October 25, 2020
Greetings!
Allow me to introduce myself. My full name is Richard Douglas Ajer (Ajer rhymes with “major”) but most people call me “Pastor Rich.”
I was born and raised in the Badger state of Wisconsin, graduating from the U.W. Madison in 1979. I began seminary studies two years later at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and received my Masters of Divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago in 1985. Since that time, I served as a regularly called pastor in congregations in Michigan, New Mexico and California. In 2011 the bishop asked me to consider being trained in intentional interim ministry and serving as an interim pastor, where congregations (like Our Savior’s) are in between called pastors. I received some extra training for this work and now am about to begin with you my tenth interim journey. My interim assignments have included four in California, three in Colorado and one in New York. Suffice to say my wife and I are always open to new adventures! Each interim has been a gift to me in different ways, and each has had its own unique challenges and special blessings. I look forward to meeting you and working with you in the development of a ministry site profile and then the formation of a call committee. I have heard wonderful things about your congregation.
On the personal side, I am married to my spouse Margy who is a Deacon in the ELCA. She is presently serving a congregation in Riverside as an interim minister. You will not see her much, as she is leading worship and other activities in that setting. We presently live in San Bernardino but are looking to move to Oceanside. We have three adult children and two grandchildren. They all bring us much joy. My hobbies include travel (local and beyond), walking, reading, and collecting things like postcards and license plates. You might find me on a Saturday morning at a local garage sale!
I look so forward to getting started with our work together on November 1st! Thank you for asking me to come and serve among you.
Pastor Rich
