We lift up Faithful Servants who Continue to Harvest Hope that are celebrating Retirement and Anniversaries of Ordination and Commissioning

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1 Do you not say, Four months more, then comes the harvest? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. John 4:35 We lift up Faithful Servants who Continue to Harvest Hope that are celebrating Retirement and Anniversaries of Ordination and Commissioning

2 Retirement The Rev. Philip Blom A Bible verse or story that has always guided my ministry is Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. One of my favorite Biblical heroes/heroines is Because Abraham: Blessed to be a blessing. One of my favorite teachers over the years was Because. Gerhard Frost: Taught and lived "hesed" Steadfast love of the Lord. Also favorite poetry One of my mentors over the years was/is.because My parents: Love, Laughter, witness to faithfulness, and service throughout all of life and beyond. One of the highlights of ministry for me has been. Being Disaster Pastor in the Katrina Recovery when Romans 8:28 was fulfilled personally and in the lives of many. One of the most challenging aspects of ministry has been Those who take grace so seriously, they no longer are gracious. One key lesson about ministry I d pass along to others is. Prepare for both the greatest of blessings and burdens. Remember to Be Well... To Do. 2

3 Retirement The Rev. Dave Morton A Bible verse or story that has always guided my ministry is From the Parable of the Prodigal Son in the 15 th chapter of the gospel of Luke, the phrase, But while he was still a long way off, It s all about God s GRACE! One of my favorite Biblical heroes/heroines is Because David because he relied on God s strength, not his own. One of my favorite teachers over the years was Because. The Holy Spirit from whom I learned the most, and received the best guidance over the decades. One of my mentors over the years was/is.because Dr. William Dean, Professor of Theology at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN who believed in me, modeled grace, and encouraged me to go on and attend seminary. One of the highlights of ministry for me has been. Being a part of growing Christus Lutheran Church in Greenville, from a pastoral size and style congregation to a program size and style congregation. One of the most challenging aspects of ministry has been The deep, pervasive cultural, religious and political polarization of America. One key lesson about ministry I d pass along to others is. Be patient and persistent, because it takes a long time to effect positive change in the culture of a congregation. 3

4 Retirement The Rev. Dan Olson A Bible verse or story that has always guided my ministry Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. One of my favorite Biblical heroes/heroines is because I cannot single one out in particular, but those like Abraham, Moses, the Disciples and Paul who were called out of their comfort and/or stability to go into uncharted waters not knowing where they would be or doing they, nevertheless, answered the Call of God. One of my favorite teachers over the years was: The late Dr. Paul G. Sonnack of Luther Seminary. Dr. Sonnack always was tenacious about the very core and being of what the Gospel is. His teaching and his brilliance followed me constantly through the years. One of my mentors over the years Was the Pastor of my home church in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the late Pastor John M. Ness. Pastor Ness always modeled for me what a parish pastor was and he was a man who took me under his wing for many years after leaving home. 4

5 One of the highlights of ministry for me has been The gift all pastors have to join their people in virtually all aspects of their living and being, their joy and sorrows. I know of no other position other than that of Pastor which has been given that gift. One of the most challenging aspects of ministry has been The expectation that a Pastor is all things to all people. It s normal, I suppose, that all parishioners feel they have a claim on a Pastor s time and the expectation they can do all things well. It can cause enormous stress, thus; One key lesson about ministry I d pass along to others is To hone the skills you do well and not be afraid to speak of those you don t do so well. Any one pastor can be expected to be able to excel l in 4-5 different areas. That s why the recruitment of the laity to do other tasks in the church is critical. 5

6 Retirement The Rev. John Roseth As one of this synod s retirees I was asked to respond to a list of questions that included sharing my favorite Bible verse or story, my favorite Biblical heroes, my favorite teachers, my mentors, highlights and challenges of ministry; and finally, one key lesson about ministry that I d like to pass along to others. Wow, what a list! And, it was assumed that the answers would be short and to the point. Many have had that same hope whenever I preached. Oh well, I now know after thirty-nine years of ordained ministry you can t please them all. I remember sharing this passage from First Peter 3:15 on the day I was confirmed, But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and kindness. It has remained a constant, unvarying guide and support to me throughout my ministry. The stories from Scripture, the teachers, the many mentors have all helped to shape me and the congregations I have served: Christ Lutheran Church, Cheyenne, WY; Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hubertus, WI; and Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, Wausau, WI. 6

