circuit counselor reports - Central Illinois District - Lutheran Church ...
circuit counselor reports - Central Illinois District - Lutheran Church ... circuit counselor reports - Central Illinois District - Lutheran Church ...
The Lord has continued to provide pastors to serve His churches in our circuit. The only vacancy that has beenexperienced this past triennium was the vacancy following Pastor Kaufmann’s death. That vacancy was filled asChrist Lutheran called their associate pastor to serve in the senior position, and on June 2, 2012, Christ Lutheran willinstall Rev. Jonathan Huehn to fill the associate position vacancy.We are thankful for the wisdom that the emeriti pastors in our circuit, Pastor Marvin Matzke and Pastor AugustLubkeman, continue to share with those of us who are actively serving in our parishes.Many of our churches are active in their support of district and synod ministries, RSOs, and in response to the needsof God’s people in our communities, our nation, and around the world. Some of those ministries include: CampCILCA, LLL, LWML, LBT, disaster response, missionary support, national and international mission trips, andcommunity outreach events. It’s a joy to share with one another what God is doing in our midst, as we gather forour monthly circuit pastor’s meetings, centered around worship, Bible study, and topical discussions of ministry andlife with God’s people.We are thankful for the spreading of the Gospel in the Bloomington-Normal area, and pray that, strengthened by theHoly Spirit, we will continue to have opportunities to connect people to the saving love of Jesus Christ.In His Service,Jonathan ManorPastor, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, BloomingtonChampaign Circuit – Rev. Terry Strom, Circuit CounselorPraise God from whom all blessings flow.At the last CID Convention in 2009 two circuits, Champaign –Mattoon and Danville split into three circuitsIroquois, Champaign and Mattoon. The churches and the current pastor’s serving the new Champaign circuit areChampaign, Friendship Joy Rev. Brian PapeChampaign , St JohnRev. Mark Elliott and Rev Jeff Caithamer (Associate)Champaign, UniversityRev. Rick MilasDanville, Immanuel Rev. Dan Fienen (retiring May 2012)Danville, TrinityRev. Kent Tibben and Rev. Michael Ruhlig (Assistant Pastor)Monticello, FaithRev. Kurtis BueltmannOsman, ImmanuelVacant (served by Rev. Jeff McPike)St. Joseph, Our SaviorRev. Scott WeilerThomasboro, PeaceRev. Phillip CallahanUrbana, TrinityRev Terry Strom and Rev Don Ehlers (Emeritus)Since the creation of this new circuit, a new church was planted in Monticello, Faith Lutheran Church, charteredJune 5, 2011. Faith Lutheran Church has recently purchased a building and they are planning to have a dedicationReformation weekend 2012. Our Savior Lutheran Church in St Joseph dedicated their new facility on September12, 2010. Christ’s Family Mission Station in Mahomet closed their doors in June of 2011. Friendship of Joy had agroundbreaking ceremony on April 29, 2012 for church expansion.There are 2 Lutheran elementary schools and four preschools in our Circuit, Danville Lutheran School andPreschool and St John Lutheran School. The other preschools are Little Lambs - St John, The Little Disciples ofPeace and WeeDisciples Preschool – Trinity Urbana.2012 Convention Section B – Reports Page B-38
During the past Triennium Trinity, Urbana has been blessed by three interns for Directors of Christian Education,Amber Nahnsen, Concordia–Chicago, Charity Olson, Concordia-Chicago and Bailey Halligan, St. Paul-Minnesota.In 2012 Friendship Joy will join Trinity in having a DCE intern.Pastors new to the circuit during the past trienniumRev. Jeff Caithamer - St John, Champaign, October 25, 2009Pastor Phillip Callahan - Peace, Thomasboro, July 10, 2011Rev. Kurtis Bueltmann – Faith, Monticello, September 11, 2011Rev. Michael Ruhlig (Assistant) – Trinity, Danville, December 2011The Champaign Pastoral Circuit meets faithfully when there is not a meeting of district pastors. We thank the Lordfor the cordial, supportive relationship that exists in the Champaign Circuit. We do not always agree on every issuebut the circuit is blessed with a mutual respect and trust for each other as we serve in our various parishes. We praythat the tie that binds will continue to bless us as we share Christ’s gracious love.Decatur Circuit – Rev. John Laux, Circuit CounselorWe continue to meet monthly for our circuit conference. The pastors and vicars of our congregations lead us in astudy of God’s word for our spiritual edification. We enjoy the mutual encouragement and the consolation of thebrothers at these meetings.Since the 2009 CID Convention Risen Savior in Buffalo has joined our circuit. Pastor Keith Bueltmann wasinstalled as pastor. Rev. Melvin Weseloh retired from Mount Zion, Mount Zion and they are being served by Rev.Art Ohlwine as vacancy pastor. Tree of Life Lutheran Church is organizing and meeting at the LSA facility. TheRev. Troy Roenfanz provides this spirited outreach effort. Pastor Roenfanz is gathering people in small groups in hishome and reaching many people missed by existing churches. This is the newest mission in our District. St. PaulLutheran Church in Decatur left their long time facility and location near downtown and moved into a beautiful“new” facility on the northwest side of Decatur in the old Bachrach Corporate headquarters. This has been a time ofgreat joy and blessing for the good people at St. Paul as they proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christalone.We continue to be blessed by God through the Lutheran School Association which is made up of five of our localcongregations. Our K-12 school reaches our members and our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Effingham