Rugby First Lutheran Church welcomes Associate Pastor Monson | News, Sports, Jobs

First Lutheran Church ordains and welcomes new vice pastor Connie Monson on Sunday, August 1st.

Monson, who comes to rugby from Georgia, said she spent most of her life in the Upper Midwest and Washington state.

“I grew up mostly in Minneapolis and went to high school outside of Milwaukee.” said Monson. “I went to college in Montana and then moved my husband to Washington State and then Georgia, so I moved a bit.”

“Until we moved to Georgia, I only lived in the north” Monson with a smile and adds: “That probably sounds strange, but I’m looking forward to a real winter and it feels like home to me.”

Monson, a graduate of the University of Montana, began her career teaching English.

“I started teaching in Montana”, said Monson. “I taught at a branch of Spokane Community College for a while; I went to Georgia and taught at Emory, Georgia Tech and Georgia State. “

As a teacher and mother of two sons, Monson said that one day she felt a call to service in church.

“I was sitting in a pew in a pew on a Sunday and the pastor, whom I have known for many years, said something to the whole congregation: ‘You are a beloved child of God.’ And I heard that in my soul and thought, ‘This is a message that is worth sharing with other people.’ “ Monson told.

“I didn’t immediately think that I had to become a pastor, but I began to investigate what that would mean.” Monson added. “I began to switch to lay ministry and gradually began to attend seminar classes. My youngest son was five when I started the seminar and he’s now 20. So it took me a while to get to where I am now, but that’s how it happened and that’s how it worked. “

Monson received her Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary in 2020.

She said she then “I did an internship in Georgia, where I lived, and in the Lutheran tradition, people are called to a place for the first time before they are ordained, so this is how it works.”

Monson came to her call to First Lutheran Church, where West North Dakota Bishop Craig Schweitzer ordained her before a ward, which greeted her with applause and an after-service reception.

Monson’s family also attended the service.

“They were pretty excited” said Monson. “My mom is so incredibly proud of me. That said, I think she could have done something if the times had been different, so she was really excited to be here at this event and I feel like she really enjoyed it on behalf of it. She might be back in the next few weeks because she’d love to see more of rugby and see what it’s about. I think my family had a good time here. “

Monson said her youngest son spent a week playing rugby with her before returning to college in Oregon.

“I love this city,” Monson said about rugby. “Before I moved to Georgia, I lived in a town of about 1,500 in Washington state, so small-town life is nothing new to me. What seems unique about rugby is how much community spirit I experience here. People pride themselves on Music in the Park; They are proud of their journey and they are just proud of all the things rugby has to offer and that makes it a really exciting place. “

Monson added, “That kind of enthusiasm attracts more enthusiasm. That seems really good for community health. It’s fun to be here. “

Pastors Sharon Baker and Monson serve both the First Lutheran Congregation in Rugby and the Leeds Lutheran Church in Leeds.

“In a different way, Leeds is a really fun community too.” said Monson. “It’s really tiny. You can walk down the street and everyone knows everyone. It’s a really tight-knit place. I really enjoyed my conversations with the people there and their understanding of the history and community life and all of the churches that led to this congregation. “

Monson said she hoped to share the talents she developed as a teacher in her pastoral work.

“I like to preach, but I also like to read and find ideas that I can share with people in new ways.” said Monson. “I think part of my job is simply to take advantage of the amazing amount of scholarships available and make these easily accessible to people who may not have the time or interest in reading large, academic tomes. This part is fun. “

Monson said she also hopes to share the message that “God’s love for everyone, no excuses, no exceptions to this understanding – I am enthusiastic about my work and I think it’s kind of contagious for people.”

“I like to spend time with young people – in my first week here I was allowed to visit the confirmation camp on Lake Metigoshe.” said Monson. “Spending time with people in unconventional contexts and sharing this good news is what I love to do best.”