Religion briefly

Trinity Lutheran welcomes new pastor, Jim Beilstein

Jim Beilstein was recently named new pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Beilstein's first day was Oct. 1, with his official installation celebrated at the 4 p.m. worship service Oct. 17 at the church, 1480 Douglas Ave., Gardnerville.

Pastor Jim, as he likes to be called, came from Bakersfield, Calif., where he was pastor at the dual parishes of Peace Lutheran in Taft, Calif., and Shepherd of the Hills at Lake Isabella, Calif.

"The Lord seems to open the doors for us. The head elder here at Trinity is a fraternity brother from the University of Missouri where I took engineering," Beilstein said.

Beilstein, 61, also received a master's degree in management from Oklahoma State University, and attended the Concordia Seminar in St. Louis, Mo. He worked in sales and management at Westinghouse for more than 25 years and was always involved in his church.

His wife Mary is a teacher and will remain in Bakersfield until she completes her master's degree in reading.

Beilstein said his vision as new pastor is for Trinity Lutheran to meet the needs of the community.

Taking charge of your life

Western Nevadans are invited to discuss how to take charge of your life at a worship service in Carson City at

10 a.m. Oct. 16. The session is sponsored by Eckankar, Religion of the Light and Sound of God.

During this one-hour "Take Charge of Your Own World" worship service at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St., a skilled facilitator will give a brief talk, followed by readings, a small-group discussion and a short contemplation.

For more information on the free service, contact Clay Brant at 775-358-9013. Visit ECKANKAR's national website at www.eckankar.org. The Nevada website is at www.eck-nevada.org