Parishes merge; install shared pastor

At the dual celebration (l-r): Revs. Paul Pollex, David Bode, Donald Schieman, Paul Zabel, Orland Welke and Dan Abraham.

WEST LORNE, Ont. – On April 25 Redeemer Lutheran Church (St. Thomas, Ont.) and Grace Lutheran Church (West Lorne) officially formed a dual parish and installed Rev. Don Schieman as their pastor. Rev. Schieman has served as pastor of Redeemer alone since July 2009.

After the Rite of Installation, officiated by East District President Paul Zabel, Grace hosted a reception to welcome Rev. Schieman, wife Sharon, and their four daughters—Allison, Julianna, Shawna and Krista—to the parish.

Originally from London, Ontario, Rev. Schieman received a degree in business administration from the city’s Fanshawe College and worked for Via Rail as an off-train sales/service agent. He graduated from Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary and was ordained on June 19, 1994. Before returning to Ontario, Rev. Schieman served pastorates in Middle Lake, Saskatchewan and Camrose, Alberta.

Rev. Paul Zabel, East District President

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