Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church welcomes new pastor

According to a press release, Pastor Morgan L. Simmons began her ministry at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rhinelander on Tuesday, Oct. 28. She is the 18th pastor to serve the congregation in its 122-year history.

Simmons was ordained into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament on Saturday, Oct. 25, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minn. The ordination was attended by family, friends and members of congregations that have shaped her faith journey.

Originally from Maryland, Simmons graduated from Midland University in Fremont, Neb., in 2017 with a bachelor of arts in youth and family ministry. She later earned a master of divinity in justice from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.

During her seminary studies, Simmons completed her internship at St. Stephen Lutheran Church and served as minister of faith formation at University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis.

According to the release, Simmons brings “a deep commitment to the Gospel, a passion for worship and liturgy, and a heart for serving God’s people.” Her gifts for preaching, teaching and pastoral care were noted throughout the congregation’s call process, which concluded earlier this fall.

“Immanuel is entering an exciting new chapter in its life of faith,” said Cory Dellenbach, call committee chairperson. “We give thanks for the leadership God has provided in the past and look forward with joy and anticipation to the ministry we will share with pastor Simmons in the years ahead.”

Simmons has been active in the Lutheran Youth Organization since high school and credits that early involvement with nurturing her love for the church and deepening her sense of call to ministry.

She brings a strong theological foundation and a vision for connecting faith with daily life through service, learning and community engagement.

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church is located at 21 W. Timber Drive in Rhinelander and is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.