Friends,
I announced to my congregation today that I have accepted the call as the Director of Admissions for Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. Our moving date is not certain because that depends to an extent on the moving company. It will likely be the third week of August. Our son will begin 5th grade in St. Paul Lutheran School I think the 23rd. My plan is to return to preach a farewell sermon on August 20th.
I approached this with varied emotions. There is a novel called The Hammer of God by the late Swedish Lutheran bishop, Bo Giertz, in which one of the characters says something like, "Can there be anything more wonderful than being a pastor in God's church?" And the answer to that question is no. And it is after prayer and consultation with trusted advisors that I am accepting this opportunity to have a small role in the recruitment and preparation of the future pastors of God's church. I thank everyone for their prayers and advice.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
My Announcement
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9 comments:
Congratulations and blessings on your new responsibility. Keep your blog up as you record some of the new things you learn. :)
It is always with mixed emotions you start on a major change in your life such as this. You are in our prayers, as does your congregation. I hate to say it, but there are not enough pastors such as yourself who hold to the Word and Confessions tightly. Too many trade those for fast growth and catchy jingles.
God's blessings on your move- you will need every bit! (I know because I moved recently only a short distance, and it still is a long process.) We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Pastor,
I knew when we met that this day would come. I did not know, however, how happy it would make me. I guess my initial thoughts back then were that I would be filled with sadness...must have been my selfishness.
You have had a huge impact on my family and me. Kathy prepares both the bulletin and the monthly newsletter. Michael is really enjoying Confirmation classes. I do the Sunday morning Bible study.
We will be there on August 20. The tears you will see will be tears of joy.
Your role in the recruitment of future pastors will not be small. I believe the Lord will be with you every step of the way and LCMS will continue to thrive.
I would like to ask you two things. Please keep us in your prayers and please consider me to be one of those future pastors.
I do not know why, but my feelings have only grown. I ponder these words over and over again:
"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason, I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."
See you on the 20th.
Sincerely,
Paul
Leaving Pittsburgh? How can it be? It was your location that first drew me to your blog a la Pittsburgh Bloggers. I suppose you will be a Fort Wayne blogger now! Please keep us posted on your endeavors...The Church truly does need strong warriors in the Truth. Godspeed and sincere prayers for you and yours in the transition.
For we bloggers, it won't even be like you moved at all, provided you keep your journal going. Pittsburgh will miss you, that is certain.
Congratulations! You and your family are certainly in all our prayers.
And, since I intend to mail my application this week, I'll know whom I'll need to sweet-talk :).
Congratulations and blessings on your new endeavor!
So does this mean the name of your blog will change to, "The Burr at the Fort?"
Were I going to be in FW already at that time, I would be overjoyed to help you move in, but I'll be a week and a half after ya.
But I'm very excited that you'll be around.
What is Pr. Klemsz going to be doing?
Congrats! I look forward to meeting you here at the Sem!
I heard your sectional at the higher things conference & thought it was great! I was so excited to here that you were moving to fort wayne, where I live. Now I'm more excited to here that your son is going to the school i went too! 5th grade, that means his teacher will be Mrs. Muehl... he'll like her!
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