Pastor Katie's Installation

This Sunday, we are filled with joy and anticipation as we celebrate the installation of Pastor Katie Mueller at Bethany Lutheran Church. The installation service will take place at 9 a.m., and we invite you to join us for this special occasion as we officially welcome Pastor Katie into our faith community. A reception will follow the service, offering an opportunity for us to greet Pastor Katie and share in the excitement of this new chapter together.

While Pastor Katie has already begun her ministry with us, we are now officially installing her into our congregation. Pastor Katie was ordained on Sunday, December 8, and today we gather to celebrate this formal moment as she takes on this new role as our Associate Pastor. It is a significant and hopeful milestone, marking both the beginning of her official leadership and a new chapter in the life of our congregation.

An installation is a meaningful tradition in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that formally marks the start of a pastor's ministry in a new congregation. It is a celebration of the union between a new pastor and the congregation they are called to serve, recognizing the fresh chapter in the congregation's life. Pastor Katie's installation is not only a welcoming ceremony but also a moment of hope and anticipation for the future of Bethany Lutheran Church.

As part of the service, Pastor Katie and representatives of our congregation will present themselves to the assembly, signifying the official start of this new partnership in ministry. The presiding minister, Pastor Mack Patrick, Assistant to the Bishop, will lead the service and preach, guiding us through this sacred moment.

The scripture for the day, from the Gospel of Luke 1:26-45, is a powerful reminder of the hope that comes with new beginnings. In the passage, we hear the angel Gabriel announce to Mary that she will conceive and bear a son, Jesus, who will be called the Son of the Most High. Mary's response, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word,” reflects a profound trust in God’s plan, even in the face of doubt. In the same way, we trust in God’s guidance as we welcome Pastor Katie and look forward to the work we will do together.

As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded that hope is not simply about wishing for the future but about trusting that God is at work in all things. It is about believing that even in times of uncertainty, God’s presence is with us, guiding us toward something new. Pastor Katie’s ministry represents this hope—hope for new relationships, new ways of serving, and new opportunities to grow in faith together.

Pastor Katie comes to us with a passion for creating community, justice, and belonging. She has a deep commitment to inclusivity, trauma-informed care, and youth engagement. Her fresh perspective and energy will inspire us as we continue to grow in our faith and service to others. She is excited to collaborate with all of us, drawing from her experiences and skills to create a space where everyone feels valued and heard.

We are blessed to welcome Pastor Katie into our church family, and we look forward to the ways her leadership will help us expand our mission of faith, service, and love. As we celebrate this special day, let us remember that the hope we feel today is a gift from God, a reminder that God is always making things new.

Join us this Sunday at 9 a.m. for Pastor Katie’s installation and the reception to follow. Let’s come together as a community to celebrate this new chapter in our life at Bethany Lutheran Church.

In Christ’s Peace and Hope,
Pastor Cathy