22 Oct 2025, 14:07Valdeiza CostaBury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom
Bury St Edmunds SDA Church Marks Joyful Ordination of New Elder
On Sabbath, 20 September 2025, the Bury St Edmunds Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated a joyful and long-awaited occasion — the ordination of Sister Nicola Mwase-Vuma to the sacred office of elder. The ceremony was conducted by the local pastor, Anthony Opoku-Mensah, with the participation of local elder Richard Shone and former elders Thomas Maiheza and Erick McKnight, as well as visiting pastor Christian Salcianu.
Although Nicola had already been faithfully serving in her role for several months, unforeseen circumstances had delayed the formal ordination. The church family, therefore, gathered with deep gratitude to finally witness and affirm God’s calling upon her ministry.
During the service, Pastor Anthony spoke about the responsibilities and spiritual privileges of the office of elder, as outlined in the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual. He reminded the congregation that elders are called to be spiritual leaders and shepherds of the flock, supporting the pastor in nurturing the church, guiding worship, and promoting unity and mission.
Elders, he emphasised, are to model Christlike service, uphold biblical truth, and encourage every member to grow in faith and commitment. Their ministry, rooted in prayer and humility, is a vital expression of the shared priesthood of all believers.
As the elders and pastors gathered around Nicola for the pastoral prayer of dedication, the congregation joined in heartfelt support, asking God to grant her wisdom, compassion, and strength for the task ahead. The atmosphere was filled with reverence and thanksgiving, a reminder that leadership in God’s church is both a sacred trust and a divine blessing.
The Bury St Edmunds church rejoices in recognising Elder Nicola’s calling and looks forward to the continued growth and service that her leadership will inspire within the congregation and community.
On Sabbath, 20 September 2025, the Bury St Edmunds Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated a joyful and long-awaited occasion — the ordination of Sister Nicola Mwase-Vuma to the sacred office of elder. The ceremony was conducted by the local pastor, Anthony Opoku-Mensah, with the participation of local elder Richard Shone and former elders Thomas Maiheza and Erick McKnight, as well as visiting pastor Christian Salcianu.
Although Nicola had already been faithfully serving in her role for several months, unforeseen circumstances had delayed the formal ordination. The church family, therefore, gathered with deep gratitude to finally witness and affirm God’s calling upon her ministry.
During the service, Pastor Anthony spoke about the responsibilities and spiritual privileges of the office of elder, as outlined in the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual. He reminded the congregation that elders are called to be spiritual leaders and shepherds of the flock, supporting the pastor in nurturing the church, guiding worship, and promoting unity and mission.
Elders, he emphasised, are to model Christlike service, uphold biblical truth, and encourage every member to grow in faith and commitment. Their ministry, rooted in prayer and humility, is a vital expression of the shared priesthood of all believers.
As the elders and pastors gathered around Nicola for the pastoral prayer of dedication, the congregation joined in heartfelt support, asking God to grant her wisdom, compassion, and strength for the task ahead. The atmosphere was filled with reverence and thanksgiving, a reminder that leadership in God’s church is both a sacred trust and a divine blessing.
The Bury St Edmunds church rejoices in recognising Elder Nicola’s calling and looks forward to the continued growth and service that her leadership will inspire within the congregation and community.
