That said, I did the Omega part of that first at Messiah Lutheran-Weatherford in the morning. As we celebrated the retirement of Pastor Franz Schemmel. Franz served Messiah for more than two decades having been called there to start this congregation in 2003. It was an emotional and spirit filled morning as we gave thanks for his work, the faithfulness of his family, particularly his spouse Ann, and the community there. It was a good and holy time of saying amen and ending fruitful ministry.

From Weatherford then I traveled to Trinity Lutheran in Sherman for the Alpha. Sherman is almost on the Oklahoma border and their we installed Pastor Adam Stockton. This was a deeply emotional and holy time as well as Pastor Adam stepped in as interim when Trinity was dealing with the trauma of losing Pastor Craig Sturm.

Pastor Craig was the victim of a horrific car crash in the fall of 2023. The Trinity community stood fast with Craig and his family as they struggled to see if recovery was possible. Ultimately it was not and Pastor Sturm died in 2024. During this time Adam served as a part time leader for the community and they developed a good sense of one another. Resulting in the decision, after interviewing and considering options, of the congregation to call Pastor Stockton as their full time pastor. A day of new beginning. God’s life and hope on display for us all.

Grateful for these two communities of our NT-NL Synod, ELCA and for the work they have and will continue to do. #NTNL #TogetherInMission #juntosenmision