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Dear Friends in Christ,
In 1 Timothy 4:12-16, we read, "
Set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Attend to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers".
One of the joys of serving as the Bishop of the Northwestern Ohio Synod is the opportunity to participate in Consecrations, Ordinations, and Installations. During these past 2 weeks, we have celebrated:
- January 22: The ordination of Pastor Eric Johnson at Hope Lutheran Church in Ottawa Hills, Ohio. Eric has been called to serve King of Kings Lutheran Church in Lake Orion, Michigan.
- January 24: The ordination and installation of Pastor Todd Milner at Providence Lutheran Church in Holland, Ohio.
- January 29: The installation of Pastor Rick Jensen at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Hamler, Ohio and Christ Lutheran Church in Continental, Ohio. (see below).
- February 5: The installation of Pastor Matt Wheeler at St. John's Lutheran Church in Fremont, Ohio.
One of the joys of a consecration, ordination, and installation is the participation of area colleagues and congregational members. When I was a new pastor, my neighboring colleagues played such an important role in my formation as a leader. They offered wise counsel and Godly advice. I relied on them. We are in this together, and we need each other. So, when we celebrate consecrations, ordinations, and installations I want to urge you, dear colleagues and neighboring congregational leaders, to come and be a part of the celebration. We are in this together, so when it is time to celebrate, let us be together.
Let us pray,
Almighty and merciful God, you built your church on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and you instituted the office of the ministry of word and sacrament and word and service so that the apostolic, diaconal, and prophetic work might continue throughout the ages. Grant that those who have been set apart for public ministry may carry out this ministry faithfully in the power of your Spirit; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
A Few Comings and Goings
On Tuesday morning, February 7, at 9:30 a.m. we will be gathering with the Conference Deans at the Synod Office in Findlay.
On Wednesday evening, February 8, at 7:00 p.m. we will be hosting a reception at the Synod Office in Findlay, for those congregations that applied for and received funding for their Community Feeding Ministries.
On Sunday morning, February 12, I will be worshiping with the people of God at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Bowling Green, Ohio.
2017: The Year of Grace Memory Verse
Ephesians 2:8 "
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God"
Bless you,
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