Lisa recently graduated from United Theological Seminary in New Brighton. She will continue to move along the road toward ordination and elders orders. She is married and the mother of three children. Lisa and husband Jeffrey Torp are parents of: Thomas (1^st year college student), Maude, 11^th grade, and Cecelia, 3^rd grade. The family lives in St. Louis Park. During her seminary work Lisa participated in a Clinical Pastoral Education experienced (CPE) at the Hennepin County Correctional Facility. She served as an intern pastor at Community United Methodist Church in Columbia Heights. Lisa and her family have been active members of Lake Harriet United Methodist Church where she served in many volunteer positions and part-time paid responsibilities. In her information profile she described her theological stance in this way:

“Theologically, I am progressive, to middle of the road. I believe our foundation as a church is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the foundation for our ministry must come from the Bible. As a United Methodist I use the Quadrilateral as my guide”.

About introducing people to Jesus, she says: “I am a natural at evangelism, which I believe is telling the Good News, not just getting people to join the church. When our love for others and God is overflowing, we cannot help but spread the word to others.”

The Staff Parish Ministry Team and I worked on re-focusing the associate pastor job description to put a greater emphasis on spiritual formation and evangelism. Some of the highlights of the job will include the following:

1. Strengthen and nurture a growing passion for evangelism through: new member joining process, foster assimilation of newcomers and members, coordinate entry points in small groups and ministry projects for newcomers and new members, support the work of and participate in the Welcoming Ministry Team.

2. Lead the congregation in a growing understanding and experience of discipleship by designing adult faith formation groups, retreats and mission trips. Oversee and lead the 9^th grade confirmation program.

3. Shared Pastoral role through weekly worship participation, preaching, hospital visitation and staff planning.

This position helps extend our goals as a church in welcoming and spiritual formation as we grow in our experience and expression of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.

Lisa’s arrival is not the only staffing change that has recently taken place. There is more good news! Bob Hohrman who was serving as an interim staff person in the area of youth ministry will continue this work. He was being paid hourly at the outset as we sought to cover the immediate needs during the summer and into early fall. At the end of summer the Staff Parish Relations Ministry Team recommended that his position become salaried. This recommendation was approved at the September Church Ministry Council meeting. Bob will begin in the salaried capacity October 1^st at 12 hours per week. I join the Youth Ministry Council in being very pleased that Bob will continue to provide support and encouragement in this area.

Early in summer, The Rev. Linda Evans spoke to me and offered to be available to assist in any way that would help during the summer months as we awaited news regarding a new associate. The Staff Parish Ministry Team was pleased to hire Linda to serve in the area of congregational care with the understanding that when a new associate was hired the position would end. Linda provided pastoral care in homes and hospitals during this time of transition. I very much appreciated the thoroughness and compassion with which she approached this challenge. Although her work in the area of congregational care has concluded, she will continue in her work as an Ordained Deacon, appointed to this church by the Bishop, to serve in the area of drama and evangelism as a volunteer. You will see her gifts in action as Linda and her husband Larry direct the Spoon River Anthology drama, October 6 and 7, at 7 p.m. each day.

This has been an interesting and challenging time as we moved through the summer of transition. I commend you as a congregation for staying calm, being positive and forward focused. From time to time folks would inquire about the progress being made toward hiring of an associate. I will admit it was sometimes a bit stressful. Some things had to wait or slide, but overall I believe we kept the church moving forward with excellent worship, timely materials and information. Effective ministry continued to happen, and I was even able to keep my appointment for foot surgery at the end of August!

It is truly a joy to be in ministry with you. I see so many good things growing and emerging. We are continuing to grow more fully into the spirit and love of Jesus Christ. We are truly a blessed church. May we continue to be a blessing to God as we strengthen and share the ministry of our church with all people.

Keep the faith

World Communion Sunday—Oct. 7th

The first Sunday of the month of October is when we take a special offering for World Communion Sunday. The World Communion Sunday offering provides scholarships for U.S. (racial-and ethnic-minority) and international students, on both undergraduate and graduate levels, so that they can receive a quality education. These educational opportunities are empowering people so that they can empower others. Please give generously—your gift makes a world of difference!

Church Family

A Travel Pilgrimage to Italy

November 2008

Join Pastor Mike Miller and Nancy on a 10-day journey to Italy November 4, 2008. This guided, educational pilgrimage includes visits to churches and ancient Christian sites as well as many great works of Christian art. Travel to Rome, Vatican City, Assisi, Florence, Venice, Siena and San Gimignano.

This program also includes hotels, daily breakfast and dinner, entrance fees to all sites, an English speaking guide and much more. Brochures are available upon request. Questions? Call Pastor Mike Miller at 952-937-8781 or e-mail: mikem@prairiechurch.org

Thanks!

Many thanks to Rick LaMothe for his many hours spent building the platforms for the Spoon River drama and constructing the new Visitor signs in the parking lot. Thanks also to Rich Dohrmann for consulting and template help on the platforms and for repairing a chair in the Gathering Room. Also thanks to Jennifer Hamm for finding 10 new chairs for the youth room.

Bring your own family to join our church family for food, fun, and fellowship! November 4th from 8am-noon in the Fellowship Hall. Cost: $10 per family, or $4 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12 years. Tickets may be purchased in the narthex on the two Sundays prior to the breakfast or simply pay at the door. See or call Kathy Jarvis with any questions (952-944-5509).