Michael Zurek

About Michael:

Associate pastor of Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church in St. John.

Ordained Nov. 22.

Bachelor's degree in religion from California Lutheran University.

Graduate of Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

He and his wife, Gail, live in St. John and have a son, Samuel, 4, and another due in February.

Accomplishments: Michael Zurek is the newly installed associate pastor at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church. He will assist with all pastoral duties with concentration on youth ministry, young adult ministry and getting members connected in ministry such as small groups. His goal in the first couple of months is to get to know the people, their stories and how God's working in their lives. Zurek and lead pastor Mark Vance facilitate a weekly confirmation class. Zurek meets with junior high and senior high students monthly for Bible study, discussion of current issues in their lives and fellowship. He would like to get the youth more involved in ministry and serving the community and possibly schedule camp trips. Zurek hopes to strengthen the young adult ministry by getting groups to meet and connect regularly. He plans to open his home to the ministry for a sharing of faith stories in the New Year. "It has been incredibly welcoming to myself and my family," he said of the church.

"It's a great match for what my gifts, talents and passions are. This is where God wants me to be." Zurek is involved with the Tri-Town Ministerial Association.

Why I minister to others: "I got involved in youth ministry after college and that solidified it. I had a passion for it. I'm passionate about teaching junior high and senior high kids that they're the church, they have a voice and their presence matters to us."

What I read: "When I'm not reading theology, I enjoy James Patterson and any good thriller."

Advice: "Mark 9:24- To make a long story short this verse is a good reminder that as Christians we can believe and still have doubts about that belief...Christ is with us regardless of the strength of our faith on a particular day."

What inspires me: "Finding God in everyday life and finding people who bring the church to the world … people who put their faith into action, especially youth."

People might be surprised to know: "I do a pretty good Garth Brooks impersonation." -SUE BERO, Times Correspondent

To nominate someone for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com