Preaching at Sunday worship will be the bookends of our time with Christ the King and The Melanchthon Institute. I had the privilege of preaching at our first Sunday here in early January, and I will preach for services on the First Sunday after Easter. The theme of my upcoming sermon will be the congregation’s 2005 missional emphasis—Sabbath and prayer. This theme fits very well with what Marion and I have been privileged to share with you during the three months of our residence, for being attentive to God’s Word in meditation, petition, worship, study, discussion, conversation, silence, and retreat have been central for us.
Marion and I leave with many fond memories of this Christian community. You have an excellent and highly dedicated staff who have all given us great support. With Pr. Kathy Haueisen’s leadership the prospects for ministry of The Melanchthon Institute are very promising. Pr. Robert and Kathy Moore deserve special credit for being such gracious hosts to us two close neighbors. All the staff have welcomed and helped us. We are also very grateful for many personal connections with church members that have made during these months—Marion especially with her meditation group and knitters, both of us with a number of thoughtful, reflective persons in classes and retreats. We ask God’s blessing on Christ the King as you journey further into this sabbatical year.
Brad and Marion Hanson