Beginning September 1, Messiah's pastoral team will be The Reverends Dave Brauer-Rieke and Tom Tweed. Pastor Dave will be the Lead Interim Pastor, focusing on worship, teaching and administration. Pastor Tom will be the Interim Pastor for Pastoral Care. They will both be preaching at Messiah North and Hazel Dell campuses. You will be able to greet them in worship on Sunday, September 4.
Pastor Dave
Having served 12 years as an ELCA bishop, and 20 years as a parish pastor before that, I would have to confess that I am probably in recovery from institutional religion. What has been "church" for us historically. - and the spiritual longings and realities of my children's generation - seem largely disconnected. This I know. It is a challenge and an invitation to new paths of faithfulness.
That "the Earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof," - this I also know. And this is likewise very much at odds with the culture we Americans now inhabit and perpetuate. So, I have questions. Lots of questions!
I will be honored to walk with you in the year ahead. I am interested in hearing your questions and discerning Messiah's call with you. Change is always a part of our lives, and while it can be difficult this is always a gift. Thank you for letting me share in it with you.
Pr. Dave Brauer-Rieke
Pastor Tom
I share a picture of me enjoying the beautiful outdoors and retirement as that is what my wife, Hannelore, and I have been doing for nearly two years.I am originally from Wisconsin and met Hannelore at Augustana College where we graduated in 1973, and were married in Sioux Falls. Next stop was Luther Seminary in St.Paul, graduating in 1978, and the beginning of over forty years in ministry.
I retired at the end of 2019 after serving congregations in Chicago, IL, Great Falls, MT, Gig Harbor, WA, and the last 20 years at Zion Lutheran in Camas. As a part of the Fort Vancouver Conference I have been a very close observer of Messiah's dynamic ministry and programs. I now look forward to getting to know the people behind them.
Pr. Tom Tweed
