Consecration Program June 2026

The Offertory The Offertory today will be designated for the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund, to assist in her ministry among us around the Diocese. The Gifts for Bishop Karin are dedicated to the Glory of God and in honor of her Ordination this day by the people of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. Members of her family give the gifts and vest her as a Bishop. More information about the gifts and a list of individuals and churches who donated towards their cost is on page 31. The Dogwood Flower Bishop Karin’s ordination vestments, crozier, pectoral cross, and ring are all adorned with dogwood blossoms. “The Legend of the Dogwood Tree” tells the story that flowering dogwoods used to be large, mighty trees with big, straight branches used in construction. The cross on which Jesus was crucified was made from the wood of a dogwood tree, but this caused the tree great anguish. Jesus had compassion for the dogwood tree, and he blessed it by giving it blossoms that would burst forth every spring, just in time for Easter. He also transformed the dogwood into a much smaller tree, with narrow and crooked branches, so that its wood could never again be used in a crucifixion. The flower of the dogwood tree consists of 4 petals that form a cross, the symbol of our salvation. The rough and bumpy middle resembles Jesus’ crown of thorns. The tips of the flowers are shaped as if they bear the dent from a nail, and those dents sometimes have traces of red, reminding us of the blood of Jesus, shed for us. Today dogwood trees and their flowers symbolize rebirth, purity, strength, and resilience. The dogwood is also both the state tree and the state flower of Virginia, serving as a wonderful symbol for our diocese’s next chapter with our new bishop. The Great Thanksgiving The People stand. Bishop: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Bishop: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them to the Lord. Bishop: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

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