Christ the Redeemer

Here is a picture of Christ the Redeemer in Tulsa, where I will be the new associate pastor. I do not know much yet, but I know they worship about 360 a Sunday, there are around 900 members, and the average age is 37. If you want to know more, the church website address is: http://www.ctrtulsa.org/

Just Down I-44

It is official. After looking forward to this day for the past 8 years, Call Day finally arrived. Kristen and I were excited to hear the following words: "Eric Van Scharrel...Oklahoma District...Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma."
Very soon we will embark on a new chapter in our lives. This summer we will make the 400 mile move to Tulsa. I will begin work as the associate pastor at Christ the Redeemer. We will get to settle into a home and actually live there for more than a year (God willing). Most importantly, by the end of October, we should welcome a beautiful baby into our family. I am sure there will be even more changes than this.
This is why we have decided to reenter the world of online blogging. We realize we will be far from most of our family and friends and want to be able to share snapshots (such as this one of us with our excited, mildly crazy puppy on Call Night) and tidbits (hopefully more like news briefs than feature articles in length). It is nothing like a face-to-face conversation or even a phone call, but it is a start.