Rev. Tom Kolden peeks through the boxes of books that were still to be put away in the office at Hope Lutheran. Moving is never easy, but books are a necessary part of a minister’s profession. He and his wife, Barb, are now in place at the parsonage and office at Hope Lutheran. Staff photo by Gayle VanVooren

By Gayle VanVooren
Mascot Editor 

Tom Kolden laughed and said, “You can meet people in church — we did it.”
Kolden spoke as he unpacked amidst boxes of books yet to find shelf room as the interim pastor at Hope Lutheran in Minneota. Kolden talked, while already thinking of things he wants to do in the Hope congregation.
His position during a time of transition will help the members move forward in finding a permanent pastor.
The Koldens, he and Barb, moved to Minneota on October 21, and will be serving as the congregation’s interim pastor until the position can be filled.
Rev. Kolden said visitation is one of his special interests in the church. He likes to visit shut-ins and he especially likes to, “surprise regular members at home”.
He’s excited about the strong music ministry program at Hope, and is looking forward to a positive worship experience with the congregation.
Born in Minot, ND, he lived near Garrison, ND, on a small farm. “I went to a country church in the middle of nowhere,” he said.
He’s a graduate of Concordia in Moorhead and Luther Seminary in St. Paul.

(More in The Mascot, 11-4-09)