Center Welcomes New Chaplain

Holt Joins Anne Carlsen Center as Chaplain

Reverend Ethelind S. “Lindy” Holt is joining Anne Carlsen Center as Chaplain. Holt, an ordained United Church of Christ pastor, has more than 12 years of Church experience.

With experience from throughout much of the state, Holt has chaplaincy experience in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes and a boarding home for individuals with mental health issues and developmental challenges. She has worked with children as a camp counselor, a parish pastor, and oversaw six school-based mentoring programs with children, youth and adults. As the Disaster Ministries Coordinator for the Northern Plains Conference UCC she works to help coordinate assistance to people suffering from disaster-oriented stress and loss.

 “I am seeking a call that will weave together my passion for ministry, chaplaincy and spiritual direction/companionship,” said Holt. “I have compassion for those who live on the margins and are challenged in life and I have discovered that they are some of our best teachers.”

Holt comes to the Center as the former pastor at Mayville’s Congregational United Church of Christ, and the chaplain to resident and staff at Luther Memorial Nursing Home.

“The chaplaincy component is vital to the care we provide at the Anne Carlsen Center,” said ACC Chief Executive Officer Eric Monson. “The chaplain serves not only our students and clients, but also their families and our staff. We are very excited for Lindy to be joining our team at ACC.”

Each Thursday afternoon during the school year, students and staff come together and worship during a chapel service. In the summer months, during the extended school year, students enjoy Vacation Bible School.

“Experience has taught me the importance of pastoral care and being present at the difficult, joyous and everyday times of life with the church family and community,” said Holt. “Encouraging and helping the congregation to be a presence for each other and for the community are important, too. Our churches need to be safe places that welcome all people.”

The Anne Carlsen Center exists as a unique blend of multi-faceted services that help empower individuals with disabilities – and their families – toward greater independence. The Center provides residential, educational, therapeutic, occupational, spiritual, early intervention, and community-based services for individuals with autism and other disorders on the autism spectrum, medical fragility, and intellectual disabilities.

To read more about the Chaplaincy program at the Center click here