Hi, I’m
Sherrie Hofmann
Basye,Virginia
Summary
Experienced with pastoral care, spiritual leadership, and community building. Utilizes compassionate guidance and insightful sermons to support and inspire congregations. Track record of fostering strong community connections and effectively managing church operations.
Overview
50
years of professional experience
Work History
Prince Of Peace Lutheran Church
Solo Pastor Full Time
01.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Company Overview: Prince of Peace is a small rural congregation that serves the local community and Bryce Resort.
- Prince of Peace is a small rural congregation that serves the local community and Bryce Resort.
Lakeside Lutheran Church
Solo Pastor
01.2019 - 01.2021
Faith United Parish
Interim Pastor/Solo Pastor
01.2015 - 01.2018
St Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Solo Pastor
01.2009 - 01.2015
Mason Jackson Lutheran Shared Ministry
Solo Pastor
01.2005 - 01.2009
United States Air Force
Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician
01.1976 - 01.1994
Education
Lutheran Theological SeminaryGettysburg, PA
Master of Science from THEOLOGY
05-2005
Community College of The Air Force (The Air University)Maxwell AFB, AL
ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN THE SCIENCES INSTRUCTOR from TEACHING
01.1989
Pacific Lutheran University IncTacoma, Washington
Bachelor of Science from Accounting And Finance
12-1996
Community College of The Air Force (The Air University)Maxwell AFB, AL
ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN THE SCIENCES from OTHER SCIENCES
01.1987
Skills
- Recruit and Equip Leaders
- Pastoral counseling
- Pastoral care
- Preaching
- Spiritual guidance
Life Long Learning Experiences
- 2020, Clergy Round table Leadership Training, 20
- 2024, Backstory Preaching Sermon Camp, 30
- 2021, Mediation Skills Training, 40
- 2017, Henderson leadership Conference Conflict and Creativity at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 3
- 2016, Basic Education for Intentional Interim Ministry (NALIP/IMA), 60
Current Ministry
Prince Of Peace Lutheran Church, Solo Pastor, True, Basye, VA, Rural Resort, a Congregation, 06124, 1 - 50, $100,000 - $150,000, $10,000 - $15,000, Prince of Peace is a small rural congregation that serves the local community and Bryce Resort. The congregation is an elderly congregation that receives a number of visitors throughout the year from the resort. The congregation supports the Virginia Synod and the ELCA by attending workshops, educational events, and giving Mission Support. Prince of Peace is located three miles from Bryce Resort in Base, VA. Shrine Mont is approximately one mile from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
Competencies Or Specializations
Preaching / Worship Leadership, Christian Education, Pastoral Care and Visitation, Small Group Ministry, Social Ministry, Ministry in Daily Life, Innovation / Creativity, Participant in the Larger Church, Recruit and Equip Leaders, Evangelism / Mission, My preaching style varies depending on the different contexts and situations that arise. It is generally informal and conversational unless the situation or liturgical day calls for another approach. My goal is to preach the Word of God and the Good News of Christ with faithfulness, integrity, authority and with love. I don't always use a manuscript; I do use notes to guide my sermons and to keep me on point. Sometimes, I may ask questions and involve the congregation in my sermons. Using scripture interpretation, commentaries, daily life, and current events help me to see how God is working in our lives and in the world. I use the Revised Common lectionary, the Narrative lectionary, current events, and community events to help with sermon focus and direction tin order that we Jesus in our midst. I welcome feedback on my sermons. I feel that it is important to understand how a sermon is regarded and understood by others. I want people to know that they are God's beloved children, forgiven, and made whole by Jesus Christ. Christ calls us to be the community in the world and in our daily lives and we are fed, forgiven, healed, and loved and are to share that love with others so that they can see how Jesus Christ transforms our lives., In Acts chapter 8 we hear Philip asking the eunuch 'Do you understand what you are reading?' and the Eunuch replied, 'How can I understand if there is no one to guide me?' He asked Philip to join him, and Philip began to instruct him about Jesus Christ. This scripture applies to us today as well. We cannot share our faith if we are not guided in faith by others. When we study the Word of God, pray, and discuss together we grow in faith. I believe that Christian Education and Faith Formation are essential to spiritual growth and our life in community with each other. I like to use books, movies, current events, and other means to help connect scripture to our daily lives. Some of the Bible studies that I have held over the years are: Help, Thanks, Wow by Ann Lamont; Chocolate; Stitches by Ann Lamont; Crossways International Bible exploration; Praying in Color; The Cup of Life by Joyce Rupp, I and II Corinthians, Esther, Romans, The Land of Blue Burkas, Power Surge, Women Mystics, Various Living Lutheran books, and ELCA Faith Practices Bible Studies., Pastoral care and visitation is part of my calling as a pastor. However, it is not limited to just those in the church but for all people who need pastoral care. I believe that it is also the congregation's call to care for each other and those in the community. I visit those who are home-bound, in nursing homes and hospitals, the sick, the lonely and those who are suffering in various ways. I always bring the sacrament of Holy communion, anointing oil, and prayers to help with healing and wholeness. I pray that the Holy Spirit and the presence of Christ accompany me on these visits so that I can be fully present. When I preside over the table with those who are not