Pastor Chris Hallemeier Celebrates 45 Years of Ordained Ministry
Pastor Chris Hallemeier began her ordained ministry in 1979, at a two point parish, First & St. John’s Lutheran in Dongola, Illinois. The people of these congregations nurtured her pastoral identity in more ways than she could count. In moments of uncertainty, Pastor Hallemeier would say to herself, “Well, these churches have been around since 1816, I’m sure they will survive my ministry!” She found a little sense of humor and humility often goes a long ways in ordained ministry.
During her second call, Pastor Chris was able to show her gifts for administration as the assistant to the Bishop in the Central States Synod, a call she shared with her husband Pastor Denny. One focus point was building a new sense of identity in this newly formed synod consisting of equal numbers of LCA, ALC and AELC* congregations. The witness and leadership in these congregations was a great source of inspiration for Pastor Hallemeier, that continues to move her to this day.
In 2000, once again, there was another pivot in her path of ordained ministry; Pastor Chris discovered a call to interim ministry. She found that this utilized many of her gifts and found great joy in this new ministerial calling. Pastor Hallemeier served the Central States and Central Southern Illinois Synods, honing her new skills as an interim pastor. And in 2004 Pastor Chris moved to Vernon county to serve as an officially called interim pastor working with 8 congregations including: Middle Coon Valley Lutheran in Chaseburg, WI, Good Shepherd in La Crosse, WI, First Lutheran in Onalaska, WI, Christ Lutheran in Arcadia, WI, Gloria Dei in Tomah, WI, Blair (3 congregations which became 2)* as well as congregations in Galesville, Ettrick and 3 months as Teaching Pastor in Nekemte, Ethiopia.
Pastor Chris Hallemeier retired in 2014 and continues to find Joy and life connecting with congregations as a supply preacher, for which we are very grateful for her continued ministry in the La Crosse area synod.
Notes:
*LCA = Lutheran Church of America
ALC= American Lutheran Church
AELC= American Evangelical Lutheran Church
*The 3 Blair congregations included: First, Zion and Fagerness. First & Zion Lutheran became Blair Lutheran and Fagerness became a seasonal ministry.
