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The Pastors of Gethsemane Lutheran Church

Following are the letters to the congregation from the pastors for the last annual meeting of the congregation.

PASTOR KARL A. GRONBERG

People of the community named Gethsemane , Grace, Peace and love be yours from God of creation, redemption, sanctification:

Gethsemane is a community of the covenant. We rejoice in the life and witness of God's people with commitment to ministry. 2008 was a year filled with challenges and opportunities.

As I review the year the message of promise comes quickly to mind. The baptized people of God live in the promise. Looking over 2008 from the vantage of previous years and standing in 2009 the faithfulness of God is manifested in the ministries of the people. This truth is ancient and this truth is contemporary. Three examples: (Could be 3000 but you want me to keep this short) The community celebrated in 2008 the 140th anniversary of the first Lutheran liturgy in Austin , Texas giving birth to Gethsemane congregation. What a gift to remember the faithfulness of those people 140 years ago and to ponder the continued faithfulness of God's people today.

The Gronberg family gathered in an ELCA congregation in Wisconsin in July to welcome Annika Christine Marie into the baptized community. For Sharon and myself to have all of our children, including the international students, together for the promise of grace given to this child was a great joy. God has blessed our family. We are grateful for children living the faith of those having gone before them.

Gethsemane celebrated in June, 2008 the 60th anniversary of Reverend Willis Erickson, as an ordained pastor of the ELCA. Pastor Will & Virgie Erickson, along with all the pastoral families in the history of Gethsemane Lutheran, have witnessed to the ancient faith in the “today” of their lives. Sharon & I are ever grateful for those having gone before us with the privilege to serving this historic congregation.

I am grateful for the past, overwhelmed by the faithfulness of God today and the promise of tomorrow. There are challenges giving meaning to the personal and corporate life of God's people. The scripture is true: “One generation to another shall declare the marvelous works of God” (Psalm 145: 4-5)

Respectfully submitted,

Pastor Karl A. Gronberg

PASTOR KENT L. BOHLS

As we stand on the brink of 2009, some are preparing to explore lands half way around the world. Some have just returned from the exciting dedication of Cristo Rey's new facilities and prayer garden in Piedras Negras , Mexico . We anticipate the future mission partnership along the border and the new directions that will open for us. Final plans are coming together for the Family of Gethsemane annual retreat. Midweek Connections draws us together once again for fellowship, learning and communion.

The Gethsemane community is alive and continues to strive to be faithful to its call to serve in the name of the Risen Christ and to be a sign of hope and grace for all.

Joan and I are blessed to serve in your midst. You have joined us in warmly welcoming Dong hoon Jung from the Republic of Korea and he is thriving in the joy of your hospitality. Thank you and blessings as we learn and grow together in God's awesome gift of grace.

It is a great joy to minister within the Gethsemane community. Thank you.

Respectfully submitted,

Pastor Kent L. Bohls

PASTOR SUSAN M. SCHNELLE

“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice. Let you gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:4-5

What a joy it has been to be in ministry together at Gethsemane . God has called us together as a community of faith for worship, study, and to serve, and it has been a fruitful year. In addition to Sunday morning worship and Sunday Church School , we have enjoyed coming together on Wednesdays at noon and in the evenings for Midweek Connections. During this time of fellowship, study and worship we have grown as a community of faith. Knowing that we have been claimed by God in our baptism we are called to love and serve God by caring for others. There have been many opportunities for us to live out our baptismal call in 2008. Your faithful giving and support of our Food Pantry and Clothes Closet ministry has allowed us to meet the needs of an increasing number of folks that we serve each week. Participation in the border Mission/Vision ministry in Eagle Pass - Piedras Negras has changed lives on both sides of the border. Sharing your gifts through the Women of the Evangelical Church in America, Men in Mission, serving as Confirmation mentors, supporting our youth and serving in the community are but a few of the ways that God's love and grace are shared with others. No doubt, 2009 will bring us many opportunities to give of ourselves and bear the light of Christ. Let us rejoice in the Lord as we enter into this new year of ministry together.

Respectfully submitted,

Pastor Susan M. Schnelle

Updated 9/3/09
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