Claxton becomes Bethlehem’s pastor

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Red Oak has a new pastor. 

The congregation welcomed the Rev. Roger Claxton to the parish on July 1. Claxton, who has nine step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren, hails from St. Paul, Minn., and Audubon. 

“I’ve lived and worked in most of southeast, northwest, and southwest Minnesota on the Lutheran half of a Lutheran Episcopal clergy couple,” the Rev. Claxton said. 

The Rev. Claxton said the possibility of a new job in a new location brought him to Red Oak. 

“I was in Audubon for about three years and put paperwork in. Red Oak was one of two options. After some conversation with the bishop and reflection, I decided Red Oak was where I wanted to be. I went through the interview process and here I am.”

The Rev. Claxton said the community has been very welcoming and was helpful after his wife suffered a recent accident.

“We had a few things left to move from our home in Audubon, and on June 6, Connie took a tumble and broke her upper right arm. The people were exceedingly kind. They made sure she was well taken care of and brought food and all kinds of things. It was an unfortunate way to begin, but we’ve been extremely impressed with Red Oak,” said the pastor. 

The Rev. Claxton, who will also serve as the pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Griswold, discussed some of his plans for the future. 

“I’m getting things back on track and getting things ready for the next stage for Faith Lutheran Church in Griswold. I’m also doing some good pastoral care and regular duties around here. We’ll see what develops after that,” the Rev. Claxton commented.