YouTube -- Christian Education Sunday (September 20, 2026)

Here is the service from Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Sermon -- Christian Education Sunday (September 20, 2026)

CONTINUE IN THE WORD YOU HAVE LEARNED.

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17

In the name + of Jesus.

      In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon wrote, “Dedicate a child to the way he should go, and even when he becomes old, he will not turn away from it” (Proverbs 22:6).  I am sure that you can provide examples of people who were raised going to church and attending school here only to turn from it later.  But don’t let exceptions refute the rule.  As a general rule, it is true.

     Children will be as faithful to the Lord as you let them be.  If you attend church only occasionally, you will teach your children that it really doesn’t matter that much.  When those children get older they will find other things to do.  They will find entertainment, sports, or opportunities to increase their income to be preferable.  So, if your example teaches your children that coming to God’s house is merely one of many Sunday morning options, don’t be surprised when they search for other options when they are older.

     I recall a conversation with my neighbor when I was maybe 9-years-old.  He asked me, “Why do you have to go to church every Sunday?”  As you may have guessed, I did and he didn’t.  His question confused me because he used the phrase, “have to.”  I had never considered going to church every Sunday something I had to do, as if it were some kind of punishment.  There was never a doubt where my parents would take us on Sunday morning.  It’s just what we did.  We eat our vegetables.  We brush our teeth.  We go to church on Sunday and on other church festival days.  For that matter, there was not a doubt about where we would go to school.  My parents had us enrolled in our Lutheran school because they wanted us to hear God’s word every day. 

     If you want eternal life, continue in the word you have learned.  If you want to see your children in heaven, have them continue in the word you have learned.  If you want to see your grandchildren in heaven, encourage them to continue in the word you have learned.  When you make it clear that coming to God’s house is of utmost importance, your children will learn that it matters even more than eating their vegetables and brushing their teeth.  I think any parent would agree that having their children eat their vegetables and brush their teeth is good.  Care for the body has value for a long life.  But training your children in God’s word has eternal value.  That is why we dedicate ourselves, our money, our time, and our energy to maintaining a school that is founded on God’s word.  We certainly could find other ways to spend our money, time, and efforts, but not better ways.

     The last letter that St. Paul wrote was to his protegee, Timothy.  Paul and Timothy had served together for almost twenty years.  But Timothy’s place in God’s family began long before that.  St. Paul wrote, “I remember your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it also lives in you” (2 Timothy 1:5).  These godly women made sure that Timothy heard God’s word.  The faith was preached, practiced, and reinforced at home.  These women held God’s word in high regard, and they impressed that upon Timothy as well. 

     St. Paul urged Timothy to continue in that word.  Even though Timothy at this point was a pastor, Paul did not suggest he had mastered or outgrown what he had learned.  St. Paul implored him, “As for you, continue in the things you have learned and about which you have become convinced.  You know from whom you learned them and that from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).  From a tender age, Timothy had been trained in the way he should go.  Paul urged him to continue in it—not because Paul stood anything to gain by Timothy’s faithfulness, but because Timothy did.  The Scriptures were given to make us wise for salvation.  They reveal God’s love for us in this life and especially for the life to come. 

     One reason we might be tempted to think little of faithfully continuing in God’s word is because we think we’ve heard it all.  After all, if you come to church on Christmas, you know you will hear about the birth of Jesus.  When you come to church on Easter Sunday, you know you will hear about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.  We hear the same readings throughout the years.  If you’ve memorized the Catechism and observed the Rite of Confirmation, you might even think you’ve mastered all of this.  If you know it, why continue in it?  What more is there to know? 

     It is important to understand this: Being wise for salvation is not just knowing facts.  Unbelievers know what happened on Christmas and Easter.  Some atheists claim that they know the Bible better than you do.  And St. James wrote, “You believe that God is one.  Good for you!  Even the demons believe that—and shudder” (James 2:19)!  Unbelievers, atheists, and demons know many facts from the Bible.  That knowledge does not save them.  We are saved by faith in God’s word.

     St. Paul wrote, “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message comes through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).  Did you catch that?  “Faith comes…”  It is not that faith came to you once a long time ago when you first heard God’s word.  Faith comes.  Faith continues to come through the message about Jesus Christ.  Faith continues to be nourished, sustained, and strengthened as we continue to hear the word of God.  That is why we continue in what we have learned.  You may come to know the Bible better by continuing in God’s word.  If so, great!  But hearing, reading, and studying the Bible is not just about learning facts.  We continue in God’s word so that faith will grow.  We continue in what we have learned so that we will not be enticed away from the only hope of salvation there is. 

