Pastor Kathee's motto is:

You are never too old to completely turn your life - and your husband, Eric's, life - Upside down when the Holy Spirit calls!With over 20 years working in manufacturing marketing in San Antonio, I felt the call to ministry in 2009. I graduated from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2015 through the DL program with both online and residency classes. What an experience to have classes in St. Paul in January - was it ever cold! Ordained in 2015 in my home congregation, Zion Lutheran Church in San Antonio, we moved from Texas to Nebraska as I was called to serve Holy Cross Lutheran Chuch in Beatrice for nine years. Leaving our new home, church family and friends, I retired June 2024 and my husband, a retired Air Force Bandsman, moved back to Texas to be closer to family. 

PASTOR KATHEE'S OFFICE HOURS ARE MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 12:30-4PM

SEPTEMBER 2026 NEWSLETTER

On this journey together

During the contemplation time in the final “Reshaped” worship service in August, the congregation was invited to think about change in your own life and create anything that represents embarking on a new journey. This was a time to allow your petition of prayer to God for the courage and encouragement you need as you step out, both individually, and as a congregation, into “ventures of which we cannot see the ending, into paths as yet untrodden.”

Here are some of the glorious creations - a couple of feet, a flip-flop, a shoe, a bag, a really nice Luther’s Rose and the cross of Christ is central. Great imagery for the journey that Immanuel is on, as well as our own journeys.

And as I said in the last sermon, this series may not have been for everyone, and that’s okay. Because it was for someone, as we created we remembered God’s creative work in us. And we remember that this is a community of faith - and we are not all alike - so for those who were blessed, amen! - and for those who not so much - thank you for staying in community together! Because in community we know that change is constant! It is a sure thing!

As the interim minister, I am with traveling with you for a time. The first Sunday together last October I brought a walking stick and told you that I received keys to the church and brought my walking stick to journey with you. When the time comes to depart, and that is in God’s timing with hope and prayer to God that it is when Immanuel’s new settled Pastor is called. I will return the keys to the church and take my walking stick to continue my journey “into paths as yet untrodden.”

As the interim minister, the covenant I have with the people of Immanuel is to be here to help you prepare for your next Pastor, as well as preach and teach, keep office hours, preside at worship and administer the sacraments, provide pastoral care, provide pastoral leadership at council and congregational meetings and committee meetings as requested, encourage support for the ministry of the ELCA and also our NTNL Synod, conduct baptisms, confirmations, marriages and funerals.

Also, part of the covenant is that we will work together to move forward and prepare for a new pastor, part of which is examining the history of Immanuel together. That will happen on Sunday, September 13th following worship with “An Afternoon to Remember”: a meal and a walk through Immanuel’s history: telling your stories and making meaning of it all. The meaning-making is important to set goals for the future! Everyone who is part of Immanuel - long-timers, shorter timers - is invited to join us! The Fellowship Team is planning a wonderful lunch to fuel us for the journey of story-telling and meaning-making! Thank you fellowship team!

Interim Pastor Kathee Forrest