Cliff's Notes - May 16, 2024
5/16/2024Dear St. Luke Saints,
It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as Senior Pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church. I have had the honor of administering the sacraments at St. Luke since 2002. I have been blessed to welcome St. Luke Saints into their faith journey and accompany them through to their final chapters of life. My experience has been very rich and meaningful.
I announced my retirement earlier this week to the St. Luke Congregational Council. I have served for over 30 years of ordained ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and 22 years at St. Luke. I did not make this decision in haste, and I have been in dialogue with Bishop Kevin Strickland about this decision. I believe I am ready to enter a new season of life.
I understand that my retirement will cause some anxiety in the congregation. We are blessed with an excellent church staff and dedicated volunteers. I believe St Luke is a healthy congregation and new pastoral leadership can lead to new opportunity and growth.
My last Sunday will be Sunday, June 30, 2024. The next seven weeks will be busy, as we say our goodbyes and plan for a new Interim Minister. Bishop Strickland and the Southeastern Synod Staff will work the St Luke Church Council during the time of transition and begin the planning for a future call process.
I have mixed feelings; I am grateful for our time together, and I am sad to close this chapter of my life. I am also excited to have more time with my family and to have opportunities to explore a new chapter of life. I will always be grateful for my experiences with you at St. Luke.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Cliff Bahlinger