August 12, 2015 at 1:23 p.m.
Immanuel welcomes new pastor
Wausau native finds first call at Rhinelander church
Immanuel welcomes new pastor
By By Cory Dellenbach-
Tammy Barthels, born and raised in the Wausau area, has been serving as pastor since July 15 after accepting the call from the church in late June.
"I was very excited to hear that the (congregation) vote was unanimous," Barthels said. "When I met with the Call Committee prior to the vote I thought we were a very good match. I am very grateful to serve God and the people at Immanuel Lutheran as their new pastor."
Barthels and her husband Randy have three adult children - Adam, Brad and Rebecca - and one grandson, Alfonzo, with another due in November. She graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Barthels served as an intership as pastor (Vicar) at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Wausau from June 2013 to June 2014.
It was a long journey to become pastor for Barthels. She got her first taste of the profession in 1997 when she did a unit of clinical pastorial education in 1997. She then worked with hospice from 1997 to 2001 and completed a three year Spiritual Direction Program through the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse in 2005. Barthels has also facilitated many retreats at St. Anthony Spirituality Center in Marathon.
"I knew God was calling me to more, to become a minister of Word and Sacrament, but I could not see how that was possible because seminary was four hours away," Barthels said. "But when God is calling you, God makes a path available, our job is to say, 'Yes Lord, your servant is listening.'"
Barthels is looking forward to getting to know the community and has found an apartment in the area. Her husband will move to the area after he retires in two years.
"I look forward to living among the people of Rhinelander, walking with them in their joys and struggles, offering them hope, and discovering where God is leading us," Barthels said. "I am blessed and excited to return to the Northwoods. I spent many summers in my youth on Birch Lake in Harshaw. In high school I worked at Clearwater Camp in Minocqua and now I enjoy summer vacations with family and friends in Conover. It's good to return."
Barthels' goals for her new congregation are simple: "My goals for the congregation are that they may know the love of Christ and to share Christ's love with others; building faith and community with one another."
When she's not at the church, Barthels can be found gardening, walking, biking and out on the lake. She also enjoys photography. "God's beauty is all around us," she said. "In the winter I like to read, spin wool, knit and walk or cross-country ski."
For the past two years, after the retirement of Pastor Norm Peterson, the church has been served by interim pastor Devon Barrix and lay minister Jill Kusek. Barthels is now looking forward to leading the church and congregation.
"I believe I bring an openness to serve, a listening ear and a caring heart," Barthels said. "I want to encourage individuals to grow in their faith and to know they are a Child of God and God loves them exactly for who they are."
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