Jared’s Farewell Message

Jared Stellmacher’s final Sunday with our Madison congregation was last Sunday, January 25. We give thanks for his ministry and invite you to read his letter to the congregation (below) and hear his farewell comments shared during worship.

 

 

Dear Friends of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,

 

Before anything else, I need to say thank you — truly, from the bottom of my heart.

As Jared and I have hit the road toward our new chapter in Jacksonville, Florida—and as I prepare to begin my call at Riverside Presbyterian Church on Sunday, February 1—I’ve been reflecting on what this congregation has meant to me. Good Shepherd didn’t simply give me a position; you gave me a home. You welcomed not just me, but Jared, fully and exactly as we are. You made space not only for my gifts, but for my whole self—my faith, my questions, my joy, my humanity. That kind of welcome is rare. It is holy. And it has changed me.

Leading music ministry at Good Shepherd was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Not because everything was perfect, but because it was always real. Together we sang through joy and grief, celebration and uncertainty. We showed up week after week with open hearts and willing hands. We trusted one another, and through that trust, God created something beautiful among us: not just music, but community.

I especially cherished how the one-congregation, two-campus model allowed for an expansive, dimensional music ministry — rich with unique expressions of worship. From choirs and handbells to instrumentalists and worship bands, each rehearsal, service, and concert gave voice to God’s presence among us. It was a gift to experience music as a living, breathing expression of faith across both campuses.

I am especially grateful that my last Sunday coincided with Reconciling in Christ Sunday. Good Shepherd doesn’t just talk about welcome — you lived it. You showed what it means to be a church where all are seen, affirmed, and loved without condition. For me, for my family, and for so many others, that has been life-giving beyond words.

Thank you to every musician, singer, handbell ringer, and volunteer — for trusting me, laughing with me, forgiving mistakes, trying new things, and simply showing up. And thank you to the congregation as a whole for your encouragement, prayers, kindness, and belief in me. You blessed me deeply and shaped me as a musician, a leader, and a person of faith.

Please keep in touch. My personal email is tjstellmacher@me.com. I would truly love to hear from you.

Thank you also for the thoughtful and generous Florida-inspired gifts. May God continue to bless Good Shepherd — its people, its music, and its ministry — and may you always know how deeply you have mattered to us.

With gratitude and peace,
Jared (& Jared)