By Marv Repinski

Thank you for the recognition that you extended to Glenn and Ruth Monson in several issues of the Herald!

The appreciation that this couple merits is known in part by many persons in southern Minnesota. Glenn will assume the senior pastor position at the Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Rochester. He moves from Austin, where he gave clergy leadership to Our Saviors Lutheran Church for 19 years.

There are seven areas where I have knowledge to share with what I term a pastoral leadership “team.”

One: The emphasis on education within a broad, open focus; this included the sensitivity to all ages — small children to those who have lived a long life. The education commitment was reflected in the fine book he wrote in the past year.

Two: The manner in which a church with a number of staff members was inspired and lifted up to develop their special gifts.

Three: The way in which Glenn and Ruth gave an ecumenical, free-spirited attitude to their Lutheran heritage, while welcoming persons from a variety of backgrounds.

Four: The vocal and sometimes silent form of volunteerism to a number of different functions, groups, and organizations in Mower County.

Five: The contribution to the arts that helped create a humane atmosphere to our city. Members of the Austin Symphony Orchestra had the good fortune to have Glenn as their principal trombone player in that particular section for many years. The beauty of music that Ruth coaxed from the church choir is also memorable.

Six: The character that was endlessly expressed in the rearing of their family, who were participants in the Austin community and school events. Add to that the senior care centers and hospitals that were brought encouragement and prayers with hundreds of visits.

Seven: To others among the clergy, Glenn deepened friendships and was an example of commitment to his ordination. My special appreciation is, no doubt, linked to the fact that we both graduated from Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul. That seminary, by the way, continues to, in a liberal style mixed with traditional spirituality, offer an education affirming various denominations.

My wife, Becky, and I have a kind of motto: “Read, read, read and you will live longer!” So with that thought, consider the book we are now reading: “Cold Snap as Yearning.”The author of this fine collection of essays, Robert Vivian, may have been thinking of the Monson family, when he wrote the first essay, “Hereafter in Fields.” “If only we could keep going, out of harm’s way, and take with us only the best part of ourselves; if only we knew why we dream at the wheel or think more clearly while moving down valleys and across rivers. Driving toward the horizon on Interstate 80 can make you feel this.”

Marvin Repinski is a retired United Methodist pastor who lives in Austin.