Pastor Wangen-Hoch resigns from Living Stones

“ 'I am the Alpha and Omega,’ says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, Almighty.”
— Revelations 1:8

Dear congregations of the Southwestern Washington Synod and friends of Living Stones Prison Congregation,

‪For seven years, our synod has kept a presence of ministry at the  Washington Corrections Center through the Living Stones. God has been generous to our prison congregation and to our synod, allowing us to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ Resurrection, life for all, no one beyond redemption, and God’s defining action in our lives — we are children of God in spite of our histories and what anyone else would say about us. ‬

‪Churches have come to worship with Living Stones, prayed for Living Stones, and contributed financially to Living Stones. Churches have organized re-entry teams to accompany men as they leave prison and put their lives back together. God has gifted and continues to gift our synod with the Living Stones. When I come out to churches on Sundays, I am never at a loss of words to talk about the good things happening among the men; because of God, the Living Stones Prison Congregation speaks easily for itself. God began the Living Stones, has the Living Stones,and will  continue to keep the Living Stones. We are but trusted servants.‬

Because God is the author of Living Stones, it’s beginning and end, Alpha and Omega, I can say with peace that I and my wife Rachel are taking a new call to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sedro-Wooley, Washington. I know I will miss the congregation and all of the congregations who have participated in the ministry. My last day to lead Saturday evening
worship at Living Stones will be June 1.

To give the new pastor of Living Stones free reign away from the former pastor, I ask that you welcome him or her as you welcomed me into your congregations on Sunday mornings, to pray for the new pastor, and continue in your good giving to Living Stones Prison Congregation.

I give my thanks first to God for entrusting me to be pastor to  the Living Stones for these past 7 years; I then secondly thank you the synod for entrusting me to be pastor to the Living Stones. It has been a magnificent call; it will continue to be a vital part of the Southwestern Washington Synod. For all that has been, thank-you. For all that will be, yes.

In Christ,

Pastor Eric Wangen-Hoch