When Pastor Bill Meyer retires June 30 as senior pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Garden City, he will leave an indelible mark on the congregation and community at large, a ministry defined by service to others.

Pastor Meyer spent the last 21 years at Resurrection, an era that congregation President John Mesloh describes as "an exciting time of growth during which we have prospered under his leadership." Mesloh was also the congregation president in 1981 when Pastor Meyer arrived.

Pastor William Harmon, current associate pastor who's accepted the call to become pastor beginning July 1, reminisced about the three years that the "Bills" blended their considerable skills in doing God's work.

"Over the past 20 years Pastor Meyer has touched the lives of many people. His vision, organization, care and drive will be greatly missed by the staff and the members of the congregation," Pastor Harmon said.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity I have had to work with Bill Meyer. From day one we set out to be the best team we could be so that we could effectively proclaim the saving message of Jesus Christ. Our partnership may be coming to a close but the lessons taught and the experiences shared will last a lifetime."

Pastor Meyer, who officially retires June 30, will preach his last sermons that day during the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services. The theme of his final sermon will be "Doing the Work of Jesus Together," a message that transcended his ministry across the nearly 40 years and three congregations. In the afternoon, a retirement dinner in Pastor Meyer's honor will be held at the New Hyde Park Inn. Speakers will include members of his family, representatives of the three congregations he served and other church and community leaders.

In April, the congregation gathered for coffee and cake at an "Evening with The Meyers" function, organized by Kathy Shohfi, at which more than 200 members and friends shared stories and good times about their memories and experiences together.

Through the years, Marie Meyer played an integral role in the enrichment of the Resurrection ministry. At Resurrection, she helped develop a quilt ministry and sponsored the preparation of numerous layettes for Lutheran World Relief.

She promoted the ingathering of food and personal hygiene products for Lutheran Family and Community Services, started a meal preparation program for the Interfaith Nutrition Network and gathered and distributed furniture and household items for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Marie Meyer also counseled the Sunday school regarding a number of social ministry projects.

When Pastor Meyer joined Resurrection, one of his goals was to work with leaders of the congregation to inspire a church family that was "blessed" in material ways to reach out in Christ's name and serve others. Over the years, that "service" has manifested itself by its generous financial support of mission and ministry projects as well as enlisting the congregation's fellowship groups in the service of others.

"In the 21 years, the congregation has evolved from one led by a few 'pillars' to become an obelisk, 'strong at every level,'" Pastor Meyer said. "Fortunately, we have had men and women who have been more than willing to lead. Resurrection is a very fertile ground for people who have gifts they can promote and put to good use."

And that goes for the new pastor, who arrived with fresh, creative ideas and who will now build on the legacy of Pastor Meyer. "I will never forget the first words Pastor Meyer said to me when I walked into his office on my first day," Pastor Harmon recalled.

"I was a bit nervous and wasn't sure what to expect. 'I am looking forward to learning from you,' Pastor Meyer said. I couldn't believe my ears. What could I possibly offer this seasoned and well-experienced pastor? How fortunate I have been from that day until this day to work with a man who truly believed in working as a team in serving the Lord and his church."

Pastor Meyer, third of five children of Adolf and Ione Meyer, was born in New York City and raised in Yonkers, NY. After graduating from Concordia Junior College, he completed his undergraduate studies at Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, IN in 1959. He then received his theological training at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO during the next four years.

Upon graduation from the seminary in 1963, Pastor Meyer accepted a call to serve as mission developer for the Southeastern District in Columbia, SC. This ministry resulted in the establishment of the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit where he was called as its first pastor. In 1970, he accepted a call to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Patchogue, NY, serving there until 1981. In the spring of that year, he accepted the call to the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Garden City where he has served until retirement.

Throughout his ministry, he has provided service beyond the congregation to the church at large: as a circuit counselor, member of the Atlantic District board of directors, chair of the board of directors and as a district vice president. He also served as chair of the Spiritual Life Committee for Wartburg Lutheran Services in Brooklyn and as a member of the Synodical "Reconcilers Team."

In 1962, he married Marie Otten. Their marriage has been blessed with four children: Kathryn, Sharon, Tara and Michael. Kathryn and her husband, Jon Rossman, along with their children, Bryan, Kimberly and Matthew, live in Chelmsford, MA. After living many years in Mineola, Sharon recently moved to Sea Cliff. Tara married Timothy Dull and lives in Oak Park, IL with their children, Jordan, Samuel and Cyler. When Michael married Kathryn Mangelsdorf they first lived in Bloomington, IN before moving to White Plains, NY. Bill and Marie's foster child, Lien Luong, and his wife, Vanessa, have three children, Amanda, Stefan and Brandon, and they live in New Jersey.

In mid-July, the Meyers will move to their new home in Bethel, CT. In September, Pastor Meyer will begin working for Concordia College in Bronxville as director of church relations. They plan to spend some quality time getting their new home in order, becoming acquainted with their new community and visiting family and friends.