Allow me to introduce you to Rev. Mark Doidge, the new pastor at Holy Communion Lutheran Church. Yesterday was only his third Sunday at Holy Communion, and we are his very first pastoral call – so he is very very early in his rookie season. But my word, to see him in action you would never guess that in a million years. Pastor Mark carries himself with incredible grace and poise, as though he had been a pastor for a long, long time. And yet, he brings to the table all the joy and eager energy of someone who is finally doing what they have long wanted to do and is so grateful for the opportunity. I love that.
Since Pastor Mark was and is a superb athlete with baseball being one of his major sports, I might as well evoke the name “The Natural,” the title of that wonderful baseball film starring Robert Redford from a few years back. I can’t think of a better way to describe Pastor Mark as a pastor; he is richly blessed with so many of the gifts that are so crucial to the life and work of a pastor – an exceptional capacity to connect with and appreciate a wide range of people, the ability to listen to people and sense where they’re coming from, a compassionate concern and empathy for others, energy galore, and the ability to laugh easily and often. And to top it off, he handles the matters of Sunday morning worship with ease and grace. I’ve been assisting minister on two of his first three Sundays, so I have had the chance to see him up close- and I am tremendously impressed. So many young pastors either barrel into their first call a little too sure of themselves or a little too eager . . . or tip toe into their first call, a little too hesitant or halting. Pastor Mark stands up front as though he has been called to be there- which he has, of course.
And his ease is beautifully evident in certain moments that count for so much. His children’s sermon, yesterday, was such an instance. He did a splendid job of really talking with the children – and you could tell by their stillness that they were focused on him and on his every word. He took a moment to introduce himself to them and then said that he was incredibly excited to be their pastor. I think it wouldn’t occur to everyone in that position to come right out and say that he was excited not just to be the pastor at Holy Communion and pastor for the adults- but also their pastor, specifically. Those are powerful words for a youngster to hear! And then he went on to tell a story about how he and Heather (his wife) met playing golf- and how playing golf became the means by which they really got to know each other much better. And at some point when he was missing her and wanted her to know how much he was thinking of her, he was able to sneak into her office and FILL that office – including every drawer – with golf balls! And as a prop, he brought out to the kids a huge bin of golf balls and invited them each to take one as a reminder that he was their friend. And he even went so far as to encourage each of them, when they came forward for communion, to bring the golf ball with them. And many of them did.
I am so glad that as assisting minister, I got to stand right next to Pastor Mark and hear him as he greeted each and every young child who came forward so warmly and lovingly. It put a lump in my throat at least the size of a golf ball! And because I was giving communion to a different line of people, I found myself taking care to greet each and every young child as warmly as Pastor Mark. It was a powerful and touching moment . . . reminiscent of the baptism service he did last Sunday in which he did such a beautiful job of making this young family feel welcome and cherished. And in the end, isn’t that what we are hungry for? To feel like we matter. Maybe an even better way to put it is that we want to know that we matter!
Pastor BIll’s own words of appreciation for Pastor Mark have been lavish and from the heart; he is tremendously thrilled that Mark is here and already has come to deeply appreciate all that he has to offer. And of course, all of us are thrilled not only to welcome Pastor Mark- but also Heather, who is an amazing person in her own right with all kinds of special gifts, including formidable musical gifts. (She sang with the senior choir for the first time yesterday.) But like her husband, I think Heather’s most treasurable gift is her kind, loving heart.
Part of what I so deeply appreciate about Mark and Heather coming to Holy Communion at this point in time is that their arrival roughly coincides with my own 25th anniversary as minister of music . . . when this kind of work can start to feel a little old. But their arrival- like Pastor Bill’s last year- has given me a surge of new energy and vitality, more than any pay raise ever could. And once you pass the 50- year mark, anything that feeds you rather than depletes you is a precious gift, not to be taken for granted. I am as grateful as I can possibly be to be surrounded by such good, inspiring people in every sphere of my life – and I am so thankful that the names of Mark and Heather Doidge can be added to that list.
pictured above: Pastor Mark gives his children’s sermon. If you look closely, you can see the golf balls he is holding in each hand.