Pastor B’s June Newsletter

From Pastor B’s Desk…

I am sure that most of you have heard the exciting news by this point! On Tuesday, May 1st in a worship service at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO we were introduced to a gentleman who will have a significant impact on our lives over the course of the next year and for many more years. We also, as the congregation that will be hosting Vicar Daniel Nguyen and his wife Duyen, for their vicarage. We also will have the blessed opportunity to share in their lives and Vicar Daniel continues to grow in his understanding of what it means to be a Pastor, and for Duyen as she continues to support him through the Pastoral formation process.

Here is what the seminary has to say about the vicarage experience for everyone involved. “Vicarage is a joyous, challenging, risky venture for student, pastor and congregation. There’s rejoicing over the growth of a man for the office of the ministry and the difference he makes in the life of a congregation. Yet, the development of needed relationships – and then letting them go at the end of the year – is demanding of everyone involved…Vicarage is a dynamic interaction of student, supervisor, seminary, and church, all growing in the grace of God, to further the personal, spiritual, pastoral and theological formation of a man for the office of the ministry. Risky? Yes! Challenging? Indeed! Joyous? Most definitely!”

I served my vicarage at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, VA. It was everything that is stated above, and much, much more! Miranda and I were incredibly blessed that year because we had a congregation that welcomed us with open arms. To this day we have many friends at Redeemer and likely will remain friends with them for the rest of our lives.

When Vicar Daniel and Duyen arrive, please make them feel welcome. Invite them over to your home, share a meal with them, share life and mission and ministry with them. We will undoubtedly be blessed because of their presence with us over the next year as we have the privilege of being used of God to help prepare a man for the Office of Holy Ministry!

Please be in prayer for Vicar Daniel and Duyen as they make their preparations to come be with us in early August and feel free to contact them (see his letter for contact information) to let them know how excited you are to have them come!

The Lord bless and keep each of you this month. We’ll see you in worship!

In Christ, Pastor B