Grace

 Dear Members of Grace Lutheran Church,

    I hope you’re doing well. In this crazy time, with so many things happening locally and in the wider world that we can’t do much about, it is natural for us to feel frustrated or full of grief. Know that in each case, Jesus is right there with us. He promised the disciple community in John 14:18, “I will not leave you orphaned.” I invite you to write that on a piece of paper and carry it with you, or tape it somewhere you’ll see it each day. It’s this kind of good news that gets us through the things we face. We are not alone. Jesus is always and everywhere with us, no matter what.
    I’m writing to let you know that after much prayer and discernment, I am resigning as the pastor of Grace Lutheran Church. My last day in the office will be Sunday, October 25, 2020, when, in the afternoon, we will celebrate the Affirmation of Baptism for thirteen of our youth at two socially-distanced services. During Sunday, October 18 through Saturday, October 24, and then again October 26 through October 31, I will take my remaining vacation time. My last official day as your pastor will be Saturday, October 31, 2020. Ironically, October 31 is also Reformation Day.
    I have accepted a call to serve as an interim pastor in two ELCA congregations in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod. These congregations are at a crossroads, and need to figure out what the future will look like in their ministry and mission. They need to clarify their sense of identity and mission. They need to renew their vision. They will need to explore models for what future ministry will look like. I sense this is why God has called me through these congregations to serve them in this time. I’m excited to live out the gifts God has given me for this kind of pastoral ministry.
    At the same time, Jenny, Annika, and I are sad to be leaving Grace Lutheran Church. Even before the time of the pandemic, we’ve experienced much in our life together with you. You will forever be the congregation who gathered with us around the font to witness Annika’s baptism. We have celebrated the birth of Jesus at Christmas, and his death and resurrection at Easter. We have fed and nourished people at Thanksgiving. We have paid attention to God’s work not only in our congregation and community, but in the world as well. Though we are sad about leaving, we also rejoice in the relationships we’ve made within the congregation. We trust God’s love and grace will continue to lead and guide you as a congregation. We will continue to think of you in love, and keep you and your interim pastor and then next called pastor in our prayers. We pray that the next chapters in your life together may be filled with the abundance of life.
    Because I have become close with many of you, and because I love this congregation, I will be unavailable to do weddings, funerals or any other pastoral function for members of Grace Lutheran Church after October 31. I trust that God will raise up the right interim pastor, and then next called pastor, who can walk alongside you in your lives, and in your life together as a congregation. I am grateful for your friendship, and look forward to those relationships moving forward.
    Members of the Church Council will soon be in contact with Deacon Brenda Tibbetts of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA to begin the process of what comes after I leave. It’s unfortunate that it’s only in times like these that you get to see the Synod Staff. I say this because they are wonderful, faithful, and gracious leaders. I trust your experience with them will bear out the truth of this. I hope you will be open to their guidance.
    I am so grateful to have been your pastor! I hope we have opportunities to say goodbye between now and the end of the month. Please know of our prayers and love for each and every one of you!

In Christ’s Grace and Love,

Rev. Paul Lutter, Senior Pastor


Cc: Northeastern Minnesota Synod (ELCA) Staff

 

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