7 My teachers and mentors have taught me to measure success in ministry not by numbers or statistics but by faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The many highlights and challenges of ministry have taught me that this is easy to say when the room is full and hard to believe when it is empty. Through the many challenges over the years I have learned that a pastor s ministry is outside of his or her control. It is in God s many hands. I have learned that my calling was not to direct His traffic but to journey with His people as they made choices in responding to the many and various changes, transitions, and adjustments to their lives as followers of Jesus. It s been quite a journey for which I am grateful. Thanks be to God. 7

8 Retirement The Rev. Michael Dismer Retirement The Rev. Peter Shervan 8

9 25th Anniversary of Commissioning Ms. Mary Ellen Bakken, AIM Associate in Ministry, Mary Ellen Bakken, was born and baptized in Oshkosh, raised and confirmed in Appleton, and further educated in Iowa. She received her B.S. in Education degree from Wartburg College before heading to the greater Los Angeles area, where she served as a Lutheran Christian Day School teacher. A move to San Clemente, CA allowed her to expand her education to include preschool teacing and directing. In 1987 she earned her certification as a Church Staff Associate in the former ALC. Her 24 years of service in the Lutheran church in California concluded as an Outreach Director in Redondo Beach, a wonderful splash ending for her ministry there. She and her work have now come full cycle. For the past 20 years she has joyfully served the people of First English Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, the same congregation where she and her twin brother were baptized as infants. 9

10 25th Anniversary of Commissioning Ms. Sharon Fox Bogen, AIM Sharon Fox Bogen, born in Milwaukee, WI received her BA in Recreation at UW-Milwaukee and served 4 summers at Camp Indian Sands, Neshkoro, WI, part of the ministry of Ascension Lutheran, Milwaukee. After college she was a Recreation Supervisor for the Sheboygan Recreation Dept. As an active member of First United Lutheran in Sheboygan, she was encouraged to become the Director of Pine Lake Camp, Waupaca where she became certified as a Lay Professional in the LCA. God s prodding called her to Luther Northwestern Seminary where she graduated with an MA in She served as Christian Educator/Associate in Ministry at First English, Appleton, WI; Grand Forks Lutheran Rural Parish, Grand Forks, ND; and Lord of the Lakes, Winneconne, WI. Married to Pastor Phil Bogen, she served many volunteer roles at Zion, Shawano and currently at Trinity/St. Peter, Wausau. She is active in our Synod as the coordinator for the ELCA Malaria Campaign, Chair of Global Village Camp 2012, and member of the ECSW Companion Synod/Global Mission Task Force. I certainly have not become rich, but I definitely have been enriched by my call to be a child of God! Here s my claim to fame in the ELCA: baptism, regular worship, parenting, outdoor ministry, speaking up for inclusivity, and walking side by side with all of you colleagues and so many faithful people of God! 10

11 25th Anniversary of Commissioning Ms. Tyrona Schroeder, AIM Tyrona Schroeder (Ty), AIM I was born, raised and lived in the midwest states where Christian values were lived out in my home and the communities I lived in. The Writing Rock congregation near Alkabo, ND played a significant role in my faith development during my youth. Based on those roots I continued to grow in my faith during my years of education at the Lutheran Deaconess School of Nursing. Despite a few years of moving around I always found a Lutheran congregation to support me in my service with Christ. During my many years as part of the Good Shepherd congregation in Plover, I left to attend the Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Following that I returned to work with the members of Good Shepherd and the ministries of East Central Synod of WI. Eventually, due to my husband s illness, I moved to Medford, OR where I am finding many opportunities to serve with Christ Jesus and also, find many people ministering to me in the same spirit. 11

