We are very pleased to announce that at the special congregational meeting on Sunday, June 28, Nokomis Heights Lutheran Church voted unanimously to call Pastor Kristen Capel as our new Lead Pastor!
Pastor Kristen grew up in Iowa, holds BAs in Music and Religion from Wartburg College, and obtained her Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary. Most recently, she served as Lead Pastor at Easter Lutheran Church in Eagan, MN, from 2011-2018. Pastor Kristen started at Easter in 2006 as Associate Pastor, and during her twelve years with the congregation, she fostered spiritual growth and a renewed relationship to the community around the church. Pastor Kristen has led strategic planning initiatives and is adept at listening and asking questions during these processes. She is also a generosity consultant for a number of churches.
Pastor Kristen’s husband, Dan, is a civil engineer and avid biker, and they have two daughters: Annika (18) and Amelia (14). Outside of work in ministry, Pastor Kristen loves to hike, spend time with friends, read good books, bake, golf, travel (someday again!), and watercolor.
Pastor Kristen will be joining Nokomis Heights in a 75% time capacity. She will focus on preaching, worship, stewardship, strategic planning, and community outreach. An additional 25% associate pastor will be hired to support Pastor Kristen. She is working with a couple of members of the call committee, the council, and synod representatives to identify this quarter-time pastor. The associate pastor will support Pastor Kristen by preaching on a 25% basis, visiting homebound members, and taking on other similar pastoral responsibilities.
Pastor Kristen is very excited to join us and shepherd our congregation. She will begin her time with Nokomis Heights on July 20. Her first Sunday with us will be July 26. We look forward to getting to know her and her family!
