Clergy gather for the installation ceremony for Rev. Deb Worley, center, at White Rock Presbyterian Church. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen

Rev. Deb Worley pauses in the stillness with gratitude and grace as her new journey begins as pastor of White Rock Presbyterian Church. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen

Sometimes you witness a moment that leaves an imprint on you. Sometimes that imprint can be a life changing moment.

One of those moments took place today at the official installation ceremony for the Rev. Deb Worley of the White Rock Presbyterian Church.

It was life changing in the life of Deb Worley, perhaps for those in her congregation and quite possibly for many of those in attendance.

The Rev. Bill Lyons offered those in attendance a lesson and an opportunity to learn about walking in your purpose. Lyons is the Conference Minister, United Church of Christ, Southwest Conference.

Rev. Lyons shared a video from comedian Michael Junior about Knowing Your Why? The less than 4-minute video can be used to highlight the work and walk of any person on any given day.

The challenge also can be made for all congregations not just to do what they do, but to know and to feel the reason we are doing it. The video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytFB8TrkTo

Many note-worthy dignitaries were on hand for the gathering including, Rev. Seth Finch, Rev. Kathleen Logan, Rev. Susan Quass, Executive Director, NM Conference of Churches, Rev. David Elton, Pastor, The United Church of Los Alamos and her hometown pastor, from her college days, Rev. Wayne Butler. The pastors each played various roles in the installation, setting Worley off on her new journey and the opportunity of a lifetime.

“It was a wonderful, affirming and soul-filling occasion! I was humbled and deeply grateful to have so many people, from so many different parts of my life, come together in support and celebration of this growing relationship between White Rock Presbyterian Church and me,” Rev. Worley said.

There were many poignant portions of the day including Worley’s daughter, LAHS senior Sarah Worley singing “You Are Mine”, one of the newly minted pastor’s favorite hymns.

She also was humbled to accept the gift of a stole from the congregation. The stole, a scarf like item known as a vestment, worn by members of the clergy had belonged to the late husband and father of current congregation members, who had been a Presbyterian pastor.

The afternoon rounded out with the gift of a shofar. The shofar is a musical instrument made from a ram’s horn. It was used in biblical times to signal battle as well as to call people to worship. Perhaps the Rev. Worley will use that shofar as she calls the community to holiday services.  

Special services called Adult Vespers, will be offered weekly in December. The idea is to offer a quiet moment, filled with candles, meditative music, stillness and prayers. The brief 30-minute worship service in the style of the Taizé Community is 5:30 p.m. Sundays during Advent Dec. 8, 15 and 22 at 310 Rover Blvd.

Learn more about the White Rock Presbyterian Church at www.wrpchurch.com or call 505.672.3682.

Rev. Deb Worley and her daughter Sarah Worley. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen

Rev. Deb Worley plays the shofar for her new congregation. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen