This week, my talented co-worker, my trusted colleague and one of my closest friends, Mark Glaeser, announced that it was time to retire after serving Christ Lutheran for 32 years. My heart both sank and was lifted when he took me aside in private to tell me about his decision.

It sank because I have enjoyed working with Mark so much these past 24 years. We’ve prepared for worship each week, presenting a service that was pleasing to the Lord.  I’ve used him as a confidential counselor to help me discern the direction for this church. We designed and built a beautiful worship center side by side. Together, we successfully navigated this church through two years of Covid. At every step of my leadership at Christ Lutheran, Mark has been my partner, helping me make better decisions and opening my eyes to my blind sides. I will miss that trusted comradery and keen insight in fulfilling the mission of the church.

But my heart also soared at the announcement. While so many people hold on too long or become jaded or count down to their final day, Mark has finished strong, leaving Christ Lutheran better than when he first came. The depth of our music is because Mark attracts an army of people who want to serve alongside him. The beauty of our worship is because he believes that worship is the most important thing that we do as a church.  The awe of our sanctuary is because Mark put great time into every detail of its beauty.  The strength of our team is because he has assembled the best and brightest to work with him.

Well done, Mark. Well done, good and faithful servant. You finished strong!

We don’t know the exact timing of his retirement, but this will be the transition year to make sure that the ministry continues with such strength and vitality. It is time to take those weekend trips with Gwen and have no set time to get back home. It is time to spoil Chloe and the next grandson coming in June. It is time to back off from the 50-hour work weeks and breathe in God’s blessings. It is time to pass the torch to the next generation

The good news is that Mark is not going anywhere. He loves this church and wants Christ Lutheran to continue to be his home church. For me, that will be an added blessing that I will still have my friend close by in my small group for great talks, to my home for a game of spades and in my circle for our families to do life together

Well done, Mark. You have served God and His Church so well. And you have made ministry fun, exciting and fulfilling for me.

Peace,

Pastor Scott

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