Letter: Farewell and Thanksgiving to Retiring Reverend
To the Editor:
Farewell and Thanksgiving for Rev. Martin Baur
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is giving thanks for the 33 years of pastoral service of the Rev. Martin Baur May 6 as he retires from the full-time ministry.
Baur came to St. Paul’s in 1985, after graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1981 and four years serving at Valley View Lutheran Church in Helena MT. He says the long time here, in one congregation and one area, allowed him to get to know the people, what they struggle with, what they need, through the generations.
“The kids I baptized are now married, and I’m baptizing their children,” said Baur.
Over his tenure, Baur has seen society become more and more preoccupied, often too busy to consider spiritual things. But, he says, the world is “still in need of a Savior, and the message of forgiveness is still the same.”
Baur says his ministry has been rewarding, challenging and a privilege and over the years it has been “a joy to watch the Word work and see faith come.”
This seemed to be the right time for retirement. Baur and his wife Sharon will be moving to Dubuque to be near their daughter and grandchildren, but this long-time pastor will be leaving more than his long history of service. When St. Paul’s was remodeled and expanded 16 years ago, members were invited to write their favorite Bible verses on construction areas. Baur’s verse is under the carpet in his office.
“Stand firm. Let nothing move you,” it says, from 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Baur’s farewell sermon will be May 6, at 9 a.m., followed by a social hour with luncheon and program to follow.
Hilde Henkel,
Rudolph