Announcement from Pr. A

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, my Partners in the Gospel, 

Fifteen years ago, you entrusted me with the privilege and responsibility of serving as your Senior Pastor. In a career filled with exciting and meaningful opportunities, this Call has brought the deepest joy and fulfillment to my family and me.

After much prayer, reflection, and conversation with trusted advisors and loved ones—and with a sincere desire to serve the Lord, His people, and my family faithfully—I have decided to retire from parish ministry at Holy Cross.

The Board of Lay Leaders has proposed, and I have accepted, a two-phase retirement plan:

• On December 31, 2025, I will transition from Senior Pastor to Pastor Emeritus of Holy Cross.

• Beginning January 1, 2026, I will continue to serve Holy Cross under a Contract Call. Initially, I will serve as Interim Senior Pastor, reporting to the Board of Lay Leaders. Once the next Senior Pastor is called and installed, I will continue as an independent contractor, accountable to the new Senior Pastor. My full-time ministry with Holy Cross will conclude on December 31, 2026.

This decision to retire from the Senior Pastorate has been one of the most difficult of my life. I am profoundly grateful to the Board of Lay Leaders for their wisdom and compassion in addressing the needs of Holy Cross, my family, and myself.

There is still exciting and important Kingdom work ahead in the coming months. God has called us to serve Holy Cross Lutheran Church and School “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). And we do so with confidence and joy, knowing we serve the crucified and risen Lord of the universe. In His power and strength, we face each day’s challenges and opportunities declaring: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

God’s continued and richest blessings be with you all.

In Christ,

Rev. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor