MARLBOROUGH — Rev. Rheanna Goodrich has been settling into her new role as pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Marlborough, with a variety of events and milestones.
She began her New England ministry in March during Lent. With clergy from Central Massachusetts as well as members of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in attendance, she was formally installed as pastor several weeks later.
Goodrich replaces Rev. Joseph Graumann, who left last June to return to his home state of New Jersey. Rev. Greg Mileski served as interim clergy while the search for a permanent pastor took place.
The new pastor said she feels very welcomed, and the warmth of that welcome has brought joy to Goodrich and her family as they settle into their new home in Marlborough. Her family includes her spouse, Mara, and their daughter, Kaili.
“The call has been amazing so far,” said Goodrich. “The congregation has been so welcoming to our family, and super supportive. I am looking forward to getting to know everybody here, working with people to figure out what comes next.”
Goodrich comes to St. Stephen’s from Michigan, where she has spent the major portion of her life. Born in Montana, she lived with her parents and sister in New Hampshire from age 2 to grade four, and has fond memories of outdoor activities.
“It is fabulous to be back in a place of diverse culture, people, language and food,” she said.
The family likes the outdoors, especially hiking, biking and camping. Goodrich also enjoys creative writing, including science fiction as well as poetry. Among many new and old adventures, she would love to try snowshoeing again, take Kaili to Hampton Beach to experience it as she had as a child, and all three would like to explore Salem, and the history of a very distinct era.
For more information about the church, visit www.saintstephenlutheran.com.
