St. Mark's Lutheran Church in St. Charles selects new pastor
St. Mark's Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod of St. Charles recently announced that the Rev. James "Jamie" Holt has accepted a call to be the church's senior pastor.
Holt, of Phoenix, Arizona, was recommended by the church's Call Committee and approved by the congregation last month. He replaces Pastor Tim Bayer who accepted a call to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Tacoma, Wash., in August 2019. Holt will be installed at St. Mark's in late May or early June.
Church president John Toniolo said, "We are so happy that Pastor Jaime has accepted our call. This has been a very long process, but God has found the right shepherd for our church. Jaime has the leadership skills and vision to continue the pathway established by Pastor Bayer."
Toniolo says the church is a community-based, mission driven congregation that serves not only the local community, but global needs as well.
"I know that the congregation is excited about the possibilities to share the love of Christ in our community under Pastor Holt's leadership and teaching capabilities," Toniolo said.
Holt graduated from Concordia University-Chicago with a BA in Theology in 2008. He then completed his Master of Divinity degree at Concordia Seminary-St. Louis in 2013.
He is currently serving as pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church and campus pastor of Valley Lutheran High School, both in Phoenix. His other duties include being the theology department chair and instructor at the high school. He has served in these roles for the past 5 years. He is known for his strong biblically based knowledge and teachings.
Prior to his current positions, Holt was an associate pastor at Christ Church-Lutheran in Phoenix until 2016.
Holt said that he immediately felt that St. Mark's was a perfect fit for him when he visited earlier this year.
"I knew that the ministry priorities of St. Mark's line up perfectly with my skills and my family's needs. And then I met the people! The heart for the lost and disconnected, the passion for God's Word, and the desire to grow in faith and relationships among the congregation is inspiring - and it's exactly the kind of place I want to serve," Pastor Holt said.
Pastor Holt can't wait to get started at St. Mark's. "I am excited to add my talent and energy to the incredible ministry at St. Mark's. I'm a solid preacher, and I love to teach Bible studies and host thematic seminars, discussions, and reading groups. I love to cook and host community meals. I can't wait to meet the broader community and connect with our neighbors," Holt said.
Toniolo said that the church was very blessed to have had a full-time pastor during the search.
"Interim Pastor Ray Krueger has done a remarkable job leading the church during the past 16 months in light of all of the challenges presented by the pandemic. He has done a wonderful job of attending to the needs of our congregation as well as the community during these difficult times," Toniolo said. "Pastor Ray not only took the reins but lead the church forward under a totally different environment with the COVID restrictions."
Holt, his wife, Erin, and two children plan to move to the Tri-Cities area following the end of the school year in Phoenix. Holt did mention that the transition will be bittersweet. "It's so hard to leave our friends and ministry partners in Phoenix, but we can't wait to get to St. Charles and get to know everyone!," he said.
The arrangements for the installation will be announced later.
St. Mark's Lutheran Church, at 101 S. Sixth Ave., was established in 1907. It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod-Northern Illinois District. On Sundays, the church offers a 9 a.m. traditional worship and 10:30 a.m. contemporary service. Sign up online at www.stmarkslife.org. Follow www.facebook.com/stmarksstc.
The goal at St. Mark's is to create environments and experiences where you can encounter God during your life. When you come to St. Mark's on a weekend, their aim is that you would be inspired by the music, encouraged by the message, welcomed by the amazing community of people and be reminded that God's grace is here!
At St. Mark's, mission isn't just going and serving others. Mission is the unique way that God has gifted each of us to multiply the life of Jesus. Mission is boldly going where the Holy Spirit leads. Mission is living our lives as a reflection of grace that Jesus has already given to us. We want to connect people to God's mission and equip them to live it where they live, work, and play.