Pastor Glenn Monson of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin is leaving after 19 years to follow God’s call to go to another church in Rochester.

Glenn and his wife, Ruth, are moving to Rochester, and this Sunday will be the pastor’s last service at Our Savior’s. Glenn’s new position will be at Mount Olive Lutheran Church as the senior pastor. Ruth will work at Zumbro Lutheran Church, working with volunteers in the church, which is similar to her position at Our Savior’s.

“I do believe that God has called us to these new places, and we both have a real sense of peace about that,” Glenn said.

The Monson’s are moving because they felt called to go to a new place and have a fresh start, helping new people with the gifts they have to offer. In turn, Glenn hopes this will be a good change for the congregation they are leaving behind, as well.

“I think the move to Rochester is a large part in the conviction that we need a place where we can sort of have a fresh start,” he said. “And also we think the congregation will benefit from having a new voice, new leadership. We think that churches really do grow when they have leadership changes, and after 19 years it seems like it just is time for all of us to make a change.”

The couple sold their home in one day, bought a new home in Rochester within the week, and Ruth found her position within those few weeks as well.

“It’s really come quickly,” Ruth said.

While they are looking forward to their new positions in Rochester, Glenn and Ruth are sad to say goodbye to the close friendships they’ve made in Austin, especially as both were very involved in the community.

“The only hard thing is saying goodbye to everybody, because all these people are great friends and we’ve been through a lot with them,” Glenn said.

Read a full feature on the Monsons in Sunday’s Herald.