hat a joyful, Spirit filled afternoon many of us were privileged to share on Sunday, April 23, as Rev. David Norse Thomas was installed as our Associate Pastor for Christian Formation! Worship was led by a tapestry of Reverends, Elders, children, and youth, each of whom has nurtured David’s growth as a minister. Some wonderful pyrotechnics in the Time with Children that David led reminded us of the Holy Spirit at work in all that had led to this day and all that lies ahead of us. His mentor, coach, and former pastor, Rev. Ken Hood, offered a lively sermon that included insights into David’s formative years and the journey to ministry as a Presbyterian pastor. The ceremony of Installation, replete with promises made by David and by all those assembled here, a laying on of hands, and charges to both David and the congregation of Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, was one of gravitas and glorious acclamation. The “symbol of ministry” given to David on behalf of the congregation was a white stole stenciled with the handprints of SPC children on which rainbow colors represent embracing diversity, the not sharply defined hands represent that life is often messy, and the space on the left side above the smallest hand signifies room for children to grow near David’s heart. Putting a punctuation mark on it all was the magnificent organ postlude, “Great Day.”