     St. Paul wrote that the Scriptures are “useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).  By continuing in what we have learned, we are rebuked for attitudes that glorify ourselves at the expense of others.  We are corrected when we begin to drift into ideas that sound good or feel right but stand opposed to God’s will.  We are trained for righteousness, because our sinful nature does not want to do good works when they are difficult or costly.  We continue in what we have learned so that our faith remains focused on Jesus, his words of salvation, and his words of direction.  This faith comes from hearing the message of Christ.  If it is not fed, faith will starve, just as your children’s health would suffer if they were fed only occasionally.  Continue in the word you have learned.

     St. John’s Lutheran School exists for the purpose of teaching the word of God to your children, grandchildren, and future generations.  Yes, we teach all the core subjects so that they will grow in knowledge and attain skills important for life.  We teach children to use their knowledge and skills for the glory of God and for the good of their neighbor.  God will bless them as they dedicate themselves to the way of godliness.

     At the same time, we recognize that our knowledge and skills are just for this life.  The day comes when we must all stand before the Lord to answer for our lives.  That day could come at any age.  So, we want our children—and in fact, all people—to know that you do not need to fear that day because you have a Savior.  Jesus Christ has secured your place in God’s family.  God’s word reveals what he has done for you.

     God wants you to know his love and compassion.  It is not merely that he pities you because you are a sinner who is marked for death.  Mere pity will not save you.  It is God’s action that saves you.  In the Bible, you learn that you have a Savior-God.  He is the God who became a man to take up your cause.  The Savior did not merely pity you because your sin has produced guilt, regret, and God’s righteous judgment.  Jesus took up your sins and made himself accountable for them.  He suffered divine judgment for you when he was nailed to a cross.  He consumed God’s wrath on your behalf.  Jesus was not content to let death be the eternal fate of all people.  Jesus went into death for you so that he could conquer the grave in his resurrection.  And Jesus wants you to be wise for salvation.  That is not just knowing facts about his death and resurrection; it is receiving the benefits of them.  He wants you to receive forgiveness for your sins.  He wants to remove your fear of death and judgment.  He wants you to know that God the Father is pleased to call you his dearly loved children.  And he never tires of telling you so. 

     St. Paul assures you, “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16).  The Holy Spirit breathed into the prophets and apostles so that every word they wrote is the very word of God.  And when you read, hear, and study that word, the Holy Spirit breathes into you to sustain you in the saving faith.  Even if you are hearing the same lessons throughout the years, God is communicating his love to you through them.  It is like a husband and wife who have been married for decades.  They continue to profess their love for each other.  It’s not that they forget that they love each other.  It’s that their relationship remains strong as they continue to communicate it.  If you’ve been married long enough, you also realize that you end up telling each other the same stories over and over again.  Our Lord does the same.

     Continue in the word you have learned.  God breathes his love and his life into you through that word.  And you need him to do this.  Life is hard.  Bad things happen.  When people mock you or friends turn on you, you might think that no one cares about you.  When you suffer from an innocent mistake or from a lapse of judgment, you might feel that you are worthless or useless.  When death makes you feel its icy grip, you may become overwhelmed by fear.  This is why you continue in what you have learned.  You need to hear your Lord profess his love and faithfulness to you.  The Lord is pleased to remind you that he abounds in mercy, and that your salvation is sure.  The Lord Jesus Christ gives you a peace that surpasses all understanding.  That means even in the bitterest moments of life, your hope remains constant.  The joy of salvation sustains you because nothing changes the fact that you are a redeemed child of God.  Your world might unravel, but your faith will not because it rests on God’s promises.

     Continue in what you have learned.  It shall comfort your troubled heart.  It shall equip you for every good work.  It shall make you wise for salvation.  There is nothing better for us to teach you, and there is nothing more important for you to learn.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Schedule update for St. John's Lutheran Church, Lake City, Minnesota

Here is a public service announcement for the schedule at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake City, Minnesota.

NEW SERVICE TIME -- St. John's Divine Services will be changed to 9:00 AM staring Sunday, September 6.   We will retain this service time for the foreseeable future.

