TRANSITIONS – Part Three

Max was nine years old when his father, Rev. William von Fischer became the pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Springfield, MN.  In 1927 at the age of twenty-two Max was ordained a pastor and installed as his father’s assistant.  From 1914 to 1969 there was a father-son pastoral “dynasty” at St. Paul’s ending with Rev. Max’s retirement.  He was pastor there for forty-two years, while his father, Rev. William, served for forty-one.  When I came to be St. Paul’s pastor in 1979 Rev. Max and his wife Pauline were living in their own home across the street from the church.  By then Rev. Max had been retired for ten years.  He literally grew up in Springfield as well as his four brothers and one sister, two of whom were still living in the community and active in the congregation. 

Rev. Max was a good role model for pastors who retire and continue to live in the same community.  He and I had a very good relationship for ten years until he died in August of 1989.  One time I commended him for his keeping clear of interfering with the life of the congregation.  He said, “Well Maury, it’s like this; I had some classmates from seminary who retired and continued to dabble in their former congregations.  They made it hard for the pastors that followed and they made it difficult for those churches.  I do not want any part of that.”  This is the kind of pastoral example I want to follow.  It is for the sake of the Lord’s mission among you that I (or any former pastor) stay clear from the ministries of Grace Lutheran.  One exception is by official action of congregational leadership (for example, when former pastors were invited back to preach during the fiftieth anniversary year of celebration).

Though we sadly must sever official ties to Grace Lutheran we still welcome contacts from members in other ways.  I plan to continue in Rotary where GLC members are found.  Kathy has her extension club.  Perhaps other doors may open such as getting involved with the Green Earth Players.  We want to be part of Luverne as long as we live here.  One rich blessing we have enjoyed is still keeping contacts with former members in all three congregations were I was once a pastor before coming to Grace.  This is the first time a pastor retires from service among you and retirement is a first for me.  In this period of adjustment we will all get it figured out how things are to be.

In closing, thank you for the joy of being your pastor for fifteen and a half years.  Thank you for your support, prayers, and kindness – especially when Kathy, our family and I had times of receiving ministry from you in crises.  Be sure to pray for your interim pastor, Rev. Dan DeBlock as he comes to assist you in this time of transition.  Keep yourselves as a congregation in prayer for God’s Spirit to guide you.  Pray for your future pastor(s) that the Lord will prepare them for their service in His mission.  Please remember Kathy and me in prayer as we promise to do the same for you and your future pastors.

Blessings in Christ,