Poster - Worship Slides

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I’ve worn a lot of different hats in my life—father, husband, teacher, preacher, grandfather, counselor, fund-raiser, frustrated golfer, lover of the outdoors, project manager of many a remodeling project—and the list goes on and on. It’s been a good life so far. But until last year, there was one hat I had never worn: vacancy pastor. (Not to be confused with “vacant” pastor!)

With the joyous arrival of Pastor Nettleton, my service to Saint John’s as vacancy pastor comes to an end. What was it like to wear the hat of vacancy pastor for the past sixteen months? Let me tell you.

First of all, I must be honest and admit that it was at first a little intimidating. Whatever responsibility I have ever taken on I have taken on with real seriousness. I didn’t want to be a warm body filling in until a “real” preacher could be found. I wanted to do a good job for you, for this church and for the Lord. So I had a few restless nights wondering if I could live up to my own expectations and to the Lord’s requirements of me. Our church had been riding some rough waters, and I wanted the Lord to put His hand over the seas that were rocking our ship of faith and say, “Peace, be still.” Was I supposed to be in the boat at all? The answer seemed to be yes, and so despite “fightings within and fears without”, I plunged into my new job.

Secondly, I had a very wonderful helpmeet. Mary let me know from the very beginning that she was in this with me. She encouraged me, listened to me, sometimes guided me and, above all, worked with me week in and week out to reach out to people with kindness, love and good will. What a great job she did. We had a lot of driving to do because we lived in Broomfield, but I must tell you how much I loved our time together in the car just being together. I suppose I could have managed without her, but sometimes I doubt it.

The next thing I want all of you to know concerns you. For you see, it has been your love and appreciation expressed in so many ways that will make my interim service a happy memory that will last the rest of my life. When a pastor feels the goodwill of his people, it encourages him to write that next sermon, make that next hospital visit, attend yet another meeting and keep on bearing the burdens of his flock. Your good will to me and Mary never wavered. From the very beginning we felt it, and as things comes to end we feel it even more. You have been so wonderful to us.

Finally, it is time to remove this hat of vacancy pastor. It has been quite a journey you and I have traveled together in the last year. Even as an old dog, you taught me something new about how amazing and inspiring the people of God can be. Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving you. Thanks also to our remarkable church leaders and to our talented and hard-working office staff who do so much day in and day out to keep our church running successfully.

I know that you will show the same love and appreciation to Pastor Nettleton as he begins his ministry among you. I think he’ll like his new hat!

Rev. Ron Nickel is Vacancy Pastor at Saint John’s Lutheran Church. You can reach him in the church office, by email at nickel@StJohnsFC.org or at 970-482-5316.