Lois Graper, who became lay pastoral leader for The United Lutheran Parish in January, is participating in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s TEEM program to prepare for ordination as a pastor.
TEEM stands for Theological Education for Emerging Ministries. Offered through Wartburg Seminary, the program is designed to provide alternative preparation for those who will provide pastoral ministry in ethnic specific, multicultural, rural, inner city and deaf communities. Candidates for the program are nominated by their synods and approved by the ELCA.
TEEM candidates generally are 40 or older. Each candidate works with a panel to design a program of study to complete all of the program’s educational requirements.
At the end of the program, approximately three to four years, Graper will receive a theological diploma and be ordained.
Graper, who retired as a rural mail carrier in 2013, is a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran in Tilleda. She has been very active in her church and TULP over the years, including teaching confirmation and as a lay supply preacher for TULP.
Graper was accepted into the program in December and authorized by Bishop Gerald Mansholt to preach and preside at services of Holy Communion and serve as the pastoral leader of TULP.
TULP includes the following congregations: Elias, N6106 County Road G, Gresham; Peace, N6145 County Road D, Tilleda; and St. John’s, W11929 Third St., Leopolis.
Graper preaches on three Sundays each month. Other services will be led by Shirley Pockat, a staff lay supply person and other lay supply from the surrounding area. On special days when Holy Communion is offered at all locations (Easter, Christmas, etc.), ordained supply pastors will be contacted to lead worship as needed. When there is a fifth Sunday in the month, there will be a joint fellowship opportunity, which will rotate among the three locations.
On Palm Sunday, the first fellowship was held at Elias with a joint worship in which youth of the parish did most of the service, including the reading of Our Lord’s Passion.
TULP was formed in 2000, originally with seven congregations. Between 2008 and 2014, three congregations left and one closed its doors due to a dwindling population.
Sunday services are held at 8:15 a.m. at Elias and St. John’s, and 9:30 a.m. at Peace.
The mission statement of TULP states: “A multi-point cooperative ministry is intent on assisting each individual congregation in carrying out its own defined ministry and mission. Together, under the direction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and with the encouragement from one another, we commit ourselves to share our faith, hope and love in the strong name of Jesus, in our rural setting.”
For information on TULP, visit www.tulpchurch.com or call 715-787-3367. The office is located at N6135 County Road D, Tilleda.
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