LIVE-STREAMING AND RECORDED SERVICES -- It should also be noted that our live-streaming will be competing with Bethany Lutheran Church.  The service may be delayed, beginning at 10:30 AM, or viewers may have to find it on our YouTube channel.  As of this writing, the service should still be broadcast on local channels as usual (Wednesdays at 7:00 PM on channels 13 and 18).

BIBLE BASICS CLASS will begin on Thursday, September 9, 7:00-8:30 PM.  It will be a class that covers the essential teachings of Scripture and will attempt to address any and all questions people have.  Details about the schedule can be found here.  To register, call St. John's at (651) 345-3523 or email pastor@stjohnslakecity.com. 

ADULT BIBLE CLASS to begin on Sunday, September 13 at 10:15 AM.  Our topic will be about the canonical books of the Bible, entitled, "Why These Books?"  Details can be found here.

SUNDAY SCHOOL will also begin on Sunday, September 13 at 10:15 AM.  We will begin in the church basement with a children's lesson before the children are dismissed to their respective classrooms.

Installation Service at St. John's Lutheran Church, Lake City, MN

Here is the installation service at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church from Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Pastor of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake City, Minnesota

This is the biography which was included in the bulletin for my installation on Sunday, July 12.  The preacher for the day was my classmate and brother-in-law, Rev. Daniel Schmidt.

Pastor Schroeder’s Biography

            Thomas E. Schroeder (Come on!  His parents didn’t name him “Pastor”!) was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on November 28, 1967 to Earl and Mary Ellen Schroeder.  Shortly thereafter, he was reborn of water and the word at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sheboygan.  He was raised in Sheboygan and attended grade school at Calvary.  He attended Manitowoc Lutheran High School.  His pre-ministerial training was at Northwestern College in Watertown, Wisconsin.  (Northwestern has since been amalgamated with Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota under the name of Martin Luther College.)  Upon graduation from Northwestern in 1990, he attended Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin, serving a vicar year at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jenera, Ohio.

            In 1992, he married Laura Schmidt of Noblesville, Indiana.  Laura spent a number of years as a stay-at-home-Mom, and also spent many years teaching in Lutheran schools, specifically St. Peter’s in Plymouth, MI and St. Paul’s in Livonia, MI.  Laura and Pastor Schroeder have been blessed with six children—Faith (Milwaukee, WI), Nathanael (Bluffton, IN and to be married to Sarah Gigli in April 2027), Andrew (Shelby Twp., MI), Caleb (Saginaw, MI; married to Caitlin, who is expecting Pastor and Laura’s first grandchild in August), Philip (Lake City, MI—yeah, that’s right, there’s one in Michigan), and Peter (who will be attending Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw for his senior year).  Pastor and Laura were anticipating a seventh child, but he was stillborn.  Isaac Christopher awaits the resurrection at Glen Eden Cemetery in Livonia, MI.

From left to right: Pastor, Laura, Nathanael, Sarah, Faith, Philip, Peter, Andrew, Caitlin, Caleb

            After graduation from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1994, Pastor Schroeder was assigned to be an instructor at West Lutheran High School (currently located in Plymouth, Minnesota).  He taught religion and Latin and served as Recruitment Preacher / Director.

            After two years there, he opted to be reassigned through the Seminary to be a parish pastor.  In 1996, he, Laura and, at the time, two children moved to Novi, Michigan where he was installed as the pastor at Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Pastor Schroeder served at Good Shepherd for thirty years. 

            Pastor Schroeder has a blog—www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com—mainly for posting sermons.  He also occasionally posts other items such as family events, “Local Tourist” postings, things that he finds amusing, or pastoral concerns.  Please note: If you search for Pastor Schroeder’s Facebook page, you will find it.  However, that particular Facebook page belongs to the pastor of Good Shepherd, Novi.  An attempt was made to change the name to something generic, but Facebook was not having it.  If you request Pastor Schroeder as a friend on that Facebook page, it will not be acted upon.  The account will fade and later be adopted by the next pastor at Good Shepherd.

            Pastor and Laura Schroeder like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and … oh, wait, wrong reference.  Pastor and Laura Schroeder enjoy camping, reading, taking walks, playing cards and board games, and exploring the area they live in.  Both have sung in choirs.  They are loyal Green Bay Packer fans (your groan here), but they are not obnoxious about it. 

