Trinity and Grace Lutheran Churches in Bear Creek welcomed a new pastor and his growing family into their congregations last Sunday, Sept. 19.
Rev. Matthew David Ruesch has relocated from Garrison, Minn., after serving there five years.
Ruesch grew up in Iron Mountain, Mich. and followed his grandfather into the Lutheran ministry. He attended Concordia University in Mequon, Wis. where he played left tackle on the Falcon football team. He enjoys sports of all kinds, especially football and baseball. Ruesch says he looks forward to showing his Brett Favre Vikings jersey to the congregations and will endure the ribbing that should ensue.
Ruesch spent one year of vicarage at Bethany Lutheran Church in Kaukauna prior to completing his final year at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and answering the call to Minnesota. In late August, Pastor Ruesch moved his family of five to their new home across the road from Trinity on Highway 22 in Bear Creek.
His wife, Heather, is a musician and singer-song writer, who just completed her first studio album, “Wounded Healer”. She grew up in a family who embraced the hospitality industry. She received her teaching diploma in early childhood and day care. Heather is a devoted mother to Isabella, Paul and Sofie.
The Ruesch family, along with visiting relatives and friends enjoyed a welcome pot luck after the installation ceremony and received gifts from both congregations to help them get started in their new home.
Trinity and Grace have been prayerfully asking for a new pastor since March when Pastor Steven Pockat accepted a call to congregations in the Bonduel area.
Rev. Paul Alliet was interim pastor for the congregations throughout the summer and was given a send off party Sept. 12.