Leadership

Pastor Catie Ford

Faith Lutheran Church in Three Lakes said goodbye to their former pastor in July of 2019. The search for their next pastor did not begin in earnest until the spring of the following year. However, with the pandemic, the shortage of candidates, and even fewer candidates open to small town ministry in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, it has taken this long. “With Pastor Catherine Ford, all the pieces came together; spousal employment, an adventurous spirit, and God’s timing. We rejoice in this new partnership as Faith and the community of Three Lakes welcome Pastor Ford and her husband, Dillon,” said Bishop Katherine Finegan, Northern Great Lakes Synod, ELCA.

Pastor Catie grew up in Annawan, Illinois, a town of about 900 residents, so she understands and appreciates small town living. She graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Communication and Religion. Pastor Catie earned her Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina. Pastor Catie and her husband, Dillon, were married on October 9, 2021 and moved in early November with their therapy dog Abu to begin their service to the community of Three Lakes.

This is how Pastor Catie describes her call and approach to ministry. “As a child of God, I am being called to serve the church through the ministry of Word and Sacrament. My sense of call is like a flame that burns brighter and stronger the more I lean into my role in pastoral ministry. God has given me several spiritual gifts that allow me to proclaim the Gospel to people of all ages. As I discerned my call to public ministry, I began to deeply understand my gifts and what I can offer the church. I have gained a better understanding of my faith through experiencing struggle, mercy and grace, and have practiced sharing these with others. By leaning into my call, I have grown more confident in myself and my abilities to lead, teach, preach, and walk alongside others in their faith journey. “

The Installation Service for Pastor Catie was on January 9, 2022 at 2:00PM. Church council president, Marge Anderson, adds “The congregation of Faith Lutheran has been waiting for two years to have a new pastor offered to us. The church council was so excited to interview the candidate that was presented to us, Catie Nelson Ford. She answered our questions with great enthusiasm and confidence. She will be an asset to not only our congregation, but also to the Three Lakes community, since she plans on reaching out to young and old in the area. We are blessed to have Pastor Catie Ford and her husband, Dillon, with us.”

Rhonda Buss
Organist

Three Lakes has been my home after moving here from Abbotsford.  I’ve been a church organist for many years along with a few other music commitments.   3 children and 5 grandchildren make up my family. 2 of my children teach in the Rhinelander Middles school.  I am a registered nurse working for Aurora Community Services, providing services to adults with disabilities that live in group homes. Playing piano is my favorite pastime, along with golfing and reading.

Council / Officers / Boards

Board of Worship Life:
Rhonda Buss
Debby Carlson
Phoebe Pettingell

Board of Outreach:
Jan Harris
Vicki Johnson
Betty Roth

Board of Trustees:
Roland Swanson
Dale Johnson
Perry Anderson
Tom Bredeson
Greg Kliss

Board of Education
Miriam Bredeson
Gretchen Dobbins