Pastor's Page - St. Mark's Lutheran

You should know I’m not prone to quoting Bob Dylan but the title to his third album keeps popping into my head. With a new pastor comes new ideas and new ways of doing things. Some things in St. Mark’s will change. You might have noticed one or two already. For instance, I face the congregation during the Eucharistic Liturgy rather than facing the altar. (I’ll explain why in another newsletter).

Usually when we go through big changes we try to find something secure to hold on to; something predictable, something constant, something we can count on. We want to be grounded to help keep the chaos of life in check. When I need to be grounded as a pastor sometimes I like to re-read my ordination vows. These are the promises I made at my ordination. These are the things which remain constant for me.

1.    Before almighty God, to whom you must give account, and in the presence of this congregation, I ask: Will you assume this office, believing that the Church's call is God's call to the ministry of Word and Sacrament?
I will, and I ask God to help me.
2.    The Church in which you are to be ordained confesses that the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God and are the norm of its faith and life. We accept, teach, and confess the Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds. We also acknowledge the Lutheran Confessions as true witnesses and faithful expositions of the Holy Scriptures. Will you therefore preach and teach in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and these creeds and confessions?
I will, and I ask God to help me.
3.    Will you be diligent in your study of the Holy Scriptures and in your use of the means of grace? Will you pray for God's people, nourish them with the Word and Holy Sacraments, and lead them by your own example in faithful service and holy living?
I will, and I ask God to help me.
4.    Will you give faithful witness in the world, that God's love may be known in all that you do?
I will, and I ask God to help me.

At the heart of who we are as the people of St. Mark’s is Christ and him crucified. At the heart of our worship is Word and Sacrament. At the heart of our fellowship is the Holy Spirit who calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies us all in the one true faith. At the heart of our congregational mission is “loving God, loving our neighbor.”

As we move forward together, we will change together but we will also remain grounded together. I am excited about the journey we have begun. I hope you are as well!

Blessings,
Pastor James

	Pastor's Page September 2010
	FROM THE PASTOR
Home About St. Mark's Pastor's Page Worship Notes Announcements Monthly Calendar Staff Volunteer Schedule Food and Clothing Documents Directions To St. Mark's	Rev. James L. Armentrout The Times They Are a-Changin’ You should know I’m not prone to quoting Bob Dylan but the title to his third album keeps popping into my head. With a new pastor comes new ideas and new ways of doing things. Some things in St. Mark’s will change. You might have noticed one or two already. For instance, I face the congregation during the Eucharistic Liturgy rather than facing the altar. (I’ll explain why in another newsletter). Usually when we go through big changes we try to find something secure to hold on to; something predictable, something constant, something we can count on. We want to be grounded to help keep the chaos of life in check. When I need to be grounded as a pastor sometimes I like to re-read my ordination vows. These are the promises I made at my ordination. These are the things which remain constant for me. 1. Before almighty God, to whom you must give account, and in the presence of this congregation, I ask: Will you assume this office, believing that the Church's call is God's call to the ministry of Word and Sacrament? I will, and I ask God to help me. 2. The Church in which you are to be ordained confesses that the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God and are the norm of its faith and life. We accept, teach, and confess the Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds. We also acknowledge the Lutheran Confessions as true witnesses and faithful expositions of the Holy Scriptures. Will you therefore preach and teach in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and these creeds and confessions? I will, and I ask God to help me. 3. Will you be diligent in your study of the Holy Scriptures and in your use of the means of grace? Will you pray for God's people, nourish them with the Word and Holy Sacraments, and lead them by your own example in faithful service and holy living? I will, and I ask God to help me. 4. Will you give faithful witness in the world, that God's love may be known in all that you do? I will, and I ask God to help me. At the heart of who we are as the people of St. Mark’s is Christ and him crucified. At the heart of our worship is Word and Sacrament. At the heart of our fellowship is the Holy Spirit who calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies us all in the one true faith. At the heart of our congregational mission is “loving God, loving our neighbor.” As we move forward together, we will change together but we will also remain grounded together. I am excited about the journey we have begun. I hope you are as well! Blessings, Pastor James