Change in BC Synod’s Leadership
Bishop Greg Mohr Has Retired
Bishop-Elect Kathy Martin Will Be Ordained Bishop on January 6th
The Rev. Kathleen (Kathy) Martin will be ordained as Bishop of the BC Synod on Thursday, January 6th at 4 p.m. at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Surrey. The ordination service can be watched via Zoom. The link has been sent out by e-mail.
Note that the service is also being live-streamed on the BC Synod’s website. The order of service can also be downloaded from there.
Her most recent work has been as Assistant to the Bishop for Mission Renewal and Congregational Support. During this time, she has travelled the province meeting with congregations and regional groups. Prior to that she served in two congregations: Parish Pastor of King of Life Lutheran Church in Coquitlam and Associate Pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Surrey.
Worship will include a traditional house blessing of “Chalking the Door” at the conclusion of worship. People are encouraged to share in this blessing at their own homes using the following:
Chalking the Door
Family and friends gather at the main entrances to homes or apartments, and ask God’s blessing on their dwellings and on all who live or visit there. Leadership may be shared with a change of voice at each paragraph or phrase.
Peace be to this house and to all who enter here.
A reading from Proverbs: “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
Let us pray: Gracious God, as a shining star once guided the magi to the birthplace of the infant Jesus, so enable those who dwell here to be your light in the world; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Using chalk (hence, “Chalking the Door”), people are invited to inscribe the lintel of the home (the horizontal frame above the door) with the inscription shown below. The letters C M B come from the traditional (9th century) names for the “three kings” – Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. Some also suggest “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” which means, “May Christ bless this dwelling!” Each person is afforded a turn to make one or more of the marks:
20 + C + M + B + 22
A reading from Isaiah: “The effect of righteousness is peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and quiet place.”
Let us pray: Sovereign God, we pray that you will bless this home and all who live here with your gracious presence, that your love may be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light, and your peace our benediction; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
God, remember your people and teach us to pray: Our Father…
May God watch over our going out and our coming in, from this time forth and forevermore. Amen.
Thanksgiving for the Ministry of
Bishop Greg Mohr
On Friday, January 7th, 2022 at 8:00 pm, the BC Synod will gather online to give thanks to God for Bishop Greg’s ministry to the synod and offer blessings as he begins his retirement. There will be music, reminiscences, and a few short speeches.