Trinity Lutheran Church welcomed new pastors Barb Jones and Jon Brudvig to Great Bend as partners in ministry on Aug. 1.
The newly-arrived co-pastors, eager to set down roots in Great Bend, have established a home and are in the final steps of completing their transition from Iowa to Kansas. “We are excited by both the challenge and the potential of our calling,” Brudvig said. “We are very grateful for the warm welcome that we have received from everyone at Trinity.”
This year has been an eventful one for the pastoral couple. In February, they were assigned to the Central States Synod, followed by their wedding in Mission Hills, Kan., in April, graduation from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, in May, and a service of ordination on July 15 at First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, Iowa, with Bishop Roger Gustafson of the Central States Synod presiding.
The newly-arrived pastors received and answered the call to come to Great Bend in June. They will work as a true pastoral couple. “We are passionate about our relationship with God and with each other,” Pastor Jones said. “We are also looking forward to nurturing new relationships with members of Trinity Lutheran Church and the community of Great Bend.”
Pastors Barb and Jon will share the preaching and presiding minister duties on a rotating basis. It is their hope to proclaim God’s word in a way that speaks to the issues facing our community, nation, and world. Both pastors bring a range of skills and strengths to the work of shepherding the congregation. Pastor Jon is an avid reader who also enjoys nature, golf, and reflective writing. He invites anyone to check out his blog at www.walkingtogolgotha.wordpress.com.
Pastor Barb brings a background of teaching and music and a sense of family with her into her ministry, adding she hopes that she can build upon that avocation and interest for Trinity and the community of Great Bend.
The public is invited to welcome Pastors Barb and Jon to Trinity with a potluck dinner on Sunday, Aug. 14, following the 10:30 a.m. worship service.