Greetings in the name of Christ! My name is Pamela Thiede, and I am the "new" pastor at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Bear Branch. After growing up in northwest Indiana and living most of my adult life in Chicago with the busy rat race of urban life and the blustery blizzards and frigid wind chill temperatures of winter, I did my internship (third year of a four-year seminary program) in rural Texas. I found I liked the slower pace and friendly people in rural and small town settings better than the hectic pace of urban life. I like the cultural opportunities big cities provide, so I decided my best location is a rural or small town area within striking distance of a big city. I found that here at Bear Branch with Cincinnati an hour away.

This is the second congregation I've had the privilege to serve as pastor. Having struggled with the decision to become a pastor before entering seminary, I now find that this is where God has called me to be. God has given me a heart that cares deeply for the people I serve, a love for preaching and sharing the Good News of God's grace with others, and an inquiring mind that thrives in Bible study settings. Through contact with students at Purdue and the children and youth at my former parish, I discovered a joy in working with young people that I hadn't had an opportunity to develop before. Worship, though, continues to be my main love; and I strive to lead worship services that are meaningful to all who participate.

I look forward to getting to know the people of Southeast Indiana. If you are looking for a church home, stop in and check us out. If you have questions, call us at 812-667-5881 or e-mail me at revpet@seidata.com.

God's peace and blessings be with you.