Since retirement is coming soon (Aug 4) this is what I sent out to the members of the congregation on June 1.
Dear Members of St. John’s
If you haven't heard already, I will be retiring following the worship service on August 4, 2019.
In the past 28 years that I have been your Pastor, we have shared many special moments. There have been those special good times: baptisms…confirmations… weddings… and other fun activities. There have also been those times of sharing sorrow, with hospital and nursing home visits and funerals of loved ones.
During the upcoming months, there will be many congregational meetings about the direction of the congregation and how the pastoral office will be filled. Take an active part in those meetings. Stay informed. Stay active. The Vacancy Pastor will be Pastor Daniel Vang, from Thorp, let him now be your Pastor in the next chapter of being the family of God at St. John’s.
So, when you have need of pastoral care or services, call Pastor Vang. If your child is getting married, and I'm invited, I'll be rejoicing with you…But Pastor Vang will be the one and only to plan the wedding, counsel the kids, and perform the service.
My departure includes handing those pastoral responsibilities on to him and I want to give him a lot of space to develop his own ministry. I want to give him every opportunity to serve you as your Vacancy Pastor. Pray for him and his family. Invite them to celebrations. Make him feel welcome. Since he probably doesn’t know the congregation’s traditions, gently inform him of them. After all, he isn’t a mind reader.
Jean and I will still see you around the area (since we have a house in Owen) but, when we meet…don't ask us what we think about the new pastor or the latest changes and/or project(s). I'd appreciate knowing that someone is sick, and someone is graduating from college with honors and other joys and concerns within the church family. And I can answer certain questions so as to not leave everyone in the dark, BUT certain other areas are no longer my concern. You might not see me every Sunday, what with grandkids to visit and spoil and probable supply preaching in area congregations, but, I am, far as this location is concerned, once again, part of the priesthood of believers as is every member of St. John’s.
Together, let's continue our relationship, not as Pastor of St. John’s but as brothers and sisters in Christ.
In His Service