The Rev. John Bromeland may be a new face at Albert Lea United Methodist Church, but he’s no stranger to the area.

A native of Frost, Bromeland was recently appointed pastor of the local church, replacing the Revs. Jim Haun and Greg Ciesluk, who received other appointments. He’ll be officially welcomed on Sunday, when the church holds a 10 a.m. outdoor service at Edgewater Park, followed by a picnic. The event also helps to kick off the yearlong 125th anniversary celebration in the church.

Bromeland says he’s happy to be home again. He has a brother living in Freeborn and another in Blue Earth. &uot;It’s really nice to be back in the area,&uot; he said.

After graduating from Frost High School, Bromeland attended Mankato State College and received his degree in corrections, social work and psychology.

After spending two years in the Army, Bromeland did six months of short-term missionary work before going to work for an international adoption agency for two years.

At that point, Bromeland decided to enter Bethel Theological Seminary in the Twin Cities, and served two churches while in seminary: LeCenter and Cleveland.

After ordination, his first assignment was at Chisholm and Buel on the Iron Range for four years, then at Epworth United Methodist Church in St. Paul.

Most recently, he served Evangelical United Methodist in Rochester for nine years.

While Sunday’s welcome is official, Bromeland said he’s already received a &uot;great welcome&uot; not only from members of his congregation, but other pastors in the community as well.

He said the local church has gone through a lot of changes, and has a new vision and mission. &uot;It’s an exciting time to be here,&uot; he said. &uot;I’m really excited to help make them disciples of Jesus Christ.&uot;

One of the biggest transitions for the church is going from two full-time pastors to one, so he’ll be working with staffing issues. And since the church has a real interest in pastoral care and outreach, he’s hoping to help develop a strong lay leadership.

&uot;I hope to develop some strong lay leadership and care for a large congregation in a really good way,&uot; Bromeland said. &uot;I want to continue with the changes that need to be made.&uot;

And, he said, he has a &uot;real hunger&uot; to meet as many people as he can. &uot;I feel it’s a critical way to care for a congregation.&uot;

He also wants to get to know the community again. &uot;So far, we’ve found a real atmosphere of neighborliness,&uot; the pastor said.

Bromeland and his wife of 30 years, Jodi, met in college and served on a Christian outreach team together. She is licensed as a K-12 teacher and most recently served as a school guidance counselor in Adams.

They have four children. Son Shawn and his wife Sarah teach at Highland Park Junior High School in St. Paul. Joya taught in Taiwan and is now living on the family farm and working in the area. Daughter Jennie just got married in Costa Rica this summer and is teaching at the International Christian School there. Son Aaron lives at home and is working in Albert Lea.

(Contact Geri McShane at lifestyles @albertleatribune.com or 379-3436.)