July 23, 2020
Dear Congregational members and friends,
It is with a mixture of sadness and joyful expectation that I will resign my call as your Pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and School, San Clemente, CA. My resignation shall be effective after Sunday, August 16, 2020. I have accepted the call to serve as Senior Pastor at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marion, Iowa.
It has been my honor to serve as your Pastor for nearly 18 years and you have been faithful partners in ministry during this time and always offered your love and support to both my family and I—thank you.
This decision has not been made without a tremendous amount of prayer and discernment. The Synod office in Southeast Iowa reached out to me last November. I was involved in several interviews and visited in person last January. In light of the Covid-19 crisis all conversation was put on hold, until a congregational meeting was held last week. During this meeting the congregation in Marion overwhelming affirmed the recommendation of their Call committee and council to offer me a letter of Call. After prayerfully pondering all that this entails, I have come to the decision to accept their invitation to join them in ministry.
Why? The simplest answer is that I have discerned the prompting, nudging, and presence of the Holy Spirit in this process. Kelly and I agreed long ago if we felt the Spirit at work, we would follow. This was what led us to Our Savior’s 18 years ago, and now takes us to a new chapter in our lives. I also believe that OSLC will benefit from new pastoral leadership that can generate excitement and passion for ministry as the Spirit continues to lead and be with you here.
I know there are many questions about what comes next for Our Savior’s. The Office of the Bishop of Pacifica Synod will be at work with you providing guidance and support as you move forward. In the meantime, I remind you that the Lord will be with you and guide you through the process—God is good and will be faithful.
It has been my honor to serve with you these many years. You hold a most cherished place in my heart, and I have nothing but gratitude for the many years we’ve been together. This has not been an easy decision to make; but I believe it is faithful and I ask you to hold me and my family in prayer as we will do the same for all of you.
Peace!
Pastor Jeff Frohner
