Many of you know by now that I have submitted my resignation as pastor at St. Peter, effective on August 15. Allowing for vacation time in August, my last Sunday at St. Peter will be on July 31. After that time I will not be available for either weddings or funerals. I want to thank you for ten good years of ministry together. I have enjoyed my time with you and wish you God’s best as you write a new chapter in the venture of faith.

I began serving in August 2001 and was ordained and installed as pastor at St. Peter on April 17, 2002. During that memorable installation service, representatives of the congregation accompanied me from the baptismal font, to the pulpit and then to the altar. And they said something to the effect, “You have been called to be among us to baptize, to teach and to forgive sins.” “You have been called to be among us to proclaim the good news.” “You have been called to be among us to lead worship and preside at Holy Communion.”

Over the years I have been asked more than once, “So what do pastors do all week with their time?” I am not always sure how to respond to that question, even though I have been a pastor awhile, because pastoral duties are quite varied. It’s a lot different from an 8 to 5, five day a week job. The best way for me to sum up the pastoral calling is to say that “I have been called to be among you.” And that is something difficult to measure with a time clock or quantify numerically. One of the more visible expressions of pastoral work is what happens on Sundays: teaching classes, leading worship, and attending to other regular duties. Presidents have speech writers and the internet has lots of canned sermons posted for the taking, but Lutheran pastors are trained to study and prepare their own sermons. This takes a fair amount of time, maybe 8 to 10 hours a week. Or more. There are also prayers to prepare and bulletins to review.

When there is an illness or death in a family, time must be spent consoling grieving family members and preparing funeral or memorial services, in addition to the normal duties. And of course there are shut-ins, who can no longer make it to church regularly. They need a visits as well. Pastors also make calls on newcomers, members, and prospective members. I have also tried to keep somewhat regular office hours, to be available for drop in visitors or people who want “on the spot” counseling, especially on the days that the Food Pantry is open. There are also evening meetings with lay leaders that come up frequently, and monthly gatherings of both Lutheran and ecumenical pastors for mutual support and conversation. I have written grants which have supported our Helping Hands Food Pantry and gotten full funding for our industrial-grade freezer that both the Food Pantry and the Neighborhood Free Breakfast use. I have participated in meetings of the Hillyard Community Development Steering Committee, serving as vice-chair for three years. One result of my participation in that group has been St. Peter’s participation in Worship in the Park where we interact with our neighbors, churched and unchurched. Worship in the Park has become a highlight of the Hillyard Festival. I am elated that our kids have moved to the front of the church and, at a very early age, participate in the worship service. Camp Lutherhaven has been a great partner and we have been able to make it possible for kids to go to camp, not just those in the congregation, but their friends as well. Some of the kids we have sent to camp do not have a church home and you have made it possible for them to hear the story of Jesus in a new and inviting way. We have started a program for youth and our Young Disciples have had an opportunity for fellowship and growth in faith. Through the camping trips, our Young Disciples have seen live buffalo in Montana, gone through Grand Coulee Dam and seen how electricity is made, looked at ancient trees in the Ginko National Forest and seen new technology at the wind farms near Vantage. As I have moved from full-time to 3/4 time to ˝ time, I have been less available in the office and my visits have primarily been confined to those in the hospital and those who have lost loved ones.

St. Peter is coming up to its 100th anniversary. In my time here, St. Peter has had strong ministries in feeding people and in caring for children. I hope that these ministries will continue to be strong as you move into the future. St. Peter has also been willing to partner with different groups to accomplish ministry. Our joint efforts with Messiah has made possible a better confirmation program for both congregations. St. Mark’s gave us the money for a van for one of the camping trips. Zion Lutheran in the Valley has had several food drives for our Helping Hands Food Pantry. And our participation in the Hillyard Community Develpment Steering Committee has not only resulted in Worship in the Park, but also another ingathering of food which we shared with the Northeast Community Center. And we must not forget Ron and Leska, members of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, who have volunteered to clean the church for us. I hope they will be remembered with grocery cards occasionally. St. Peter has a strong foundation of partnering with other people and other organizations and I am hopeful that this latest partnership with St. Luke will result in a good mutual exchange and strengthen both congregations.

I have great hopes for St. Peter’s future. You have a strong ministry and a strong commitment to the Hillyard neighborhood. And I have been blessed to be called to be among you. Thank you for the privilege and of ten good years together. I have no regrets.

Blessings to you and God’s peace.