for Rev. Alex Knowles Pastor · 8/16/2020 · St. John Ev. Lutheran Church-Angola NY Rite of Installation for Pastor Alex Knowles – August 16, 2020 Page 3 Reverend Alexander H.

Rite of Installation for

Rev. Alex Knowles

Pastor at

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church 962 Gold Street | Evans Center | Angola NY 14006

August 16, 2020-3pm

St. John Ev. Lutheran Church-Angola NY Rite of Installation for Pastor Alex Knowles – August 16, 2020 Page 2

Serving in the Lord’s House:

Pastor:

Rev. Alex Knowles: Cell 716-417-9980 [email protected]

Elders:

Jerry Ruhl: Home 716-947-4720 [email protected] (Congregation President)

Joe Ells: Home 716-549-2114 | Cell 716-445-5821 [email protected]

Tony Csati: Cell 716-861-0869 [email protected]

Bill Bateman: Cell 859-353-7509 [email protected]

Tiger Schmittendorf: Cell 716-777-0205 [email protected]

Church Staff:

Secretary: Janet McCauley

Organists: Mrs. Ruth Davis, Mrs. Ellen Gradl, Mr. Jack Frost, Mr. Zander Knowles

Praise Band Leaders: Mr. Joe Ells & Mr. Jack Frost

STAY CONNECTED:

Subscribe to our Website: stjohnangola.org

Email the Church: [email protected]

Like, Follow and Share our posts on Facebook: facebook.com/StJohnAngola/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/399pGlt

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who Love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Special Thanks to Circuit Visitor Rev. Tom Lutz, Pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran

Church in Eden NY, for installing Pastor Knowles; and to Rev. Dr. Dan Hahn,

Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Millvale, PA (Pastor Knowles’ brother-in-

law) for preaching the sermon today. We are also thankful for the music provided

by our Praise Band, and by Danae and Zander Knowles, Sue and Alex’s two oldest

children.

Please join us for fellowship with light refreshments following the service.

Pastor’s Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 5:8

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://stjohnangola.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/StJohnAngola/https://bit.ly/399pGlt


Reverend Alexander H. Knowles

Retired US Army Major and Chaplain, and former executive director of

Pioneer Camp & Retreat Center here in Angola for the past 9 years,

Rev. Knowles joined St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Angola NY

as its interim pastor on Sunday-February 23, 2020.

His last in-person service was on March 15 as escalation of the COVID-

19 pandemic suspended all church services and activities. For the next

three months, he and just a few church members continued to conduct

regular Sunday morning worship services and instituted mid-week video

messages via live streaming on Facebook and YouTube in order to keep

the congregation connected.

It was a family-team-effort as William served as our acolyte and Zander

read the scriptures and played the organ, while Sue, Danae, Abby and the

rest of their extended “quarantine-family” filled our otherwise empty

sanctuary with their beautiful voices. Although thrust into particularly

challenging and uncertain circumstances; congregational communications,

engagement and giving thrived under his servant leadership.

During that same time, a Pastoral Call Committee was convened, and a thorough congregational self-assessment

was completed. The Eastern District forwarded six names for consideration and an exhaustive evaluation pared

the list down to two potential candidates to interview. Reopen-New York’s Phase 2 lifting of certain restrictions

allowed us to invite a limited number of members back to worship services starting on June 7. On Saturday-

June 20, the congregation ratified a unanimous vote to extend the call to Rev. Knowles. After three weeks of

prayerful deliberation by pastor and his family, his acceptance of our call was announced at the start of our July

12 worship service.

Rev. Knowles previously served as Pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lockport. As a military chaplain,

Reverend Knowles served in multiple units in both the Active Army and the National Guard. He served at

Ground Zero following the attacks on September 11, 2001, in Iraq in 2005, and in Afghanistan in 2008, and was

mobilized for many disaster relief operations.

Between 2004 and 2012, Major Knowles was

deployed or mobilized for over 76 months. Chaplain

Knowles’ awards include the Bronze Star, Army

Commendation Medals, Iraq and Afghanistan

Campaign Medals and the New York State Defense of

Liberty Medal with the World Trade Center Device,

among many others. Maj. Knowles, who was injured

in both Iraq and Afghanistan, retired in August 2015

after 28 years of faithful service in the United States

Army.

