MADISON – Messiah Lutheran Church at 7740 U.S. 72 W. in Madison is welcoming a new pastor for the congregation.

Rev. Kristine Schroeder assumed her duties on April 1.

“Rev. Schroeder becomes Messiah Lutheran’s second permanently called pastor in its 33-year history as an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or ELCA congregation,” church publicist Meredith Kilby said.

Schroeder earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communication, with minors in music and psychology. She graduated from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1997 and was ordained soon afterwards. She has served in both large and small congregations as a part of pastoral staff, solo pastor and interim pastor.

“In the first half of her ordained ministry, she served as a Youth and Family, Faith Formation Pastor,” Kilby said. “Pastor Schroeder also served as Chaplain and Living Donor Advocate at Mayo Clinic in Arizona for eight years. This (work) . . . enhanced her abilities in conflict resolution, pastoral care and teaching adults.”

During interviews, Messiah Lutheran’s Call Committee and Congregation Council quickly recognized Pastor Kris’ exceptional gifts for ministry and how perfectly these aligned with the congregation’s plans.

Messiah Lutheran has these priorities:

* Being God’s People, Reaching Out – The church actively supports 67 outreach programs locally, nationally and globally.

* A worshiping congregation — Centered on God’s Word and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

* Nurture of young disciples – Helping youth to learn, serve, grow and become confident. Guide them to full participation in their faith community.

* Exceptional music – Not only for worship but as outreach. Music Camp in summer and “Music at Messiah” concert series are examples.

“Pastor Kris has a strong passion for collaborative and relational ministry that integrates all ages and places an emphasis on the discovery of our God-given gifts,” Kilby said. “She is very excited for the opportunities at Messiah.”

Rev. Schroeder and husband Bill, a retired ELCA pastor, have been married almost 28 years. The Schroeders are relocating from Ohio.

Messiah Lutheran Church was founded on May 20, 1990. Worship services on Sundays are held at 8:30 and 11 a.m., along with Faith Formation from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

For more information, call 256-721-0041, email info@mlutheran.org or visit mlutheran.org. For information about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, visit elca.org.