            Pastor and Laura are eager to get to know the members of St. John’s and the community of Lake City.  Pastor Schroeder desires to be a faithful pastor to you.  He seeks your prayers and support so that he can fulfill his vow to be faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.  By exalting and proclaiming Christ, he hopes to show you the Savior to whom you can flee for comfort, hope, and peace.

A Pastor Looks At 30

A Pastor Looks at 30 (with a nod to Jimmy Buffet)

On July 14, 1996, I was installed as the pastor at GoodShepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church in Novi, Michigan.  Who knew that I would serve here as a pastor for thirty years?  There are unlimited memories from the past three decades.  Trying to detail them will be impossible.

July 14, 1996

As you can see from the photo on the right, we arrived with two children.  While here, God blessed us with five more, although the youngest of the five was stillborn.  Isaac is interred at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia, awaiting the resurrection.

Our children were all blessed to receive a solid Christian education at St. Peter's Lutheran School in Plymouth and at St. Paul's Lutheran School in Livonia.  Good Shepherd members generously provided amazing assistance with tuition which made this education possible.  I had wondered if they would grow tired of this generous gift after a year or two, but they came through every year.  Our gratitude goes beyond words.

Easter 2026

We are also grateful that our children attended MichiganLutheran Seminary to further their Christian education there.  (Peter has one year to go.)  They have proven to remain faithful beyond their years at MLS and have settled in to Lutheran congregations in their new homes.  I am reminded of the words of the blessed apostle John who wrote, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 4).  I don't feel like I have praised my children enough.  They are a true source of pride.

I would be remiss if I did not single out my dear wife, Laura, who has been a wonderful blessing as a wife, and particularly as a pastor's wife.  She has been an encourager, a sounding-board, an unofficial secretary, and stress-reliever for me.  I wish I could have been helpful to her at church as she had to manage, at one point, five children ages 7 and under.  A few times one of our children was able to escape her grasp and ran up to me during the service.  Unfortunately, I had to return the child to his or her mother and let the juggling continue.  As you can see in the photo above, she managed them well.  Their manners and integrity are to be credited to her.

While I could name so many people who have crossed our paths over these past thirty years, I am sure that I would regret failing to mention someone later.  Some have been here for my entire ministry.  Some for many years.  Some for only a short stay.  All were dear to me.  You entrusted me with your burdens, concerns, and fears.  You might have feared that I would think less of you by confiding in me with your struggles.  On the contrary, I prayed more for you out of a deep compassion for you.  You welcomed me into your homes.  You invited me to share in some of the most joyful and sorrowful moments of your life.  You willingly gave of your time, your money, your skills, and your devotion to God's kingdom, and you were glad to work with me in doing so.  What a blessing!  I prayed for each of you by name every week.

I was grateful that Good Shepherd was so receptive to efforts which enhanced the reverence of our Divine Services.  We now have holy communion every Sunday.  We have a processional crucifix (a gift from John & Amy Warner), used in the festival portion of the Church year.  We employed the Gospel procession for the high festivals (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost).  We welcomed chanting the liturgy.  We gained an appreciation for the Triduum in Holy Week.  We recently added a very ornate Gospel book (a gift from Mark & Carol Casmer) and chasubles (a gift from Pastor & Susan Gibbons) which help to hide the person of the pastor and to accentuate the office.  After all, the pastors may change, but the vestments will not.

I could not tell you how many baptisms, marriages, funerals, or confirmations I performed.  And I would not feel bad if people did not remember that I had performed any of these rites for them.  I want them to remember the divine promises that are everlasting.  That is what matters.

Something few people would know is that I taped a Bible verse to the pulpit.  It is intended only for the preacher to see.  It states, "Sir, we want to see Jesus" (John 12:21).  It reminds me of the duty of a pastor, and I pray that I have been faithful to that calling.  Before every sermon, I pray, "Send your Holy Spirit with this sermon so that it might be worth something to those who hear it."  I trust God has heard my prayer and blessed the sermons accordingly.

