Service of Induction

Bishop Stephen London led a service of induction on Saturday, June 3, welcoming the Rev. Kevin Kraglund as the rector of St. Augustine Parkland. Kraglund offers his thanks to all who attended and participated in the service, saying that to him “this celebration of new ministry at St. Augustine Parkland was a most meaningful and worshipful occasion.”  

“In observing the memorial of the Martyrs of Uganda and Janani Luwum,” he says, “we were also reminded about the call to ‘remain steadfast in the love by which God binds us to himself’ (from the collect). It was truly a Spirit-filled and spirited ceremony.”  

Highlights of the service included:

• The St. Augustine parishioners who presented symbols of ministry, including the church vestry presenting the canons of the diocese, an Indigenous blanket presented by an Indigenous youth of the parish with his grandmother, an Auggie’s apron and a Neighbourlink care package to reflect the outreach ministry of St. Augustine’s, and many others;
• The first reading was taken by a parishioner of St. Matthew Lutheran in Spruce Grove to reflect the full communion relationship between the two denominations;
• At the end of the service, Bishop Steve blessed a new red frontal and paraments donated by the family of the late Rev. John Rushton in his loving memory.
• The recessional hymn (new to the parish) was based on a prayer of St. Augustine of Hippo: ‘Light of the Minds that Know Him.’

Kraglund is excited to partner with the parish in its mission: ‘Rooted in the Word and in worship, we strive to be a vibrant community, shining the light of Christ into the world around us.’ 

He says he looks forward to “serving the whole people of God for many years to come as the rector of St. Augustine’s.”  That's a good thing, because the St. Augustine Facebook page posted photos of the service along with the comment, “Welcome Rev. Kevin Kraglund - hope you're comfy ‘cuz you're not going anywhere!”

Photos: Bill Courtis