The Deputy Chairperson of the Presbytery of the Uniting Church in Australia Reverend Ian Tucker travelled from Crookwell to ordain Matthew McBurney.

More than 120 family, friends and members of the Snowy mountains community joined him for the very special occasion. The numbers of people attending the ordination meant that the service needed a larger venue. Moguls Restaurant at Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre was selected to hold both the service and the supper that was held afterwards.

Representatives of the congregations and clergy from all the churches in Jindabyne took part in the service.

Reverend McBurney, who was a lay pastor, has been caring for the Alpine Congregation for six years. The normal progression is for six years of tertiary studies in humanities and theology followed by a one year internship.

In Reverend McBurney’s case he has been elevated to the position of Minister of the Word, which means he has been ordained for life. The work he has done and his commitment to the church led to this less traditional path to ordination.

The Uniting Church in Australia believes ordination is God setting aside people as a gift to the Church.

Reverend McBurney said he was very grateful for the broad cross section of people from community, who attended the service.

“It was a wonderful service. I look forward to continuing helping the people of the area.”

The ordination does not mean that Reverend McBurney and his family will be leaving the area. They are committed to the area for another three years at least.