On Sunday, July 13, St. Mark celebrated naming Rev. David I. Nelson as our Pastor Emeritus.

What is a Pastor Emeritus?  The word “Emeritus” means “retired, but retaining one’s title or rank.” The title of “Pastor Emeritus” is an honorary title given to retired pastors to recognize and show appreciation for the life-long service of a pastor who has made a significant impact on a congregation.

Why did we bestow this honor upon Rev. David I. Nelson? David served St. Mark first as an interim and then as a called pastor for 10 years, from 1996 to 2006 when he retired.  David was a beloved pastor whose passion for justice and for art gave shape and color and life to his ministry.  Among the many things during that time, David and Mary also established the Hope Fund to assist students in the North Thurston Public Schools and the SAFI School Project to help children in Tanzania get an education and better their lives.  In addition to preaching and worship leadership, David created art for the various seasons of the church year using the altar wall and the whole sanctuary as his canvas.  He assisted with the remodeling of the church building, the construction of our labyrinth, and the creation of our unique rock church sign out front.

But this honor has just as much to do with what David has done in the almost 20 years since his retirement. David has continued to enhance our worship and deepen our spiritual experiences through his art.

He has shared his creative gifts not only by creating art, but also by encouraging and teaching the next generations of artists, some as young at 10 years old, how to do it.

Not only do we have our altar wall, and the sanctuary itself, we also have our art gallery in the hallways.  David has created a lasting legacy of faith, art and creativity at St. Mark.

In this creativity we all know:  the space between heaven and earth, between the creator and the created, between the human and divine, becomes so thin we experience God in our very midst.

Pastor Beth stated: “David, when I brought the proposal to church council to name you as Pastor Emeritus, it was not only for this legacy of faith, creativity and art you have established at St. Mark and your continued work with students in Tanzania through SAFI, but it was also because of the love and support you  have shown not only to the people and ministry of this congregation, but also to Eric and me.

You may not know this, but when Bishop Hoffstad called Eric and me to ask if he could submit our names to the St. Mark call committee, he told us, ‘It is important that you know their retired pastor, David Nelson, who served there for about 10 years, is still a member there.  I know this isn’t typical because it is hard to make that work, but I am confident, if anyone can make it work, David and the two of you can.’

Our first introduction to you was during our call process when we came to meet with the people of St. Mark during Lent.  We had dinner first and during dinner, you told us you had served as a pastor here and was still attending worship, but that you didn’t want to interfere at all. You said, ‘If it is ever a problem for me to be here, please tell me and I will leave.’

During the service that followed, you got up to speak about the artwork you created on the altar wall.  Not only was your art and the commentary on it amazing, I was amazed as  I watched you speaking to the congregation in your wonderful, poetic David way.  I also watched everyone else listen to you.  They were absolutely captivated.

On the way home, Eric and I agreed, we would be idiots if we ever thought about asking you to leave.  It was obvious to us that you loved this church and they loved you and we would love you too.  And we do.

As a side note, when we heard you speak about your art that first time, it was like magic.  People were spell bound. You weren’t preaching that night, but you were!  I said to Eric, ‘I think he is a wizard.’ So, David, from the day we first met you on, between Eric and me, you have been affectionately named “The Wizard.”  You are a wizard in the best possible way—and a  Wise, Gracious, Creative, Extraordinary Mentor and Friend.  Thank you for being our go to person, for Pulpit supply, pastoral care, and for so many other things. You have been unwavering in your support of us as pastors.    It is a joy to celebrate you becoming St. Mark’s Pastor Emeritus.”

This title honoring David as Pastor Emeritus is also an honor for Mary, his wife.  About Mary, Pastor Beth shared:

“This celebration would not be complete without also recognizing Mary Nelson. What a gift you are, Mary!  What a gift the two of you are together.  David wouldn’t be David without Mary. Mary also continues to share her gifts of love and friendship and bringing people together in beautiful and profound ways.  And there is also the life giving ministry you have done together with SAFI.  You make a fabulous team and we are blessed to have both of you at St. Mark.   We love and appreciate you very much. ”

Pastor Nelson had an opportunity to speak and he thanked the people of St. Mark, his wife Mary, his daughter Jen and her family, and his long time friend, Pastor Paul Lundborg who were all also in attendance.  To the people of St. Mark, Pastor Nelson said, “I have served in several different churches. You are my heart congregation.”

The official resolution passed by the St. Mark Church Council which names and honors Pastor Nelson is as follows:

With great thanksgiving and deep gratitude for his 10 years of faithful leadership as a pastor of St. Mark and for his continued support of the ministry and spiritual growth of our congregation in the 20 years since his retirement—especially by enhancing and deepening our worship experiences with his creativity and art,

Be it resolved that Rev. David I. Nelson be named Pastor Emeritus of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Lacey, Washington,

Be it further resolved that the title of Pastor Emeritus is an honorary title of thanksgiving, respect, and appreciation for past service and confers no authority or responsibility for present or future service.

Thank you for establishing a faithful legacy of creativity at St. Mark!