Lehr Retires After 50 Years In Ministry

Born during the Depression, one man has made a life journey accomplishing the challenges of being a missionary of God. He has reached the sunset glory of retirement, directed always by God - hitherto and henceforth, he likes to say - as a devout Lutheran.

In 1984, the Rev. Milton Lehr accepted God's call to help start a congregation from scratch, for the Spring Hill Lutheran Mission. There was no church on the 5.3-acre plot of land deeded free by developer and builder Alex Deeb, who also deeded land for many other area churches. For awhile, charter members met in a funeral home.

After 50 years as a minister, Pastor Lehr has retired. He can be pleased that the church not only got built, but grew so much that in 2000 a new sanctuary and worship center was added, seating 400 for worship services of Forest Oaks Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod.

His retirement party was held recently at the new Spring Hill VFW Hall, attended by nearly 200 members, colleagues, family and friends. "The catered food by 'Canteen Chef Mike Scalisi' was outstanding, and the 'Marty and the Nice Guys' local band played liltingly," said Stan and Leilani Benmore, event coordinators. "A highlight was a parody of the song, 'Will You Still Be Here Tomorrow?' created by Mike and Cyndy Brauns, with their jazzy feather boas bestowed on the pastor and his wife. And of course there were heartfelt and eloquent speeches and tributes, then dancing, a fine evening for all."

This retiring pastor has the unusual opportunity to continue to help the church and remain a member - unlike many churches, where the retiring minister relocates. Pastor Glenn Fischer explained the church wanting to keep Lehr involved and continuing his mission work.

"Since Day One it has been and remains that his heart is for being a missionary. On Tuesdays he visits new guests and chats with me about the information and all, an invaluable help. He loves to tell people about Jesus and what our church has to offer. We're giving him time off to relax a bit and then in January or so he can help more. For instance, since he knows many of the members well, when a funeral service is requested of him, he'd be the natural choice.

"Having worked closely with him these past five years, I must say we admire his piety and devotion, and his understanding of Christ. He is a treasure, and the transition is as smooth as can be."

Lehr might even hawk hot dogs at the huge Trash to Treasure Sale next Friday and Saturday, which includes vendors, rummage, food, crafts and a "Pig Pickin' with Fixin's" dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday Nov. 21 - adults $6, children under 8, $3, under 3 free.

In a phone call from Tennessee, the Rev. Al Boysen chuckled and reminisced about his seminary colleagues and friendships, focusing on Lehr.

"Milt was the most scholarly and studious one of us all, a brilliant and devoted man. Some of us have kept in close touch over the years, often vacationing somewhere great with our wives, enjoying the camaraderie you know. His wife Jan and he are great entertainers too, wonderful singers together. In Missouri one time they even performed as Captain Von Trapp and Maria, the leads in 'The Sound of Music.' We all wish Milt the best retirement possible, and look forward to our next travel rendezvous ..."

Ellouise Emke, a friend of the Lehrs and church member for 8 years, worked with Boysen as a church volunteer. She keeps active in Forest Oaks church and local Republican Party work. She affirmed the tireless and uplifting work by both Lehrs to help build and support the Spring Hill community, church and denominational ministries in all facets.

Lehr refers to his ministerial life as the "hitherto" of where the Lord has led him, each and every day. His ministerial posts have included 17 years serving Grace Lutheran in South Holland, Ill., and Missouri Synod Lutheran churches in Wisconsin and Missouri.

"'Hitherto' symbolizes all that the Lord has done, right up to the present time," Lehr said, "and the second word I use, -'henceforth' - signifies all that the Lord promises to do, and will do, for anyone in ministry. I am confident Pastor Fischer will lead the church into great progress."

During Lehr's 24 years of ministry at Forest Oaks, church records show that some 35 marriages were performed, 300 new members welcomed, 53 baby baptisms and 30 confirmations were performed.

He is pleased that his personal library will have a fine home. He is donating a massive collection to the church's fledgling library, including concordances, historical Lutheran literature, Bibles and study guides.

Many of the books were those he studied in denominational education, at schools and seminary including Concordia College and High School in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Lehr said his classical education had a heavy emphasis on theology and languages - five years of Latin, five of German and four of Greek. Later, he added Old Testament Hebrew to his experience, in St. Louis, so he enjoys comparing sacred texts and history.

Until knee surgery diminished Lehr's agility, he enjoyed tennis. Now he will get back to constructing some airplane model kits, working on his wife's "Honey d"' list and studying select military history of World War II, especially in Germany regarding his family history.

Jan is the beautiful wife Lehr says he feels blessed to have. She will continue work as church secretary although she still keeps busy with her Mary Kay cosmetics, her outstanding sales record having earned her a pink Cadillac. The Lehrs enjoy three grown children and two grandchildren. The Lehrs are scheduled to sing a duet at a wedding, so they are rehearsing.

"We have seen such growth and change in Spring Hill," the retiree said. "I have a little plaque on my office wall: "Jesus loves me - anyway.' I put that in a popular Sunday school song: 'Jesus loves me anyway, Even though I sin each day. He holds me in His loving arms, Keeps me safe from Satan's harms.' And then the chorus ...'Yes Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.'

"That's the Good News of Jesus! That's what He does!"

When do they meet?

Trash to Treasure Sale: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. Nov 21

Also 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. Nov. 22

Sunday worship: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Fellowship Hour: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday school and Bible Study: 10:45 a.m.

Midweek events and groups: call church