Lutheran church to welcome new full-time pastor Sunday

Published 12:05 pm Tuesday, September 22, 2015

By Anneli Fogt

Editor

Almost exactly two years after Vashon Lutheran Church’s congregation voted their pastor out, leaving the church without a full-time pastor, Lake Stevens resident Dr. Joe Kutzke has been selected to take the reins of the church as pastor, although he thinks of himself more as a “caregiver.”

Kutzke said he was a social worker for many years after graduating from the University of Wisconsin in the 1980s, but became a pastor because “it just made sense.”

“I just love being involved with the church,” the pastor who has been preaching for 33 years told The Beachcomber. “I’m not sure what exactly a pastor is supposed to be besides a caregiver. I was a caregiver as a social worker, so that’s what I know.”

The Midwest native, but long-time Washington resident, said he has been “good friends” with former VLC pastor and islander John Erickson, and his wife Marita Erickson, for many years. In fact, Kutzke said that his wife of 30 years, Dianne Kutzke, and Marita Erickson sang together in college at Pacific Lutheran University. Joe and Dianne Kutzke have two grown children.

He said he preached at VLC three times over the course of the church’s search for a pastor and said he is excited to be a part of the church’s small congregation that has a lot of heart.

“I’m excited for the congregation. It’s a congregation I feel really drawn to,” Kutzke said last week. “This congregation just wants to be the simple presence of Christ, of God’s son.”

He said that he had “semi-retired” after preaching for his 33 years, but is currently  he substitute preacher at Zion Lutheran Church in Everett. He came back to full-time preaching to accept the position on the island because he “didn’t feel done, done.”

He said he believes that religion is all about “just being a nice person,” and caring for those who need it.

“I think Vashon has that kind of feeling,” Kutzke said.

Kutzke and his wife, who works as a nurse practitioner, will continue to live in Lake Stevens. His first Sunday at VLC will be Sept. 27, and he will be traveling to Vashon and living at the church for five days every week: Sundays through Fridays.

“My goal for my own life and for my church life is to walk humbly, seek justice and show mercy,” he said. “We have to do that. Too many Christians don’t do that with the humble part.”