Stokke will speak at third Lenten Luncheon

The Rev. Krista Stokke, who began her ministry at St. James Lutheran Church in Vandalia and Zion Lutheran Church in Loogootee in January, will be the speaker at the third Lenten Luncheon, which will be held at St. James Lutheran Church.

She will follow the theme of “The Last Seven Statements of Christ” with the third statement, “Today, You Will Be With Me in Paradise,” spoken to one of the two thieves also being crucified.
Pastor Krista, in Person
Pastor Krista is a very pleasant, friendly person who smiles frequently and laughs easily. She is sincere in her conversation, very devoted to her calling, and enjoys people and ministering to them.
Originally from DeKalb, where she grew up, she went to Lutheran Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. She was ordained 10 years ago.
“My first call was in McNabb and Granville. I served six years there at a two-point parish (two churches), then I served three years in Glenville, Minn., she said.
She demonstrated her love and compassion for people as she took her ministry further.
“During the time, I thought ‘I need to do something different,'” she said, so she did a chaplain residency in St. Paul, Minn.
“I was there a year and learned how to be a chaplain.”
She served as chaplain on a hospital oncology/cancer floor, which seemed to be her specialty. She also ministered as chaplain in a nursing home.
Inspired by Loving People
Thinking back, she said, “I would say I was inspired by church people, who still loved me if I talked in church, if I threw Cheerios on the floor,” she said, laughing.
“So I think because of those things, I was inspired, and knowing that, as a young child, that I was accepted, that, too, made a difference.
“I felt called to the ministry in the eighth grade,” she said. “My parents were involved in the church, and I was involved in the church.
“It was what you did on Sundays, go to church.”
Photos of her brother’s family are sitting on her desk, including her niece and nephew, Kate and Jake. She also has a sister, who is studying to be a doctor. Her parents still live in DeKalb.
Meet Pastor Krista …
… and hear her speak next Wednesday at the Lenten Luncheon at noon.
Hear her thoughts on Jesus Christ’s compassion and God’s grace for the thief on the cross.
“I’m a big resurrection person, and believe that we have a new life, in this life, as well as a new heavenly life, because we are changed or transformed in God’s love,” she said.
Her appreciation for God’s grace and Jesus’ love shows in her joyful face and conversation, as does the compassion she has for others.
 

The Rev. Krista Stokke