A nativity and an anniversary
Today is the Nativity of St. John the Baptist; it was the first thing that occurred to me when I got up out of bed this morning (well, after I remembered where I was – Scranton, THE ELECTRIC CITY – more on that later). What I didn’t realize was something far more important to me personally. I’m at the Higher Things conference this week, and I met a Pastor Andrae (sp?) from First Trinity in Pittsburgh, who asked me how long I’d been at Immanuel. That’s when I realized – my installation was seven years ago today. It seems like yesterday, but at the same time an eternity ago. It has been challenging in ways I couldn’t have imagined; but I see now more than ever what an honor and privilege it is to serve in the Office of the Ministry, and specifically as pastor at Immanuel. So to my friends at Immanuel I say: thank you for trusting the Holy Spirit and entrusting to me, a sinner, with the highest honor a man can have in this vale of tears. I love you all.
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Pastor,
Thank you so much for your seven (!) years of faithful service. I can’t possibly express how much I’ve grown in those years through your sermons and faithful administration of the sacraments. You rock!
We are so thankful for your service. God has been most gracious to us through you!
Congratulations, Brother Esget. And many thanks for both your friendship and your faithful service, which is not only a beautiful example but also a wonderful encouragement to me. Your preaching and confession of the Word of Christ are superlative and a salutary witness to the One who called and ordained you to His Office of the Holy Ministry.
The Lord be with you, bless you and keep you.