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A message from Pastor Ron Huber

A New Chapter

By Pastor Ron Huber

Pastor Ron Huber is transitioning into a new part-time position as visitation pastor at St. Paul, effective July 13, 2009.

Books have chapters. The Bible has many books and chapters. Each chapter contributes to the story. Life has various experiences, challenges, and opportunities and they are glimpses or chapters or windows into that life. My life has had many chapters and I won’t bore you with all of them.

The two chapters I reference here are the past 18 years that I have had the privilege to serve with you at St. Paul, and the new chapter that I begin in mid-July.

I have witnessed God working in this congregation and through you. Our focus together has always been on our gratitude to God in what God has done and is doing in our midst. Your response to God is shown in your love and support for me and my family, your willingness to rise up and embrace visions for improving our church building, your generosity in supporting the ongoing daily ministries, and your involvement of time and talent to carry out those ministries. A book with many chapters could be written. You are a gifted people and I am grateful for all the experiences and opportunities I have been privileged to share with you.

Now it is time to begin a new chapter. I have been looking forward to the time when there would be fewer hours of work and more time for other things, such as spending more time at our Minnesota retreat, more time with my wife of 46 years, and with family and a special grandson. Pastoral ministry is a 24/7 commitment and accepting the newly-created position of Visitation Pastor provides for that flexibility. This connects well with how my ministry has evolved over the years with my gifts for pastoral care and older adult ministries.

You are people of faith who give so much of yourselves. You play a huge role in making St Paul a “light on the hill.” I know no one person can be all things to all people, but I hope God will use me as a servant in your midst along with our pastoral team.

A new chapter begins for St. Paul congregation as well. We have been blessed to host the Pastoral Residency Program. Each pastor shares their gifts and brings vitality to us at St. Paul. This program is intended to be a learning experience for those involved and it has its limits. It is time to develop the pastoral staff for the future. I am in full support of that need and I hope you will receive these new servants with the love, prayer, and support you have shown me.

A book has many chapters. It usually has a beginning and ending. The Bible is filled with many stories. It begins in Genesis and concludes with Revelation. It talks about beginnings and endings. However, the story is about God and God’s promises that have no ending. For each of us, the chapters are still unfolding. Our hope is that when our time on this earth comes to a close we will enjoy a new beginning in God’s eternal presence.

One chapter of my life is coming to a close. A new chapter is beginning. New chapters will unfold. My heart is full of joy and gratitude for all I have experienced with you at St. Paul. I look forward to continuing with you in my new role.

Pastor Ron Huber,

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