Clearwater’s Rejoice Lutheran Church has welcomed a new pastor, Jim Bump, who began serving the congregation in January.

Ordained in 1989, Pastor Bump attended seminary at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. Originally graduating with degrees in sociology and psychology with a concentration in religious studies, he felt an inner calling during his college years.

“When I was trying to decide if going to seminary was the right path for me, I was told, ‘don’t do it unless you have to,’” said Bump. “It was good advice; I felt I had to.”

After his ordainment, Bump has spent the majority of the last 30 years in Wisconsin, most recently in New Richmond, where he heard the congregation of Rejoice had sent out a pastoral calling.

“I have experience working in challenging situations, some that are complicated by sexual misconduct,” he said. “Interviewing with Rejoice I felt we had a good connection; I felt called to be there.”

Rejoice has been without a pastor since 2018 after their last pastor resigned after admitting inappropriate sexual behavior.

Bump had hoped to answer a calling near St. Cloud, where his elderly parents are living. A sister and brother-in-law and one of his daughters also live not far from the area.

“I felt drawn to Rejoice even if it hadn’t been close,” he said. “God works in mysterious ways. I’m very fortunate.”

Bump had just begun his new position and had been spending time visiting with members of the congregation so he could start getting to know everyone when COVID-19 hit.

“The virus interrupted the whole thing,” he said. “It’s not an ideal time but it’s also the best time. The church rises when the spirit rises during occasions like this. It helps us to grow.”

The first few weeks of the pandemic were spent getting their bearings straight and figuring out how to get services online.

“I try to do my sermons live from the church,” said Bump. “I like to feel I’m making a connection, which is hard to do when you can’t see parishioners’ faces.”

Rejoice now has the equipment needed to make it happen. The services require three people, one for the computer, one for music, and Bump himself.

“People say they’re enjoying seeing their church during the services,” he said. “It offers them comfort and assurance, which is what people need during times like this.”

Along with the services, Bump has been making phone calls with parishioners and meeting online with the church council every couple of weeks. He’s also working on organizing a Bible study for the congregation’s high school students, which he’ll be leading from different places throughout the wider community. The students will need to guess where he’s at, and the lesson will be based on that location.

“It’s hard to plan for the fall,” he said. “But one of my experiences that I consider a gift is helping congregations reach out and grow.”

Looking for other ways to connect with the community, members of Rejoice have also created YouTube videos of themselves reading books for younger members to view.

“We’re just trying to figure out where we’ll go from here,” said Bump. “Things are changing day to day.”

The church is taking things carefully, based on what the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) has been recommending.

“We’re taking it slowing, which I think is a wise thing to do,” he said. “Loving your neighbor is also not exposing them to the virus.”

Rejoice will be holding a drive-through communion this Sunday, using sealed, disposable cups. A noisy offering will also be held, which will be donated to Pathways for Youth.

Bump lives in the rural South Haven area with his wife, Pam, whom he’s been married to for over 30 years. He has two adult children and two grandchildren. He also breeds, trains, and tests wirehaired pointing griffon puppies.

“The puppies are a nice way to connect with younger families,” he said. “I invite the kids to come and play with the puppies so they get used to being handled.”

“We feel very blessed,” Bump continued. “The congregation is great and being this close to family members is nice. I love Clearwater and am looking forward to meeting more people and businesses.”