Vicar Dunsmore’s Farewell Address to Zion
Vicar Dunsmore’s Farewell Address to Zion
To the Faithful Members of Zion,
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:3-6). With these words, St. Paul began his address to the Philippians, and it’s only fitting that I begin my farewell address to you with these same words. It’s fitting because over and over again this year I have found myself saying “Thanks be to God” for each and every one of you. From the time we stepped foot in Columbus, you all have cared deeply not just for me, but for my family. Rachel and I have been astounded time and again at your kindness and generosity toward us, and especially toward our daughter Eleanor. It has been a joy watching her grow up at Zion. We will be sure to tell her as she gets older all about the wonderful people of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Before I depart, I’d like to share a few things that I learned this year.
The first thing I learned was not only the value, but also the joy in the use of memory and repetition to internalize the truths of Scripture in the written Word and in hymnody. The value of learning Scripture and hymnody by heart was something I intellectually understood but admittedly had not put into too much practice or pursued deeply until coming to Zion. I was struck immediately by this congregation’s zeal for the Scriptures that was evident in the thoughtful questions asked in Bible class, the conversations had in the greeting line or over coffee, etc. I was also greatly moved by the sight of those young and old coming up to the altar rail every Sunday singing hymns they had sung year after year, and in the case of some hymns, Sunday after Sunday. This inspired me to do the same. Now, I delight in trying to memorize hymns, especially distribution hymns, so I can join in praises of our God with all of you and then go home and sing those hymns to my daughter. Thank you for giving me this wonderful example of what it means to abide in God’s Word.
The second thing I learned was how to teach Bible class. For this I can’t thank Pastor Hromowyk enough. Before vicarage, I had taught Bible class a handful of times, and every time I felt like I unintentionally overprepared in the areas that ended up being in the weeds and underprepared in the areas that likely needed more preparation time. I would always overthink it. When Pastor Hromowyk first scheduled me to teach, I remember asking him how he prepared/taught Bible class. Pastor simply said, “I read the text, and I think about how it applies to the lives of the people.” In this interaction he showed me that one doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel or agonize over minutiae but simply explain what the text says and why it matters for your hearers. Then, I observed him as he did just that: read the text and applied it to the lives of the people, not shying away from digressions, but always digressing for the purpose of teaching and training the congregation in righteousness. To the best of my ability and by the grace and help of God I have tried to do the same when given the opportunity to teach and have felt my comfort and confidence levels increase. Again, I am thankful for Pastor Hromowyk’s exemplary teaching and example to follow.
The last major thing I learned was the absolute importance of handing down the faith to the next generation. This is clearly commanded in Scripture, but I didn’t truly understand what this meant until my daughter Eleanor was born and I felt the weight of the office. I am thankful that I had so many wonderful examples of faithful families, some spanning two or three generations, to look to for encouragement as I begin the same task of training up Eleanor and, Lord willing, future children in the faith.
Finally, I must say a special word of thanks to Pastor Hromowyk. You have been an excellent pastor to our family this year as well as a superb mentor and supervisor. I still have much to learn, but I couldn’t be more grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from you along the way, not only what it means to be a faithful pastor, but also a man and father.
Dear friends at Zion, it has been an honor serving you as a vicar, and you all have become family to Rachel, Eleanor, and me. It has been a great joy to confess our common faith and to be united with one another in the reception of the Lord’s Supper. As we head back to Fort Wayne, you all will remain in our prayers. Continue to remain steadfast in the true faith. Continue to listen to the voice of your pastor through whom you hear voice of your Good Shepherd. “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). To God be all the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Your Servant in Christ, Vicar Dunsmore