The congregations I serve
I am a pastor at two congregations in the SW MN synod of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). This may sound weird, but I serve a single point parish.
“I thought you said you were serving two congregations???“
I do. I am the called pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Jackson, MN. I also serve Belmont Lutheran Church in rural Lakefield, MN. You see, Belmont has a contract for services with Salem. Belmont pays Salem X amount of dollars each month and I take care of Belmont as their pastor. It is a good deal and ministry arrangement for both congregations.
I have served Salem since June 1, 2004 and Belmont since November 27, 2005:
SALEM
Has 350 members with an average worship attendance of about 87.
In 2009, Salem will be celebrating 125 years of ministry (1884-2009) September 12 and 13. It should be a fun weekend. More information about the anniversary celebration can be found on the church’s website.
For more information about Salem go to –> www.salemjackson.org
BELMONT
Has 68 members with an average worship attendance of about 15.
For even more information on these two congregations (or any ELCA congregation) go to: www.elca.org, click on “Locate a church” and search for any congregation you want.
Ministry context
Jackson, MN is nestled in the beautiful Des Moines River valley; 8 miles from the Iowa border and 74 from South Dakota at the intersection of I-90 and US Hwy 71. Jackson has a population of approximately 3,500 and is primarily an agricultural community. This would definitely be classified as a rural ministry setting. We may be a small community, but we are still close to some larger ones (i.e. Sioux Falls, Mankato, Fairmont, Worthington, Spirit Lake). We get the joys of small town life with the advantages of a bigger community.
For more information on our nice little town, check out Jackson’s web site.
Paul said
I unplugged my pc 6 yrs. Never missed it. Burned out using an pocket-sized text message gadget since 1972, (please no text messaging-ugh). 1958 commercial art full time for Mpls-Honeywell when its worldwide central offices were at 28th and 4th ave s. , Mpls. But would enjoy a couple phone conversations (even e-mails would be acceptable) with an ELCA pastor…equal time (4 min. or 100 wds each in turn?) balanced exchange of understanding re: motive for pastoral office, purpose of Christian Church, of ELCA, your basis of truth and for your teaching.I have pastoral experiences LCMS over long years. My family settled the area near you before bridges, roads, towns, leaving records and artifacts…some I hold. Yet I never served in Mn or Ia. I don’t bother to check my pc several days at a time. Too busy with roundball and sculpting. I don’t blog. I’ve never corresponded with any pastor via pc. Just this. p.s. Sold my Hobie Cat recently.
heartofapastor said
Paul – I would like to correspond with you. If you check back sometime and see this stop by my church’s website (address above) and contact me. My information will be on the website. I will let you choose the medium of conversation. Thanks for stopping and I look forward to hearing from you.