able to attend service I do not visit alone but I am accompanied by the presence of Christ and the Christian community. I encourage the community of faith including the youth, to visit those who need company, to provide meals, to send cards and letters and make prayer shawls, prayer squares or other expressions of prayers and blessings that come from the congregation. I also make myself available to everyone in the community who needs prayer, mutual conversation, and consolation., Small groups are very important in the life of the church. They help people to connect with others who have the same passions, interests and concerns while growing in faith. Congregations can provide ways for people to grow without being lost in the crowd. I have found that congregations who open their doors to different avenues of ministry are growing congregations. Congregations that provide a space for groups such as scouting programs, support groups (i.e. AA. Grief, Cancer, Men's, Women's, Parenting, Youth, Family, Knitting and Crocheting, Quilting, Sewing) and other charity projects are blessed by the fellowship and presence of a variety of people. Small group ministry helps me to connect with the people in a different way than just on Sunday morning. I have held many small groups over the years through book studies, bible studies, spiritual groups, prayer shawls and other outreach ministries. Small groups also provide a way to minister to specific needs and concerns of those in the community and the church. They also provide a community of support for the people who are involved in these groups., I have helped set up two food pantries and connect them grants and other resources to help obtain resources for our clients. I encourage the congregation to advertise all services and invite the public to attend all services that are offered in our congregation. I encourage congregations to reach out in various ways to the community by holding events such as free coffee, hot chocolate and hot soup during Halloween trick or treating, prayer shawl ministry, Alzheimer fidget quilts, educational classes such as a Domestic Violence discussion and testimony. This provides a way for us to meet the people in the community. I take part in community events such as local ministerial events when available. I like to connect with people by sharing ministry and fellowship with other churches in the community. We to make our presence known in the community and beyond. I have participated in and encouraged participation in the Welcome Home Initiative for Veterans, Domestic Abuse Discussions, Moral Injury Healing Groups, Recognizing Post Traumatic Stress, local food pantries, community youth groups and backpack programs for school children. I have served on a local Salvation Army Board and served as Interim Executive Director for the National Association of Lutheran Pastors (Lutheran Transitional Ministers Association). I currently serve on the board of Directors for the Shenandoah Community Health Clinic (Free Clinic) in Woodstock, VA.
Reflections On Ministry
God has blessed me with many skills, training and various experiences throughout my life to prepare me for the ministry. My military experience as a supervisor, Instructor and facilitator help me to connect with military veterans and their families. I have lived overseas and lived among God's diverse people throughout the years and have met and made friends with people of different faith beliefs and backgrounds. My first call was a parish with five churches which helped me to experience God in five different congregations but also as one church. These experiences have helped me to see the wonder and beauty of God's people when serve as stewards of creation. The ministry of Word and Sacrament allows me to serve as God's representative in the world. God gives me the strength to speak out against injustice toward all people in all places and to proclaim God's message of freedom to those who are oppressed and enslaved. I am called to feed the hungry, give hope to the poor in spirit and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and have been blessed by the people who have walked beside me on this journey., For me, the most prominent themes would be stewardship, God's love and mercy for all people, to live out our Baptismal calling in the world and to everyone is welcome. We give because that it is what we do after we first say 'I believe'. We are called to live out our Baptismal calling in the world both locally and globally. Our Baptism calls us to live in the world, to go make disciples and proclaim the Good news of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19). It is God who will provide the way for us to make a difference in people's lives, our community the synod and the ELCA. I emphasize that with God nothing is impossible, that God wants us to step out in faith, the gospel calls us to be take a risk to see what how God will work through us. We are not called to be perfect, however we are called to be faithful., I look forward to serving in a setting where the people love each other and the stranger, help each other, want to explore all of God's world through Christian Education, Faith Formation, Mission, Stewardship and live in the Joy that God gives to us. A setting in which people enjoy serving in the church and outside the church would be wonderful. I enjoy being with people who have a sense of humor and can use their creativity to help point to Christ. A congregation that honors their baptismal promises to their children and youth and provides opportunities for them to serve and grow in faith. A congregation that likes to work together, play together, and welcomes all of God's children. I enjoy being with people who accentuate the positive blessings and gifts that God has given to us and helps us to use our passions and gifts for ministry in the world., St Luke's Lutheran became the lead in the Rockwood community by opening a Food Pantry that serves mostly senior citizens and single