Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2590 Navajo Road, Axtell, KS 66403, US
1-785-736-2810, 2590 Navajo Road, Axtell, KS, Sunday Worship at 10AM, Speak with Pastor at Church by appt.
Salem's INTERIM minister and Church Staff
Pastor Jeff Swanson - Interim Minister
Organist/Pianist - Lisa Broxterman and Shirley Polson
Pastor Jeff Swanson - Interim Minister
We'd very much like to introduce you to Salem Lutheran’s next Interim Pastor, Rev. Jeff Swanson, Axtell, KS, who will serve on a part-time basis. This was 1st announced during last Sunday’s worship service by David Winquist, Salem Church Council president. Reverend Jeff is a retired Association of Free Lutheran Church (AFLC) Pastor, having served in congregations for 36 years. After recent conversations with Salem members and the Salem Council and personal consideration of Salem’s Interim ministry request, Pastor Jeff and Jane have graciously decided to accept the Interim Ministry period—His Interim service is scheduled to begin May 1st. Pastor Jeff is a seasoned pastor and leader, an accomplished preacher and teacher. And, providentially, Pastor Jeff was raised in this area and Jane was a native just to the West in Washington county—they have extended family in the area. Salem Lutheran is blessed that Pastor Jeff is agreeing to serve as the Interim Pastor (part-time) for Salem Lutheran.
Pastor Jeff Swanson grew up in the Salem/Axtell, KS area, and was baptized and confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church. Pastor Jeff’s Grandfather, the Rev. Dr. Carl A.B. Swanson was Salem’s Pastor from 1943 to 1956. Pastor Jeff earned his B.A. degree from Bethany College, Lindsborg, KS. During that time, Jeff met his wife-to-be Jane Woltje there and they were married in 1980. Later, he enrolled in and graduated from the Association of Free Lutheran Church Seminary in 1986 and was ordained. The Swanson's have six children and extended families. He has previously served congregations in Kalispell, MT, and Newark, IL. In September 2007, Pastor Swanson and Jane accepted a call to serve the two congregations and surrounding villages in and around Naknek, Alaska. In the Fall of 2022, he retired from the Alaska Mission. Pastor Jeff and Jane have since returned to live in the local area while retaining the part-time role of spreading the message of the AFLC Alaska Mission – Telling the story of how the mission staff is bringing Christ’s message of saving grace to people in Alaskan villages through congregational worship, radio, and aviation.
Please extend a warm welcome and a hearty thank you to Pastor Jeff and Jane Swanson for accepting this part-time Interim Ministry service at Salem Lutheran. Let’s strive to gather weekly in the Salem sanctuary to hear Pastor Jeff’s Bible based messages and to have fellowship with Pastor Jeff and Jane and the rest of the congregation.
David Winquist - Parish Ministry Associate
Organist/Pianist - Lisa Broxterman and Shirley Polson
Pastor Jeff Swanson - Interim Minister
David Winquist is a Parish Ministry Associate Lay Pastor within the Salem congregation. During this period when we are preparing to Call a Pastor, David leads and coordinates the staff for the worship service. He also carries out visitations to the homebound in the Salem Congregations.
Salem Lutheran is blessed to be served by David Winquist as a Parish Ministry Associate. David is a trained lay minister who can provide pulpit supply, specialized ministry, and can serve in a congregation without a pastor. A PMA is a committed and flexible servant leader. David has worked with other PMA’s in doing Bible study, studying theology, preaching, doing Pastoral care, studying religious history and more for over two to five years. As a PMA, David has worked & trained in small groups, and in self-study with mentor Pastors.
Organist/Pianist - Lisa Broxterman and Shirley Polson
Organist/Pianist - Lisa Broxterman and Shirley Polson
Organist/Pianist - Lisa Broxterman and Shirley Polson
Lisa Broxterman and Shirley Polson serve as organists and pianists for Salem worship services and other events. Lisa Broxterman, pianist from the neighboring Mission Covenant church, shares her musical talents as organist for Salem services. Shirley has served as Salem organist with the longest tenure and plays the piano in support of worship services.
Salem Church Council 2022
Other Funds and Church Organizations
Organist/Pianist - Lisa Broxterman and Shirley Polson
David Winquist serves as the Church Council President, Rhonda Heinen serves as Council Secretary, and Larry Swanson serves as General Fund Treasurer for the 2022 term. Council members are Larry Swanson, Rhonda Heinen, Jeff Martin, Kent Polson, Lori Haug and David Winquist, Council President.
Salem Administrative Assistant
Other Funds and Church Organizations
Other Funds and Church Organizations
Pauline Swanson serves Salem Lutheran Church as the Congregation's Administrative Assistant. Pauline works to prepare the weekly bulletin by coordinating with David Winquist, Salem's Parish Ministry Associate, with the Worship and Music Committe, the Salem Council and other individuals and organizations. You may contact Pauline at salemlc@bluevalley.net.
Other Funds and Church Organizations
Other Funds and Church Organizations
Other Funds and Church Organizations
Salem Lutheran's Property and Improvement Fund is responsible to repairs and improvements to the Church/Parsonage/Facilities. There are also Scholarship and Alter funds that support Church groups, activities and initiatives. The Women of Salem are not active in group's, but they support activities during the year. The Salem Luther League Youth group are active with congregational worship support, an annual ice cream social, and an annual Youthworks service trip. The Salem Cemetery Fund manages cemetery maintenance and repair, cemetery records, and arrangements for interment. The Salem Endowment Fund also supports the Church with various annual offerings.
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