Dear Members of Our Saviours Lutheran Church:

Many of you have shared that our time together was too short. I couldnt agree with you more! But
the Lord who has begun a good work in you and in me will bring it to completion on that final day.
This work began in you well before I arrived as your interim and later called pastor and it will
continue as long as you commit to being faithful followers and disciples of Jesus Christ.
The call to ordained ministry is two-fold. First the call is to the local congregation whereby the
pastor serves as presider and proclaimer of the Word and Sacraments. The work I accomplish
furthers the tangible signs of Gods real presence in the local congregation. I am never greater than
the one who has sent me. Pastors are called to be the voice of God bringing hope and presence. I
am confident that whomever comes after me will do the work of God brining you both Law and
Gospel, presence and hope.
Secondly the call to ordained Word and Sacrament ministry is to the whole church. In this case it is
to the North American Lutheran Church. We are in this together and need each other. I want you
to be confident both in the local and national ministry our church body accomplishes for the sake of
the Gospel. I will continue to pray for you and look forward to our final reunion in heaven.
I am reminded of Pauls letter to the Philippians and particularly its closing address. Therefore, my
brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this
way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1) Stand firm in the Lord in this way dear friends. Stand on the
promises of God that He will never forsake you. That He will continue to do great things amongst
you.
Paul continues, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be
evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer
and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians
4:4-7)
It may be hard to rejoice when the future seems uncertain but I challenge you in this to see the
certainty of God and His mighty hand at work in your future. Rejoice in the small graces bestowed
on you the ability to gather as Gods people on Sunday morning, the times of fellowship, and the
good news that God is with and for us. Outdo each other in showing kindness and let gentleness be
your proclamation within the community of Ackley. Do not be anxious but rather be committed to
prayer and remembering those elected to positions of leadership in your prayers. And indeed may
the peace which transcends all things guard your hearts and minds and keep you in Christ our Lord.
Reverend Kris Leland Sndyer