Pastor Bill Harmon (left) presents the Book of Concord as a gift to Emil Gretarsson as he prepares to leave for Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. RESURRECTION SAYS, "GO WITH GOD"

Buoyed by his conviction and the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection's credo, Share Care Prepare and Dare, church member Emil Gretarsson prepares to make his way to St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife Heather to attend the Concordia Seminary. Resurrection respectfully sent the couple on to their new home during a recent Sunday service, as they received congratulations from Pastor Bill Harmon and a gift of the Book of Concord, which is a collection of church doctrines.

A daunting feat to most, Emil's calling to serve as a pastor in the Lutheran Church is a long faithful journey that begins with a Bachelors degree in order to be accepted into seminary. Emil will attend seminary for three years, serve a one-year internship in a congregation, (called Vicarage), and then graduate with a Master's of Divinity. He will then be placed in a congregation as a called and ordained minister.

"Emil's heart will serve him well as he shares the great truth that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of all," says Pastor Bill Harmon. "Resurrection is committed to supporting men and women in the church who will advance the good news that Christians profess."

The congregation of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection and the communities of Garden City and Emil's hometown of Babylon wish Emil and Heather, God's speed!

Resurrection-Garden City is a Christian community of faith located at 420 Stewart Avenue. All are invited to worship at 5:30 PM on Saturdays and at 8:30 and 11 AM Sunday mornings, with Christian Education at 9:45 AM. For more information, please visit www.resurrectiongardencity.org or call 746.4426.