Holy Trinity Lutheran Church calls Rev. Kaylie Hope Ines as its next pastor
NORTH EASTON — Holy Trinity Lutheran Church has voted unanimously to call Rev. Kaylie Hope Ines as the congregation’s next pastor following a weekend of worship, fellowship, and community events held May 16–17, 2026.
Pastor Ines currently serves two Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations in rural Kansas and brings experience in parish ministry, campus ministry, youth and children’s ministry, pastoral care, and community engagement. She is a graduate of Bethany College and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, where she also completed studies in environmental and creation-focused ministry.
In addition to her congregational leadership, Pastor Ines has worked with Lutherans Restoring Creation, served on the board of the Kansas Interfaith Action Network, and currently serves as an on-call hospital chaplain. Her ministry reflects a strong commitment to compassionate pastoral care, collaborative leadership, community building, and helping congregations engage thoughtfully with both faith and the wider world.
Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Pastor Ines shared during the weekend that she is excited to make Easton her new home. Congregation members also enjoyed learning more about her personal interests, including baking, watercolor art, sports, reading, and spending time outdoors.
The call weekend included a Saturday evening social gathering and “Tulip Talk” community conversation event, followed by Sunday worship led by Pastor Kaylie during Holy Trinity’s celebration of the Ascension of Our Lord. Following worship, congregation members gathered for the formal call vote.
The call comes during a significant season in the life of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. In February, the congregation formally entered what it describes as a “Season of Discernment and Mission Revitalization,” focused on strengthening ministries, rebuilding leadership structures, deepening community engagement, and reflecting on the future direction of the congregation.
The congregation is also marking the 10th anniversary of its commitment as a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation, publicly affirming its welcome to people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions as part of the national ReconcilingWorks movement within the Lutheran church. In recent years, the congregation has also emphasized racial equity and anti-racism in its ministries and public witness. During its long history, Holy Trinity has developed ministries focused on refugee support, hunger outreach, environmental stewardship, and community partnership.
Founded by Swedish immigrants as the Swedish Lebanon Evangelical Lutheran Church in the late 19th century, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church has served the North Easton community for more than 130 years and is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Located on Lincoln Street in North Easton, the congregation has emphasized hospitality, community service, music and worship, and outreach to marginalized communities throughout its history.
Congregational leaders expressed enthusiasm about Pastor Ines’s collaborative leadership style and her alignment with Holy Trinity’s ongoing efforts toward renewal, shared ministry, and community engagement.
“Pastor Kaylie has demonstrated genuine enthusiasm about what Holy Trinity is and what it could become,” said President David Dwiggins. “She approaches ministry not as a solitary problem-solver, but as a partner in the shared work of ministry in this community. We look forward to building new programs, strengthening community connections, and caring for God’s creation together.”
Rev. Ines is currently planning her move from Kansas to Massachusetts and is expected to formally begin her ministry at Holy Trinity in late July. A Service of Installation will be scheduled in early fall.
