our Mission, Vision and Ministry together.

Bill Paine, Jo Romano, Sue Stukey, and Amy Willis – The Installation Committee