On December 3, 1961, a small group of Christians met in the Yalesville Elementary School to study the
Word of God and to conduct worship. By 1965, this new congregation of the Church of Christ moved to a
small building located on Preston Avenue in Meriden, where the church met for many years.
Continued growth of this church mandated another move; so in September of 1977 they closed the deal on
a beautiful, old Lutheran church building in the center of Wallingford. (With God's help, some time in
the not-so-distant future, we will move to another facility which will accommodate our present size and
future growth).
When the history of this church is written, these will be some of the high points on our congregational
time line. I mention those very important times in our history, because today -- Sunday, November 7, 1999
-- we mark yet another milestone in the life of this church. Today, for the first time in the history of
the Ward Street Church of Christ, we are formally appointing elders to serve as shepherds of this flock.
Shepherds
As you know, God's Word provides for a group of spiritual leaders to be appointed in every congregation of
the church. The Bible refers to these men as elders (which means men who are older, mature in years and
mature in Christian faith). God's Word also calls these men shepherds (indicating that they are responsible
for nurturing and caring for the flock of God). Finally, Scripture calls these men overseers (which means
they oversee the life and work of the congregation, seeing to it that faithful living and genuine Christian
service is the lifestyle of each member).
Now that's a big job. According to Scripture and from a practical standpoint, it takes more than one man. In
the past, it was the consensus of this congregation that there was not a plurality of men who matched the
description of elders given to us in the Bible. And so the congregation waited.
Progress Toward our Dream
But more recently, we as a congregation determined that we were much more ready than we were back then. Those
of you who have been members of this congregation for the last two years, you know that the process that has
led us to this point was not haphazard. Instead, we have followed a path of steady movement in this direction.
So on Sunday, September 12, 1999 it was decided. The following Sunday, September 19, it was announced; that,
as an act of faith, this congregation would venture into a process by which we would nominate men to serve as
shepherds.
At that time, it was our plan for duly qualified elders to be formally appointed on November the 7th. Because
of the spirit of cooperation that you have shown, every part of this process has gone according to schedule
and has gone smoothly.
The result of our elder-nomination process was that the names of Lee Pawloski and George Souto were placed
before the congregation.. Not only were these men nominated by well-over 50 percent (in fact, both were
nominated by at least 70 percent), but in addition to that, since their names were put forward, there has not
been forthcoming any formal objection. Not one.
I think that that level of support has to do with the content of the character of the men we have nominated.
The Marines advertise that they are looking for a few good men. When we looked out among ourselves, we knew
that we were looking for more than that. We were looking for a few good and godly men who love the Lord with
heart, soul, mind and strength, and who would love us as they love themselves. I believe that, in Lee Pawloski
and George Souto, we have two such men. If I did not believe that, I would not be presiding in this service
today.
At this time, I would ask that our elder-nominees come and join me.
George Souto and Lee Pawloski:
Recognizing your gifts for Christian leadership, today we set you apart as men in whom we can place trust and
confidence as elders. We are calling you to share in the work of providing an example, teaching the Word,
establishing vision, and providing pastoral oversight for the Ward Street Church of Christ.
As we call you to do this, we remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, who said:
"You know that in the world, their recognized leaders lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority
over them. But it shall not be so with you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant. And
whoever would be first among you must be your slave. Even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:25-28).
Because of the words and the example of Christ, our Chief Shepherd:
We expect you to accept praise, without becoming proud.
We expect you to accept criticism, without losing heart.
We except you to love God with all that you are, showing us the way.
We expect you to love us as you love yourselves, and even as God in Christ has first loved you.
We also expect you to be good friends to one another, so that your work together will help all of us to know the
mind of Christ, and to serve him to the best of our ability.
In your work as shepherds:
We expect you to lead with faith, knowing that if God did not spare his only Son, then together with him, He will
give us all things.
We expect you to lead in hope, knowing that any problems of the present cannot compare with the glory that will be
revealed in us when Christ comes again..
We expect you to lead by love, knowing that if you had the faith to move mountains, but had not love, you would be
nothing.
Speaking for this congregation, I say that we are confident you will do this. We respect your faith and your maturity.
We admire the track record that you have established as Christian men. We give thanks for the gifts that you have to
offer. And we look forward to following you as you follow Christ.
(Responses from Lee and George . . . )
In just a moment, it will be my privilege to lead us in prayer for the men who stand before you, as well as for this
entire congregation. This prayer will mark the ordination of these men and the dismissal of our assembly today. At that
point, there will be one thing lacking: your affirmation of them.
In biblical times, those who were set aside and consecrated to a specific task for God, were often confirmed by the
laying on of hands. One of the needs that was met by the laying on of hands was the need for confirmation, the kind of
encouragement that comes only by the human touch.
So, once we have prayed and dismissed, I would ask you to stay for just a moment, make your way to the front, extend a
hand of welcome, speak a word or encouragement, express your affirmation of these men. Let us, as a congregation,
commend Lee and George, these men who have agreed to serve as your elders.
Prayer
Holy Father, Eternal God, for the blessings we enjoy this day, for the spiritual blessings which we find only in Christ
Jesus, we offer to you our thanks.
God, we thank you for Lee Pawloski and for George Souto. And today, as they accept the roles of shepherds among your flock,
we ask you to give them faith and wisdom. Provide for them strength and insight. Make their hearts strong with courage.
And bless their good wives, Martha and Renee.
In all things, Father, it is our prayer that these two will lead and direct your people so that our lives will give honor
to you and that this church will bless others, as we ourselves have been blessed.
For Christ who is our strength and hope; for the Son of your love, that unspeakable gift, we are most grateful. We know
that He, above all, is worthy of praise, honor and glory. So we offer our thanks and ask for these blessings in his name.
Amen.
Please join me in welcoming our elders!
Frank Bellizzi
Our Elders