Welcome to Grove Lake Lutheran Church! Whether you are a visitor, a newbie,  or a long time member, we are excited to be church together with you!  I am Pastor Beth Monke, and began my journey into church ministry in my 20’s as a church youth director, and then took a 30 year hiatus in the field of community mental health as a licensed psychologist.  In 2020, I was called into ministry once again and began seminary at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, while continuing my work at Lakeland Mental Health Center in Fergus Falls.  In the Spring of 2025, I graduated from Luther, and by September of 2025, I was ordained and was called to Grove Lake!  It has been a wonderful whirlwind of the Spirit’s push and pull on this journey.  I could not be happier to be a part of this wonderful congregation!

And what is your journey?  What is your story?  Each week we hear about Jesus’ journey, and the story of the journey of the people of God throughout history, but we want to know your story as well!  The Christian life is about walking together on the path which God sets before us.  Moses led the people on a path through the wilderness for 40 years, and sometimes we feel like we are on a never ending difficult journey.  God’s chosen people walked a difficult road being exiled to Babylon for generations before they could run joyfully home.  Jesus walked the way of the cross, and after his death and resurrection, Mary Magdalene and the women ran quickly along the path to spread the news, and not only did he appear to the women, but he walked alongside his disciples on the road to Emmaus, showing himself as the risen Christ.  The one who has saved us from lives of sin and death through his sacrifice and love.  

Just as Jesus walked with the disciples, God walks with us as we journey together on this spiritual path of love, joy, and sometimes sorrow and pain.  No matter where you are on your journey, we are here to love God and each other TOGETHER, we are here to serve all people in this world TOGETHER, we take and eat the bread and wine TOGETHER, yes, we are church TOGETHER!  You are welcomed and you are loved.  I look forward to getting to know you more and more, hearing your story, and being church with you.

In Christ, 

Pastor Beth Monke