Faith Lutheran Church welcomes new pastor

By Megan Miller, Editor

TRUSSVILLE – Faith Lutheran Church heard a sermon from its new pastor for the first time Sunday.

Unlike many other denominations, Lutherans receive a call to their pastoral duties, so after serving in other capacities in the church, Pastor Karen Boda was called by Faith Lutheran Church from her previous home in Atlanta.

Although Boda said she came to Trussville for the job, the community has been a bonus.

“I was excited about the family nature of this church, the people, the commitment to service in the community and their commitment to a strong worship presence,” Boda said.

Boda transitioned into pastoral life from corporate America, and said she’s excited to use the skills learned in the business world in her new position.

“I served in churches in Atlanta in different capacities but this is my first official call,” Boda said. “Even though my background has been corporate all my life, my heart and my soul has always been fulfilled by being in the church. It’s a great opportunity to use some of my corporate skills for my real purpose, which is serving God and serving the community.”

The process to find a new pastor has been a long one for Faith Lutheran, lasting more than a year. The call process for Pastor Boda began in June, and she started the job October 17.

The Lutheran faith emphasizes the saving grace of Christ, with principles derived from Martin Luther. The faith is currently celebrating the 500^th year of the reformation, after Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the door of Wittenburg University in 1517.

The Lutheran Church is also a liturgical church, which means they concentrate on hearing the word as well as participating in communion every Sunday.

“It nourishes and sustains us for the work we do when we’re sent into the world each week,” Boda said. “We don’t know all the answers, but we believe God gives us the grace to fulfill our mission in the world.

The Lutheran Church has 3.8 million members and 10,000 congregations across the United States and Caribbean.

Faith Lutheran is also active in the community, as one of the local churches that supports TEAM.

The church is also co-hosting a fall festival at Clay United Methodist Church on October 29 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Other churches participating include Clay Baptist and Mt. Calvary Presbyterian. There will be a trunk or treat, games, a bounce house, hot dogs, a cakewalk and live music. The event is free, but donations for the local food bank are encouraged.

Additionally Faith Lutheran has an active preschool program and music program. The preschool program is open to any child ages 2-5, regardless of faith, and the musical program was one of the attracting factors of the church for Boda.

“Our worship is focused on music,” Boda said. “Our pianist Dr. Adam Bowles is outstanding. The music that is in this place is first rate.”

Faith Lutheran was founded in 1956, and they have been in their current location since September 11, 2001.

“The first unofficial service was September 11, 2001,” church member Janie Pahr. “Because of the events of that day, the membership felt like they wanted to be together.”

Faith Lutheran Church is located at 6704 Deerfoot Parkway. Services are at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. each Sunday, with Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.