Following a two-year search process, the congregation of Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church has announced that the Rev. Fredrick “Fritz” Wiese will become its new senior pastor. His official “start date” at the Peachtree City church is Aug. 1, 2010, two years to the day after longtime pastor Rev. John Weber retired.
The Rev. Julian Gordy, bishop of the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will officiate in Pastor Wiese’s installation service to be held at the church on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 4 p.m.
Wiese, 43, has been pastor of discipleship at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Centerville, Ohio, for 14 years. He earned his undergraduate degree at Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio, and went on to Yale Divinity School to receive his master’s of divinity in 1992.
Completing his master’s of sacred theology degree at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio, in 1994, he was ordained July 15, 1994.
The Ohio native is a third generation Lutheran pastor.
Wiese’s wife, LuAnne Wiese, is an elementary school teacher. The Wieses’ son Luke, a talented musician, is a rising ninth grader.
Daughter Morgan will be starting fifth grade. She especially enjoys acting, and recently starred in Epiphany’s production of “Seussical the Musical.” The family has a great love for the outdoors and camping.
In a visit to Peachtree City last month, they found a house, and put a contract on it.
Linda Volckmann, chair of the search committee, noted that the congregation’s decision to extend a call to Wiese (pronounced wee-zee) was unanimous.
“While the Wiese family leaves behind family and friends, we wish to welcome them with open arms to Christ Our Shepherd,” she said. “We look forward to joining together in the ministry we are all called to proclaim.”
