New Albert Lea Salvation Army Captains James and Angie Pennington are bringing a fresh, family-centered approach to the local ministry.

Friday, June 29, 2001

New Albert Lea Salvation Army Captains James and Angie Pennington are bringing a fresh, family-centered approach to the local ministry.

The couple, both ordained ministers, began as commanding officers in the Albert Lea organization this week.

&uot;We’re a church first and foremost,&uot; James said. &uot;Everything we do is done through our love of the Lord. But in some respects we have double the responsibilities: As a pastor and as a social service agency.&uot;

The Penningtons met in Salvation Army Training College, James said. Both are ordained ministers, and have served together in Springfield and Sedalia, Mo., and most recently in Rochester.

In Albert Lea, James has power of attorney, but they share all other commander duties.

&uot;It has its advantages and disadvantages,&uot; James said. &uot;Sometimes we can make our own hours and fit family obligations in there.&uot;

The Salvation Army in Albert Lea has seen a quick procession of commanding officers in recent years, but the Pennington family hopes to be in the area for a long time. They are young – Angie is in her mid 20s and James is in his early 30s – and have three adopted children, Ashley, 8, Michael, 7, Zachary, 7 weeks.

&uot;Our kids want to stay for 100 years, they said,&uot; Angie said.

The officers hope to run a family-friendly ministry, but they won’t make specific plans until they get to know the community better, they said.

&uot;The biggest thing we have to evaluate is what the needs are in the community and how the Salvation Army can meet those needs,&uot; James said.

On first glance -&160;the Penningtons arrived in town Monday – the thrift store is likely to be a priority, along with handicapped accessibility and air conditioning in the church, James said.

&uot;We’re happy to be in Albert Lea and look forward to working with the community to make Albert Lea a better place for all of us,&uot; he said.

They replace Major David Logan, who was filling in as an interim commander.