Pastor Stanton

Rev. Stanton J. Bockwoldt is our Pastor at the English Settlement United Methodist Church.

Introduction

I am proud to have been raised in my hometown of Lead, South Dakota in the Black Hills (just 40 miles from Mt. Rushmore).  Growing up in the Black Hills fueled in me a love of God’s creation.  After high school, I attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD graduating in 1994 with a triple major in: (1) English w/an emphasis in Journalism, (2) Speech Communications, and (3) Religion/Philosophy.  (I later returned to Dakota Wesleyan to serve as an Adjunct Professor of Religion/Philosophy teaching one night course a semester.)  Following my undergraduate studies, I attended the Candler School of Theology, Emory University in Atlanta, GA.   I graduated with a Master’s of Divinity degree in the 1997.

I have been privileged to serve churches in Georgia, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, and Wisconsin.  During my career I have been honored to serve in ecumenical settings as well.  One of my appointments in South Dakota was to a three-point charge with two ELCA congregations and one UMC congregation.  I also served for seven years as an Associate Pastor at a large ELCA congregation in a suburb of Chicago. 

Skills/Gifts

One of the greatest honors of being a pastor is the ability to share God’s love with people at different stages of their life.  From the beginning of life with baptism to the end of life with funerals and everything in-between, both joyful and sorrowful, ordained ministry has allowed me to share God’s word and comfort in powerful ways.  I view my calling from God as a sacred call and I do not take it lightly.

Some of the skills/gifts that I bring for ministry include a passion to share the word of God (through sermons, bible studies, retreats).  I view preaching as a time to God’s message for us today.  While the scriptures were written long ago, I believe that they are God-inspired and continue to speak to us in our time and our place. 

Another area of the ministry that I find particularly meaningful is the celebration of the sacraments.  Both Baptism and Holy Communion are pivotal moments in the life of the church and its members.  Some of the favorite moments of my calling have been those times that I have been able to baptize someone and then been able to witness them as they have grown in their faith.  Holy Communion is a powerful reminder of the grace that Jesus Christ gave us through his sacrificial acts.

I have an ecumenical spirit while at the same time I am passionate about the United Methodist Church I am very open to partnering with other pastors and congregations in doing ministry.

I enjoy teaching all ages and have been told that this is one of my strengths.  From sharing in the joy of vacation bible school classes to bible studies at nursing homes, I have enjoyed leading classes of different types.

I am passionate about Christian camping and retreat ministries.  My faith became real to me at a church camp when I was in high school.  When I was in college, I worked at a church camp during the summers.  Later on, I became a dean for multiple camp sites for over 10 years.  Camping changes lives and I support them whenever I can.  Retreats, likewise, are powerful ways to share God’s love and grace.   Another retreat that I support is the Fox Valley Walk to Emmaus. 

Family

Gail and I were married on May 2, 2014.  We don’t have any children but we have a cairn terrier named Emory (Toto from the Wizard of Oz). 

 Hobbies/Interests/Etc.

I enjoy writing poetry, reading, going to movies/plays, acting, and spending relaxing days with Gail. I enjoy an eclectic mix of music.  Some of my favorite things are: Denver Broncos football, golfing, nature, Kodiak Island (Alaska), riding my motorcycle and the surpassing grace of God.

What We Believe

English Settlement UMC believes in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit; faith in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ; and celebration of the sacraments (Baptism and Communion).

Mission

At English Settlement, our hearts’ desire is to see men, women, and children come into a personal relationship with God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. But that’s only where it begins! Growing in that relationship with the Lord and developing friendships within the church are exciting parts of the journey.

We would love the opportunity to meet you and invite you to join us for any of our worship services, Sunday School classes, and various events. Bible study, worship, and fellowship are regular components of church life at English Settlement. So, we invite you to become a part of our church family, and share with us the joy of serving the Lord in this place.