On June 30, 2014 our pastor received a call to serve at St. Paul Lutheran Church at Thermopolis, Wyoming. This is his letter that he read to our congregation on July 6.
July 2, 2014
From: Richard Futrell,
Pastor, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Kimberling City, MO
Dear members and saints of St. Paul Lutheran Church:
On June 29, we celebrated the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul. And so I find it fitting to write to you a few days later, the members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Thermopolis, Wyoming of your divine call extended to me. On Monday, June 30, District President Richard Boche called to let me know that God the Holy Spirit has called me, through the Body of Christ, His Church, to serve as your pastor there. Thank you for the honor in recognizing me as one who is fit and faithful to shepherd the flock of St. Paul.
Right now, I await your official call packet from your district office. I also plan, if God so wills it (James 4:13-15), to have an informal visit as soon as possible for one late afternoon and evening with members of St. Paul, especially the congregational president and board of elders. Also, a visit to the church building and parsonage would be proper. I will contact you to coordinate a date.
Right now, I have two calls from God. As I cannot split into two people, I must decide where I can best serve in Christ’s Church in my vocation as pastor, but also in my vocations as husband, son, and father. I ask that you pray for God’s will to be done within me as I now begin to ponder such an enormous task.
I plan to let you know, by August 1, if I will serve as your pastor at Thermopolis, Wyoming. Again, thank you for such an honor. May God keep His saints at St. Paul, Thermopolis, in His love and care.
The Lord bless your comings and your goings, from this time forth, and even unto forevermore,
Rich Futrell, pastor
CC: Members of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Kimberling City, Missouri
Richard Boche, Wyoming District President
Paul Cain, Yellowstone Circuit Visitor, Wyoming District
Ray Mirly, Missouri District President
Duane Maas, Springfield Circuit Visitor, Missouri District
Rich, may the holy spirit guide you in your decision that Marina and I support no matter what you decide. It is our pleasure to know you and Sherry and even though we are not Lutheran, our best wishes and prayers are with you and with you Sheperd of the Hills congregation. God Bless and keep you well in your difficult decision.
Chuck and Marina