Gloria Dei

Dear Friends,

I keep on my desk a quote from Albert Einstein that reads, “There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” 

For almost 25 years I believe I have been living a miracle of sorts.  Called to serve Gloria Dei after returning to Minnesota with my family, I have had the immense privilege of serving with you as we have grown an inclusive ministry of caring, healing, and welcoming in the name of Christ.  The years have brought a rich tapestry of joys and sorrows, challenges and dreams, and for that I am deeply grateful. The time has passed swiftly as my heart has grown more deeply wedded to this community of faith and to the wonderful heart for ministry that is here.

With both joy and sadness, I have made the decision to retire from my role as Sr. Pastor of Gloria Dei and begin a new adventure called retirement. On August 15, I will celebrate my last day of ministry with you – a day that also marks the 25^th anniversary of my call to Gloria Dei!  I will leave with a heart full of gratitude for all the grace and patience, forgiveness and love I have received along the way. Now,  I look forward to time with Jim and with our family and the pursuit of travel and service that awaits us.

In the months ahead I assure you I will be completely invested in the life of this congregation and will assist in any way with the transition to new leadership that will need to take place.  There are wonderful days of ministry ahead for Gloria Dei.  I believe this community of faith will continue to be a real bellwether for the whole church – an outspoken sign of God’s grace at work, caring and healing and welcoming.  I am privileged to have served among you.

In Dag Hammerskjold’s words:

 “For all that has been – Thanks! To all that shall be  -- Yes!”

By God’s grace,

Pastor Susan