Aurora church begins Lent with a new pastor
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora celebrated the first Sunday in Lent, March 9, by welcoming a new senior pastor.
The Rev. Krista Zimmerman was welcomed at a reception following 10 a.m. worship. Her inaugural sermon was titled “Go and do Likewise.”
The new pastor began work on Ash Wednesday, imposing ashes on motorists during a drive-through observance in the church parking lot.
Church council president Randy Steinheimer said, “St. Mark’s has undergone a long season of pastoral transition, and Pastor Krista’s coming to St. Mark’s reveals how the Holy Spirit is bringing a new season of joy and transformation!”
He said Pastor Krista brings expertise in pastoral care/visitation, building community and innovation/creativity. She has strength in preaching, family life and promoting productive interpersonal climates for growth and development.
Identifying herself as an extrovert, Pastor Krista values relationships and is energized by discussions with others. She is inclusive and, while a strong leader, also believes that the congregation drives ministry.
Her belief is that the church “needs to be in the business of reconciliation” and that we are in a time of major transition right now in terms of what and how the church may look like and function in the future. She is not daunted by these changes but fully embraces the challenge.
“We look forward to working with her as St. Mark’s continues to ‘Share Christ’s Abundant Love with Each Other and the World’,” Steinheimer said.
Previously she served United Lutheran Church, Rockford; Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, Racine, Wis.; and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles.
In a message to congregants, Rev. Zimmerman wrote “My top priority is getting to know you. Relationships are the most important thing when it comes to being in ministry together.
“I would love the opportunity to meet with you one on one, in small groups, over coffee, in my office or at your home. I promise that I am not too busy for you. Please reach out and we’ll get something on the calendar.”
Prior assignments were United Lutheran Church, Rockford; Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, Racine, Wis.; and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles. A native of Rochester, N.Y., Rev. Zimmerman graduated from Houghton University, near Rochester, and Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago! Oct. 31 will be her 15th anniversary of ordination.
At 27 S. Edgelawn Drive in Aurora, St. Mark’s holds worship services at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. Sundays. The public is invited.
For more information, call (630) 897-6891 or visit stmarksaurora.net.