He graduated and was ordained from Concordia

Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines,

Ontario in 2004 and will begin his doctoral studies at

Concordia in Fort Wayne IN this fall. He and his

family currently live here in Angola and are active in the community. Alex was born in neighboring Eden and

the family plans to move into a new home there in September. Sue grew up in Akron NY and has family there

and throughout the area.

Please join us in welcoming Alex, Sue, Danae, Zander (Mikeala), Abby, and William to our St. John family!

We are truly blessed to have them all as part of our “Small Church with a Big Heart!”


Rite of Installation Service for Pastor Alex Knowles

St. John Ev. Lutheran Church Angola NY

August 16, 2020

Opening Song: “My Lighthouse” – Performed by Danae Knowles and Zander Knowles

Welcome and Announcements Hymn: LSB 842 Son of God, Eternal Savior

Tune and text: Public domain

Stand


Opening Versicles:

L This is the day which the Lord has made;

C let us rejoice and be glad in it.

L From the rising of the sun to its setting,

C the name of the Lord is to be praised.

L Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere;

C I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

L Make me to know Your ways, O Lord.

C Teach me Your paths.

L Sanctify us in Your truth.

C Your Word is truth.

L From the rising of the sun to its setting,

C the name of the Lord is to be praised.

C Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Old Testament Canticle LSB 261


Sit


Readings from Holy Scripture:

Isaiah 52:7–10 L A reading from Isaiah.

7How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him who brings good news,

who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,

who publishes salvation,

who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” 8The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice;

together they sing for joy;

for eye to eye they see

the return of the LORD to Zion. 9Break forth together into singing,

you waste places of Jerusalem,

for the LORD has comforted his people;

he has redeemed Jerusalem. 10The LORD has bared his holy arm

before the eyes of all the nations,

and all the ends of the earth shall see

the salvation of our God.

L This is the Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

Romans 10:14–17 L A reading from Romans.

14But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they

have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15And how are they to preach unless they are

sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16But they have not all obeyed

the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17So faith comes from hearing, and

hearing through the word of Christ.

L This is the Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

Stand

John 20:19-23 L A reading from St. John.

19On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the

Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20When he had said this, he showed

them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace

be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them

and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you withhold

forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.”

L This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.


Responsory

L Forever, O Lord, Your Word is firmly set in the heavens.

C Lord, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells.

L Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.


L Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.


Apostles’ Creed C I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day He rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven

and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy Christian Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life T everlasting. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer C Our Father who art in heaven,

hallowed be Thy name,

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done on earth

as it is in heaven;

give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those

who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom

and the power and the glory

forever and ever. Amen.

Sit


Song: “In Christ Alone” [Stuart Townend] - Led by the Praise Band

1. In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song; This Cornerstone, this solid Ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My Comforter, my All in All, Here in the love of Christ I stand.

2. In Christ alone! – who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe. This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones He came to save: Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied – For every sin on Him was laid; Here in the death of Christ I live.

3. There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain: Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me, For I am His and He is mine – Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

4. No guilt in life, no fear in death,

This is the power of Christ in me; From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand: Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Sermon: Rev. Dr. Dan Hahn, Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church-Millvale, PA

Hymn: LSB 682 God of the Prophets, Bless the Prophets’ Sons

Text and tune: Public domain

https://www.stuarttownend.co.uk/song/in-christ-alone/https://www.definitions.net/definition/guilthttps://www.definitions.net/definition/powerhttps://www.definitions.net/definition/Christhttps://www.definitions.net/definition/firsthttps://www.definitions.net/definition/finalhttps://www.definitions.net/definition/commandshttps://www.definitions.net/definition/powerhttps://www.definitions.net/definition/schemehttps://www.definitions.net/definition/pluckhttps://www.definitions.net/definition/returnshttps://www.definitions.net/definition/callshttps://www.definitions.net/definition/powerhttps://www.definitions.net/definition/Christ


Installation of a Pastor: Based on the Coburg Church Order, 1626

The Invocation and Certification of Call (The Pastor-elect will stand at his place, all others remain seated.)

Circuit Visitor Rev. Thomas Lutz:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son † and of the Holy Spirit.

Will the president of the congregation please stand?

Do you certify in the presence of God and this congregation that the Pastor here before us, Alex Knowles, has been duly and

rightly called as Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, according to the provisions of its constitution?

