The Mid-South District - LCMS

A Special Family Honor

Contributed By—Rev. Paul Hass, Senior Pastor, Bella Vista Lutheran, Bella Vista, Ark.

Rev. Paul Hass installs his brother, Rev. Mark C. Hass, as Chaplain at Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith, Ark. Participating in Rite of Installation were (from left) Rev. John Merrill, First, Fort Smith; Rev. Paul Hass; and Rev. Dr. Richard Davenport, Our Redeemer, Fort Smith.

On June 13, 2021, the Mid-South District welcomed Rev. Mark C. Hass. Rev. Hass received his Call to serve as Chaplain at Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith, Ark., through both the Mid-South District and the Board for National Mission under its authority to place candidates for Specialized Pastoral Ministry (SPM).

SPM includes Chaplains as well as Pastoral Counselors and Clinical Pastoral Educators.

District President Paavola was unable to be present to accommodate this Installation, so, as Region One Vice President, I was asked to connect with this other Rev. Hass to enable the Installation.

What a joy and honor it was to serve by asking my brother to recite again those familiar pastoral vows as he took on this new role! And, in this instance the term ‘brother’ has many meanings. Mark is not only my biological brother–both sons of Wesley and Nancy; we are brothers by baptism, brothers in the Pastoral Office in Service to our King, and we are also brothers and fellow servants in the Mid-South District.

It was a great privilege to lead the Rite of Installation and say those familiar words that occur in Pastoral Installations, but in which, in this instance, had special levels of meaning, “Dear brother,….”

This amazing and humbling opportunity to serve is but one of many memorable events I will cherish as I finish my term as a District Vice President. I thank President Paavola for this unique opportunity.

Please rejoice with me, and our entire District family, in Christ’s special care and provision for His family, as Chaplain Hass serves our District in and through Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith!