On Sunday, July 7 a special service was held at Lake Oconee Lutheran Church to install the Rev. Dr. James Stoltenberg as their Intentional Interim Pastor. As Interim Minister, Rev. Stoltenberg will lead the congregation during a yearlong transitional process. The retirement of Pastor Ron Schornhorst at the end of April necessitated the start of the Call process for a full-time LOLC minister.

The installation service was led by the Rev. Roger Schwartz, Circuit Counselor in the Southeast District of LCMS and pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Augusta. The Rev. Schwartz noted that the installation service, held on the 39th anniversary of Rev. Stoltenberg’s ordination, was “a step into the future, a change and a transition for LOLC.” He also reminded the congregation that there is a constant in this situation, “God is with us and he has sent us another Minister of the Word.” Following the service, members of LOLC and guests were served a light supper provided by the Fellowship Committee.

The Rev. James (Jim) Stoltenberg is a native of Rochester, Minn. While attending Rochester Central Lutheran School he became an Eagle Scout and also felt the Call to become a Lutheran pastor. He attended Concordia College in St. Paul, Minn., the University of Minnesota in Duluth, Minn., Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ill. and also Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. He has served congregations in Maryland (19 years), North Carolina (12 years) and New England (eight years).

Pastor Jim assisted in the development of three distant learning programs in the Synod designed to train Leaders for Mission and Ministry in the Southeastern District. He has also been active in organizing and leading Servant Events in North Carolina, western Virginia, western Maryland and Baltimore. In addition, he has been active as a Spiritual Director with Via de Cristo events in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Pastor Jim and his wife, Judy, have been married for 44 years, have two daughters and a son and are blessed with six grandchildren. His interests are fishing, photography, swimming and woodworking, including making dulcimers and designing wood projects of various kinds.

The Rev. Stoltenberg believes, “God brought me here to LOLC for a reason.” He looks forward to his work as a trained Intentional Interim Pastor with this congregation and with the people of the Lake Oconee community.