GOODBYE THOUGHTS FROM PASTOR RON SCHLAK

Dear People of God at St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

I have asked Alison if i could write one last article for the church newsletter even though I am no longer with you because there is something I don’t think I ever said loudly enough as our time together was drawing to a close. I couldn’t really say “Goodbye” on the Sunday (December 18) you threw the party for me because I was still going to be with you on Christmas Eve. And I couldn’t say “Goodbye” on Christmas Eve because the whole point of that day is God saying his big “Hello” to us. So I make my farewell this way. I want you to know how thankful I am to God for bringing me to your midst for a time. I thank you for letting me into your houses and your hearts. I thank you for responding to my ministry the way you did. I commend you for your willingness to trust that In God's plan, the best years of St. Mark's are still ahead. And I want to say a special thank you to Pat Kelley, congregational president, who has become my friend. I could not have done all I needed to do as your pastor without the aid of someone like Pat. Remember, I live thirty five or more miles from most of you, and I was with you on a part time basis. Pat's willingness to attend some events for me, her willingness to spend hours on the phone with me, and her commitment to the people of God helped make my time with St. Mark's so satisfying. I wish God's blessings to all of you.

Pastor Ron