Request for Release from Pastoral Call

The Rev. Daniel A. Hodgson

The Annual Meeting

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

Whereas, having served Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church for 28 years, since its first service on February 5, 1978 at Thornydale Elementary School; and

Whereas, having shepherded the congregation through a generation and a half of ministry and mission growth in northwest Tucson; and

Whereas, having presided at worship on Sundays, major Festivals and other days throughout the Seasons of the Church Year, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and administering the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion as gifts of grace through faith, as well as calling all the baptized to live with gratitude toward God and with compassion toward one another and the world; and

Whereas, having reached out and practiced hospitality toward people of the community, as well as guests at worship, inviting them to share our life of discipleship together through worship, Bible studies, New Member Fellowship and other activities; and

Whereas, having upheld and assisted with three major building programs to provide for the ever-increasing space needs of worship, education, fellowship, administration, etc.; and

Whereas, having encouraged from the beginning and supported the establishment of an early childhood education and outreach program (now affectionately called "the Academy") as an integral part of our vision for mission in the congregation and community; and

Whereas, having developed and supported the establishment of a Youth and Family Ministry that assists young people to grow up in faith within the Body of Christ and families to discover the congregation-its worship, education, fellowship and service-as a partner in fulfilling the vows made by them at the baptism of their children; and Whereas, having initiated and supported the ministry of Discipleship and Faith Formation primarily for the creation of small groups in which members could grow together as spiritual brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ; and

Whereas, having provided pastoral care to individuals and families in both the congregation and community-through the acts of baptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings and funerals, as well as through individual counseling of those searching for God's presence in their lives and comforting those in turmoil, despair and grief; and

Whereas, the congregation is not in the midst of any building project or significant staff or program changes; and

Whereas, having reached the age of 65 in December, 2005; and

Whereas, after prayerful consideration and reflection on what might be best for the congregation and me; therefore,

Be It Resolved that Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, gathered at its Annual Meeting on January 15, 2006, release me from my Call as Pastor for retirement, effective February 14, 2006; and

Be It Further Resolved that together we ask God's most generous and gracious blessings to continue upon this beloved congregation, so that the good news of Christ crucified and risen might go forth into hearts and lives with love and joy; and

Be It Finally Resolved that we ask God's most generous and gracious blessings to continue upon Jane and me as we transition into a different stage of life and service.

[Accepted by 100+ members by Acclamation and a standing ovation]