Call Decision Letter

Our staff minister Mr. Peter Schaewe has come to a decision on his call to serve at Trinity in Bay City, Michigan. He writes:

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May 4, 2026

Dear Members of St. Paul Lutheran,

“I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." --Jeremiah 10:23

Nearly nine years ago, when I accepted the Call to serve as your staff minister, I wrote a letter to you with the same Bible verse you see above as the opener. I’m using it again, because that truth hasn’t changed. What Jeremiah wrote continues to be true for every person to whom God gives life. God also directs each life.

Here’s the message that’s different in this letter. I am writing to tell you that I have accepted the Call extended to me to be Staff Minister of Discipleship and Music at Trinity Lutheran in Bay City, Michigan. The Lord has placed a very gracious opportunity before me: to develop a new staff ministry position at Trinity and to help that congregation through a time of two pastoral vacancies and other ministry needs.

I have been very blessed by my ministry at St. Paul and by your support. Thank you for allowing me to serve the Lord among you, for your willingness to try new things in worship, and for your trust. I pray that you will continue to give the same support to all of your called workers. You can best show your support by being faithful in worship and Bible study and in heeding calls to service in this congregation of believers. Offer help wherever you see opportunity. The Lord can use each and every one of you, and he will bless you for your devotion.

I pray also that the Lord will continue to bless this congregation, as he has for many years, that he will further increase your spiritual growth through the many gifts he has showered upon you. I am confident that he will continue to give all of us the gifts that we need in Christ Jesus, and that, when we serve him well, he will bless the work we all do to his glory.

May God’s blessings be yours always,

Peter J. Schaewe

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We thank the Lord for Mr. Schaewe's service among us, and we pray that he continue to bless him and all those he serves in his new role.