Having grown up on a farm in western Iowa, Bishop Alton Zenker felt I was a good candidate for ministry among the rural communities of Illinois.  Though I was excited about serving, I was nervous as well for I had never lived east of the Mississippi River.  That was 13 years ago and I am still serving as the pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Minonk and also of Bethany Lutheran Church in Wenona.  I am married to Karen who continues to be a blessing of support in ministry.  Together we have two sons, Cory and Andy who are now grown and out of the house with lives on their own.  As a means of continuing to shape my call to parish ministry, I have recently completed a second unit of CPE.  Throughout the unit I have grown in my understanding of "God with us" as God in Christ Jesus walks through the valleys of life with us to deepen our faith journey.  We need not fear the valley but go forth knowing that the light of the world, Jesus Christ, shed light for the way.  

It remains exciting to service in public ministry and I look forward to seeing how God will continue to bring new life in our midst as we are empowered to serve together in Jesus’ name.  I invite you to join in this excitement by visiting us at one of these congregations and experience the blessing of people who gather weekly to offer prayer and praise to the one in whose name we are privileged to serve.  As a means of continuing to shape my call to parish ministry, I have recently completed a second unit of CPE.  Throughout the unit I have grown in my understanding of "God with us" as God in Christ Jesus walks through the valleys of life with us to deepen our faith journey.  We need not fear the valley but go forth knowing that the light of the world, Jesus Christ, shed light for the way.