The Rev. Martin Hancer passed into glory on October 3 after a valiant battle with cancer. He had served as Senior Pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran, North Hollywood since September, 2016.
Pastor Marty was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota and his Master of Divinity at Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, St. Paul, MN. Pastor Marty interned at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church in Rancho Cucamonga, CA and previously served as Associate Pastor of First Lutheran Church, Brainerd, MN, and as Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran, Princeton, MN. He enjoined golf, fishing, reading, time with family, and taking in all the sports, music, and theatrical offerings he could fit into his schedule.
Reflecting on his ministry this year, which was the 25th anniversary of his ordination at
Mount Olivet in Minneapolis
, Pastor Marty said:
I love being a pastor! I get to share with ALL people the good and joyful news that God loves them more than they can possibly imagine. I get to share the good news that God forgives, God accepts and God in Christ is with them in all times and circumstances. No exceptions. And I get to encourage people in their own calling and sense of purpose... in knowing that their story is important. That their story and journey is a part of a larger story - God's story - and the story just wouldn't be the same without them. People need to hear it and I have the privilege to share it every single day. Amazing. God is so good.
He is survived by his wife Laurie, daughters Amanda and Megan, brothers James and Burke, sister Michelle, cousins, and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.
