My friends of Messiah Lutheran Church,
These will be my last few weeks with you. There will be many
people I will miss, and experiences that I will cherish. I wanted to offer a
few words of specific thanks and gratitude for the 15 years we’ve had together,
with a little retrospection. There are so many more thanks, events and
memories, but to name just a few… (I will mark my “thanks” in bold.)
1998 – The beginning: late in January, about 4 months
after leaving my first call in Pennsylvania, I met Pr. Joe Dillon at a retreat
in Seabeck. He said with his wink and sly smile, “You’ll be hearing from me.”
In February, I started at MLC as “pulpit supply,” preaching on the 4th
Commandment, “Honor your parents.” I was reading Called to Care; Biblical
Images of Social Ministry. (Directions to Messiah are penciled in on the
back cover.) In it Dr. Robert Kysar suggests that each congregation should keep
social outreach as a part of its core response to the Gospel, and as its evangelism,
telling people—not only what we believe, but also—what we do. Thank you,
Messiah, for your passion for outreach, your love and care for people through
the quilters & kit-makers, the food bank and community suppers, Christmas
Hampers! the mission trips, community fund…on and on!
Thank you, Pr. Joe
Dillon! You are an example of leading by loving! Pr. Steve Olson: you were an
amazing partner at MLC. I appreciated your advice, messages, and your continued
encouragement all the way through. Even now, while serving at Faith in Shelton,
I’ve appreciated your helpful advice and encouragement every time we’ve talked!
Thank you, Pr.
Emeritus Eric & Svava Sigmar, for inviting Pauline and me into your home for
dinner. You both welcomed us so generously! I will miss my quiet time in the
Sigmar Prayer Chapel where I often talk to God and to Pr. Eric. Also, thank
you, Carol Messecar! We shared a tiny office, visitation responsibilities, and
laughter.
In 1999 – I was called as your second Associate
Pastor, focusing on stewardship, visitation and spiritual gifts development. I
acted in my first Messiah Players Production, Children of Eden. Thank you, Erwin Rosin, Laura Kniss, Jack Lippard, and
others for teaching me the importance of doing something “completely different”
within ministry. I co-lead Monday Night Bible Study with Ron Douglas. Eventually,
that class merged with the ongoing Thursday morning Bible Study. Thank you to both Ron and Margaret. You
have always, always provided me with words of support and encouragement.
In 2000 – I joined the Lutheran Campus Ministry
Council at the UW. At MLC we began including occasional healing services during
our Sunday worship. We developed a new mission statement and Messiah’s mission
slogan, “Gather, Grow, Glorify, & Go!” Krista Sickert-Bush resigned as our
Youth Director, and Rachel Ashley was hired in her place. (Pauline and I are thankful for our ongoing friendship with Krista and
her husband, Bill. They are our boys’ godparents.) I trained to be a
Stephen Leader. Thank you to my dear
Stephen Ministers, past and present. Special thanks to Stephen Leaders, Therese
Moore, Doreen Shaver, and Pat Averill who’ve helped me all along in this
critical ministry.
In 2001 – Our stewardship theme was a challenge to
“Grow Another Step.” Lois Bradford began the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Traci Vatne
returned as MLC’s youth director to replace Rachel. Traci, thank you for your amazing leadership, loving relationships, and
strong scholarship. MLC is so very blessed by your ministry! We had started
a small worship service at Parkside West which met twice a month for a number
of years. After the attacks of September 11, we saw a dramatic increase in the
level of giving to community needs…which has never decreased since then!
Thank you, generous and consistent
givers!
In 2002 – Mid-year, Pr. Joe Dillon received his call
to All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix, AZ. Pr. While Bill Messecar served as
Congregational President, Pr. Steve and I both offered our resignations, but
there was conversation about re-calling us as Co-Pastors. What would that look
like? Thank you, Becky Miller, Dick
Schmidt, Bill Messecar, Sandi Wollum, Ken Seng (I miss you!), Mike Tipton, Cal
Hunziker, Will Lathrop, Ransom Alexander, and now, Paul Decker. Every single
one of you were/are amazing Congregational Presidents who served exactly when
we needed your specific gifts over these past 15 years!
