Pastor Allen Hermeier teams up with Greg Hamm in interim ministry at St. Paul

Pastor Allen Hermeier, who resides in Decorah with his wife Helen, began serving St. Paul Lutheran Church on January 1. Hermeier, who is serving St. Paul as an interim pastor, was born and raised in northeast Iowa.
He said, "I feel right at home in Postville. I grew up in Waukon where I played football against Postville athletes including Jack and Byron Schultz who have ties to this congregation."
Hermeier, who said he was drawn to St. Paul by the suggestion of the synod officials, retired after an active career in the ministry. After having served in Northwood and Burr Oak/Hesper, he was the senior pastor at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge for 16 years.
When asked about his thoughts about St. Paul and its congregation, Pastor Hermeier said, "I see St. Paul having a great future. They have had their share of controversy over the past several years. It is hard for a congregation to flourish when they have so many pastoral changes in a 12-year period. This congregation is made up of good people who need continuity and a kind and loving pastor who will stay with them."
While talking about the diversity in Postville, Hermeier said, "I see the diversity as a good experience for the people of St. Paul and the community of Postville. I have been to the Middle East five times as my wife and I have traveled extensively. People are nice all over the world."
The Hermeiers have also traveled to Thailand, Italy and are planning a trip to Spain. He added that while serving in Fort Dodge he also encountered a lot of diversity as they had a meat packing plant which employed people from varying backgrounds. He said, "Diversity is the real world."
Although his interim ministry is supposed to be a part-time position, Pastor Hermeier says, "You can't really do ministry on a part-time basis. I am here to serve this congregation and you really can't do that in less than six days per week."
Hermeier, who has also done interim ministry at Mabel, Minn. and Cresco, finds the time spent in worship and leadership rewarding. Family interaction at St. Paul has included conducting four funerals since the first of the year.
Along with conducting services, Hermeier works with the committees and governing body of St. Paul. He said, "I love the ministry and enjoy working with this congregation. I see attendance at worship services growing as people get used to having a familiar face in the pulpit."
Pastor Hermeier said that St. Paul is fortunate to have had Greg Hamm of Waterville as its lay minister for the past two and a half years. He said, "Greg has brought a lot of stability to the congregation."
When asked about his position at St. Paul, Greg said, "I joined St. Paul in October of 2002. I actually saw the job description when a newspaper was left on my car's windshield."
Hamm went on to say, "Although I have had no formal training in the ministry, my wife Becky and I have been youth counselors and I have always enjoyed working with kids."
He continued, "At the time I heard about the job at St. Paul, I was searching. I had been injured in an accident and needed a new career path. "
When asked about his hours and duties at St. Paul, Greg said, "I am a jack of all trades. As a lay minister I conduct youth services and some regular services. I work with the advisors of our youth groups. I also work closely with the confirmation students." He added that he enjoys working with people of all ages in a capacity to help bring them closer to God.
Both Pastor Hermeier and Greg were quick to point out that family also plays an important role in their lives.
The Hermeiers have three living children and six grandchildren. He said, " I love to trout fish, travel and write. It is wonderful to share these experiences with the family. Although I have been too busy to get my books written, I have written down many notes about my experiences for the kids."
He said the book he is doing for his children is entitled, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Cemetery."
Although Pastor Hermeier retired from full-time ministry in 2000, one part of his ministry he has no plans to abandon is prison ministry. Hermeier, who shared some of his experiences with the women of St. Paul last week, said, "I have been doing prison ministry for 25 years as part of the Brothers in Blue."
Hermeier usually goes to two retreats each year where prisoners attend discussion groups and worship services as well as communion. He said, "These prisoners are there (at the retreat) because they want to better themselves; they are committed to learning about Christ and changing their lives."
Hamm, too, is a committed family man. He said he and his wife enjoy the time spent with their children and grandchildren. He said, "A strong family relationship is so important in today's society. It means so much to me to have my wife, children and grandchildren for support. My work here at St. Paul has been enhanced because of their love."
Both Pastor Hermeier and Hamm agreed that the Christian family at St. Paul Lutheran in Postville is heading in the right direction.
Pastor Hermeier said, "We (as a people of God) love those who love us. As the the congregation at St. Paul feels the love, outreach and commitment of its clergy and church leaders, it will become stronger and continue to grow."
He added,"I am very happy to lead St. Paul in this interim ministry while they continue to search for pastoral leadership."
Greg added, "I love serving at St. Paul and will continue to do what I can to make this transitional time a positive experience for all members of the congregation."