12 25th Anniversary of Commissioning Ms. Dorothy Twiton, AIM Dorothy Twiton, originally from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is a graduate of Augsburg college of Minneapolis. She also attended The Lutheran Bible Institute (L.B.I.) in Minneapolis. Her work experiences included teach at Hayfield High School, Minnesota, and at Augustana Academy, Canton, South Dakota-working in the Bible Study Correspondence Department at L.B.I. serving as Director of Education at Zion Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, WI., and being secretary at Bay View Lutheran church in Sturgeon Bay. Her responsibilities as an Associate in Ministry included youth work, adult and youth education, music and preaching. At the present time she is the organist and music coordinator at Hainesville Lutheran Church, Sturgeon Bay. 12

13 25th Anniversary of Commissioning Ms. Sandra Wendland, AIM Sandra Wendland, AIM, was born and raised in the Watertown, WI. area. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. After working in the public schools she began her career in the church. The candidacy process began while serving Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, WI as Director of Ministries. She currently serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Stevens Point, WI as part of the Pastoral Ministry staff. 13

14 25th Anniversary of Ordination The Rev. Paul Heykes Paul F. Heykes is a lifelong resident of Wisconsin. He received a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in After a three year stint in the carbonic industry and a few more years of substitute teaching he accepted a position as Youth and Education Director at Zion Lutheran in Appleton in He served there until the congregation decided to reconfigure its staff in May of Five weeks later he enrolled in Summer Greek at Wartburg Theological Seminary. He served his internship at Grace Lutheran in Berlin. Paul graduated from Wartburg in December of 1986 and was assigned to the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Synod of the LCA. In the fall of 1987, while serving a brief interim at St. John's Lutheran (Main St.) in Oshkosh, he was "traded" to the Northern Wisconsin District of the ALC and a few days later was issued a direct call from St. John's Lutheran of Morgan where he continues to serve and will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his installation this coming December. In his spare time Paul coaches spring board diving and swimming for Pulaski High School. He was twice named Wisconsin Diving Coach of the Year and his divers have garnered ten All State Honors and one State Championship. 14

15 25th Anniversary of Ordination The Rev. Lawrence Lange Pastor Larry Lange was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was in church for his baptism, but not often after that. Until he was confirmed a Methodist. Religious group at Carthage College invited him to go skiing. At the Playboy Club. Attended worship at Carthage every week thereafter until he graduated with a BA in English and Religion. Earned an MA in English at University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Married Julie Wrubbel, and they headed off together for seminary at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Flunked his first ordination review. After 9 interviews, finally found a call at Foxhome-Vukku Lutheran Parish, Foxhome, Minnesota. Then served with Julie at Our Redeemer in Champion, Michigan. Served in the ECSW for 5 years as a trained interim at Immanuel (Cicero)/Our Savior s (Lessor); St. John, Ashwaubenon; Zion, Appleton; Bethel (Green Valley)/Our Redeemer (Kelly Lake). Also enjoyed being stay at home dad for children Noah, Elizabeth, and Katie. Pursued a Doctor of Ministry in preaching through the Association of Chicago Theological Schools while serving again at Our Savior s in Lessor and finished it while serving with Julie again at Grace in Green Bay. Book based on D.Min. published in Sermons, articles, blogs published by CSS, Lectionary Homiletics, online Lutheran and local paper. Interfaith/ecumenical organizer in Green Bay. 15

16 25th Anniversary of Ordination The Rev. Lori Swenson Pastor Lori E. Swenson was raised in Jamestown, NY, where her father was an ELCA for 25 years until his retirement at age 77. She received her BA in Psychology at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, with a minor in Religion. From Lori studied at a graduate school in Jerusalem, Israel before attending Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, marrying Luther G. Swenson a week before classes began. They graduated from Luther Seminary in 1987, and began their first call at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls, WI. In 4 ½ years of ministry there, they also had their 3 children, Nathan, Matthew and Kiersten. In 1992, they began ministry with Our Savior s Lutheran Church in Neenah, WI, and in 1995 came to Ascension Lutheran Church in Green Bay, WI, where they continue to serve. Lori is unable to be at synod assembly this year, because she was asked to preach at her home church, Holy Trinity L.C. in Jamestown, NY on June 3, for their 125 th anniversary celebration. She and one of her brothers are driving out to Jamestown, and being part of the 125 h banquet on June 2 as well.. 16

