Parishioners at First English Lutheran Church welcomed a new pastor to their church at the end of April.
Pastor Adam Guthmiller came to First English April 18 and then was ordained April 29 and installed April 30 with the bishop present.
Guthmiller grew up in Brandon and went to Augustana University for political science and business with the plan to become a lawyer. After Augustana, he attended Sioux Falls Seminary through the Luther House of Study.
“I wanted to be a lawyer going into college and then it became more and more obvious that I should be going to seminary. I didn’t go into college thinking I’d want to be a pastor. Maybe it was around sophomore, junior year that maybe I should at least try seminary and see what happens,” Guthmiller said.
He spent about five years in seminary, with a portion of that being done while living in Superior, Neb. He and his wife, Allison, moved back to South Dakota to finish seminary and to be closer to family.
Guthmiller did his internship at West Nidaros Lutheran Church near Crooks. He stayed on for about another year and served as an interim youth director.
The Guthmillers now live in Sioux Falls with their young daughters, Anna and Sophia.
In his time at First English, he has been learning the church and meeting the people. He has been able to celebrate some special events since he’s been in Lennox with the bishop coming to ordain him, senior recognition and first communion.
Guthmiller comes to the church on Sundays and then is in the office Mondays through Thursdays, along with Wednesday evenings during the school year. This fall he will teach the confirmation class.
“I’m excited to be here with First English and I’m excited to know the community of Lennox,” he said. “We invite anyone to come worship with us and hear all that Christ has done for us.”