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June 14, 2004
This decision has been more difficult to make than I ever thought it would be! After all, the call of freedom and adventure has always been very attractive to me. But, when it comes right down to it, there is also the strong pull of worship together, mission accomplished and yet to be done, and relationships treasured! Still, after much thought and prayer, I think it is time for a change! I've been around so long that new energy and hopefully, in good order, new leadership can well be a very positive step to take. Also, with the lessening of responsibilities, my ever more medicated health might improve; while, similarly, I believe, St. Peter's will benefit from a period of reflection and self-study, of evaluation and recommitment. Having passed the milestone of thirty years of ordained ministry on March 24, I am now eligible to retire. Therefore, with this letter, I am announcing to you my retirement from active ministry and as pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, North Plainfield, NJ, effective, including accrued vacation, on September 1. Accordingly, my last Sunday at St. Peter's will be July 25. It is truly hard for me to write these words! I do so, as I closed my letter to the Bishop informing him of my decision, "with fear and trembling;" but also with faith that the Holy Spirit will continue to work through you, through me, and through this church; and with sincere gratitude, for I owe everything to St. Peter's Congregation! My deepest appreciation for taking a "chance" back in 1974 on a once "young" fellow recently graduated from seminary, and for giving me the honor and the privilege of serving as your pastor and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout these thirty plus years! It's not yet good-bye. Let's have a good time worshipping and seving God, while enjoying one another in the weeks ahead!
God Bless and Keep You All, Last modified 6/20/2004 |