Congregation President Jerry Ruhl:

We do so certify in the name of the Father, and of the Son, † and of the Holy Spirit.

(The president of the congregation will be seated)

The Questions to the Pastor Elect Alex Knowles

Circuit Visitor: In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, Pastor Knowles:

Whereas you have been called as Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church through God’s good will and counsel, it is fitting that

you be reminded of the obligations connected with the office which has been bestowed on you through Ordination. I ask you,

therefore, in the presence of God and this congregation:

Do you acknowledge that the Lord has called you through His Church into the ministry of Word and Sacrament?

Pastor-Elect: I do.

Circuit Visitor: Do you believe and confess the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments to be the inspired Word of

God and the only infallible rule of faith and practice?

Pastor-Elect: Yes, I believe and confess the canonical Scriptures to be the inspired Word of God

and the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

Circuit Visitor: Do you believe and confess the three Ecumenical Creeds, namely the Apostles’, the Nicene, and the

Athanasian Creeds, as faithful testimonies to the truth of the Holy Scriptures, and do you reject all the errors which they

condemn?

Pastor-Elect: Yes, I believe and confess the three Creeds because they are in accord with the Word of God.

I also reject all the errors they condemn.

Circuit Visitor: Do you confess the Unaltered Augsburg Confession to be a true exposition of Holy Scripture and a correct

exhibition of the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church? And do you confess that the Apology of the Augsburg

Confession, the Small and Large Catechisms of Martin Luther, the Smalcald Articles, the Treatise on the Power and Primacy

of the Pope, and the Formula of Concord – as these are contained in the 1580 Book of Concord – are also in agreement with

this one scriptural faith?

Pastor-Elect: Yes, I make these Confessions my own because they are in accord with the Word of God.

Circuit Visitor: Do you promise that you will perform the duties of your office in accordance with these Confessions, and

that all your preaching and teaching and your administration of the Sacraments will be in conformity with Holy Scripture and

with these Confessions?

Pastor-Elect: Yes, I promise with the help of God.

Circuit Visitor: Will you faithfully instruct both young and old in the chief articles of Christian doctrine, will you forgive

the sins of those who repent, and will you promise never to divulge the sins confessed to you? Will you minister faithfully to

the sick and dying, and will you demonstrate to the Church a constant and ready ministry centered in the Gospel? Will you

admonish and encourage the people to a lively confidence in Christ and in holy living?

Pastor-Elect: Yes, I will with the help of God.

Circuit Visitor: Finally, will you honor and adorn the office of the Holy Ministry with a holy life? Will you be diligent in

the study of Holy Scripture and the Confessions? And will you be constant in prayer for those under your pastoral care?

Pastor-Elect: I will, with the Lord helping me through the power and grace of His Holy Spirit.


The Admonition from the Word of God

Circuit Visitor: Hear now what Holy Scripture says concerning the office of the holy ministry.

THE INSTITUTION OF THE OFFICE

Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” And with that He breathed on them

and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” (John 20:21-23)

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their

hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your

hearers. (1 Tim. 4:14-16)

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing

and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct,

rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will

gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears

away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of

your ministry. (2 Tim. 4:1-5)

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you

are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted

to you, but being examples to the flock.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:2-4)

THE STRENGTH AND PROMISE IN THE OFFICE

[Jesus said:] “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is

no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city

on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand,

and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in

heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)


The Promise of the Pastor Elect (The Presiding Minister and Pastor-Elect face the Congregation)

Pastor-Elect: I, Alex Knowles, before God and this congregation that has called me to be their Pastor, do

covenant and promise with the help of God to fulfill this Holy Office as a faithful shepherd and servant of

Christ. I will boldly proclaim the word of God; I will perform the duties of this office with fidelity and love;

and I will adorn it with a godly life. For all this I beg the mercy of God, in the name of the Father and of the

Son † and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

(The Presiding Minister addresses the congregation)

Circuit Visitor: Members of St. John Lutheran Church, you have heard the promises of your called pastor. It is fitting that

you too be reminded of your obligations as members of the body of Christ and of this congregation. And so I now ask you,

Will you gladly and diligently apply yourselves to the proclamation of the Word, receiving it not as the word of man, but as it

is in truth, the Word of God? Will you commit yourselves to regular and frequent attendance in corporate worship, study of

scripture and sharing of your gifts and abilities for the work of the Kingdom?

