Pastor Schaller's Farewell

[Caleb Schaller]

If you weren't able to be at church today, here are the farewell thoughts I shared with the fellowship after worship. 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

It has been a great honor, and a pleasure to serve you—through difficult times, and through joyful times. It has been a great honor and a pleasure to work beside you in service to our Savior’s Church—in little tasks, and larger ones. I thank you for the support, and the love that you have show me and my family for the past 9 years.

 

How quickly the time has passed. I’m sad to see it go. When we came here there were so many changes to get used to. It felt like we had moved to a different planet! But now, this is home. And when we leave, we will be leaving home. For this bittersweet blessing, we praise our great God. Ultimately he is our home, no matter where we go, for he is ever with us.

 

Paul once told the elders of the church in Ephesus…

 

“²⁹ I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; ³⁰ and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30 ESV).

 

This is the pastor’s greatest fear, that when he leaves wolves will come and tear sheep away from the flock. But we pastors also know that the Good Shepherd remains wherever his people are. And he is the real power. And he will remain watchful. So, listen to his voice.

 

Live in the light of Christ’s cross—enjoy the forgiveness that comes from him each day. Humbly bow to the Word. Forgive one another. Remember the bond that we share that is closer than family. We share in Christ’s cross, and all the love, beauty, power, and peace that come from it.

 

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.  

In Christ,

--
Caleb Schaller
Pastor, Redemption Lutheran
Lynnwood WA

www.RedemptionCLC.com
425-775-2145 (Office/Home)

425-478-5330 (Cell)

"But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." -John 20:31 (NIV)