There’s a saying: Pastors never retire, they just get put out to ‘pastor.’ I suppose, in a way, I am retiring from serving as the called pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church. I am being sent out to a new pasture, The GreenFields, to pastor! For me it is both an emotional and exciting time. My pastoral ministry is concluding at Trinity, but the ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church continues on! As a church we continue to serve our Lord as His disciples and ambassadors in West Seneca and the world.

When the Apostle Paul bid farewell to the Ephesian church (Acts 20), he “commended them to God and to the message of His grace, a message that was able to build them up and to give them the inheritance among all who are sanctified.” (v.32). There was much grief and sadness among them because Paul told them he would never see them again. Likewise, I commend all of you to our Lord and the grace of His Gospel! While I am not planning on leaving Trinity, it will be different than the past six years as your pastor. And, I am committed to encourage and support whomever God leads to Trinity as our new pastor.

Thank you for your generous care, love and support! You have seen me through some very trying times, the passing of Ruth Ann and a bout with cancer myself. You have celebrated with me in the blessing of Lynn, my wonderful new wife, a few years later. You have always encouraged me in the leading of worship and the preaching of somewhere around 400 sermons, as well as the teaching of about as many Bible Classes. It’s been my privilege to serve many of you in administering baptisms to your children, conduct funerals for your loved ones, confirm your teens and join couples in marriage. I’ve been honored to lead chapels and teach religion in our school – and attempt to coach basketball. A special word of thanks to my staff and co-workers in the church and school for all their help and prayers. It was a joy to see the addition of the Stephen Ministry program and the adopting of our Haiti Mission. I’ll always remember the summer of 2020 and our drive-in worship services! So many wonderful facets of our ministry service together! I regret that we never got the vision process under way in my tenure, but we’re poised and committed to see that through once we get through the restrictions of COVID.

I truly believe that God has great plans for-and-through Trinity Lutheran Church and School. It is my joy, along with Lynn, to be a part of the continuing ministry of Trinity in the new chapter that is unfolding. To God be all the glory!

~ Pastor Dennis Krueger