Message from Pastor A
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
Frigid weather conditions resulted in lower-than-usual church attendance this past weekend. Pastor Harrington was present at each of the weekend worship services to make an important announcement. For those who could not attend and those who did, I think it is important that Pastor's own words be used to share his announcement. In response to my request, Pastor Harrington has written the following:
Dear Friends in Christ,
This past weekend, I shared the following personal news with the congregation at each of our four worship services.
For 18 months, I have served in this place as your Executive Pastor. And while I certainly see the value in my service to God’s people in this role, I have continued to struggle with the lack of time that I can devote to basic pastoral duties. When I left corporate America in 2017 to pursue the vocation of pastor, I envisioned a call to a congregation where I would spend my time preaching, teaching, administering the Sacraments, visiting, counseling, marrying, burying… typical clergy activities. And while I do get to do some of these things in my current role, the reality is that I don’t have the time or energy to be the pastor I feel God is calling me to be.
After several heartfelt conversations with Pastor A over the past year, and after a recent discussion of my situation with our LC-MS District President, I have decided to pursue a call as a sole pastor at a smaller congregation. There are currently more than 500 such churches in our synod that are seeking a pastor, so I expect there will be little difficulty with this. Such a move would allow me to be more of a "generalist" in pastoral ministry, and I would be able to do all of the things God has laid on my heart to do. That said, my name has been added to several call lists within our Synod, and I expect that we will hear something in the next few months, although it could take longer for a good fit to present itself, according to God's will.
Until that time, Melissa and I will both continue to serve faithfully here at Holy Cross. I am working closely with Pastor A and several key leaders in the congregation to develop and execute a succession plan so that the ministries of Holy Cross will continue to move forward with minimal disruption. And we remember that this is God's church, and that He is faithful to provide for His people, even in the face of uncertainty and change.
Please know that our whole family has been overwhelmed by the love and acceptance shown to us by the people of Holy Cross, and we thank God for the time we've had here. We ask that you keep us in your prayers, as we discern the best way to follow the desires that God has placed within us to serve His people.
In Christ our Lord,
Rev. Daniel R. Harrington, Executive Pastor
Pastor Harrington and his wife, Deaconess Melissa Harrington, have been a great blessing to Holy Cross and me. They have been wonderful partners in ministry. They will be missed by Holy Cross and will bless whatever congregation decides to call them.
I want and need the insights of you, God's people, as we respond to this imminent vacancy and move forward in the work God has called us to do. Therefore, I repeat the invitation for you to attend one of two Listening Posts scheduled for January 24 (Wednesday) at 1:30 or 6:30 in "The Greenhaus" (the space next door to Dollar General in the North Anthony Shopping Center). The Listening Posts will offer an opportunity for you to express your questions, concerns, and insights on future Holy Cross staffing. Further, we will be sharing some information and soliciting your input on capital improvements and expansion at Holy Cross.
Please mark this date and your preferred time of attendance on your calendar. Your presence and input is needed. Thank you, in advance, for setting aside the time to attend and participate.
God's continued and richest blessings be with you!
Rev. Thomas Ahlersmeyer, Senior Pastor