Dear Partners in Mission:

In September 2023 the Rev. Craig Sturm (Trinity-Sherman) was the victim of a horrific car accident as a result of a negligent driver. Over the past 10 months his family and care team have tried to find the right path forward for him. Unfortunately the injuries he suffered and the subsequent hospitalizations left him deeply wounded and in a compromised state. After many frustrating months of hospitalization, attempts at rehabilitation, and painful struggle Craig claimed the promises of his baptism on Monday July 15th.

Monday July 22nd we gathered to give thanks for Craig’s life. The life he lived with us and the life he lives now in Christ. I was so grateful to see the gathering of Trinity Lutheran-Sherman members, family and friends, greetings and condolences from his alma mater Texas Lutheran University, as well as the clergy who attended to pay honor to Craig. We grieve his death but we rejoice in the promises that he has claimed.

Please keep Craig’s wife Kerri and daughter Emma in prayer. For the last 10 months they have been faithfully by his side. Now they and we move into a new phase of grief and also in living forward into God’s future for them and us.

Blessed be the memory of the Rev. Craig Matthew Sturm.

Bishop Gronberg