Calumet Welcomes Pastor Sara J Anderson
Calumet Lutheran Ministries and its Board of Directors are delighted to announce that the Rev. Sara J. Anderson has accepted the newly created position of Associate Executive Director. Pastor Anderson (Sara or Sara J to many) had this to share about this new call: “I am overjoyed to be called to serve as Associate Executive Director of Calumet. It has been a lifetime dream of mine to be a part of camp’s Spirit-filled ministry and serve among the people of Calumet Nation!”
Sara J brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new position. Her work as Associate to the Bishop has focused on innovation, congregational engagement, and adaptive change exploration. She designed and implemented the New England Synod's Forward Leadership Community. Additionally, she supported numerous congregations and led transition training, conflict mediation, and mentoring for first call pastors. Prior to her role on synod staff, she served several congregations in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
"My ministry as Associate to the Bishop has been a deeply cherished call. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and gift of walking alongside the congregations and people of the New England Synod over these last eleven years. I will hold all of the New England Synod, especially Bishop Pipho, in prayer with thanksgiving for our shared ministry and look forward to supporting a smooth transition as Bishop Pipho begins his work.”
Bishop Nathan Pipho had this say about the appointment: "I’m grateful for Pastor Anderson’s enthusiastic and genuine support in my initial transition into the bishop’s office. I’m equally grateful she will remain on staff through the first three months of my ministry to provide stability and continuity. She has served the New England Synod faithfully and well as Associate to the Bishop for 11 years and I look forward to the Holy Spirit continuing to work through her in powerful ways in her new ministry with Calumet.”
Sara J earned her Master of Divinity from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (exchange year, Yale Divinity School '05-06), 2006, and her BA in Communication and Religious Studies from Stonehill College, 2002.
In addition to her academic work and professional expertise, Sara J brings many personal connections to Calumet having attended as a resident camper, served on summer staff, and visited numerous times as summer chaplain working with leadership around conflict mediation and curriculum education. She’s also enjoyed time at the family campground with her husband Gary and two children who attend Calumet’s Resident Camp for Kids.
Sara J will begin her full-time work for Calumet in November. Her last day as Associate to the Bishop will be October 27, 2024. Please join us as we look forward to welcoming her to our staff.