Meet our new Bridge Pastor, Rev. Bonnie Lanyi

After Pastor Ruth’s retirement a bridge pastor was appointed to help in the time until Pastor Rich arrives in late January 2024. Here is a short note from Pastor Bonnie:

I’m so looking forward to serving with you as you transition to your new pastor. This is a brief introduction to let you know a little bit about me. I am a baptized child of God, who is so grateful to God for many blessings. One blessing that I am especially grateful for is that I grew up in a family and in churches that taught the love and grace of God are for all. Each and every person has value and should be treated with respect and dignity.

Another special blessing is that I have been married to my best friend, David for 37 years. He graduated from Walton High School, and I graduated from Wheeler. We have three young adult children. Our first grandbaby is due to be born this spring. We love to hike, travel, read, cook and bake.

After graduating from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, I worked as an RN in hospitals and in the church. Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) was completed under the supervision of The Reverend Dr. Martha Rutland. After graduating from Luther Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree, I was ordained as an ELCA pastor and called to serve a small congregation as a solo pastor. Several years later, I served a large congregation as an associate pastor.

Most recently, I served as the Interim Pastor at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Douglasville for a year and a half as they prepared to call Pastor Jamie Witt. I completed the Interim Ministry Training from the Interim Ministry Network. It is an honor to accompany a congregation in times of transition.

That is a little snapshot of my story. I look forward to getting to know you and your story…starting with some time on December 6 at 6:00 pm during our Advent Dinner in the Gathering Room.

Pastor Bonnie Esther Lanyi