St. James Lutheran church and school in Northrop have faced several challenges over the past year and a half, but it’s safe to say that the community is ready to move forward. Several positive changes are being made that will turn the community in the right direction.

A new principal, Jon Jenks, will join St. James Lutheran School this year. Jenks will not only be the new principal, but the seventh and eighth teacher as well. Jerks recently moved to the area from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he taught at Sherman Park Lutheran, part of LUMIN Schools, for the past six years. Jenks has 14 years teaching experience and one year experience as a principal.

Jenks was initially contacted by St. James Lutheran’s former pastor, and he didn’t consider the position too much at first, but stayed in touch.

“When I found out about the events that were unfolding, I was hesitant. But the more I learned about the history of the church and school, and the more I prayed, I realized that this is where I’m supposed to be,” Jenks said.

Jenks moved to the area with his grandson, Zack, who will be in eighth grade at St. James Lutheran School this year.

“We’ve only been here a month and a half but anytime I or some else needs helps, people step up. Things have been getting done and that’s great to see,” Jenks said of the teachers and community members that have been helping around the school.

The school has several new features this year, thanks to an Ag Star grant it received this spring. Raised garden beds were recently put in outside and a new weather system came in last week which Jenks said will be connected to the curriculum through math and science classes.

This year the theme for National Lutheran Schools Week is “It’s Still All About Jesus.” Jenks, along with the other teachers at St. James, are adopting the theme for their school this year, as well.

“It’s a good message and it’s important to remember and put Him first,” Jenks said.

On March 30, 2016, a devastating fire destroyed St. James Lutheran Church. Three months ago, there was nothing but grass and dirt in the place where it once stood. However, driving by on the highway now, the structure of a building is visible. Workers have been starting some mornings as early as six in order to rebuild the church.

Tom Koeritz, a member of the congregation, says they hope to be in the new church by June of next year. Koeritz said that many items needed to be addressed but that everything is progressing well.

In the meantime, some members of the congregation have been going to Zion Lutheran Church-Fraser. Several members of St. James Lutheran reported how supportive and helpful members of Zion have been.

Jenks commented on how nice it is to see members of different churches watching out for and helping each other.

“It shows you that a church isn’t just a building, it’s so much deeper than that,” Jenks said.

Jenks also reported that there will be an opening chapel service on the first day of school, Monday, August 28 at 8:15 a.m. He welcomes the community to join the students at the school for the service.

While St. James is still looking for a pastor, they’re pleased to have the help of two temporary fill-in pastors. Rev. David Schultz is providing spiritual care during the week and Rev. Phil Andreasen is helping out on Sunday mornings.

Alan Wille, who is a spokesperson for the congregation at this time, said that they’re still waiting for the synod to find a minister but in the meantime, they’re looking for a temporary interim pastor. An interim pastor would help the congregation during the pastoral transition.

“It’s going as well as we could hope and we’re moving forward,” Wille said.