Covenant News at www.covchurch.org
Although the congregation has a membership of 46 individuals, more than
200 people squeezed into the church for Sunday worship. Evangelical
Covenant Church (ECC) President Glenn Palmberg delivered the message.
The church celebrated the influence its ministry has had over its many
years of service.
Former pastor Carol Shimmin Nordstrom served from 1975-1976 and was one
of the first women pastors in the denomination. She recalled a
conversation over proper etiquette with one of her former confirmation
students, Brad Looman, who is now the church chairperson.
Nordstrom was playing softball with the church youth when she asked
Looman if it was appropriate for her to wear pants. The teenager
immediately replied, "Well, all of our other pastors did."
"We were learning, and you didn't let that get in the way," former
pastor Fred Glasser told the gathering at a local ballroom in the
evening. Glasser was one of seven former pastors to attend the event. As
is the case for many small churches, financial constraints meant a
majority of Lake Union's pastors were seminary students or recent
graduates who stayed for a couple years before moving on.
Pioneers formed the church that has subsequently shortened its name from
the original: Swedish Christian Mission Congregation (Independent) of
Lake Union, North Kingston, Meeker County, Minnesota. Current pastor
Mike McCain emceed the celebration and read from the official log that
highlighted other events in the church history:
Although the church is staying where it is, members are determined to
continuing to care for pastors, who will make a difference far beyond
the boundaries of this small community.
Church Celebrates 100 Years of Ministry
LAKE UNION, MINNESOTA (July 31) - A small church's nourishment and
training of its pastors was celebrated during centennial anniversary
activities at Lake Union Evangelical Covenant Church on July 16.
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