Thirty years have not been perfect.  While Good Shepherd's members may not know or remember my mistakes, there are many conversations or actions I wish that I could have back.  The pastor's daily prayer includes this petition: "Fill my heart with a passion for souls and with skillfulness to give unto each and every sheep or lamb entrusted to my care what is due unto it at the proper time. Give me at all times sound advice and just works; and wherever I overlook something or in the weakness of my flesh speak or act wrongly, do Thou set it aright, and help that no one may through me suffer harm to his soul."  I rely on the Lord's mercy and forgiveness for the wrongs I have done in making bad assumptions or in speaking or acting rashly.  I pray that God would still work out his purposes despite my flaws and failings.  And I am equally grateful that the people of Good Shepherd have patiently borne with my weaknesses.  I continue to pray to do better.

I have been overwhelmed by the attention, the gratitude, and the generosity (although not surprised by the generosity) of the people here as I am making my way to St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake City, MN.  It has been such a joy to serve at Good Shepherd.  The people here have been wonderful, and the people in the congregations in the area around us have been wonderfully supportive as well.

I had told a few people, "Only a stupid person would leave as the pastor of Good Shepherd in Novi."  Well, guilty, I guess.

God bless Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church of Novi, Michigan.   And God bless St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lake City, Minnesota.  I look forward to more joys and blessings there.

Making the move to Lake City, Minnesota

Last weekend, Laura and I made a trip to Lake City, Minnesota to move a trailer-full of items to the parsonage.  This gave us a chance to see the parsonage in person to determine whether or not we should purge ourselves of more household goods.  (I think we should, anyway.)  It also gave us a chance to see the church where I will serve for, God-willing, the remainder of my ministry.  There is more to be shared about St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lake City later, but for now, here are a few photos.

Letter to Good Shepherd re: departure and plans for a new pastor

This letter, slightly redacted, was sent to the members of Good Shepherd to alert everyone of a change in ministry at Good Shepherd and the plans as the congregation says "Goodbye" to one pastor and makes plans to welcome another.

Dear Members of Good Shepherd,

            On March 10, St. John’s Lutheran Church of Lake City, Minnesota issued a Divine Call to me to serve as their pastor.  On Sunday, April 19, I announced that I have accepted that call.

            Lake City is a city of about 5,000 on the Mississippi River.  St. John’s is a congregation of about 550 baptized members.  They have a Lutheran elementary school of about 70 with a preschool of about 30 children.  They have been without a pastor for almost two years.  The school has been working for the past three school years with a principal who had planned retirement but held on while they waited for the principal Call to be filled.  As of this writing, they are still waiting, and the current acting principal is retiring for good.  My installation at St. John’s will be Sunday, July 12.

            St. John’s had also called Laura to be a 4^th-5^th grade teacher.  For various reasons, especially that she feels this grade level is outside of her area of ability and interest, she has declined her Call to serve as teacher.

            So, what comes next for Good Shepherd?

            While plans continue to be addressed and updated, there are a few plans in place.  My final Sunday at Good Shepherd will be on June 14.  I anticipate that we will be moved out of the parsonage just a few days after that.  A definite date for the move is still to be determined.

            Good Shepherd will have an open house farewell on Sunday, June 7.  More details will come soon.

            Ken R., the church council president, has contacted  the president of the Michigan District of WELS to arrange a pre-call meeting.  This meeting will advise the District President about what particular strengths Good Shepherd hopes to find in their next pastor.  It will help him to draft a list of candidates from which Good Shepherd will extend a Divine Call.  Further inquiries about this meeting and any other input you might have can be addressed to Ken or to one of our elders, Tom B., Mark C., or Ron R.  The date for the pre-call meeting will be announced when it is set.  The meeting for actually issuing a Call will likely not take place until July. 

            While we are looking forward to our move to Lake City and the opportunities at St. John’s, we will be forever grateful for the friendships, encouragement, support, and the love that we have received from Good Shepherd over the past thirty years.

            We will continue to keep the members and acquaintances of Good Shepherd in our prayers as you make plans to receive your next pastor according to our Lord’s timing and mercy.

            God bless and keep you.

 In Christ,

Pastor Thomas E. Schroeder

Divine Call to St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake City, MN -- What does it mean?

NOTE: This letter will be mailed out via snail mail to all members of Good Shepherd, recognizing that not everyone will find this on my blog.

Greetings in the name of our Savior!

