Downtown Issue # 34 – August, 2019
Posted by admin on August 14, 2019Downtown
A Quarterly Publication of The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches
c/o Historic First Lutheran Church, 808 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91104
DowntownChurches@aol.com
Issue #34– August, 2019
IN THIS ISSUE:
- WELCOME!
- MISSION STATEMENT
- UPDATE ON BOSTON, MA
- UPDATE ON CANTON, OHIO
- UPDATE ON SPRINGFIELD, IL
- UPDATE ON PORTLAND, OR
- UPDATE ON PASADENA, CA
- CLOSING
WELCOME!
A warm welcome to this issue of “Downtown,” a newsletter full of interchange and exchange between downtown Lutheran churches around our great country. As your editor, it’s my hope you’ll find this a helpful, powerful resource to further equip and empower your ministry in the great downtown. As your editor, I can only accomplish that goal when you respond to the content of this newsletter and feed me information about what’s going on with your own particular ministry. Responses, comments, constructive criticisms, etc. can be sent to DowntownChurches@aol.com .
MISSION STATEMENT
“The Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches celebrates the mission and ministry of the Lord through congregations in downtown neighborhoods, sharing and developing ideas and programs by communicating, networking and encouraging one another.”
UPDATE ON BOSTON, MA
We welcome The Reverend James Hopkins as the new pastor of First Lutheran Church (LCMS) in downtown Boston. Pastor Hopkins was installed on Saturday 8 June 2019. First Lutheran Church of Boston
UPDATE ON CANTON, OH
We bid God’s blessings and thanks to The Reverend Darla Ann Kratzer as she has left the pastorate of The Canton City Lutheran Parish (First Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church) (ELCA) in downtown Canton. Pastor Kratzer had formed The Canton City Lutheran Parish about 10 years ago. Pastor Kratzer’s last Sunday was 2 June. She was feted at a farewell dinner on Saturday 1 June. First Lutheran Church ; Zion Lutheran Church
UPDATE ON SPRINGFIELD, IL
Congratulations and God’s blessings to The Reverend Thomas Christell upon his retirement as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA) in downtown Springfield. Pastor Christell has served at Grace since 1990 — 29 years! His retirement began Sunday 30 June 2019. Historic Grace Lutheran Church
UPDATE ON PORTLAND, OR
We continue to lift up Sharon Miles and family on the death of The Reverend Tyrus Miles on 9 June. Pastor Miles was Pastor Emeritus of Historic Zion Lutheran (LCMS) in downtown Portland, having served them 2004 – 2014. The memorial service was held on Saturday 22 June 2019 at Historic Zion Lutheran Church. Zion Lutheran Church
UPDATE ON PASADENA, CA
Congratulations to The Reverend Christopher Schaar on his 25th Anniversary as pastor of Historic First Lutheran (LCMS) in downtown, Pasadena. A special service and luncheon was held on Sunday 30 June 2019. (yes, Pastor Schaar also serves as Leader of the Association of Downtown Lutheran Churches.) Historic First Lutheran Church
CLOSING
In closing, my sisters and brothers in Christ, my wish for each of you is simple: KEEP PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON FOR HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. As you preach Jesus, may He bless you in all ways, enabling you to continue to bless those around you!
Joined with you serving Christ and His people,
The Reverend Christopher Schaar
Editor
Senior Pastor, Historic First Lutheran, Pasadena, CA