08/28/2026
We are soooo happy to have our new rector at Christ Church! We got on for a long time without a rector, but we really need one. For a long time, also, we have been praying for the person whom God would prepare for us. Now we are grateful that God has sent us the Rev. Martin Pommerenke.
Both God and Fr. Martin have clearly studied our wish lists for a rector. Fr. Martin leads the service reverently and gracefully, and he sings! He is friendly and encouraging with the congregation, careful to welcome newcomers and people watching online. This past Sunday, he thanked the wardens for all the extra work they had to do during the long transition period. How true! He is working on getting to know us as individuals. He is busy getting acquainted with the building and with all the activities on our schedule. I believe that he is eager to imagine what we might do together in the future.
Fr. Martin speaks clearly and confidently. Not at all boring. In his sermons, Fr. Martin has talked about the Scripture lessons, about our life as Christians today, and about our mission as Christians. He has led us to reflect on what God is like. He sprinkles in little explanations about things Episcopalian. All this will help us to carry the Church on into the future.
I am particularly appreciative that Fr. Martin understands that, for Episcopalians, the bread and the w**e are not considered consecrated until the people say the Great Amen – when we confirm all the Eucharistic prayers that he has spoken on our behalf. “All this we ask….” I can see that he does not bow in reverence toward the Eucharistic gifts until after the Great Amen. The earliest English Prayer Books stated that a priest alone cannot celebrate the Eucharist. We do it together.
Some of you might remember years ago when Fr. Garrenton preached on Sunday’s lesson about Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi. He told us that he had been to Caesarea Philippi and had stood in a place surrounded by statues of various gods and heroes. He could imagine Jesus’ waving his hand toward all the statues and asking his disciples, “And who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Fr. Martin made me realize the impact of the words “the Living God” in that scene. In Jesus, God was made flesh, so different from the statues made of stone.
Thoughts from an aged parishioner
