Pastor's Pen

Monthly letters from Pastor Stellhorn to the congregation, originally published in The Epistle — St. Paul's monthly newsletter.

November 2009

On November 22, Christ the King Sunday, Bishop Penrose Hoover will pay a visit to St. Paul’s. This marks the first visit of our bishop in six years, since Bishop Carol Hendrix’s visit on Christ the King Sunday in 2003.

The office of Bishop in church history dates back to the 12 apostles who were the first bishops, selected by Christ. The New Testament uses the Greek word “episcopos,” meaning “overseer” to describe a bishop’s function. As Christianity spread from Israel throughout the Roman Empire, it came into contact with other religions and philosophies. Many Gentile (non-Jewish) believers came into the church from the various pagan religions existing at the time and brought with them beliefs and customs that were not compatible with the Christian faith they had embraced. Bishops served not only as administrators of the early churches but also as guardians of “the faith that was entrusted once for all to the saints.” (Jude, v. 3)

One way bishops down through the centuries have exercised their oversight is visiting the churches under their care. And so we welcome Bishop Hoover as he continues this cherished tradition of our faith. On November 22, he will preach and preside at both worship services and join us for our spaghetti dinner following the 10:15 service.

During Sunday School, all adult, senior high and confirmation classes are asked to attend a “Q & A” time with Bishop Hoover in the Kammerer Room. He will speak a little about our synod, his role as a bishop and field questions. His biography is enclosed in this edition of the “Epistle.” Please join me in welcoming Bishop Hoover on Nov. 22!

                                                                                                                In Christ,

                                                                                                      Pastor Stellhorn