In 2003 – Pr. Steve Olson and I were called as
Co-Pastors of Messiah Lutheran. Kenny’s Kafe was going strong! The year-long
ministry and stewardship theme was: “One-On-One: Building the Family of God.” Kendra
Mohn served as our pastoral intern. We developed our Communion Deacon program
to take the elements to peoples’ homes. We re-started conversations about a
construction project.
In 2004 – We had
simultaneous worship at both 8:30 and 11:00 AM hours, slightly staggered, so
that the pastors could switch services about mid-way through, bringing the same
sermon to all four worship settings. The “Master Plan”—including the
initiatives for new construction—was developed and spear-headed by Jonathan
Kniss and Teresa Hutchens. Lydia Wittman was our intern pastor. Carol Messecar
retired as our AIM in Lay Visitation. Thank
you, Carol for continuing to have a heart for visiting and small groups! Our
annual month-long fall stewardship theme was “O Sing Jubilee to the Lord!” The
end of December, we missed Christmas Eve services so that Pauline and I could retrieve
and welcome McClellan Guillermo (“Mac”) into our family. Thank you, MLC, for embracing both of our boys!
In 2005 – Pastor Steve
Olson accepted a call to Faith Lutheran in Shelton, WA, and I was called as
your Senior Pastor. Katie Bombardi was our intern pastor. Pastor Don Melchert
came on board, first as an “interim” and then as our Pastor of Visitation. Thank you, Pr. Don, for providing a
critical ministry, and being there as mentor for me and all the staff and
congregation! Karin Ode began as our Director of Parish Ministries,
including her work in the Christian education office. Karin, thank you for picking up so many tasks and supporting all of us
with your dedication! The October-November stewardship theme was “Lord,
Make Us Instruments.”
In 2006 – We
called Pr. Jon Olson to be our Associate. Pr.
Jon, you reminded me to take more time for healthy spiritual and family life. You
introduced me to the wider spectrum of non-mainline pastors and writers, who
have continued to move and inspire me. Thank you. We began the “Building to
Gather” Capital Campaign project to dramatically increase the size of our narthex
(now called the “Gathering Space”) and Galli Hall. The ALPHA Course was
introduced. Patrice Taylor was hired as our Director of Contemporary Music. Patrice, thank you; you took us with you on
your own journey to a new level of worship and praise!
In 2007 – Most of
the staff moved into their newly renovated office spaces, and we were gearing
up for the major renovations. Pr. Jon and I preached a long sermon series
taking up the “Old Testament Challenge.” Trevan Douglas, our second son, was
born in Salt Lake City. After Deuane Kuenzi’s retirement, Fred McIlroy began as
our Director of Traditional Music and Worship.
In 2008 – The Gathering
Space, the new Sigmar Prayer Chapel, kitchen , and expanded Galli Hall were all
completed. AN AMAZING PROJECT and learning experience for me! I was given a
sabbatical to study and take up art, as well as begin practicing healthier life
habits. Thank you, MLC, for giving your
pastors sabbaticals!
In 2009 – in
June, the congregation voted to extend a lease to Gateway School. While a bumpy
ride would commence, I continue to be grateful for the families who joined us and
became active supporters through the school. We have missed the daily noise,
activity, and huge boost to children’s ministry that occurred by having
children in our building. Community Suppers began serving Sunday meals every
Sunday! Thank you, Laura and the Kniss
family, Valarie Burkhauser, and Tricia Bradley. Thank you, dedicated volunteers! Simply amazing!
I became involved with the Auburn
Pastors’ Fellowship Group. I am grateful to have been a part of a unique,
powerful, inspiring group of pastors! Auburn has no idea what spiritual
awakening is possible, and just on the edge of breaking forth, led by its pastors
united in support and mission. With Fred leaving, Patrice was hired as our
Director of Music Ministries. Penny Cramer, thank you for directing the Messiah Chorale. You make beautifully rehearsed, thoughtful and expressive music through our choir!
