Biographical Synopsis
The Reverend Malcolm Jabar Shannon
Pastor Malcolm Shannon serves as the Assistant Pastor at The WELL Church in Dover, Delaware. Pastor Shannon is a Brooklyn, NY native but has been a resident of Dover since 2003. For the past 20 years, Pator Shannon has been serving in law enforcement for the State of Delaware. From the experience of his profession, he has been able to lead many youth initiatives in his community. Some of these initiatives are correctional offcers mentoring sessions and roundtable discussions with at risk youth through a juvenile probation program called “Back on Track” with the YMCA of Wilmington Delaware. He is also the founder of Travail Youth Ministry which was a community choir that developed youth in music and music ministry. Pastor Shannon also has a huge passion for ministry leader development and the protocol of God’s Church.
Pastor Shannon is married to Evangelist Lynette Shannon, and they have been married for 17 years. They have been blessed with an amazing Son who is the joy of their hearts. Pastor Shannon has served in multiple capacities in the church from the Diaconate, the adjutancy, to youth pastor, executive pastor, and now assistant pastor. Pastor Shannon truly believes that the gap can be bridged between the older generations and the generation of today in the Kingdom. His vision is to engage in the repair of the breaches between the generations. So that the custody of God’s Kingdom is safely transferred with all power, truth, and understanding to the emerging generations. He believes the Future of the Church will be great with the help of the Lord, the truth, and the testimony of the generations.
Isaiah 58:12: “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”
Biographical Synopsis Bishop James R. Chambers
James R. Chambers is a native New Yorker. A child of New York City housing, received his primary and secondary education in the New York City Public School System.
At an early age he came to faith in Jesus Christ at New Hope Holy Church on the Rock, under the pastor of the late Reverend Maggie David Richardson. As a teenager he acknowledge and accepted his call to the ministry. In preparation for ministry he enrolled in the International Bible Institute. Later he attended The York Bible Institute and graduated from the O.M. Kelly Religious Training Institute.
James is a Doctoral Candidate (ABD) at Drew University in the Medical Health and Humanities program. He holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Iona College; a graduate of Mercy College with a Master of Science in Psychology, a Bachelors of Science in Community Health and Human Services majoring in Counseling, Alcoholism and Addiction Counseling from St. Joseph’s University. He is an Internationally Certifed Alcoholism and Drug Counselor (ICADC), and Credential Alcoholism Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC-II) from the New York State Offce of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services. James is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). He is the founder and Practice Director of NuSeasons Marriage and Family Therapy, a private practice situated in Brooklyn, New York.
James is married to The Reverend Katherine V. Grant Chambers, who is a Gerontological and Adult Nurse Practitioner. She serves in ministry with her husband as the Pastor of Worship and Sacred Actions. In 1989, Elder James R. Chambers was elected successor to the late Bishop James W. Gardner as pastor of the Saint Mary Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ, now known as the City of Hope Greater Saint Mary Church. November 10, 1990, he was installed as the ffth Pastor of this historic congregation. He has faithfully served this congregation as its Senior Minister for more than thirty-one years.
In 1992, James was appointed as the Provincial Overseer of the Northeastern Province of the United Pentecostal Churches of Christ. On the 21 August 1993, he was publically consecrated to the Offce of Bishop by the laying on of hands by the late establishmantarian, Bishop J. Delano Ellis, II. Bishop Chambers is a charter member and one of the founding bishops of the Fellowship, and has served in various assignments. He retired as the Secretary General in 2017, and currently serves the National Church as the Chancellor General.
Bishop Chambers celebrates the Fiftieth Anniversary of his Ordination to Ministry and his Thirtieth year in the Episcopacy. His vision for the Twenty-frst Century Church is that it be a haven for souls that are hungry for the gospel of Jesus Christ; to develop a holistic and multifaceted ministry that will be a positive infuence in the community; not just a church in the community, but the community in the church.
What was said of Joshua, can also be said of Bishop Chambers, “THE SERVANT OF THE LORD!”
