Deacon Ellen Koester
Ascension Lutheran Church of East Ridge announces the Installation of Deacon Ellen Koester this Sunday at 11 a.m. Evangelical Lutheran Church in American Southeastern Synod Bishop Kevin Strickland will preside over worship and the installation. A potluck lunch will follow the service.
Deacon Ellen is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Oh. She was the CEO of Lutheran Services of Tennessee (now Inspiritus) from 2013-17. She created programs to help people with food insecurity, women in poverty and art programs to build resilience in low-income children.
She has also worked in education ministry, worship and congregational care in ELCA Churches in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Illinois.
“I am looking forward to getting to know the Ascension congregation,” said Deacon Koester. “Moving back to the area is a great opportunity for me. I am excited to help Ascension clarify its vision and mission for the future and bring it into the community.”
"Deacons in the ELCA serve at the intersection of church and world, bringing a sharper focus to how the church responds to the needs of the people," officials said.
Congregational President Wanda Vipond said, “We look forward to having her lead us into the next phase of our church mission here in East Ridge. Deacon Ellen has the education, skills and experience to create cross-generational worship experiences we’re looking to create.”