Dear Members of Good Shepherd,

            I announced to the congregation after the services on Wednesday, March 11 and Sunday, March 15 that I have received a Divine Call on March 10 to serve as the pastor of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lake City, Minnesota.  In addition, my wife, Laura, received a Divine Call to serve as the 4^th and 5^th grade teacher in St. John’s elementary school. 

            St. John’s has been vacant for almost two years.  It is a congregation of about 550 and has an elementary school (K-8) of almost 80 children, with an additional 26 in their pre-K program.  Lake City is a city of just over 5,000, located on the shore of the Mississippi River.

            Over the next few weeks, I will be contacting leaders at St. John’s to ask questions about their ministry, its challenges, and its potential.  I welcome members of Good Shepherd to share their concerns with me, as well as considering the challenges and potential of the congregation here.  I will not be making any decisions about this Divine Call until after Easter, and I will likely set deliberations aside during Holy Week.  I have not, however, set any deadline for myself.

            Since not everyone at Good Shepherd is familiar with our synod’s call system, I will address it here.  What does this Divine Call mean, and how does it work?

            There are currently about 160 pastoral vacancies in our synod.  When a congregation’s pastor vacates his position for any reason (accepts a new call, retires, dies, etc.), the vacant congregation arranges a local pastor to help cover the most essential duties for that congregation such as leading worship and attending Church Council meetings.  The congregation asks their district president for a list of pastors who are from our synod to ensure consistency in the doctrine that is taught and preached.  A list of three names is usually given.  The congregation has a brief description of the pastor, his family, his strengths, and his preferences, and selects from one of the three.  Then they extend a call to the pastor they have chosen.  In this way, the Holy Spirit works through the Church to call pastors to serve in a particular place.

            Once that call has been extended, the pastor has two calls—one to the congregation he had been serving, and one to the new place hoping to fill their vacancy.  The pastor, then, prayerfully deliberates where he may serve the Lord best in his Church.

            Laura has been called to be the 4-5 grade teacher in their elementary school.  The call system for teachers works similarly to that of pastors.  She has been told that she could decline her call and it would not prohibit me from accepting the call as pastor to St. John’s.

            The pastor’s decision is not based on where he will receive the best income and benefits.  The pastor’s decision is not based on which place has the prettier church or scenic views.  The pastor’s decision is not based on which congregation is bigger or deemed more glorious.  The decision is focused on where he may best serve the Lord in his Church.

            There are circumstances which must be taken into consideration.  In my case, does my continued care for cancer (although I am in remission) make a difference in where I live?  Do I have the energy to serve a congregation of that size with 45 shut-ins?  Do I have the temperament to deal with the challenges that lie ahead or the skill set to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves?  Can a pastor outlast his stay at one congregation?  Would having a new pastor give a congregation a shot of adrenaline?  These are issues I am sifting through in regard to both places.

Laura and I will be praying for St. John’s, for Good Shepherd, and for St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Livonia as we assess where we can serve the Lord best in his Church.  We thank you in advance for your prayers for us.

            God bless and keep you. 

In Christ,

Pastor Thomas E. Schroeder

Divine Call received to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lake City, Minnesota

On March 10, I received a Divine Call to serve as the pastor of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church  of Lake City, Minnesota.  I will be deliberating where I can best serve the Lord in his Church -- whether continuing at Good Shepherd in Novi, Michigan or moving to St. John's in Lake City.  A decision will not be rendered until after Easter, but I welcome any insights or words of encouragement during this time of deliberation.  Prayers are always welcome.

Below is the letter of acknowledgement which was read this past Sunday.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

March 12, 2026

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

Dear members of St. John’s,

            I am writing to you to acknowledge the Divine Call you have extended to me on March 10 to serve as your pastor, as well as the Divine Call you extended to my wife, Laura, to serve as the 4^th and 5^th grade teacher in your elementary school.  We are both humbled that you have extended these calls to us, and we will give prayerful deliberation to them. 

            I have received your email with the attachments and am gaining some information about the ministry at St. John’s.  I am looking forward to conversations with your leaders, as I will also be consulting with members of my current call at Good Shepherd in Novi, Michigan.  Feel free to contact me with any information you feel would help in this time of deliberation. 

My wife and I will be praying for you, for Good Shepherd, and for St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Livonia as we assess where we can serve the Lord best in his Church.  We thank you in advance for your prayers for us.

            God bless and keep you.

In Christ,
Pastor Thomas E. Schroeder