Congregation: We will

Will you work together with your pastor with your influence and strong support as he supervises the instruction and

discipleship of this congregation, remembering that the Body of Christ in this place is strengthened by your godly actions and

exemplary lives?


Will you promise to diligently pray for your pastor and his family? Will you work together with him so that your labors

together may be useful for your salvation and that his ministry may be joyfully and abundantly effective in your midst?

Congregation: We promise

Will you support his common human needs, taking into full account what is necessary to sustain a home and family in this

community? Will you remember to provide opportunity for necessary mental refreshment and physical recreation and will

you encourage continuous development and growth in his personal and professional life?


Hear, then, these words of Jesus: “Blessed are all who hear the Word of God and keep it” and “Let your light so shine before

others that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Pastor Knowles, are you willing and ready to assume this trust and responsibility?

Pastor Elect: I am.

(The Pastor-elect kneels. The Presiding Minister continues.)

Alex Knowles, on the basis of your Call, in accordance with the desires of this congregation and by the authority

vested in me, I now install you as Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in the name of the Father and of the Son † and of the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Now the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you

with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in you what is pleasing in His sight, and may the

blessing of God the Father, the Son † and the Holy Spirit be with you now and forever.

(The Pastor-Elect stands. The Presiding Minister continues.)

Pastor Knowles, feed the flock of Christ that has been entrusted to you. You will act, not with constraint, but

willingly; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being an example to the

flock. And when the Chief shepherd is manifested, you will obtain the unfading crown of glory. The Lord bless you

from on high, and make you a blessing, that you may be His servant and bring His hope and life to many. Amen

(All Stand)

Let us pray. Lord Jesus Christ, eternal and only Son of God, who is at the right hand of the Father and gives gifts to

Your church, sending forth pastors and teachers for the work of the ministry and the building up of your body, the

Church, we thank and praise You that you have again provided this flock with a faithful shepherd; and we pray,

grant to both pastor and people Your heavenly grace, that they may do what is well pleasing in your sight, holding

faith and a good conscience, and finally, with all the elect, obtain everlasting life. Amen.


Song: “10,000 Reasons” (Bless the Lord) [Matt Redman]

C = The Congregation-C will sing the chorus. P = The Praise Band-P will sing the verse.

C Bless the Lord oh my soul Oh my soul Worship His Holy name Sing like never before O my soul I'll worship Your Holy name P The sun comes up It's a new day dawning It's time to sing Your song again Whatever may pass And whatever lies before me Let me be singing When the evening comes C Bless the Lord oh my soul Oh my soul Worship His Holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I'll worship Your Holy name P You're rich in love And You're slow to anger Your name is great And Your heart is kind For all Your goodness I will keep on singing Ten thousand reasons For my heart to find C Bless the Lord oh my soul Oh my soul Worship His Holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I'll worship Your Holy name Bless You Lord

P And on that day When my strength is failing The end draws near And my time has come Still my soul will Sing Your praise unending Ten thousand years And then forevermore Forevermore

C Bless the Lord oh my soul Oh my soul Worship His Holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I'll worship Your Holy name

C Bless the Lord oh my soul Oh my soul Worship His Holy name Sing like never before Oh my soul I'll worship Your Holy name Yes I'll worship Your Holy name I'll worship Your Holy name

P Sing like never before Oh my soul I'll worship Your Holy name Jesus I will worship Your Holy name Worship Your Holy name

https://www.google.com/search?newwindow=1&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS878US879&sxsrf=ALeKk00sa9j0xDSsDJBQHSfdOJpHLeP69g:1596511752057&q=Matt+Redman&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAONgVuLSz9U3MMwxs8gzXcTK7ZtYUqIQlJqSm5gHAJYPjNkcAAAA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiuj_HezYDrAhXwTN8KHVFMDJEQMTAAegQIDRAF


Prayer L In peace let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

L For the gift of divine peace and of pardon, with all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

L For the holy Christian Church, here and scattered throughout the world, and for the proclamation of the Gospel

and the calling of all to faith, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

L For this nation, for our cities and communities, and for the common welfare of us all, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

L For seasonable weather and for the fruitfulness of the earth, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

L For those who labor, for those whose work is difficult or dangerous, and for all who travel, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

L For all those in need, for the hungry and homeless, for the widowed and orphaned, and for all those in prison, let

us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

L For the sick and dying and for all those who care for them, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

L For . . . [additional bids for prayer may be inserted here] . . . let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

L Finally, for these and for all our needs of body and soul, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Collect of the Day L Almighty and everlasting Father, You give Your children many blessings even though we are undeserving. In

every trial and temptation grant us steadfast confidence in Your loving-kindness and mercy; through Jesus Christ,

Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C Amen.

