Farewell, Salem!
Posted on Jul 02, 2024 by Luke Carr
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
With a heart filled with mixed emotions, I write this farewell message for my last Staff Trax as the nursery coordinator at Salem to express my deep gratitude and affection as I prepare to embark on my new chapter of my journey as I travel down to Manhattan, Kansas, to do what I love to do best, which is getting ready to teach and guide our youth of our everyday lives to success, as I will be studying secondary education — social studies with a minor in leadership studies and coaching. I also have an interview for a position at the Flint Hills Christian School in Manhattan. It is with a sense of both sadness and excitement that I bid farewell to the beloved community of Salem Lutheran Church, which has been my home since I was 2 years old.
As I reflect upon my time here, I cannot help but be overwhelmed by the countless blessings and graces that God has put upon me. Each day, I have witnessed the power of faith and the transformative love of our Lord working through the lives of each one of you. Your unwavering commitment to your faith has been an inspiration to me, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside you not only on staff but as a member of the congregation.
Throughout my time here, your prayers have been a source of immense strength and support. The knowledge that I have been given by everyone at Salem and by this community has sustained me through both the joys and challenges of life. Your prayers have been a reminder that we are all interconnected, united in our faith, through Christ.
I am particularly grateful for the trust you placed in me to take upon the role of nursery coordinator. It has been an honor and a privilege to celebrate every moment of life with you, to witness the baptism of your children, and to grieve with you in times of grief and loss. These moments have deepened my own faith and have enriched my faith in the profound love that God has for each of us. I would like to thank the Church Council, Pastor Jon, and the whole congregation for trusting in me to care and guide our children and youth. It has truly been a blessing.
As I prepare to take on new responsibilities and new adventures, I carry with me the memories and experiences I have shared with all of you. You have left an indelible mark on my heart, and I will forever cherish the relationships we have formed and the moments we have shared.
Let us continue to support and pray for one another, even as our paths diverge. I have no doubt that this community will continue to grow in faith, love, and service, guided by the Holy Spirit and the ways that Pastor Jon and our Church Council have guided us so far. As I move forward, please know that you will remain in my prayers, and I humbly ask for your prayers as well, that God may grant me the strength and wisdom to take on these new challenges and positions and that I may succeed.
Now, as I am coming up on my last few Sundays at Salem before I close out this chapter on July 28, I reflect on the upcoming adventure that I will be on starting on July 16 as head of Salem high school youth with our Collective churches as they travel to New Orleans, Louisiana, to worship God and learn His ways and to learn more about Him through multiple days of service, worship, team building, and more. This experience will be life-changing for me, and will better prepare me for my challenges and adventures ahead while I also explore a great city.
Finally, as I close this final message out, I want to leave you all with one Bible verse that I hold near and dear to my heart, which is, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
God bless; you all will be in my thoughts, love, and prayers,
Luke Carr
Salem Nursery Coordinator