On Sunday, August 25, the St. John’s family got to do something we had not done in several decades, commission and install new church workers.
“NEW” TEACHERS
While both very familiar to folks at St. John’s, Angela Aquino and Emilie Gross are among the newest teachers in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LC-MS). More than a year ago both of these teachers completed a course of study offered through our Concordia University System mostly online. This course of study reviews the theology and confessions of the Lutheran Church and the LC-MS more specifically and prepares otherwise qualified and licensed teachers to join the “teacher roster” of the LCMS.
Once the necessary paperwork was finally submitted, Rev. Dr. Richard Stuckwisch (our District President) authorized the commissioning and installation for Angela and Emilie. Pastor Albers and the rest of the St. John’s family were thrilled to recognize this accomplishment and install these teachers at worship on August 25.
DEACONESS MICHELE DOEL
Deaconess Michele completed her course of study at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated in 2020 with a Master of Spiritual Care degree and deaconess certification. While she was ready to join the roster of certified church workers and receive a call to ministry, none was available to her. In May 2024, Michele’s husband, Rev. Brian Doel, was installed as pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Portage, Indiana.
In the spring and early summer, Pastor Albers and other congregation leaders met with Michele and determined that her unique skills for ministry were a perfect match for the needs of ministry at St. John’s. The Voters’ Assembly officially issued the call in July, and Deaconess Michele indicated her intention to accept this call the very next week. She began her work at St. John’s on August 1.
Michele Doel was finally commissioned and installed on Sunday, August 25, as a Deaconess serving with the people of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School. Her spouse, her parents (including her father, a Lutheran pastor in Idaho), and other family members … as well as several members from St. Peter, Portage … were able to be on hand for the service.
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