On Sunday, March 17, the Rev. Michelle Dayton was installed as the new Superintending Presbyter of the Pine Ridge Episcopal Mission. This special service took place at St. Michael's, Batesland, and parishioners from all the congregations in the Pine Ridge Mission were invited to attend. The Rev. Canon Dr. Lauren Stanley was the preacher, the Rev. Twila Two Bulls, Deacon, provided our music, her granddaughter, Bobbi, served as the Bishop's Chaplain, and Bishop Folts presided.
Mother Michelle was presented with a very special beaded stole which had been presented to Father Craig West when he served the Pine Ridge. Father Craig passed it along to the Rev. David Hussey when he served as Superintending Presbyter as Mni Sose and, upon Fr. David's retirement, he passed it along to Mother Michelle saying, "It's time for this stole to return home."
A wonderful feed followed, complete with special presentations including a big jar of Holy Pickles (Mother Michelle's favorite saying) and a Gumby, symbolizing the importance of always being flexible in ministry!
We give the Holy Spirit thanks for calling Mother Michelle to the Diocese of South Dakota and may God bless her and all the congregations in the Pine Ridge Episcopal Mission as they continue being the Church many people don't expect them to be!
Pictures courtesy of Mother Michelle Dayton and Canon Lauren Stanley.
