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Bishop Aitken's Reflections
Ordination of Charles J Boettcher 
It is one of the most meaningful joys of being a Bishop to ordain, consecrate or commission candidates for Rostered Leadership in our ELCA. Yesterday I ordained Charles J Boettcher, originally from Appleton, Wisconsin, into the Pastoral office of Word and Sacrament. Charles will serve as pastor to Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala, MN, a congregation in our Heartland Conference. Charles was at our Synod Assembly in May along with his wife, Candice who works with Early Childhood Education. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation there, at the ordination and know we will all enjoy future conversations with him as time goes on.
Charles graduated from The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and from Luther Seminary where he received his Master of Divinity. He Interned at Central Lutheran Church in Everett Washington. He is thoughtful and articulate and focuses on the "so what?" of faith. He enjoys helping equip others to live out and share their faith. I am proud to ordain him into pastoral ministry and commend him to our synod. You are encouraged to welcome him in person when you see him at a synod function - or send him a welcome at his congregation.
Pastors of this church have a responsible call that includes many tasks. I thank God for our pastors who take their call with both seriousness and joy.
Share a word of encouragement this week with your pastor or other Rostered Leader, would you?
+Bishop Thomas M. Aitken
Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA
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