Farewell from Pastor Asher
“Capturing four years of dedication — candid snapshots of Pastor Asher’s journey in the East Central Synod of Wisconsin.”
Body of Christ here in the East Central Synod of Wisconsin,
As Associate to the Bishop, Director for Transitions, it has been an honor and joy to accompany our leaders and congregations as they navigate the change, challenges, and opportunities that transition brings. When I witness the courageous and faithful discernment of our leaders and congregations as they let go of what has been for the sake of what could yet be, I feel I am standing on holy ground.
My spouse, Rev. Leslie O’Callaghan, and I are now entering into one of these in-between times ourselves. She has been called to serve as Director of Community Life and Candidacy at Wartburg Theological Seminary. As we make the move to Dubuque, Iowa, I will be seeking a call closer to our new home. July 31st will be my final day in the office here.
I am so grateful:
For you and your partnership in ministry. For the hospitality you showed Pastor Leslie and I when we were new to the synod. For your courage and openness to the new things God is doing. For all the leaders (both lay and rostered) and your labor in the Lord. For ordinations and retirements. For installations and farewell celebrations for outgoing pastors. For the transformation that has happened when we’ve partnered with God and one another during transition.
For getting to be a part of this synod staff, which has truly felt like a dream team in which each of us lifts up one another’s gifts and we play to our strengths. For the ways I have seen this team spark surprising and liberating change. For Bishop Anne’s leadership and the ways I have seen it shifting whole systems toward interconnected and trustworthy ministry and care.
In addition to gratitude, there is also delight. For Pastor Leslie’s new call and the gifts that she will be sharing with the church. I am excited about this next chapter for her and I.
Alongside it all, I must admit that there is sadness too in stepping away from this call and the wonderful people it has connected me with. And yet, I recognize this sadness is a reflection of how meaningful and fulfilling our ministry together has been. Which, leads me back, once again, to deep gratitude.
There will be a number of ways to connect with me in the coming weeks:
Study Hall: Rostered ministers, seminarians, and SAMs are invited to an open house style hang out. Come and go as you wish.
June 26 (Thurs): 9a-4p at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Marion
Office Hours: Reach out to Associate to the Bishop, Director for Administration and Operations, Jeanne Jerks to schedule a time during one of the following windows, either online or in person at Saint Andrew in Wausau
July 1 (Tues): 8a-2p
July 2 (Wed): 9a-5p
July 17 (Thurs): 10:30a-5p
Congregations and Leaders in Transition: If I do not already have a meeting scheduled to occur with you before July 31st, and if it would be helpful to meet with me, be in touch with Jeanne to schedule a time.
During my remaining time in this role, I am committed to doing all I can to make this as smooth a transition as possible for the congregations and leaders I’ve been working with. Bishop Anne and the Executive Committee of Synod Council are already at work to ensure that our leaders and congregations continue to be supported and accompanied as I step out of this role.
I pray for good courage for such a time as this. For the entire church, for you, and for me. Our witness and work in the world matters and our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Peace,
Pastor Asher
Courage
Written by Meta Herrick Carlson
The world is filled
with good reasons to hide,
to turn away or inward to preserve
some distance and dignity.
But the struggle remains,
and justice beckons your attention
to come alive and together
for the here and now.
The Spirit of God stirs, even in fear,
so you might keep moving through
thresholds with hearts wide open
to heaven revealed in good courage.
From speak it plan: words for worship and life together By Meta Herrick Carlson
