Pastor Wieland Steinmetz said goodbye to the Assumption of Mary in the church of the same name in Bad Wiessee after 16 years of retirement.
He said goodbye in his sermon.
Bad Wiessee - Pastor Wieland Steinmetz has chosen a special day for his farewell with yesterday's patronage of the Church of the Assumption of Mary in Bad Wiessee - and was rewarded with a full church and warm farewell speeches.
As reported, Steinmetz will retire on September 1st at the age of 69.
Before Pastor Stephan Fischbacher took office, Steinmetz said goodbye to the Wiesse parish as part of the festive service with herbal consecration.
In addition, there were more believers than the nave could hold: beer benches were set up in front of the door - visitors were able to follow the last service in Wiessee by the pastor, who had been working there for 16 years, with loudspeakers.
Steinmetz only referred to his 40 years in the Catholic Church between the lines.
"Conveying the 'earth and heaven' system is sometimes not that easy," he preached.
Although there is a large welcome lettering above the gate of heaven - but: "Sometimes people find it difficult to get involved in God's private chambers." Everyone in the community knows pressure, fear of the future and frustrated situations, Steinmetz emphasized.
Here it is important to rely on God's Word: "There will be fellowship with me - you are welcome." The important question for believers is always: "What do I expect from heaven?"
Pastor Steinmetz known internally as the building pastor: Numerous projects implemented - "open, appreciative manner"
Steinmetz always tried to help with questions, said Veronika Seestaller, administrative director of the Wiesse and Gmund churches, following on from the sermon. Seestaller provided an insight into the pastor's career, who began studying theology after graduating from high school. “He was ordained a priest before his 30th birthday,” explained the administrative manager. After positions as Provincial in Salzburg and Dean in Traunstein, Steinmetz came to Bad Wiessee via Gilching in 2005. A few years later he also took over the Gmund parish.
"Pastor Steinmetz was known internally as a building priest," said Seestaller. Churches, kindergartens, rectories and, most recently, the Gmund cemetery wall have been renovated. "In Wiessee the parish hall is proving difficult - but we hope that we have found a good solution with the integration into the church wing." Seestaller thanked Steinmetz for his "open, appreciative manner", which had secured everyone's trust in him. "You always had an open ear and good advice - we tend to let you go with a crying eye." Nevertheless, at some point you have to let people go - Steinmetz has earned his retirement.
Gertrud Stadler, chairwoman of the Wiesse parish council, saw it similarly: “It is important to be able to complete a period.” A change of pastor is “never easy” - but Fischbacher will continue to do well.
“But before that I can pass on the special thanks from associations.” Whether it's anniversaries, celebrations or dedications of association flags that were also displayed in the final service: Steinmetz was there.
Of course, also for new buildings or vehicles, added Stadler with a view to the fire brigades.
Ecumenism “nowhere else in 30 years experienced” - thanks from the evangelical pastor in the festive service
As a gift, she presented the pastor with a memory book - designed by residents of Wiesse.
The festival service was also musically accompanied by the ranks of the residents: the Bad Wiessee orchestra and the church choir played.
The chairwoman also thanked the parsonage keeper Marie Luise Kratzwall, who gave her flowers for her dedication.
Pastor Sabine Arzberger, a colleague on the part of the Evangelical Church, also had words of thanks ready.
She emphasized the "great benevolence" that she was shown in matters of ecumenism.
“It was a matter of course that you were there when I was inaugurated that I have never seen anywhere in 30 years,” said Arzberger, thanking him at the end.
Retired pastor Karl Hofherr and parish vicar Reiner Hertan took part in the move out of the church - they will support Fischbacher in the future.
Also represented were the deacons Manfred Bauer and Peter Salamon as well as parish officer Katrin Ritter.
Pastor Steinmetz himself made the conclusion short and painless: “Now there is only one thing left to say: May Almighty God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,” he concluded the service.
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