parents. I encouraged then to apply for grants from the ELCA to fund the pantry. This inspired several of the members to go out and support for the pantry from community organizations. I encouraged and helped two congregations send youth to the ELCA National Youth Gathering. The congregation has learned new music and new worship settings from the ELW which has brought joy to the hearts of many and enlivened our worship. We have children and youth taking part in the life of the church, they usher, read, serve as worship assistants and communion bearers and in helping with the food pantry. I have encouraged people to step out of their comfort zone and to serve God's people both in and outside the church. I have encouraged and supported a Building Campaign at Lakeside Lutheran for an addition to the church building. I have led the congregation in finding news way to worship during Covid-19 such as conducting live stream and taped worship services on you tube. I encouraged meetings, coffee chat (hour), Christian Education and encouraged the congregation to take part in the Va Synod's Renew 145 project. Lakeside developed a devotional booklet to be used by the congregation during Advent 2020. I have been working on my preaching skills through Backstory Preaching and I am currently involved in the Mentorship program., I hope that the ELCA will continue as a faithful servant in the proclamation of the Gospel. To speak as a leader in the world against injustice and to strive for peace and reconciliation in God's world. I hope that the ELCA will continue to encourage ecumenical endeavors and relationships with other faiths., I try to lead by example both in the congregation and in the community. I like to plan and to make sure that things are carried out well. I tend to be informal and flexible in my leadership style, however if needed I can be directive and formal in leadership. I believe that everyone should be treated with kindness, consideration and the love of God. I try to be open, friendly, and a presence in the community. I always try to listen intently, and confess when I make mistakes and ask for forgiveness when I am wrong.
Candidate Commentary
Yes, No, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, No, No, No, No, No, No, Yes, Agreed, The Rev. Sherrie Lynn Hofmann, 2024-10-18, Virginia Synod, 2024-10-18
Additional Information
1958-08-07, Female, White / Caucasian, Married, Allan Scott Hofmann, Retired Air Force, No, No, No, I am open to the possibility of a call., 2020-10-15, False, False, False, False, False, 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, True, True, True, True, True, True, True, True, True, True, False, True, True, True, True, True, False, False, True, True, False, False, False, False, False, False, False, False, False, False, False, False, Full-Time, True, True, True, True, True, True, True, True, True, True, True, True, False, True, True, True, True, True, Synod Guidelines, 12%, 12%, In my discernment I hear the Holy Spirit calling me to a full time or a 3/4 time ministry position in a congregation that wants to proclaim and embody the gospel of Jesus Christ, study the Word of God and grow in faith and spirituality while serving the people in the surrounding community. I want to work with people to bring awareness to social justice issues that are present in our daily life, and to be a presence of Christ in the world. I have spent many hours and days in prayer at home and on two retreats listening for God's call. I am looking forward to this new journey in faith and welcome the adventure that lies ahead., I graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg PA with a certificate in Rural/Small Town Ministry. I love serving in the Appalachian area and have served on ELCMA for several years. Serving in Appalachia is unique because of the diverse cultural backgrounds of the people. I grew up in the heart of Appalachia and have a kindred spirit with the people. My service in the Air Force has provided me with many leadership skills and the ability to work with a diverse population I am called to help people grow spiritually and to serve and embody Christ in the world. Lutheran Christians have a wonderful treasure in our theology, worship, and view of God in the world and in our lives. God call where the Holy Spirit calls me to serve.
Preferred Contact Information
207 Sandpiper Drive P.O. Box 845, Basye, VA, 27850, United States, (814)521-8790, sherrielynn16@gmail.com
Roster Status
Minister of Word and Sacrament, Under Call, 2005-05-28, Virginia Synod
Language Proficiencies
English (FLUENT)
Completed Date
2024-10-18
Personal Ministry Statement
To journey with God's people in service, faith, love, and joy using the sacraments to point to Jesus Christ and his life and work. God has called me to teach, empower, equip, train, minister and lead people to a life of discipleship and to live out their baptismal calling in the world.
Personal Information
- Title: ROSTERED MINISTER
- Date of Birth: 08/07/1958
- Gender: Female
- Marital Status: Married
Timeline
Solo Pastor Full Time
Prince Of Peace Lutheran Church
01.2021 - Current
Solo Pastor
Lakeside Lutheran Church
01.2019 - 01.2021
Interim Pastor/Solo Pastor
Faith United Parish
01.2015 - 01.2018
Solo Pastor
St Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church
01.2009 - 01.2015
Solo Pastor
Mason Jackson Lutheran Shared Ministry
01.2005 - 01.2009
Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician
United States Air Force
01.1976 - 01.1994
Lutheran Theological Seminary
Master of Science from THEOLOGY
Community College of The Air Force (The Air University)
ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN THE SCIENCES INSTRUCTOR from TEACHING
Pacific Lutheran University Inc
Bachelor of Science from Accounting And Finance
Community College of The Air Force (The Air University)
ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN THE SCIENCES from OTHER SCIENCES
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