Andree leaving New Richland after 25 years
PRIVILEGE AND HONOR — That’s what it’s been to serve in New Richland, according to Trinity Lutheran Church Pastor Paul Andree, who’s retiring after more than 25 years in town. (Star Eagle photo by Melanie Piltingsrud)
Editor’s note: Pastor Paul Andree is leaving Trinity Lutheran Church after 25 years. Pastor Paul chose not to be interviewed for an article, but did provide some insights to his feelings as he leaves New Richland. Here they are, in his words:
On June 16, 1994, I became the 10th pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church. Shortly thereafter my wife, Rhonda, became the church organist. This community has blessed us more than words could ever describe. It was the beginning of what has become a wonderful journey with the people of the New Richland area. We have been here over 25 years, during which our two girls, Karisa and Rachel, graduated from NRHEG, so our family will always feel that this is home for us.
At an early age I knew I was going to be a pastor. I was raised in the faith at Grace Lutheran Church, Waseca. I wrote a paper on being a pastor when I was in Mr. Storby’s class at Waseca Central High School. I graduated from Luther Seminary, St Paul, Minnesota, on June 1, 1980 and was ordained on June 29. I then served churches at Arlington, South Dakota and Canby, Minnesota before coming here. Being New Richland is Rhonda’s home town, this was a double blessing for us.
My focus has been on building relationships within our church, but also by reaching out to the community so that everyone can feel welcome here as we worship God. Another focus has been on our youth. We started a program called, FISH (Fun In Serving Him) for any child in our community in grades 3-6. It meets every Wednesday after school until 4:30 p.m. We also started a community food shelf in 2009 which is now the Area Food Shelf of New Richland.
It has been a privilege and honor to walk with and work with the people of Trinity and New Richland during the important times in their lives. Rhonda and I treasure the friendships we have formed, the memories we have made, and the time we have spent with all of you. Leaving will not be easy.
As you may know, Rhonda and I have had some stressful health issues over the past several years. We are both in better health now and are looking forward to sharing more time with our granddaughters, Baily and Bella, while we can. At the same time, we will truly miss our New Richland family as we begin this new chapter in our lives called “retirement.” Our new home will be at Cardinal Pointe in Faribault, a cooperative apartment complex.
My official retirement date is December 31 and my last worship service is on Christmas Eve.
We thank all of you for being so kind and gracious to us in so many ways throughout the years!
God's Blessings to you,
Pastor Paul Andree
Editor's note: There will be a retirement party for Pastor Paul Andree at Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to allow the community to stop in to wish Pastor Paul and his wife well.