Kimball and Zion United Methodist Churches will receive a new pastor.
It is the intention of Bishop Sally Dyck to appoint Pastor Luke Nelson to Kimball and Zion United Methodist Churches, and acting on behalf of the congregation and the SPPRC has confirmed the bishop’s intention. Each church member’s supportive prayers and acts of kindness during this transition period will be greatly appreciated by all of the involved persons.
This is Pastor Luke’s first appointment after graduating May 16 this year. He was commissioned at this year’s annual conference May 27, a key step toward ordination in the United Methodist Church. The service of commissioning was at the Civic Center in St. Cloud. Pastor Luke’s first Sunday with the new congregations will be June 28. In July, Pastor Luke will participate with other pastors in a “First 100 Days” training.
Pastor Luke is 25 and grew up in Lakeville, Minn. He was baptized and confirmed in the United Methodist Church. He received his call to ministry in his junior year in high school during a mission trip to Thailand. He was encouraged by God’s transforming power in their lives and wanted to be a part of that life-changing process for the rest of his life. Although he spent high school and most of college in another denomination, during the conclusion of his junior year, he returned to the United Methodist Church.
His college background is a BA in 2006 from Hamline University with majors in religion and political science. In 2009, he received his Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, Calif. Also in 2009, he attended the National Capitol Seminary for Seminarians at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
Pastor Luke says, “The greatest joy I have is surprising people with “Good News” in whatever form that takes. Talking about scripture and seeing the pupils in someone’s eyes widen when they realize something new. Also developing frameworks in the context of youth ministry is a passion of mine. I would like to see a youth group that goes beyond the confirmation classroom – one that also serves worship, reflects on scripture’s relevance, and cares for one another and those outside the church doors. I’m excited by the story of God in the life of the church through history!”
There will be a service of Celebrating the Appointment Sunday, June 28, at the beginning of the worship service. The times are 9 a.m. at KUMC and 11 a.m. at Zion. Visitors are welcome to attend. A reception will be held in honor of Rev. Luke Nelson at a later date. Watch for the dates.
The churches invited all to welcome Pastor Luke on his first day, June 28.
Pastor Luke Nelson to be appointed at KUMC
·
