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TORRINGTON, CONN (SZS) As nature in these days of fall unfolds in gorgeous colors of orange, red, yellow, and brown, so too, ministry and life in our congregations unfolds with those activities so characteristic of this time of year. Rally days for Sunday School have passed and Christian education and formation is well underway. Organizations and committees have put their plans for the coming year into place. Harvest dinners and markets have gathered members and invitees alike. But most importantly, we have gathered in Word and Sacrament ministry to proclaim the love of Christ which has come to us and the world, witnessing to each other and the world that we are church together and gratefully minister in the name of Christ who sends us.

Our Slovak Zion Synod family rejoices that the ministry of our congregation Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Trumbull, Connecticut has also unfolded in the brilliant colors of fall as they welcomed their new pastor, the Rev. Dr. Kathleen E. Mills. We welcome this new pastor to our roster of ordained ministers!

Pastor Mills is a graduate of Hartwick College, where she studied Music and Religious Studies. She completed her Master of Divinity degree at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Her first Call to a congregation was in Fort Worth, Texas, where she also worked towards the completion of her PhD in Biblical Interpretation at Texas Christian University. She is the author of the book, Kinship of Jesus: Christology and Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark.

Pastor Mills was installed as Pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Trumbull, Connecticut on September 24, 2016. Bishop Wilma S. Kucharek presided at the Installation. Officiants included: the Rev. Ryan Mills, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, New Haven, Connecticut who preached, and the Rev. Thomas S. Drobena of Holy Trinity, Stafford Springs, Connecticut who served as assisting minister on this notable day in the life of the congregation. A celebration dinner at the church followed the service.

Pastor Kathleen is the spouse of the Rev. Ryan Mills; together, they have two children: John and Helen. She is an avid musician, scholar of the bible, and capable worship leader. She loves teaching the Christian faith and being with people—hearing their stories and sharing in their lives. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, exploring genealogies, and exploring Connecticut’s State Parks with her family. She writes: “I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of [this] congregation and to walk with you in your lives of faith. And I am grateful that my family will get to grow up in and be a part of your church family.”

We congratulate and welcome this new pastor into our Synod and we join the members of Holy Trinity in celebration as this new chapter of ministry unfolds and they welcome their new pastor.

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