Collect for the Word L Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them,

read, mark, learn, and take them to heart that, by the patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace

and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and

reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C Amen.

Morning Prayer C I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night

from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all

my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all

things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me.


Hymn: LSB 850 God of Grace and God of Glory

Text and tune: Public domain

Blessing

L Let us bless the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

L The almighty and merciful Lord, the Father, the T Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless and preserve us.

C Amen.

Song: “Send Us Out” – Performed by the Praise Band

Acknowledgments Service of Prayer and Preaching from Lutheran Service Book Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a

publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2018 Concordia Publishing House.


A Challenge Coin to Commemorate:

The Rite of Installation for

Rev. Alex Knowles

Pastor at

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Angola NY

August 16, 2020

This challenge-coin is custom designed to commemorate the Rite of Installation of Rev. Alexander H. Knowles as the Pastor of

St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in Angola NY on August 16, 2020. It also serves to recognize and celebrate Pastor Knowles’

decorated service to our country as a Major and a Chaplain in the United States Army and National Guard.

Challenge coins are a big part of military culture and increasingly so in the civilian world today. Their origin is rooted in the

history of civilizations from the Romans to the American colonials, and their traditions date back to the World Wars. Challenge

or Squadron coins–specifically in military units–demonstrate “proof of membership” and affiliation with a specific element,

extending esprit de corps in its proud members. Challenge coins are a great way to boost morale, identify allegiance and are a

terrific way to start a conversation or extend one’s appreciation by saying “thank you” with coin in hand and a firm handshake.

The unique cross on the front of this coin represents the LCMS-Lutheran Church Missouri Synod’s Ministry to the Armed

Forces that supports almost 200 chaplains who represent the church on active duty, the reserves, the National Guard, and Civil

Air Patrol. Chaplains meet the needs of military personnel and their families, and this is the cross that Pastor Knowles wears

around his neck during worship and as he now cares for our church family and community.

Our church cares deeply for those who currently serve, for those who have donned the cloth

of our nation in uniform, and for those who served our nation and live in our communities.

We are extremely proud of, thankful for and admire the commitment and sacrifice that Pastor

Knowles and his family have made in selfless service to God and country. Thus, we take this

opportunity to acknowledge and welcome Sue, his wife, and Danae, Zander, Abby and

William, their children, on the coin as well.

The back of the coin challenges us to be the “Small church with a big heart” that we say we

are, a mission that Pastor Knowles has embraced and pushes us out into the community to

live every day. Our church steeple purposely forms the ‘t’ in the “St. John” of our church

name and logo, as that steeple has stood as a beacon of light and faith in our community for

80 years.

Lastly, the inclusion of Pastor Knowles’ favorite bible verse: Romans 5:8,

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” is a tribute to the blessing he has already

been to our congregation and the gift that he and his family are to our church from this special day forward.

This challenge coin too gives us “proof of membership” and fellowship with one another as the congregation of St. John’s and

as children of God. It is in that vein that we extend this coin for you to carry, but not to hold.

We can honor to Pastor Knowles by accepting the challenge that when God puts someone in our path to start a conversation

with, and the Holy Spirit gives us the words to share, we will extend our hand to them, challenge-coin in palm, and greet them

with a firm handshake and the words of God’s love, hope, faith, gratefulness or encouragement they may need most at that very

moment.

As Maj. Knowles “commands” us each Sunday: “Go in peace and serve the Lord.” Thanks be to God.

for Rev. Alex Knowles Pastor · 8/16/2020 · St. John Ev. Lutheran Church-Angola NY Rite of Installation for Pastor Alex Knowles – August 16, 2020 Page 3 Reverend Alexander H.

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