Divine Call to St. John's Lutheran Church of Lake City, MN -- Letter of Acceptance

Here is a letter I read in church after the service on Sunday, April 19.  Commentary on the decision process, etc.... may be featured in a future blogpost.

 

April 19, 2026

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
520 W. Chestnut Street
Lake City, Minnesota 55041-1515

Dear members of St. John’s,

            On March 10, you had called me to serve as the pastor of your congregation.  After a month of conversations with members of both St. John’s and Good Shepherd in Novi and prayerful deliberation, I have decided to accept this Divine Call to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake City.

            In conjunction with the call to me, you have also called my wife, Laura, to teach 4^th and 5^th grades in your elementary school.  For various reasons, especially that she feels this grade level is outside of her area of ability and interest, she is declining her Call to serve as teacher.

            We are looking forward to our move to Lake City and to meet the saints who are at St. John’s.  I pray that I will be able to serve you faithfully and ask for your continued prayers to aid me in doing that.  We will be in contact with you regarding a timeline for moving and other matters.

            Please keep Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Novi in your prayers as they will make plans to receive their next pastor according to our Lord’s timing and mercy.

            God bless and keep you. 

In Christ,

Pastor Thomas E. Schroeder