Bethany Lutheran Church - Ishpeming Michigan

Pastor's Reflections

This month I want to honor two of my colleagues, Jon Magnuson and Katherine Finegan who are moving on to new parts of their journey this month. Jon Magnuson has retired after serving as the Lutheran campus pastor at Northern Michigan University since 1995. I first really got to know Jon a couple of years after that when I was a participant in one of his Spirit of Place kayak excursions on which about ten of us kayaked along the shore of Lake Superior by day and discussed theology in the evening. (Not a bad way to do continuing education!) It was then that I learned how to kayak and I will always be thankful to Jon for his role in that.

I've gotten to know him even better in the past 6 or 7 years serving as the chair of the Campus Ministry Board at NMU. I have seen the impact that Jon's ministry has had on the students who have become involved with Campus Ministry. He has mentored several who have gone on to seminary to become pastors themselves but all of the students involved have grown tremendously in faith and maturity as he has helped them navigate the sometimes difficult and complicated world of college life.

One of the things I admire most about Jon is his ability and willingness to step outside conventional theological boxes to raise questions and issue challenges. This hasn't always made him popular with everyone but I firmly believe that the church needs voices that take stands, push the edges and rock the boat a little bit. Jon has done that in this synod and, agree with him or disagree, we are all better for the conversation.

Jon will continue to live in Marquette and serve as director of the Cedar Tree Institute, a non-profit organization making connections between mental health, religion and the environment.

Katherine Finegan has served as the pastor at Bethany, Republic for almost ten years but has now accepted the call to be the assistant to Bishop Skrenes beginning on February 1. (Jennifer Johnson-Wrege retired from that position last fall.) In the years that I have known her I have come to have great respect for Katherine as a pastor and as a person. In addition to serving her own parish, among other things she has served as the chair of the synod's worship committee, president of the Superior Central Conference and coordinator of the Marquette County Cropwalk. Katherine has also been very active with the Republic Schools and has never said no when I've asked her to teach a Lay School class. Those of you who have had her for a teacher know what a great job she does. All of this in addition to balancing life as a wife and mother of three boys.

I think Bishop Skrenes has made an excellent choice in asking Katherine to serve in this role. With her intelligence, pastoral skills, theological depth, leadership abilities and sense of humor, she will be a great asset for our synod.

For Jon and Katherine, their faith is at the heart of who they are; they are defined by their baptism; it is at the center of their identity. It is a privilege for me to have served with them and I look forward to continuing that service in whatever form it may take. Even more, I look forward to and give thanks for their continued friendship.

Pastor Geier