Pastor Rich Ajer joined Christ the King on May 1st as our interim pastor. Most recently, he served as the interim pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Greeley, where Pastor John has accepted his new call. It turns out that these two pastors are buddies, and Pastor Rich comes highly recommended as an easy-going type of guy who loves history.

Pastor Rich has already met many of us, but in this short time, his experience has probably been like trying to take a sip of water out of a fire hose. John suggested that going out for coffee or having him over for dinner might be a kinder, gentler way for CtKers to get to know Pastor Rich and welcome him to the community.

Letter from Pastor Rich

 

 

Dear Friends at Christ the King Lutheran Church,

 

I am looking forward to serving as your Interim Pastor beginning May 1st. Thank you for the opportunity to be able to serve you and our Lord’s Church in this way. Permit me here to share a few words about myself.

 

My name is Pastor Rich Ajer. As an ELCA Pastor I have served the Church at congregations in Upper Michigan, New Mexico, California and Colorado. I also served on the staff of the Pacifica Synod of the ELCA as an Assistant to the Bishop.

 

My most recent calling is to “Intentional Interim Ministry.” Interim ministers are appointed by the Bishop of a Synod at the time of a pastoral vacancy to serve for a limited period while the congregation works to call a permanent pastor to their congregation.

 

The “Intentional” part of the above title refers to the fact that the congregation and the interim minister pay particular attention during the interim period to specific developmental tasks that will help the congregation call a permanent pastor who will serve them well in the next chapter of their church’s ministry. I have received additional training by our church to serve as an Interim Pastor, and am a member of both the National Association of Lutheran Interim Pastors and the ecumenical Interim Ministry Network. Christ the King will now be the third congregation I have served as an Intentional Interim Pastor.

 

I have made arrangements to rent a small efficiency in Durango for the months ahead. With your Council our plan is for me to remain with you until the time your new permanent pastor arrives and begins his/her work. My wife will remain in our permanent home in Denver and be able to join me in Durango about once a month.

 

Suffice it to say I look forward to learning more about you, the mission and gifts of your congregation and the beautiful part of God’s Kingdom where you live and serve. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your Interim Pastor!

 

Peace & joy in Christ,
Pastor Rich Ajer
970-403-5733