As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17
I was herded into a brown Dodge Aspen station wagon along with my four brothers by our mother and father on a cold December day during Christmas break 1986. We journeyed from International Falls to Goodridge where my dad would have a conversation with the Goodridge Area Lutheran Parish about becoming pastor.
I remember sitting around the tables at Faith for that interview. I recall a tour of the school and the parsonage. You called Pastor Bob and we moved into the parsonage on Urdahl Avenue in March 1987. I had never had my own room before and I got to choose pink as the color it would be painted. The first class I attended at the Goodridge School was science taught by Patty Johnson. I met Quams, Parnows, Pittmans, Prestebaks and so many others.
I was confirmed in this place. I taught Sunday school at Faith and you sent me to Bible Camp. You gave me my first opportunity to preach while I was still in high school. You supported me as I served the church in China. You gathered around me when I was set apart as an Ordained Minister. I served congregations in Roseau and in South Dakota. December 31, 2015 Pastor Bob retired after serving 29 years as your pastor. After a brief interim, you called me to be pastor beginning November 15, 2016. I never dreamed I would be back here much less living again in the parsonage.
We know that things change and we are always being called forward. For me, the call is to a new community and new congregation. I am moving to Thief River Falls after Christmas to serve Zion and Silver Creek. After December 31, 2022 I will no longer be able to preside over any pastoral acts (baptism, confirmations, weddings, funerals, home visitations) that we have come accustomed to me doing. I have signed a covenant agreeing to not serve as your pastor beyond my last day. A copy of the covenant is included on page 4 in this newsletter.
Furthermore, I will be making changes on social media and disconnecting relationships with members and friends of the Goodridge Parish. This means that if you are a FaceBook “Friend” I will be moving to “Unfriend” you. This helps me establish a clear boundary for the immediate future. While I appreciate your friendship and pray it continues, it is very important that you look to others for pastoral care. These boundaries are hard both on me and all of you, but I trust it is in the best interest of God’s church.
You called me to serve as your pastor with specific tasks: to preach and teach in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church; to love, serve, and pray for God’s people; to nourish you with the Word and Holy Sacraments and to lead you by example in the use of the means of grace, in faithful service and holy living; to give faithful witness in the world, that God’s love may be known. The call to serve as pastor is a holy one. I ask your forgiveness for the mistakes I have made and for the times I have let you down, for those things known and those unknown.
When you received me as your pastor, it was as a messenger of Jesus Christ, sent by God to serve God’s people with the Gospel of hope and salvation. You regarded me as a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God. You promised to pray for me, help and honor me for my work’s sake, and in all things strive to live together in the peace and unity of Christ. Thank you for your faithfulness.
I am grateful for the care you have given my family. For nearly 36 years you have had a Dahlen in the pulpit in the Goodridge Parish. I will treasure the gift of being a part of my father’s work here. Never forget this is Christ’s church. God is preparing you to welcome a preacher as God is preparing them to serve with you. I encourage all of you to hold fast to the words of Colossians 3 as you continue to work together in mission and ministry for Christ. May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts!
Sincerely,
Pastor Kristin Dahlen Ostercamp
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Pastor Kristin’s Transition
Pastor Kristin Ostercamp has been called to serve as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church and Silver Creek Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls beginning January 1, 2023. Her last Sunday in the Goodridge Area Lutheran Parish will be December 4. Her last day in the church office will be December 6. Her last services will be on Christmas Eve. She will unavailable December 8-31 as she uses the balance of her vacation and some medical leave to attend several appointments in the Twin Cities with her daughter. The NWMN Synod Staff will meet with Congregation Councils on Tuesday, December 6 to share about the steps. Information about the Call Process, can be found at www.nwmnsynod.org. On the home page there is a link for “Transitions”. Click “Call Process”. The Ten Step Call Process Manual can be found there. We will need to work together during the interim to ensure the ministry of the parish continues and thrives.
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