A new chapter begins in the life of Pastor Steve Bergeson, who retires Jan. 13 after delivering his last sermon at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

His 40-year ministerial career included the past 13 years of tending to the spiritual needs of the local church.

He said he already has been advised by a member of the congregation that, “one day retirement is an A-plus, the next day it’s an A-minus.”

He and his wife, Lynn, a retired nurse, will remain in the area.

“People have asked me over the years where I’m going to retire to. I’m already here,” said Bergeson.

The couple will be honored at a retirement party from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 12, beginning in the sanctuary and followed by dinner in the Fellowship Hall and the patio.

Immediate plans include traveling and spending more time with his three children and seven grandchildren. An avid golfer, Bergeson plans to be a marshal at the Phoenix Open, something he said he has always wanted to do but never had the time.

“I’m sure I will have opportunities to preach and help out in other churches,” said Bergeson.

Originally from Austin, Minn., he is a graduate of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.

His first call to become a pastor was in 1979 at Ascension Lutheran in Paradise Valley, where he stayed until 1983.

Bergeson relocated to Irvine, Calif., where he became the pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. In 1987, he received a call to Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman, where he stayed for 18 years.

“Like most churches in Fountain Hills, we have seen an aging of our congregation,” said Bergeson in reviewing his tenure. “I have had the privilege of knowing wonderful people and sadly have done their funeral. But that has been a privilege, too.”

The congregation, he said, has “grown in its response to the call to care for others. It’s a strong mission church.”

Although membership is about 425, the church serves double that number to 700 or 800 when winter visitors and community residents assisted by outreach programs are counted.

During his tenure, the church began providing free Bible school during school spring and fall breaks to assist families with youngsters “and share Christ with them.”

Over the years, Bergeson has served as president of the Fountain Hills Christian Ministerial Association.

“Member ministers have great respect for each other. In other communities, ministers are competitive with one another. We recognize that we’re all on the same team – working for the kingdom of God.”

In its mission statement, Shepherd of the Hills states that the church will be a light on the hill. Its location is at the intersection of Fountain Hills and El Lago Blvds.

“That part of the mission statement attracted me years ago and it’s been fun to watch how God works through us to let his light shine,” Bergeson said.