Shabbona pastor to be ordained

Shabbona United Church of Christ, in covenant with the Prairie Association of the United Church of Christ, will celebrate the ordination of Pastor Jim Allen at 3 p.m. Sunday. The public is invited.

Allen came to Shabbona almost nine years ago as a licensed minister. In January, the Prairie Association approved him to be ordained and installed as the 33rd Minister of Word and Sacrament in the 137-year history of the church.

Allen grew up near Monroe, Wis., the son of Ken and Lucille Allen. He married his wife, Carol, more than 40 years ago while serving in the USAF in Colorado. The Allens raised four children and now have 10 grandchildren.

Allen is a graduate of Mercer University in Atlanta with a bachelor’s degree in economics. During his 30-year career in fiber optics and networking, Allen also completed an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.

After a call to the ministry, Allen became a licensed minister on April 24, 2005, at Shabbona UCC. Since then, Allen has completed the requirements for ordination including a Masters of Divinity degree from Northern Seminary and a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at BroMenn Hospital in Normal, Ill. In addition to remaining pastor in Shabbona, Allen plans to continue his doctoral studies.

The Ordination Service and Supper are open to the public. The Shabbona choir, muscians, actors and puppets will be on hand to celebrate. Shabbona United Church of Christ is located at 104 E. Navaho, Shabbona. If possible, RSVP by calling the church office at 815-824-2359.

For more information, visit www.shabbonachurch.com.