The Rev. Will Fredstrom was ordained and installed as an associate pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour during a recent service.
The July 10 service included versicles, scripture readings, a sermon and the rite of ordination and installation. A reception followed the service.
A native of Normal, Illinois, Fredstrom attended Concordia University Chicago, where he double majored in history and theological languages. He served as a vicar at Immanuel for a year (2020 to 2021) and graduated with a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He also is completing his doctorate studies at Concordia Seminary.
Fredstrom will share in the ministry of preaching, teaching, visiting and administration. He also will be leading the congregation’s efforts to expand and develop Immanuel’s family life ministry and young adult ministry.
He and his wife, Chearlea, live in Seymour. She earned her master’s degree in violin performance at Butler University in Indianapolis and is employed at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour.
“I am so blessed to have been called by the Lord Jesus and the church to serve at Immanuel,” Fredstrom said. “I look forward to serving with God’s people at Immanuel, especially to help build and cultivate a robust ministry for 20s and 30s and families, as we seek to connect all people to the life, calling and community of Christ.”
The Rev. Ralph Blomenberg, pastor at Immanuel, said the congregation is delighted to have the Fredstroms join the church family and Immanuel’s ministry in the church, school and child care.
“For more than a year, we have been praying and working for them to join us after his graduation,” he said, adding the number of people who attended the service was encouraging.
“In addition to sharing the preaching, teaching and visiting ministries, Pastor Fredstrom will lead us to grow our ministry to families and young adults, which face many challenges these days but also have great opportunities,” Blomenberg said. “There is plenty of bad news and even hopelessness in our world, but we Christians have a constant reason for hope and optimism, for we bring the message of God’s life-changing love and grace to every person.”
Blomenberg said he and fellow pastors Philip Bloch and Jimmy Rodriguez, Youth Minister Matt Nieman, Director of Music Paul Scheiderer, school Principal Todd Behmlander and child care Director Katlynn Schnitker are looking forward to working together with Fredstrom in all aspects of serving the congregation and community.
“It’s great to be able to do this while sharing a close friendship and mutual respect,” Blomenberg said.
Founded in 1870, Immanuel Lutheran Church is joined in partnership with more than 6,000 congregations and nearly 2.6 million persons in the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, an international church body. With the Lord’s blessing and through the work of its members, it has grown from a handful of faithful Christians to a body of more than 3,000 members.