Dear Friends at Saint Nicholas, This time I would like to use this space to say good-bye. It may actually seem to be a bit too early for that, since my last Sunday in the parish will be on August 15. But having in mind that what you are looking at is the combined column for July and August, this is it – time to say good-bye.

Agneta and I had the pleasure to be with you for almost a year, and what a great year it was! For me, it was a year that was full of challenges, and also full of excitements. Only at Saint Nicholas have I really come to know the taste of the pastoral ministry. At seminary, one spends time predominantly with theory, and with theoretical views on the practical world. Sometimes the question “What would you do as a pastor, if…?” gets discussed, but it is usually just that: a discussion. During the internship, the theoretical background (that is good and necessary) is complemented and completed with first-hand experience of parish life. Looking back, I am very glad and thankful that I was sent to Saint Nicholas.

Pastor Casto has been and continues to be an excellent supervisor. What all I learned from him, directly, or indirectly by observing, would be too much to mention here. I will probably only become aware of the full amount of that, once am a pastor myself. I wish him and his family God’s blessing for the years to come.

I am as grateful to you, the members of Saint Nicholas. Thank you for allowing me to take my first steps with a pastoral mind-set in your midst. Thank you for all your encouragement along the way, for your kind words, the homemade cookies, and most of all, that you have allowed me to gain insight into your lives, and that you have shared your joys and your sorrows with me. You were a true gift to Agneta and me.

Depending on the location of my first call, we would love to stop by in the future, and see you again – and also see the north wing come into existence.

May God bless you all abundantly!

Yours in His service,
Vicar Jens and Agneta