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:
- In 1937, the women of the church raised money to install electric lights
- In 1938, the language of Sunday worship was changed from Swedish to English, except for the first Sunday of each month.
- In 1939, the constitution was translated and adopted in English
- Also in 1939, a committee was formed to consider putting in a basement
- In 1950, the church board considered moving the church to Kingston, Minnesota. After a 7-6 vote, however, they recorded the following in the official minutes: “Being such a close count, we decided to stay where we are.”
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.
Copyright © 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.