PRELUDE
The Order of Worship
Where indicated (+) please stand
Minister James Blackwell
THE CALL TO WORSHIP + Bishop-Designate Carol E. Boggerty
Leader: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Response: Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
THE PROCESSIONAL+ “All Hail the Power” (Diadem)
Acolytes
The Adjutant
The Ecumenical Clergy
The Deacons and Ministers
The Elders
The Pastors
The Participants
The Gospeller
The Overseers
The Reverend Malcolm Jabar Shannon
The Reverend André Miguel Boggerty
The Assistant
The Preacher
Bishop: Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins. People: His mercy endureth forever.
The Collect+:
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bishop Carol E. Boggerty
Bishop Chambers, we have come together today to install, André and Malcolm who have been called to serve as Senior Pastor and Assistant of The Well Church. We believe he is well qualifed, and that he has been prayerfully selected.
Bishop:
André and Malcolm do you, in the presence of this congregation, commit yourself to this new trust and responsibility?
Response: I do.
To the Congregation, Will you the members of The Well Church, and you who witness this new beginning support and uphold André and Malcolm in this ministry?
People: We will.
Bishop: Let us then offer our prayers to God for all his people, for this congregation, and for André and Malcolm
The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Bishop: Let us prepare our hearts for prayer.
The Invocation: Elder Sangay Miller
The WELL Church, Dover, DE
Choral response
Hear our prayer O Lord, hear our prayer O Lord, incline thine ear to us and grant us thy peace. Amen.
The Ministry of the Word
Old Testament Reading
Isaiah 42:1-9
Lector: Elder Rashid Walker
Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching. Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.
Lector: The Word of the Lord.
Response: Thanks be to God.
The Epistle - Lector: Evangelist Abbe Thompson
1 Timothy 3:8-16
Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them frst be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. Women likewise must be serious, not slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage their children and their households well; for those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and great boldness
in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great: He was revealed in fesh, vindicated in spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.
Lector: The Word of the Lord.
Response: Thanks be to God.
The Gospel+
A reading from the Holy Gospel of our Lord according to Luke 10:1-8.
Response: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Gospeller: Overseer Allan H. Gray
After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, frst say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you;
Gospeller: The Gospel of the Lord.
Response: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Celebration of Praise
Salutations and Felicitations:
WELL Worship Praise Team
Pastors Anthony and Margo Wallace, Crossroad Christian Church, Dover, DE.
Bishop W. James Thomas, II, Presiding Prelate, Apostolic Covenant of Churches, Int’l, Senior Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Dover, DE.
Overseer Allan H. Gray IChurch DMV, Alexandria VA
Bishop Jeffery J. Broughton, Regional Prelate, Mid-Atlantic, United Covenant Churches of Christ Senior Pastor, Living Grace Worship Cathedral, Middletown, DE.
THE OBLATIONS
Bishop Jeffrey J. Broughton Living Grace Worship Cathedral
Introduction of the speaker
The Sermonic Selection
Chorale Response: All things come of Thee, O Lord, and of Thine own have we given Thee. Amen.
Bishop-Designate Carol E. Boggerty
Elder Nancy Short
The Homily
The Right Reverend James R. Chambers
Senior Minister, City of Hope Greater Saint Mary Church
Chancellor General, The United Covenant Churches of Christ
The Meditation Instrumental
The Institution Bishop James R. Chambers
Bishop: My brothers do you believe that you are truly called by God to the leadership of your local assembly, The WELL Church?
Answer: I Believe I am so called.
Bishop: Do you now in the presence of the congregation commit yourself to do this trust and responsibility with diligence and integrity?
Answer: I do.
Bishop: Will you respect and be guided by senior pastoral direction and leadership? Will you walk in accountability with those over you? Answer: I will.
Bishop: Will you continue to be diligent in the reading and studying of the Holy Scriptures that will make you stronger and more able minister of Christ?
Answer: I will.
Bishop: Will you endeavor so to minister the Word of God and the ordinances of the New Covenant, that the reconciling love of Christ may be known and received?
Answer: I will.
Bishop: Will you undertake to be faithful to all whom you are called to serve, laboring together with them and with your fellow ministers to build up the family of God? Answer: I will.
Bishop: Will you do your best to pattern your life and that of your household in accordance with the teaching of Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to your people?
Answer: I will
Bishop: Will you persevere in prayer, both in public and in private, asking God’s grace, both for yourself and for others, offering all your labors to God, through the meditation of Jesus Christ and in the sanctifcation of the Holy Spirit?
