Orsted to be installed at Trinity
On Sunday, June 1, at 4 p.m., the Rev. Michael I. Orsted will be installed as Minister of the Word and Sacrament at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Uniontown. After a two and one-half year search for a pastor, the search committee was led to Rev. Orsted, who comes to Uniontown from Whitewater, Wis.
Rev. Orsted received his bachelor of arts in U.S. history from the University of Chicago in 1971 and a master’s of divinity degree from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 1975. It was a Dubuque that he met his wife, Linda. They have two daughters: Elizabeth O’Donnell, who lives in Boston with husband, Barry, and their infant daughter, Emma Jane; and a daughter, Ingrid Orsted, who is a graduate student in mathematics at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.
Rev. Orsted has held pastoral positions in Nelson, Neb.; Rushville, Ill.; Marinette, Wis.; Clinton, Wis.; and most recently in Whitewater, Wis. His wife, Linda, just completed her graduate degree in library science.
Throughout his ministry, Rev. Orsted has demonstrated great ability and warmth in human relationships as well as skill in being a catalyst for developing various church and outreach programs.
As he has stated, “I believe every congregation needs a local mission. … We must be personally involved in mission in which we look into the eyes of our neighbor.’
He has demonstrated this conviction while ministering in Marinette, where he was on the board of directors for Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Shelter, wrote grants to develop an after-school childcare program at the church, was police chaplain and served on the school board (including being president for two years).
Rev. Orsted brings to the congregation his profound faith in, and love for, the Lord. This is exemplified in a statement he made to the search committee: “It is only by giving God’s love away that we can continue to enjoy God’s love. This is our labor; this is our joy.’
Following the installation service at 4 p.m. Sunday, a reception for Rev. Orsted will be held in the chapel.
Officials said, “The public is cordially invited to share in our joy and celebration in welcoming Rev. Michael I. Orsted to Trinity Church.’
The church is located on the corner of West Fayette and Morgantown streets, with parking available on the lots directly across the street.