Dear Friends,
Allow me to offer a temporary “farewell” during these days of summer as I stand down from my ministry at St. Andrew for five weeks of sabbatical leave and a few more for vacation, thanks to the care you show for my spiritual health through our Board of Directors and Elders. My time away will begin on Monday July 10 and continue through Labor Day.
During my Sabbath time, I plan to resume my study of the book of Acts, attend a leadership conference or two, visit other churches, do some reading and writing, hang out with the family, and as the name of a sabbatical suggests, rest from my regular duties as your pastor in the Spirit of our Lord, who occasionally went off to a place by Himself to pray. While we’re apart from each other, St. Andrew’s ministry will be in the good hands of Pastor Miller, Pastor Carlson, and our great ministry team. In addition, you will welcome guest pastors and old friends, like Concordia Seminary President Dale Meyer, former Assistant Pastor Bob Mordhorst, and Pastor Yared Halche. Though a few of our ministries will also be at least partially at rest, others will be as alive as ever. There will be four weekly worship opportunities, Bible studies, planning meetings, our mid-summer benefit concert, and jazz camp on the heels of Vacation Bible School, just to name a few.
I wish you a great time in the Lord and will have you in my thoughts and prayers every day, as I also ask for yours, that I will return in the fall informed, enlightened, and refreshed for another great season in the life and ministry of Christ at St. Andrew. Thank you for your care and generosity of spirit in giving me this time to ponder and prepare for my future and ours together in the often exciting, always rewarding mission of God. See you in September!
The Lord be with you +
In Christ, Your Brother,
Pastor Hricko