What's a Vicar?

Greetings New Hope Lutherans and Friends
Exciting day! 1 December 24; first Sunday in the new church year! This is the first of four
Sundays before Christmas. The four Sundays are called “Advent”.
And….
We’ll be blessed with a “Vicar”. What’s a “Vicar” anyway? Well, Thania Drake will be one, on
1 December, by about 4:45 PM!
“Vicar” comes to us from an ancient Latin word; “Vic”. “Vic” or “Vice” means one who acts
officially in place of another. We have Vice Presidents, Vice Commanders, Vice Church
Council Presidents, Vice Chairpersons…and more.
Over time, the ancient church adopted the word “Vic” to mean a Bishop could appoint someone
to do a task, such as start or serve a congregation. Bishop Megan Aelabouni will be with us on
1 December, 4 PM, to install Thania as our Vicar. Also in concert to authorize Thania, are: (1)
our Congregation Council, and (2) the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary.
I am grateful to serve as Thania’s mentor pastor. A small group from our congregation will
provide guidance.
The word “Vicar” now means one who is authorized to serve in the pastoral office, while training
for pastoral ordination. Thania will be authorized to preach, provide pastoral care, Baptize, and
preside at Holy Communion, while a seminary student.
Here we go! Amen!
Your Interim Pastor
Jeff Swanson