My feelings are bitter-sweet because I announced my retirement as your S.A.M.(Synodical Authorized Minister) of Bethesda and Immanuel Lutheran Churches to the joint councils on Thursday, June 10. My retirement will be effective December 31, 2021. At the end of this year, I will have served as your minister for three years on my own, three years as a partner with Pastor Larry and three years as the Parish Secretary/Bookkeeper.
In just three short years we have accomplished so much together as joint congregations. We have achieved these things with the help of those that have gone before us, including past saints of both congregations, as well as, the previous pastors who have led us to the place we are at today.
We turned our building into a community center; sponsored fish fries, pancake breakfasts, and lutefisk suppers; and supported Gertrude in Malawi for her seminary education. Gertrude will be the second ELCA female pastor in that Country. The forming of the Lake Superior Bridge Builders and sponsoring a family of asylum seekers from Russia is huge, and has encouraged other congregations in Chippewa Falls, Wausau, and a congregation in Michigan to indulge in this ministry.
On a personal note, I would like to thank both congregations for the following opportunities of personal and vocational growth. Your support, encouragement, and prayers for my training through the Lay School of the Northwest Synod of WI; the training in Kansas and ability to take part in our Synod Racial Justice Team; being a representative to the Church-Wide assembly in Pittsburgh in 2013; my trips to Germany and Malawi, Africa; and most recently, immersion trips to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and to the border with Border Servant Corps in Las Cruces, New Mexico and Cristo Rey (Christ the King) Church in El Paso, Texas.
The sweetness lies in this gift that you have afforded me to be your minister. Studying scripture, preparing a sermon, visiting, baptisms, weddings, and even funerals, have allowed me to grow in the Spirit and fulfilled a place in my soul and heart. In other words it has been a joy to serve you.
Many of you know me better than my own brother. You have known me as a single person from when I first joined the church in 1985. That is 40 years of growth within this strong community of believers and as a beloved child of God. You have been part of our family as I was married, fostered Jacob and Cole, celebrated the birth of our son Charles, and rejoiced when they were baptized. You were there and helped me physically and emotionally through the death of Jacob in 1998. You know me well and I know you. You are part of my family and I will never forget you. Our relationship will be different as I will no longer be your minister, but I will remain your friend always.
Larry and my homestead is in the town of Russell and that will not change. I will take a time of absence for my successor to become established.
On July 8, our Joint Council will meet with Randy Olson from the synod office to lay out the path forward and answer questions.
It is a joy to serve such a community minded people. Blessings to us all as we journey forward.
With much love always,
Mary
