From the President, Central District – Auf wiedersehen

By: Thomas Prachar

President Thomas Prachar

After roughly 135 of these columns for The Canadian Lutheran, it’s time to say, “auf wiedersehen.” Rather than translating the German as “good-bye,” I prefer, “until we see each other again.”

As a new Church Year begins with the season of Advent, our focus turns to preparing our hearts for Christ’s arrival into our world. We prepare our hearts to remember His coming as a baby in Bethlehem. In addition, we prepare our hearts to celebrate His Second Coming. At the end of time, Jesus as our victorious King will lead the faithful to the joys of a life that never ends in heaven. We will see each other again, together with all the saints in glory!

With my 65th birthday coming in about six months, it seems somewhat surreal that my life has reached this point. It seems like only yesterday I sat in my first class at our St. Catharines seminary. What a learning experience during my vicarage year to serve the saints at St. Peter’s, Port Colborne, Ontario. Today I think of all the folks I served in my first congregation: called by the Ontario District to start a new mission in Milton. I remember all the saints at Zion, Yorkton, Saskatchewan (many who have now preceded me into heaven), as well as those I was called to serve for a time at St. Paul’s, Springside and Saving Grace, Canora, Saskatchewan. It hardly seems that eighteen years have passed since I was elected as president of the Central District.

Throughout my time of service to Christ and His Church, I have always marvelled that the Lord chose me to do His work. I ran across this quote from Dr. Martin Luther which sums up my feelings: “I know that I have often done many things foolishly and quite rashly, to the point where I have thought: Why did God call me into the ministry of preaching, seeing that I have not the knowledge, insight, and prudence the greatness of this office requires? For although I have done everything with a good and honest heart and with good effort and zeal, nevertheless much of it was tainted with foolishness and faults, so that it seemed that the heavens and the whole world come to ruin. Then I had to get down on my knees and beg God to give me strength and advice. He is mighty and can give a tragic offense a happy ending while we are sleeping” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 5, “Lectures on Genesis,” p.119).

In retirement, I plan to continue preaching and serving wherever and whenever my Lord requires. At this moment, my plan is to stay in Winnipeg, but my Lord has a way of changing my plans for the better.

So, “auf wiedersehen,” until we see each other again.