Holy Timing:  A Note from Pastor Beecher

Word from Wiese Wednesday

13 December 2023

The Biblical stories of the Advent/Christmas season highlight angels bringing news of God's faithful action through the lives of individuals for our whole world.  In today's WFW, we share a holy message about God's timing in the life of Pastor Beecher and COS.

In Christ’s hope,

Pastor Fritz

From Pastor Miriam ~ December 4, 2023

It is the first week of Advent 2023. The first candle of the Advent Wreath has been lit. The journey of waiting and anticipation has begun. Oh, what a splendid, joyous beginning it has been – decorating the church: joyous, moving worship services; the Children’s Christmas Musical; Hops-and-Hymns! And to think, we’ve only just begun the Advent journey!! What a way to begin!!

Twenty-six Advents ago began in such a manner that it deserved two or more exclamation points, too!! What a surprising, astonishing way it began. We, that is, David and I, did not know just how big and life-changing it would be!!!

At the end of the first week of Advent, December 7, 1997, David and I received a call from the Senior Pastor of Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City, Georgia, Pastor John Weber. We had never heard of him or the church before that night. You can guess the rest: Pastor Weber and the COS congregation invited us to a new journey – it’s the same journey we invite everyone to join us on each week – to connect to Jesus’ pathway of joy and life. July 1, 1998, we began walking the pathway of Jesus’ joy and life with you, the congregation of Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Here we are, twenty-six Advents later and oh my, what a journey it has been!!! Words cannot express – seriously, they really can’t express my heart for you!! Boundless gratitude! Abundant love! So many stories together. Presently, I will hold back telling you some of those stories, but a later letter will say more. This note has another purpose.

This time, these twenty-six Advents later, I’m the one reaching out to all of you, inviting you to a new journey with me – Jesus’ pathway of joy and life as a retired pastor of COS. Please journey with me as I shift into this new retirement role.

Though the discussion of my retirement began in earnest in early September, the decision of timing and the many facets of transition have now arrived; I retire in April. Remember, though, our journey together is not over. As I said, there is more to come – stories, endless thanks, and solid love.

“Invite all to join in connecting to Jesus’ pathway of joy and life. ”

May you know the peace that surpasses our understanding.

Much love and gratitude,

Pastor Miriam

A Statement from COS Council President Scott Bosecker

As I write this I am filled with mixed emotions:  A few days ago Pastor Beecher let the Church Council know that she would be retiring in the near future.  I am very happy for her…  but also sad.  I was Treasurer when she arrived at Christ Our Shepherd, so I was able to interact with her on a fairly high level from the beginning of her time with us.  I watched as she hit the ground running  …and I’ve been watching her running ever since!  I know I speak for the Church Council, as well as the entire congregation, when I note that her retirement will mark the end of an era.  We are all so very, very thankful that she served us and God with such deep compassion and generosity of spirit.  Pastor Beecher shared in our joys and triumphs as well as our sorrows and troubles.  She was always there for us.  She has truly made a difference in the world and I know she will continue to do so as she enters this next phase of her life.  Pastor Beecher, may God continue to richly bless you and watch over you now and always.

Scott Bosecker – Church Council President

A Statement from Senior Pastor Fritz Wiese

Ever since she hinted at her retirement at January’s congregational meeting, we knew that we’d be receiving this letter at some point from Pastor Miriam.   But after 25 years of dedicated ministry, the news still startles at levels.  I’ve deeply valued Pastor Miriam as a wonderfully faithful partner, sounding-board, advisor, and co-conspirator in Jesus’ agenda.  The whole staff consistently felt her desire to support and encourage.   People could not worship at COS more than a few weeks without experiencing the warm welcome and genuine interest from God’s ambassador of love and grace.  What a gift Pastor Miriam is to COS and God’s kingdom!   Naturally, all kinds of questions swirl around this announcement:  What will Pastor Miriam’s relationship be with COS in the future?  When will a search committee start working to call a new associate pastor?   Who will handle the countless ministry activities Pastor Miriam shepherds?  These are all terrific questions.  Answers will emerge as we talk to our bishop about protocol and give council a chance to begin brainstorming needs and possibilities.   We pledge that we will do our very best to keep the congregation informed as realities and goals unfold. We know for P. Miriam and David Beecher to always be connected to COS is a win-win!   For now, like Mary and Elizabeth in scripture’s Christmas story, it’s time to breathe and soak in this news that a holy time has come.  We pray that, just as the Spirit led the holy family in their time of new beginnings, so too will the Lord steer faithfully the Beechers and COS.  

In Christ’s hope, 

Pastor Fritz  

4 December 2023

If you want to share your life celebrations or concerns with one of the pastors, please email either of us at pastorfritz@coslutheran.org or pastormiriam@coslutheran.org.

And always feel free to lift up your prayers with our COS Prayer Team.