Mayfield installs new pastor at community celebration

SYCAMORE – Mayfield Congregational United Church of Christ, on Church Road south of Aldrich Road in rural Sycamore, will install its new pastor, the Rev. Dr. Martha Brunell, at a special service at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. The community is invited to attend.

After a one-year search, Brunell was called to Mayfield in January and began her ministry there in May. She said an installation represents something much larger than an individual.

“The installation of a pastor is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the whole ministry of the local church at an exciting moment of new beginning,” she said. “It celebrates the entire congregation’s ministry with their new pastor in the broader community and in the wider church.”

The formal service of installation will be followed by a home-cooked country supper and s'mores around a sunset bonfire. Guests are invited to walk an outdoor labyrinth featuring photographs of the Illinois prairie. Brunell encourages everyone to wear something red, the liturgical color of celebration. Directions and information about Mayfield Congregational Church are available at www.mayfieldchurchucc.org.