In a ceremony marked with pageantry and passion, Bishop Mark Holmerud was installed Saturday afternoon as the fourth bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod, which serves Lutherans in the Northern California and Nevada regions.
Holmerud, 51, was surrounded by hundreds of clergy, including eight bishops, as well as family members and congregants in the sanctuary of the newly renovated St. John's Lutheran Church in downtown Sacramento.
He received a standing ovation and cheers from the 600-member audience when he accepted his bishop's crozier and pectoral cross, symbols of his new role in the church.
"I'm looking forward to all the surprises God has in store for us," said Holmerud.
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, lead the nearly two-hour worship service.
Hanson called on the new bishop and church leaders to "bring revival instead of survival" to the church, which like many mainline churches has seen decreasing membership in recent years. The spiritual leader sprinkled humor throughout his message, but he also reminded listeners of the teachings of the church and challenged them to see the face of Jesus in all people, including "undocumented workers, refugees, widows, orphans and those living on the streets."
Hanson addressed Holmerud several times in his sermon. The new bishop sat with his family – including his wife of 21 years, Debbi – in the front row.
The Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America serves more than 60,000 Lutherans in 204 congregations throughout Northern California and Nevada.
Holmerud, who was ordained in 1984, served as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Stockton for 20 years. In 2004, he became pastor of Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Davis. He was elected bishop six weeks ago.
Guests from throughout the region attended the installation.
"It was very inspiring," said Virginia Greenwald of Sonoma County. "He's going to be a good bishop. He's a very humble person who cares a lot."
The installation began with the congregation singing "Gather Us In" as clergy wearing white robes and red stoles walked into the church. The service included a choir, a contemporary ensemble and use of the church's new $850,000 organ. St. John's, the largest Lutheran church in the area, completed a $5.5 million renovation in June.
Holmerud has worked toward this moment for more than 20 years. As a teenager, he was torn between serving the church and serving his country. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy Prep School in Rhode Island, hoping to become a fighter pilot. He was asked during his training if he would be able to bomb a hospital if ordered. Holmerud said yes but later regretted his answer.
As a pastor, he emphasized reaching out beyond the church and into the community. In Davis, he built a thriving ministry to the homeless and an outreach effort to UC Davis students.
When he's not working, he can be found engaged in one of his hobbies. He is an amateur astronomer; he makes pickles – a congregant taught him 20 years ago and he has since won first place at the State Fair; and "is perpetually restoring" his 1966 Mustang.
For the next six years – the length of his term – he'll drive a fuel-efficient Toyota Prius, which he recently ordered. When possible, he also plans to take public transportation on his congregational visits.
Building a stronger relationship between church leaders and the congregations they serve is one of his priorities as bishop.
Right now, he's still getting used to his new role, he said in an earlier interview with The Bee: "It is a very humbling experience."
Call The Bee's Jennifer Garza, (916) 321-1133.
