St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arnold will celebrate two staff members and their recent milestones – Bobby Schroeder, who recently retired as the full-time music director, and Pastor Jeremy Schultz who is celebrating his 25th anniversary in the Lutheran ministry.
Schroeder will be honored during a program from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, followed by a free ice cream social.
On Oct. 1, the church will celebrate Schultz’s special anniversary with a special guest preacher at that Sunday’s three services, as well as a banquet that evening at Andre’s Banquet Center, 4254 Telegraph Road, in south St. Louis County.
The banquet will be held from 5-8 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger, and tickets are available through St. John’s website, sjlarnold.org. The deadline to order tickets is Sunday.
Schroeder
Schroeder retired as the church’s full-time music director in June but is serving as the interim music director while the church searches for his replacement.
“We are looking forward to a packed house,” Schultz said of Sunday’s event. “In keeping with Bobby’s desires, what we hope to accomplish is not just a celebration of Bobby and his four-plus decades of music ministry but a celebration of what God has done to and through our church over his tenure here over the last 10 years.”
Schroeder, 66, of Ellisville came to St. John’s in 2013 after serving as the music director at St. John Lutheran Church in Ellisville for 21 years.
He said it is time to retire after serving as a church music director for 35 years and playing either the piano or organ in churches for more than 50 years
“The work of a music director is 50 to 60 hours a week,” Schroeder said. “I have done it my whole life, but I want to step back from it. I will probably continue serving at St. John’s in some capacity as a volunteer or a substitute musician. I also will keep playing for weddings and funerals. I just don’t want that full-time responsibility anymore.”
Schroeder said he is working one day a week at the church now and still performs during the 9:30 a.m. and 10:50 a.m. Sunday services.
Schroeder said he will perform choir pieces and solo pieces that have meant to him over the years at Sunday’s special program.
“I want to share some gratefulness and thanks to a church that has loved me and welcomed me,” he said. “I believe I am the one who has to give thanks for serving in such a wonderful ministry.”
Schroeder said some of his fondest memories at St. John’s have been the annual Christmas productions, which feature a dramatic performance accompanied by music provided by a full orchestra and a choir of up to 70 members.
“People from all over St. Louis come to those,” he said. “It has become a big thing.”
Andy Becker, St. John’s family life pastor, said the church has been lucky to have Schroeder as its music director.
“Bobby is a phenomenal musician,” he said. “He is gifted in helping the church find its voice in worship and praise of our Lord. As gifted a musician and leader he is, his heart for people is even more exceptional.”
Schultz said it will be hard to replace him.
“It is hard to say (when a new music director will be hired). Sometime this fall is a strong desire,” Schultz said.
Bobby Schroeder conducting the choir during an Easter service this year.
Schultz
Schultz, 51, Arnold began his ministry career at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Des Peres in 1998 and after seven years there, moved to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Royal Oak, Mich.
In 2012, he returned to Missouri as the pastor at St. John’s.
“It is kind of a little embarrassing and definitely humbling,” Schultz said of the anniversary celebration in the works. “I am thankful the church is doing something and wants to do something, but I would just as soon keep the focus on God and his work through the congregation.”
Becker said the banquet will include dinner and a brief program honoring Schultz.
“There will be folks who will share some experiences and memories they have had with Pastor Schultz,” he said. “We are excited to celebrate what God has done through him.”
Schultz’s best friend, the Rev. Spencer Mielke, who serves at a church in Indiana, will be the guest preacher for St. John’s three services on Oct. 1.
“For me, it will be a day of gratitude, reflection and recommitment to the task at hand,” Schultz said. “And, I think it will be a blast having my buddy preach.”