Rev. Thomas E. Hammond, pastor of Manhasset's Lutheran Church since September of 1984, has recently announced to the congregation his plans for retirement as pastor of the congregation. Rev. Hammond came to the Manhasset congregation after serving Grace Lutheran Church in Astoria, Queens, for the previous 17 years. Prior to that he was doing postgraduate study at Union Theological Seminary in a joint degree program in psychiatry and religion.

"During the last 19 years," Pastor Hammond commented, "the Manhasset congregation has grown into a vibrant community of talented and committed people. The Sunday School has tripled in size. The congregation is especially committed to working hard to help those less fortunate and to provide a positive witness of thanksgiving for God's blessings by sharing those blessings with others."

His plans include some months off to move and get adjusted to retirement, after which he will serve part-time when the bishop has any special needs for help. He stated that he is not retiring to give up work, but after 36 years of being a head pastor, the time has come to redefine his work schedule. He will divide his living time between Bayside, Queens, Mazatlán, Mexico and Sparta, NJ.

The congregation has planned some special farewell activities for the month of September. On Sunday, the seventh, Bishop Stephen Bouman of the Metropolitan New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be the guest speaker and will be meeting with the congregation informally after the service. On Sunday, Sept. 14, Diane Rainson, daughter of Albert and Maryann Rainson of Manhasset will be the guest preacher for the 10 a.m. morning worship. Miss Rainson, who grew up in Manhasset, is currently a student at Harvard Divinity School.

Then on Sept. 28, Pastor Hammond's last Sunday, a festive service will be held at 10 a.m. and Rev. Hammond will preach his farewell sermon. Following the service, the congregation has prepared a dinner celebration at the Westbury Manor. Craig Anderson chairs a special committee drawn up to prepare for the special final festivities.

Congregational President Alex Rekow indicated that a search committee has been formed to find a permanent replacement for Rev. Hammond. In the interim, Dr. John Krahn of Dix Hills will serve as vacancy pastor of the congregation. Pastor Hammond's closing comments were, "I have found the Manhasset community and the Lutheran parish I have served for 19 years to be a wonderful time of my life, filled with happy memories and great blessings. The people here are marvelous; I'll miss it very much."