Call Committee Appointed
10/24/2014 – The Call Committee had their first meeting to continue the work that the Transition Team began in early August.
The committee reviewed Synod procedures and the overall process of calling a new Associate Pastor to Our Saviour’s. The following members were nominated for roles:
- Chair: Jim Stockinger
- Co-Chaplains: Rick Johnson & Kari Muyres
- Communicator: Tracy Burman
As we wait for the next steps of the process to unfold, we are reminded that we are on God’s perfect timing and that God is using this time to prepare our candidates. It is an exciting time at Our Saviour’s as we prepare to welcome our new pastor! Please continue to pray for wisdom and discernment for everyone involved in this process.
Candidate Recommendations Requested: There are nomination forms at the front desk if you have a pastoral candidate that you would like to recommend for this associate pastor role. Criteria is noted on the form. You may also submit recommendations to email Jim Stockinger.
10/10/2024 – The Our Saviour’s Church Council appointed the following members to the call committee to undertake the process to recommend an associate pastor for Our Saviour’s. The call committee will begin working very soon to confirm the congregation profile and follow the process to receive names of potential candidates. Watch for more communication from the call committee in the coming months!
Beth Johnson: Beth and her husband Zach have been members at Our Saviour’s for 10 years. Their children, Aiden (9) and Willow (7), were both baptized at OSLC and love participating in all the available programming for kids. Beth enjoys singing on the worship team and serving communion along with Zach. In her day job, Beth works as a licensed mental health therapist within Allina Oncology at Mercy Hospital. She is looking forward to pouring herself into the Call Committee process, and considers it a high honor to be entrusted with such a precious responsibility for our congregation.
Ric True: Ric moved to East Bethel and joined Our Saviour’s in 1981 with his wife Lise, and daughter Kristin. He grew up attending parochial school in Otter Tail, MN, until his family moved to Coon Rapids when he was age 12. After serving in the Army and attending the Anoka Ramsey Technical College and the University of Minnesota, he worked for BNSF Railroad for 43yrs. Ric has been involved in bible studies as well as grief ministry at Our Saviour’s.
Jim Stockinger: Jim has been a member of Our Saviour’s since 1997, following his marriage to Cheri in 1995 and their move to Linwood in 1996. Together, they raised four children, all of whom were baptized and confirmed at the church. Professionally, Jim works as an Emergency Program Manager and Hydrogeologist with a St. Paul-based environmental consulting firm. In addition to his career, he has served as a volunteer firefighter since 1997 and currently holds the position of Assistant Chief of Training and Operations. Jim was recently part of the Faith and Neighboring Practices team of Our Saviour’s through the Minneapolis Area Synod.
Kari Muyres: Kari has been married to Scott for 25 years and they have two young adult children.
Kari served as a confirmation guide and teacher for 7 years with two different small groups. She is also a member of the CYF team, meeting with staff, youth and adults monthly to discuss ways to support and encourage our youth. Kari is passionate about fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. She believes that the church plays a vital role in our community, and is eager to contribute her skills and experience to this important process of selecting a new member of our pastoral team.
Rick Johnson: Rick and his wife Sondra and have been members of Our Saviour’s since 2004. He has been a part of the church council, property team, and Hard Hats as well as serving as an usher and communion assistant. Rick and Sondra have lived in Andover since 1985 and have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Rick enjoys golfing, biking, and volunteering.
Dan Despen: Dan and his wife Holle have lived in East Bethel since 1994 and have been members of Our Saviour’s for over twenty years. Dan has been on church council in the past and has served on multiple teams and committees through the years. Dan is glad to have the honor and privilege to serve the OSLC community by participating in the calling of a new pastor.
Tracy Burman: Tracy has been a lifelong member of Our Saviour’s, going back many generations of membership. Tracy is the proud granddaughter of the oldest member of OSLC, Rachel Peterson, age 102. Growing up at OSLC, Tracy attended Camp Wapo, the ELCA Youth Gathering in Atlanta and a mission trip to Mexico. She and her husband Jim were both confirmed and married at OSLC and have raised their two children in the church. In the past, Tracy has served in a variety of areas including the Children’s Ministry Team, a previous Call Committee and currently serves on the Property Team.
Pastor Kiri Solberg: Pastor Kiri has served as Senior Pastor of Our Saviour’s for 4 years. She and her husband Previn have two children – Clayton (17) and Maren (15). She works with the staff, church council and lay leaders to encourage and nurture leadership for all the ministries of the congregation. She is delighted to be able to work with this call committee to call the next pastor of Our Saviour’s.