Gracious, encouraging, supportive, empathetic, and kind are just a few of the adjectives I would use to describe the responses of so many to my up-coming retirement.  To hear such thoughtfulness expressed by members and friends of St. Armands Key Lutheran Church is no surprise.   Words like those describe so well God’s people here.  Affirming is precisely what our congregation is all about.  Having bee affirmed and blessed by God’s grace, SAKLC, for over four decades, has been blessing others, making disciples, and sharing God’s love in Christ.

 Your gentle spirit and understanding perspective have been more helpful than you will ever know to this “been around for quite a while” pastor who is about to tread some new paths.  Listening to your fascinating stories and receiving your wonderful wishes for what’s ahead have been sources of tremendous joy.

You need to know I was deeply moved when I sensed that the initial response for many to my announcement was, “Are you OK?”  Yes, I am well and want you to know that your loving concern is nothing less that the most precious gift one could be given.  I thank you all for being you – dear friends in Christ whose hearts are bigger than big.  How obvious it is that the light of Christ shines through this congregation in many, marvelous ways.  May that light continue to beam brightly and reveal fully God’s exciting plans for his Saints at SAKLC.

 See you in Church.

Pastor Wogen