St. Johns Evangelical United Church of Christ will ordain and install Debra A. Harness as associate pastor and teacher at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at the church, 11333 St. Johns Church Road.

Harness has served as director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry at St. Johns for the past six years. During that time, she completed her studies at Eden Theological Seminary, graduating in May 2013 with a master of divinity degree, ac-cording to a news release.

She has more than 30 years of experience in the field of Christian education and youth and young adult ministry.

“It is with great joy that the congregation calls her to the newly created position of associate pastor and to lead its ministry in serving children, youth, young adults and families,” Pastor Steve Westbrook stated in the release. “Her enthusiasm, energy, creativity and vision, combined with the congregation’s commitment, makes St. Johns a rich and vibrant community to grow in worship, mission, faith and spirituality.”

For 175 years, St. Johns has been serving others and proclaiming the good news of God’s love for all people, the release stated.

“Debby’s ministry will be a cornerstone to the future of God’s continuing mission of love through St. Johns,” Westbrook added.