Message to the Congregation

Dear Friends,

I want to thank you all for the wonderful send-off you provided for me and Marta on December 31, 2023. I was completely blind-sided, completely surprised, by the “Family Feud” game that was set up in the Grape Room after the service, and I appreciate all the work and planning that obviously went into that. My family had so much fun participating! (One note here: it turns out Marta was in on this secret. She kept it quiet from me.)

Concluding work after a fifteen-year stint in any line of work would be disruptive for anyone. Concluding my work as the pastor of Christ the Vine Lutheran Church is especially difficult for me, because of the relationships I have developed with so many of you. I have spent time in many of your homes, or visited you in the hospital or rehab center, or watched helplessly, sometimes it seemed, during times of tragedy and loss. I’ve also been invited in as a participant in times of celebration. For others of you, I’ve simply seen you at church on a regular basis on Sundays.

Regardless of the frequency or location of my association with you, the love and affinity I’ve developed for you, and the comfort and joy I derive from our relationship, I think would surprise you. Marta and I both will always remember you with great affection and thankfulness.

I also want to thank so many of you for your generosity toward Marta and me over the years. At times you have overwhelmed us with your kindness. Because of your generosity we have been able to go places and have experiences that we never would have had. That includes your very kind gifts to us as we leave Christ the Vine. Thank you!

Finally, a shout out to the wonderful staff I’ve been privileged to work with at Christ the Vine, in the office and in the preschool, kindergarten and first grade as our school expands, and our musicians each Sunday morning. That includes, but is not limited to; talented and hard working Kristina Roberts, the wonderfully gifted Linda Borecki and all her fabulous musicians, experienced professional Seanna Bloemer and our fantastic teachers. I also want to acknowledge that Christ the Vine is blessed with remarkable leadership talent among our members. Thank you to all who serve!

All of us are the recipients of a gift so wonderful that it changes how we look at the future, how we respond to the struggles and sadness of life, how we react when we are blessed with good fortune, how we regard and respond to others. This is the gift I’m referring to: We who are sinful and undeserving, have been forgiven and redeemed, reconciled to God who made us. Not because of what we have done or not done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

Thank you and God bless you always,