It is sad, but true. My time as guest pastor at Christ the King Church is coming to an end and I wish to say Auf Wiedersehen. It is hard to believe that it has been 10 months since I introduced myself to you with Guten Tag. Time has flown, yet looking at all that happened it has been a full, rich and rewarding time.
After the initial task of getting settled and learning to find my way around in a new city, a long sequence of events started to happen almost immediately. I had to pack up my most important belongings and hide from a hurricane which fortunately did not hit us. We celebrated the 60th anniversary of Christ the King Church. Before Christmas I broke my ankle, followed by a long recovery process. Then there was Holy Week, the German confirmation, Wednesday Night Alive!, Young Adult Perspectives, and so much more, from week to week or day to day.
My work among you has enriched me in so many ways and I have learned so many new things. I enjoyed getting to know many of you. I learned to lead the liturgy, I learned about leadership, and I gained an understanding how this congregation is run which from my German standpoint was a great experience. Learning and observing, I have gotten to know a thriving congregation with a great mission.
I wish to extend a warm thank you to the congregation. I am most grateful for all that I received. Two things I would like to highlight: First, the openness of the staff. The staff opened literally every door for me. I was given every opportunity to share in their space, time, expertise and collegiality. Secondly, I received most overwhelming hospitality from everyone throughout the year. You have given me the opportunity to grow into the world of Christ the King Church in such a short time. Y’all made this possible. Thank you!
Back in Germany I will enter an interview process for a first call as pastor near Frankfurt. In June or July I will learn if a call will be extended. If so, I will start working in a new congregation on December 1. I plan to spend the time between June 22 and December taking a course in Clinical Pastoral Education and doing some traveling.
I will always have a part of my heart filled with the fondest memories of Christ the King Church. Herzlichen Dank! See you again - in Houston or in Germany. All the best and God’s blessings to you.
Yours, Peter Stockmann