On Monday, July 13, we welcome a new intern at St John’s…Roger Boettecher. A message from Roger:
As I begin internship at St. John’s. I look forward to meeting each one of you as I learn what it means to be to be a pastor.
I live in rural Dodgeville with my wife, Janice. We will have been married 25 years this December. We have a small farm where we manage prairie, savanna, and woodland. We have two boys; Nicholas 47, and Timothy 44. We also have two adopted granddaughters, Nikki and Tori. I retired nine years ago as a Middle School and High School science teacher in Fennimore, WI. Teaching chemistry and biology. I particularly love the outdoors and have led numerous field trips and courses at our farm and around the state.
I was born and lived my early years in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. My faith journey has been a long one. I first considered the ministry when I was in confirmation class. That was nearly… well…it was a long time ago. My church was Zion Lutheran in Chippewa Falls. I began teaching confirmation and Sunday School while attending First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire in 2002. I was also the Youth and Education Director and on Church Council. Since 2007, Janice and I have been active members of St. Peter Lutheran in Fennimore, WI. I have taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Confirmation. Janice and I sing in the choir and help as readers, sacrament assistants, and worship leaders. I have served on various committees including education, outreach, council and call committee.
I have always felt a strong feeling of peace, love and joy through meeting God’s people in worship and other church events. After about 7 years of comfortable retirement, the Holy Spirit came calling, and I sensed a surprisingly strong call to ministry. After many prayers, discussions, and wrestling with pros and cons, I decided to enter a Master of Divinity program at Wartburg Theological Seminary. I decided that perhaps a ‘deep dive’ into Bible study might be just the thing—and so it has been! Seminary has been a true labor of love for me—though at times, it can be overwhelming!
One of my favorite Bible verses is about the fruit of the spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, , patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” These are words I seek to live by.
The welcome, warmth, and well-wishing have been wonderful. I pray that our time together will be blessed.
Peace, Love, and Joy, be yours now and always.
Roger Boettcher, Pastoral Intern
