Congregational Letter Announcing Call Decision

***This letter was read and sent to my congregation on July 16, 2023***

Immanuel Lutheran Church and School
1801 Russell Road
Alexandria, VA 22301

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

On Sunday, June 18, 2023, I was extended a Divine Call from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Berlin, WI, to serve as their Pastor. Additionally, on Sunday, June 25, 2023, I was extended a Divine Call from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tomah, WI, to serve as their Pastor.

Over the past few weeks, I have been fervent in prayer regarding my Calls to serve St. John's Lutheran Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and Immanuel Lutheran Church. I have visited these congregations and have sought the counsel and guidance of fellow pastors and district presidents. I have greatly appreciated your prayers and am incredibly thankful for the encouragement, support, and concern you have shared with me through emails, texts, and conversations. Thank you. 

To be an undershepherd, servant of Christ, and steward of the mysteries of God is not to be taken lightly. (1 Corinthians 4:1) When a congregation extends a Divine Call, it is because there is a great need for a flock to be served and cared for by the Gospel. This is one reason the deliberation process is a challenging endeavor and an opportunity for the spiritual growth of both pastors and congregations.

This past week, I notified St. John’s Lutheran Church in Berlin, WI, that I am returning their Call.

However, I also notified Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tomah, WI, that I am accepting their Call.

What this means for Immanuel Lutheran Church is that in the coming days and weeks, my family and I will begin planning our move to Wisconsin. As details for our move become clear, I will share with you the date of my last Sunday at Immanuel.

Immanuel will forever remain a special place for the Rogness family – it is where Becky and I first met, it’s where we left from for seminary, it’s where we came back when the Army called again in 2018, it’s where our family has continued to grow, and the seed of faith has been nourished these past years in our children as they attended school.

As we begin this new chapter, I want to express how much my family loves you all, and while we are grateful to call you our friends, we find it even more humbling to call you our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.

Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Rogness