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Pastor's Message
I grew up in a Christian home in NW Pennsylvania. Both my mother and father were devoted followers of Christ, and mom and dad surely were instrumental in how God Called me to the ministry.
Diane and I have five children together and they live all around the country. Denver — San Francisco — Seattle and Blythewood! We have two grandsons and two granddaughters, who are amazing children to their parents.
My “path” to the ministry began in Western PA when the Assistant to the Bishop the Rev. Martha Clementson asked if I would consider becoming a Synod Authorized Minister. When Pastor Martha advised me what I would be doing in this role, I told her “I wasn't worthy.” She then went on to say, “no one is worthy” yet we're Called. I served Springdale Lutheran and Zion Lutheran Churches for over 6 years.
Diane and I relocated to Indiana 17 years ago and found the church we would become members at — Gloria Dei in Highland. We believed we were set for life - we loved the church and its congregation; the pastor was one we really liked — and then he left to take another Call. Having been a Synod Authorized Minister for over 6 years in PA, I wondered if I might be able to help our church — at least for a brief time. Our Bishop at that time — the Rev. Dr. William Gafkjen — contracted me to become the Synod Authorized Minister which I felt would be a “temporary move.”
But God always has plans that are not necessarily the plans we have. In a brief phone call with my Bishop, I remember being asked if I “ever thought of Candidacy?” After that, the path to Seminary and Ordination was set.
As a minister in God's church — and especially now Grace Lutheran — I am honored and blessed to have been Called to the ministry, and I am forever grateful to have the disciples in Christ at Grace to put your confidence in me. Together we will keep God's Good News alive and share it with more people in God's world.
— Pastor Dave