Circuit – Rev. Gary Fortkamp, Circuit CounselorDuring the past triennium, the Effingham Circuit has seen some changes in the circuit and Pastoral Office. InOctober 2010, I was appointed to fulfill the Effingham Circuit Counselor position of Rev. Rollie Meyer who wasgoing to retire in December and move to Arizona. He was Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran, Louisville.The St. John’s Lutheran, Louisville had a short vacancy. Rev. Ryan Eden was installed onMay 6, 2011 as their Pastor. Faith Lutheran, Flora became vacant when Rev. Timothy Hahn accepted a Call. Rev.Richard Krenzke became vacancy Pastor of Faith Lutheran, Flora. Faith Lutheran extended a Call to Rev AllanKramp who accepted it in January 2012 and will be Installed at a date yet to be determined.Trinity Lutheran, Casey was served by Vacancy Pastor Rev. Richard Krenzke until a Call wasaccepted by Rev. Michael Kasting who was installed on May 16, 2010 prior to Rev. Rollie Meyer’s retirement.The Effingham and Shelby Circuits are encouraging starting a Mission congregation at Olney.One of the difficulties encountered is a place to worship. We hope to have this resolved soon.The Effingham Circuit continues to enjoy the blessings of our Lord and Savior as the congregation’s work to carryout His will. We meet monthly with the pastors of the Shelby Circuit and enjoy the mutual support and2012 Convention Section B – Reports Page B-39
- Page 1: CIRCUIT COUNSELOR REPORTSBloomingto
- Page 5 and 6: In June 2011, St. Luke also hosted
- Page 7 and 8: We also bid Godspeed to Rev. Art Sc
- Page 9 and 10: Springfield East Circuit- Rev. Gayl
During the past Triennium Trinity, Urbana has been blessed by three interns for Directors of Christian Education,Amber Nahnsen, Concordia–Chicago, Charity Olson, Concordia-Chicago and Bailey Halligan, St. Paul-Minnesota.In 2012 Friendship Joy will join Trinity in having a DCE intern.Pastors new to the <strong>circuit</strong> during the past trienniumRev. Jeff Caithamer - St John, Champaign, October 25, 2009Pastor Phillip Callahan - Peace, Thomasboro, July 10, 2011Rev. Kurtis Bueltmann – Faith, Monticello, September 11, 2011Rev. Michael Ruhlig (Assistant) – Trinity, Danville, December 2011The Champaign Pastoral Circuit meets faithfully when there is not a meeting of district pastors. We thank the Lordfor the cordial, supportive relationship that exists in the Champaign Circuit. We do not always agree on every issuebut the <strong>circuit</strong> is blessed with a mutual respect and trust for each other as we serve in our various parishes. We praythat the tie that binds will continue to bless us as we share Christ’s gracious love.Decatur Circuit – Rev. John Laux, Circuit CounselorWe continue to meet monthly for our <strong>circuit</strong> conference. The pastors and vicars of our congregations lead us in astudy of God’s word for our spiritual edification. We enjoy the mutual encouragement and the consolation of thebrothers at these meetings.Since the 2009 CID Convention Risen Savior in Buffalo has joined our <strong>circuit</strong>. Pastor Keith Bueltmann wasinstalled as pastor. Rev. Melvin Weseloh retired from Mount Zion, Mount Zion and they are being served by Rev.Art Ohlwine as vacancy pastor. Tree of Life <strong>Lutheran</strong> <strong>Church</strong> is organizing and meeting at the LSA facility. TheRev. Troy Roenfanz provides this spirited outreach effort. Pastor Roenfanz is gathering people in small groups in hishome and reaching many people missed by existing churches. This is the newest mission in our <strong>District</strong>. St. Paul<strong>Lutheran</strong> <strong>Church</strong> in Decatur left their long time facility and location near downtown and moved into a beautiful“new” facility on the northwest side of Decatur in the old Bachrach Corporate headquarters. This has been a time ofgreat joy and blessing for the good people at St. Paul as they proclaim the good news of salvation in Jesus Christalone.We continue to be blessed by God through the <strong>Lutheran</strong> School Association which is made up of five of our localcongregations. Our K-12 school reaches our members and our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Effingham Circuit – Rev. Gary Fortkamp, Circuit CounselorDuring the past triennium, the Effingham Circuit has seen some changes in the <strong>circuit</strong> and Pastoral Office. InOctober 2010, I was appointed to fulfill the Effingham Circuit Counselor position of Rev. Rollie Meyer who wasgoing to retire in December and move to Arizona. He was Pastor of St. John’s <strong>Lutheran</strong>, Louisville.The St. John’s <strong>Lutheran</strong>, Louisville had a short vacancy. Rev. Ryan Eden was installed onMay 6, 2011 as their Pastor. Faith <strong>Lutheran</strong>, Flora became vacant when Rev. Timothy Hahn accepted a Call. Rev.Richard Krenzke became vacancy Pastor of Faith <strong>Lutheran</strong>, Flora. Faith <strong>Lutheran</strong> extended a Call to Rev AllanKramp who accepted it in January 2012 and will be Installed at a date yet to be determined.Trinity <strong>Lutheran</strong>, Casey was served by Vacancy Pastor Rev. Richard Krenzke until a Call wasaccepted by Rev. Michael Kasting who was installed on May 16, 2010 prior to Rev. Rollie Meyer’s retirement.The Effingham and Shelby Circuits are encouraging starting a Mission congregation at Olney.One of the difficulties encountered is a place to worship. We hope to have this resolved soon.The Effingham Circuit continues to enjoy the blessings of our Lord and Savior as the congregation’s work to carryout His will. We meet monthly with the pastors of the Shelby Circuit and enjoy the mutual support and2012 Convention Section B – Reports Page B-39
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