Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
When I arrived at Our Redeemer Lutheran, there were “Colorado Peaches” signs outside the church. Those signs later were removed and the peach truck arrived.
Those signs for “Colorado Peaches” have now returned to the property.
Wow! I can’t believe that I have served as vicar for a year! Where has the time gone? Yes, the seasons have changed from summer, to fall, to winter, to spring, and now back to summer. But, where has the time gone?
That is a sign of a great vicarage!
It feels like only yesterday that I was the new guy, who did not know what to expect when I was installed as vicar those three times on August 14 and 15, with the icing on the cake at Mercer Park.
I am truly blessed to have been a part of this wonderful church.
This congregation is truly following Our Lord Jesus Christ’s words: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20).
I have been a part of this Great Commission with the City High Homecoming Parade, Christ Cares Sunday, Independence Day Parade, Johnson County Fair and Our Redeemer Preschool.
It has been a blessing to be mentored by Pastor Hartwig. He has certainly influenced my life as a teacher and friend. Also, the staff of Our Redeemer is a class act. God is certainly working within each and every one of them.
This congregation has become like family to Melissa and I. Our Redeemer is a truly welcoming congregation.
I will miss the Elders, Board of Directors, Outreach, Young Adults, Stephen Ministry, hand bells and countless other meetings.
I have learned and grown so much this year. I cannot believe how much I have learned in just teaching Bible studies throughout the year. And yet, there is still so much to be learned. We will never know everything about the Triune God, but we should never stop searching through His Word.
Iowa City and the state of Iowa have certainly grown on me. I used to think walking to the University of Iowa was a long way, but now it’s become my Friday routine. I will forever hold a place in my heart for the Iowa Hawkeyes. But, now I must return for my final year of classes at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and the congregation will be blessed again to have a new vicar, Andrew Wolfgram.
This is not a goodbye, this letter is a see you later.
In Christ,
Vicar Peter Adelsen