17 25th Anniversary of Ordination The Rev. Luther Swenson Pastor Luther G. Swenson lived his first few years in Tanganyika, then Tanzania, where his parents were missionaries with the Swedish Lutheran Augustana Synod, then LCA. From there his family moved as his father then served a year of missionary deputation based in Minneapolis, MN, and then with the North American home missions on the prairies of Saskatchewan, Canada, and then in parish calls in Babbitt and then Two Harbors, MN. Luther received his BA in Psychology at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, and then studied a year at the Lutheran Bible Institute in Issaquah, Washington before attending Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, marrying Lori E. Bergstrand a week before classes began. They graduated from Luther Seminary in 1987, and began their first call at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls, WI. In 4 ½ years of ministry there, they also had their 3 children, Nathan, Matthew and Kiersten. In 1992, they began ministry with Our Savior s Lutheran Church in Neenah, WI, and in 1995 came to Ascension Lutheran Church in Green Bay, WI, where they continue to serve. 17

18 50th Anniversary of Ordination The Rev. Davis Darrington Davis was born half Norwegian in Decorah, IA. He graduated from St. Olaf College, Northfield and Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN. Internship at St. Paul's Lutheran, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI provided good parish experience and introduction to Shirley resulting in 50+ years of marriage, three sons and six grandchildren. Following ordination in 1962 his parish ministry was all in WI...Grace Lutheran, Darlington; Covenant (Central) Lutheran, Stoughton; and 23 years as Co-Pastor Trinity Lutheran, Green Bay until retirement in Post retirement ministry includes 18 months part-ime ECSW mission director, Four years on-call Chaplain Aurora BayCare Medical Center, Green Bay; Eight months Interim Sr. Pastor, St. Michael Lutheran, Omaha, NE. In 2007 Davis & Shirley moved to Bennington (Omaha), NE to be closer to their family. 18

19 50th Anniversary of Ordination The Rev. George Krempin George was born into a parsonage family in the Canadian prairie town of Lampman, Saskatchewan during the waning years of the Great Depression. Locust plagues and near suffocating dust storms added to the misery of the times. George lived under these conditions for the first 4 years of his life. When his father died an untimely death at age 37 his widow and her 4 children ages 5-12 moved to Winnipeg in the neighboring province of Manitoba to be nearer to extended family. Early in his life George felt the call to ordained ministry. He took his first step in that direction by enrolling in United College in Winnipeg, graduating from there with a Bachelor of Arts degree. This led him to the Evangelical Lutheran Seminary-Columbus, Ohio where he earned a Bachelor of Divinity degree with honors. From the outset George s intent was to become a Navy or prison Chaplain. Parish ministry was not part of his plan. In pursuit of his Chaplaincy goal George accepted a full scholarship to Andover Newton Theological School-an American center of Jungian psychology and a pioneer in Clinical Pastoral Education. A Master of Sacred Theology degree followed. 19

20 To satisfy the Church s requirement of 3 years of parish experience as prerequisite to specialized ministry, he accepted the call to the American Lutheran Church of Enid, Oklahoma, becoming the congregation s third pastor in 36 months. Eight years later he resumed his Chaplaincy quest by entering the University of Detroit Master of Arts program in Psychotherapy and Marriage Counseling, working simultaneously on his Doctorate of Ministry from Andover Newton and serving Faith Lutheran Church as a part time Associate. The final step in his vocational journey was to team Ministry at Grace Lutheran Church, Green Bay where he served for 25 years. He had a plan and God had His. Chaplaincy was not to be. Nevertheless those years were filled with many blessings which included the support and encouragement of family colleagues and friends. George s wife, Rita, was his stalwart companion, strength and greatest treasure throughout the years and our daughter Jennifer our greatest joy. As for me and my life, I would do it all again. 50 years! Wow! But to God be the glory. 20

