Living Faith Lutheran Church, the little white church in Davis Bay, has a new pastor in Rev. Ian Nestegaard Paul.
Paul comes to the Coast from Victoria where he was the children's ministry co-ordinator at Grace Lutheran and also the chaplain at a care facility called Luther Court. On April 15 he was officially installed in office with a grand celebration attended by local and visiting clergy in their colourful regalia.
Raised as a Roman Catholic in a family very involved with the church, the decision to enter seminary was made after a career in IT that supported his professional acting habit that included a children's TV programme and musical theatre.
Ordained in 1999, he has served in both Lutheran and Anglican churches in Saskatchewan before moving to Victoria. He has been called as a half-time pastor at Living Faith, willing to do service three times a month and to equip members of the congregation to organize lay services for the other Sundays.
After two months his congregation has enjoyed his sermons that make you think, his strong tenor voice, his leadership and his sense of humour. He is continuing the church's connection with Habitat for Humanity and is now on the Habitat board. Many were surprised to find out he occasionally wears his kilt under his vestments and he has chosen to use a scooter as his mode of transportation. You won't miss him as he travels up and down the highway, so give him a wave. Even better, come and join us for service and fellowship at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
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