Answer: I will.
To the congregation
Bishop: Will you who witness this new beginning support and uphold André in this ministry?
Congregation: We will!
The Charge
My brothers in Christ: The Church is the Family of God, the Body of Christ, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. All baptized people are called to make Christ known as Savior and Lord, and to share in the renewing of His world. Now you are called to work as Senior Pastor and Assistant Pastor, together with us, The WELL Church.
As Pastors, it will be your task to proclaim by word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to fashion your life in accordance with its precepts. You are to preach the Gospel, to declare God’s forgiveness to penitent sinners, to share in the administration of Holy Baptism and in the celebration of the mysteries of Christ’s Body and Blood, and perform the other ministration entrusted to you.
Bishop: May the Lord who has given you the will to do these things, give you the grace and power to perform them.
Answer: Amen.
André and Malcolm accept this Bible, and be in this place as one who proclaims the Word.
People: Amen.
André and Malcolm receive this Stole, and be in this place as a pastor and priest.
People: Amen.
André and Malcolm receive this Book, and be in this place as a minister of prayer.
People: Amen
André and Malcolm use this Oil, and be in this place as a healer and reconciler. People: Amen.
Bishop: André and Malcolm let all these be a sign of the ministry which is mine and yours in this place. People: Amen.
The Pastor: (kneeling in prayer)
O Lord, my God, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; yet you have called your servant to stand in your house, and to serve at your altar. To you and to your service I devote myself, body, soul and spirit. Fill my memory with the record of your mighty works; enlighten my understanding with the light of your Holy Spirit; and may all the desires of my heart and will center in what you would have me do. Make me an instrument of your salvation for the people entrusted to my care, and grant that I may faithfully administer your holy sacraments, and by my life and teaching set forth your true and living Word. Be always with me in carrying out the duties of my ministry. In prayer, quicken my devotion; in praises, heighten my love and gratitude; in preaching, give me readiness of thought and expression; and grant that, by the clearness and brightness of your holy Word, all the world may be drawn into your blessed kingdom. All this I ask for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Hymn Of Praise “Lift Him Up”
Bishop: I present to you The Reverend André Miguel Boggerty, Senior Pastor and The Reverend Malcolm Jabbar Shannon, Assistant Pastor of the WELL Church.
Bishop: The peace of the Lord be with you. People: And also with you.
The Affrmation of Faith+ The Nicene Creed+
We believe in one God...
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, Eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sakes he was crucifed under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the Living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorifed. He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy universal and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Hymn of Preparation Christopher Terrell Thompson Chambers
Congregation+: (Congregation standing)
Celebrant: The Lord be with you
People: And also with you.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant:
Therefore we praise you, joing our voices with the Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
People: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna in the highest.
Celebrant:
Holy and gracious Father: in Your infnite love you made us for yourself, and when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifce for the whole world.
Celebrant: The Great Thanksgiving: Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
People: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again
Celebrant: Remembering his death and resurrection, we now present to you from your creation this bread and this wine. By your Holy Spirit may be for us the Body and Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.
People: Grant that we who share these gifts may be flled with the Holy Spirit and live as Christ’ Body in the World.
Celebrant: Through Christ and With Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory and peace, for ever and ever.
People: Amen.
Celebrant:
As we joint our prayers with those of the Church Universal, so we say each in our own language, the prayer that Jesus Christ has taught us, (sing)
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. A-men.
The Breaking of the Bread and the Fraction Anthem
This is the Body of Christ, broken that we may be whole, this cup, as promised by God, true to his word, cradles our Lord: food for the good of the soul.
The Distribution of the Lord’s Host
+ All stand at the recessional of the elements and remain standing for the peace.
Post Communion Prayer
Celebrant: Let us pray
Almighty Father, we thank you for feeding us with the holy food of the Body and Blood of your Son, and for uniting us through him in the fellowship of your Holy Spirit. We thank you for raising up among us faithful servants for the ministry of your Word and Sacraments. We pray that André and Malcolm may be to us an effective example in word and action, in love and patience and in holiness of life. Grant that we, with him, may serve you now, and always rejoice in your glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
