Farewell Message – Vicar Caroline Raddatz is Back in Germany

April 2, 2020 – Originally, I had just planned to fly to Germany for a short vacation trip in March. Confirmation weekends, church services, overnight stays and Easter – everything was already planned for my return two weeks later.

Now, things have turned out very differently. Unfortunately, due to the worldwide border restrictions, a return to Canada in the foreseeable future will not be possible. A part of me is happy to be with family at this time, but another part is incredibly sad that my work together with your congregation cannot be continued.

Throughout April 2020 I will still be responsible for the radio devotions from Germany and will work digitally as best I can. Beginning in May 2020, however, there will be preparatory seminars in Germany so that I – God willing – can take up a position as pastor in the Nordkirche on June 1st, 2020. Everyone at the EKD and Nordkirche is now trying to find a solution in this unusual situation as quickly as they can.

Despite the circumstances, I am grateful to all of you for the 2.5 months of great experiences in your church community! Thank you for the warm welcome, the supportive words, for sharing such fun and fulfilling activities as confirmation weekends, church services, meetings, planning and so much more with me. In particular, I would like to thank the Ceconi family and Pastor Steve Hoffard for their support, Marlena Muller from the office for her active help, Sonja and Iris Schweiger for their energy, the Daycare and the church council for all of their support and the Vicar Team: Jordan Smith, Adam McComb and Silke Fahl, for all the intangible ways in which we have been there for one another

Dear Martin Luther congregation, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. God continues to bless your actions in the community and in the neighborhood – especially in these coronavirus times.

Caroline Raddatz, Vicar in March 2020