Pr. Rutowicz's Installation


On January 16, 2005, St. Boniface Lutheran Church's pastor was formally installed.

An important expression of our unity in doctrine and practice was given form in the installation of the Rev. John Rutowicz as the Pastor of St. Boniface Lutheran Church in Niles, Michigan. St. Boniface-Niles called Pr. Rutowicz to serve as her pastor after the saints withdrew from a congregation of the heterodox LC–MS. When an opportunity finally presented itself for Pr. Rutowicz to be formally installed, both the parish and the pastors of our fellowship were eager to seize it!

Pastor and Mrs. Hudson (Christ Lutheran-Richmond, MO) and I travelled to Niles for the installation, staying with one of the families of the parish (the Clubines) during our visit. What wonderful hosts! They made our visit all the more joyous!
It was, however, a nice cool (and snowy) morning when it was time for the installation. (Yes, Texas heat will thin the blood!) But it was nice to see snow again. (Really!)
The congregation has use of a office/community building of a trailer park in Niles. Here's the place where St. Boniface meets:

I hope these pictures do justice to the 'churchly' feel of the building where the congregation is meeting. Both Pastor Hudson and I observed that it was one of the best mission facilities we've seen. (By the way: I noticed that most of the seats were filled for the service. :) )

For the divine service, Pr. Hudson led the first half of the service, and I had the privilege of preaching. We then shared responsibilities of the installation of Pr. Rutowicz.


Pr. Rutowicz then conducted the rest of the divine service, with Pr. Hudson and myself assisting with the distribution of the Blood of Christ.




By the way, St. Boniface has one of the most beautiful sets of chalice and paten I've seen in quite some time:


Following the divine service, the congregation had a potluck and time for discussion. Pastor Hudson and I shared greetings with the saints in Niles on behalf of the congregations entrusted to our care. Both of us noted how friendly everyone truly was, and how 'at home' we felt at St. Boniface. The saints at Niles are very much like those at Richmond and Malone.

Those who are curious to learn more about St. Boniface Lutheran Church are encouraged to visit their website: http://saintbonifacelutheran.org/


Posted: Wed - January 26, 2005 at 05:18 PM        

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