In 2010 – the 9:30
Worship Hour began in January. Thank you
to all the paid and volunteer leaders in our music and worship ministry! You inspire
us every week! Thank you, also to
Jamie Henderson for chairing the Worship and Music Team with consistent planning
and communication. Pr. Jon Olson received a call to serve on Kwajalein
Island in the Marshalls. Pr. Don Melchert moved to Montana. (oof.) The Steering
Committee was formed and chaired by Dwight VanVleet in response to the 2009 ELCA
Churchwide Assembly’s decisions in regard to human sexuality. It was a long,
needful, and well done study that our Synod has used as an example for other
congregations. Thank you for your subtle,
significant leadership in this and other venues, Dwight. I will miss you;
Pauline and I love your family. Our annual fall stewardship theme was “Lifted
by Mission.” Nic Steltzer began as our new organist. One of the more delightful and argumentative (in a good way) ministries
is the Art Ministry Team who have carefully and slowly been adding thoughtful
and creative art to our building to enhance its beauty, but also to tell our
story – what MLC does. Thank you!
In 2011 – The Constitution
Review Committee began its work, chaired by Joshua Luebke, who has—in many ways—become
our expert on rules and good order! Thank
you for your dedication and humor, Josh! Pr. Jim Rismiller (Pr. Jon Olson’s
father-in-law) began serving as our Pastor of Visitation in the early part of
the year, and Pr. Eric Wooldridge was called as our Associate in January of
2011. Pr. Eric, I am deeply grateful for
your calm, thoughtful responses, your skills in theology, teaching and
preaching, your counseling with staff and members. I love your family, and will
greatly miss serving in the same congregation. I am glad to be in ministry with
you! Pr. Jim, you continued the role
that is so valuable as our Visitation Pastor, keeping us connected to members,
being there at critical times, providing love and thoughtful advice. The
Lease Management Team was formed. Our fall stewardship theme was: “Expect a
Miracle!”
In 2012 –Auburn
Gateway School had to close during the school year. I am grateful to leadership and good lawyers who helped us through a
bad situation that could have been worse. I am grateful for hard lessons
learned, which has not given itself to cynicism, or recalcitrant retreatism.
The “Messiah Makes a Difference” ministry campaign (and stewardship theme) was
launched, with the hope of re-invigorating Ministry Teams, improving communication,
and enhancing our service and evangelism to the Auburn community. Thank you, Leita Earl, for taking these
first steps toward long-range planning and vision for MLC! Partrice Taylor
stepped down as Director of worship, and Luke Stromberg resigned as our 9:30
pianist; remaining staff and volunteers stepped up as volunteers. The staff
took voluntary pay cuts to meet our financial shortfall. We began mid-week
Advent worship services. The Safe Place Task Force began its work. Financial Peace University made its debut,
thanks to Adam and Cheryl DeBruler. The School Feasibility Group was commissioned
by the council to determine whether MLC could start a new preschool/kindergarten.
I will not forget to thank the Funeral
Ministry leaders and volunteers, both those who have recently died, and those
who carry on, and have joined this amazing ministry that has touched people’s lives
within and beyond Messiah’s congregation.
Now, in 2013 – Three recent staff additions for which I am
especially grateful and glad I was able to take part include: First, Katie Walda, who began as our
organist, bell choir director, and contemporary pianist. What a complement to
our music and worship staff and volunteers! What energy and talent! Treasure
her, MLC! Second, Tia Monsen, who keeps all things Worship and Music organized
and flowing through the office, and Eric Ode’s talent at 9:30 piano, the
ongoing planning and leadership of Jan Erie, Kristi Perko, Elisa Holman, Chris
Englehart, etc. Third, Betty McNeely began serving as our Business Manager, and
Erv Steinle continues as the Facilties Manager. Betty has brought great skill,
experience, connections, as well as a deep understanding of how “business” and
the wider Christian stewardship all fit together.
Messiah Lutheran Church, we have been through a lot
together. I am grateful. You are in very good hands. To the ongoing staff at Messiah who first welcomed me, Carmen Ode, Lynne Inman, Erv Steinle, you have been surrogate parents for me, and grandparents for my
boys. – I will never, never be able to
thank you enough! God bless each of you and your great families!
At MLC in 2013 – 10 Funerals, 12 Baptisms, 4 Weddings, and 14 Sermons.
Career totals since ordination in 1994 – 233 Funerals, 194 Baptisms, 78 Weddings, and 510 Sermons.