21 55th Anniversary of Ordination The Rev. Eugene Gauerke Gene Gauerke was baptized at First English, Appleton; confirmed at Bethlehem near Pella, and ordained at First English, Oshkosh. He interned and began his ministry at Grace, Green Bay. For ten years he was somewhat of a prodigal son, sojourning in the far country of California and New Mexico, before returning and serving at Trinity, Waupaca for 25 years. His faithful helpmeet Elvira and he co-authored a book, Make Love Your Aim as a 5oth wedding anniversary legacy for their five children, eleven grand children and friends. A favorite Bible verse is, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He is grateful for the strong Lutheran teaching tradition that prepared him for a Spirit-filled life and ministry. 21

22 55th Anniversary of Ordination The Rev. Frederick Lueders Pastor Fred Lueders was born and raised on a Cedarburg, WI farm and baptized at Advent Lutheran Church (ULCA). He received a Masters Degree in Agriculture, 1952, UW, and later PhD in Rural Development. He served in the US Army, Graduate of N.W. Lutheran Seminary, Minneapolis, with no internship. He then went to LCA School of Missions, Maywood, and to India as an agricultural missionary, His first wife, Marian, died in India; later he married Pauline, a college friend of Marian. After 2 terms in India he was Called to St. John s, Phillips, WI, then to Shepherd of the Lakes, Waupaca; and after retiring, did interim ministries, and now serves part-time as Chaplain, Bethany Nursing Home, Waupaca. 22

23 55th Anniversary of Ordination The Rev. Frank Tobisch Frank A. Tobisch was born in Stillwater, Minn., nine days before the bottom started to fall out of the stock market in 1929 which led to the Great Depression. He is a graduate of Capital University and the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary of Capital University, Columbus, Ohio. Following ordination in 1957, his entire ministry took place in the present East Central Synod of Wisconsin. Parishes served include St. Peter, Richford, and Immanuel, Coloma; Zion, Tigerton, and Immanuel, Morris; and Our Savior s, Denmark. He also provided parttime pastoral services during an interim at Emmanuel, Seymour, and as a chaplain at Holy Family Memorial Hospital, Manitowoc. Frank officially retired in He lives in De Pere with his wife, Carole, and their special needs son, Mark. 23

24 55th Anniversary of Ordination The Rev. Earl Zimmerman Pastor Earl Zimmerman was raised on a farm near Sunman, IN. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Capital University, Columbus, OH. He graduated from the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary of Capital University, Columbus, OH in Internship was at Peace Lutheran Church, Oshkosh, WI. Pastoral ministries were at Faith Lutheran Church, Cuba Cit, WI ( ) and at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Rothschild, WI ( ), where he experienced several building programs. He served as part-time, on call chaplain at the Wausau Hospital, Wausau, WI for several years following his retirement in He married Dolores (Plotz) Zimmerman in Oshkosh, WI in

25 60th Anniversary of Ordination The Rev. Donald Hetzler Donald F. Hetzler was baptized into the Christian faith at St. Mark s Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND, and came to the Lutheran Ministry by the grace of God and service in the United States Army in Germany and the Philippine islands during the Second World War. He graduated from the University of Iowa and studied at the University of Chicago before completing studies at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN. He was first called to Concordia Lutheran Church, Concordia, KS and later was elected Lutheran Campus Pastor at the University of Iowa. His continued service in campus ministry included the position of Central Regional Director and, finally, Executive Director of National Lutheran Campus Ministry. After twenty-six years in college work he became Director of Pastoral Care in Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and, concurrently, Executive Director of the Associated Church Press. He retired in 1990 and now resides with his wife of sixty-two years in Appleton, WI. They have three sons. Their membership at Zion Lutheran Church, Appleton, continues Marilyn s family s relationship and activity which extends over 100 years. 25

26 55th Anniversary of Ordination The Rev. Philip Kurtz 26

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