FAMILY SUPPORT — Pastor Harding was surrounded by his family after being installed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Alma City on Sunday, May 7. He was supported by his wife, Dawn, his four children Timothy, Michael, Abigail, and Hannah, their partners and spouses, and his four grandchildren.
New pastor, same mission
Harting joins Alma City and Smiths Mill
Harting joins Alma City and Smiths Mill
Mon, 06/26/2023 - 12:09pm
The congregations of St. John’s and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Churches (located in Alma City and Smiths Mill, respectively) welcomed their new pastor, Robert Harting, at an installation service on May 7 at St. John’s.
Harting studied for a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts at Concordia College in Ann Arbor, Michigan and then enrolled at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana soon after.
Harting enters this dual parish with 37 years of experience in the ministry, most of his congregations having been located in his native Michigan or Iowa. He has also worked as a teacher at Mayer Lutheran High School.
At his installation, Harting was accompanied by his wife Dawn; grown children Timothy, Michael, Abigail, and Hannah; and his four grandchildren. Many Lutheran pastors from around the midwest were in attendance as well, and each offered words of encouragement as part of the service.
Rev. Michael K. Smith of Bethany Lutheran Church in Ames, Iowa delivered the sermon as the guest preacher, while Rev. Emeritus Martin Hoesch (also of Ames, Iowa) was the lector. Rev. Jeff Enderle of St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Clair was the installing minister, carrying out the rite of installation.
At his new congregations, Harting looks forward to “doing what every pastor did before,” in sharing the good news of the gospel.
He points to a favorite Bible verse, Hebrews 13:8, which reads “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Wherever he is, Harting says he is dedicated to his ministry’s mission and looks forward to carrying out the Lord’s work in our community.