ROME -- Replacing a pastor isn't easy in the Lutheran Church. For the past several months, Woodland Lutheran has relied upon an interim pastor, the Rev. Jim Steinbrecher and a number of local pastors, while the call committee searched and prayed for just the right person to replace longtime pastor the Rev. David Dahl.

In the meantime, the Rev. Stan Kwiecien (Qwe'shun), at a parish in southwestern Minnesota, was feeling the urge to move out of his comfort zone. When the two searches intersected, it seemed just the right fit for both. We would like to think that the Almighty had a hand in bringing us together. We have a word for that -- a call -- placing the right person in the right place at just the right time.

Woodland Lutheran is a relatively new church anticipating its 25-year anniversary next year. The American Lutheran Church in Madison founded it as a mission church with the help of a group of local residents. It has developed and grown during the years as more and more people moved to Rome to enjoy newly developed Lakes Camelot, Sherwood and Arrowhead. It is quite visible in the community with its:

• vacation Bible school (in conjunction with the other local churches),

• quilting ministry, which each year sends hundreds of brightly colored quilts to local nursing homes, and to international relief/mission organizations,

• cleaning crews clearing the litter from along Highway 13,

• annual chili fest/yard sale,

• outreach to help those in search or in need within our community.

Kwiecien is eager to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors and the work of the congregation. His goal is for Woodland to be like the place in the TV series "Cheers," "where everybody knows your name and they are always glad you came."

Kwiecien comes to Woodland with his wife, Susan, who is a licensed psychologist, and the two youngest of their seven children, David, 16, and Tia, 11.

It's a new beginning at Woodland. If you are also searching for a new beginning, stop by Sunday morning at 9 a.m. for the worship service and stay for coffee, treats and discussion while the children attend Sunday school from 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. If you are waiting for a formal invitation, come on Sunday, when Pastor Stan will be formally installed, and stay for the potluck brunch afterward. We are just a stone's throw west of Pritzl's on 14th Avenue.

Contributed by Thomas V. Bee.