Fall is truly present

Here are some real indicators in my life when I know fall is truly present

1. The Halloween candy/ costumes/ decorations are all over target... Orange and black EVERYWHERE

2. The excitement you get coming back to school, seeing your friends, new supplies... has worn off and now all school related things are trying to get all the homework and reading in you can just to stay afloat!

3. The leaves are starting to change and fall

4. The smell of apples, cider, and cool breezes

5. The urge to put away all the summer clothes and prepare the layering look for cold MN days

6. No more tasty lemonade to drink when I go to my parents (my dad thinks lemonade is only a summer beverage)

7. Stewardship

8. FOOTBALL

9. No more AC in the apartment which means lower energy bills!

10. Counting down the days till "fall break/reading days"

This is my favorite season and I hope we get a good long fall and that winter doesn't creep up too soon... although I am ok with winter.

essays, state fair, and weddings, oh my!

Cant believe it is my senior year at Seminary. I remember when I was a meek junior (freshman) and clueless to so much! Now I have completed internship, CPE (clinical pastoral Education), passed the Bible Proficiency Exam, and registered for senior classes! Looks like I SHOULD graduate on time; May 30, 2010!

Now That I am all moved home, it has been great to see friends and family! It still has not hit me completely let that I am back for good. It still feels like I am home on a long weekend and I will be heading back down to Rochester any day now...

My days are now consisting of finishing my senior approval essay... what a doosy! All my other classmates are doing the same... and they do encourage us to be in conversation about it with fellow classmates and mentors, so that good! It is due September 1st... so time is ticking! I got a lot done today.. so I feel better.

I start working at the state fair on Friday. A friend who works for KSTP hooked me up with a job selling merchandise for AM1500, and 107.1. These are my shifts so if your at the fair at these times.. come VISIT ME

8/28- 8-1 at AM1500
8/29- 2-9 at 107.1
9/1- 1-6 at AM1500
9/2- 8-1 at AM1500
9/4- 2-9 at 107.1
9/5- 8:30-2 at 107.1
9/7- 2-9 at 107.1

I get to people watch and be at the fair.. making money. I cant wait! Should be a good time!

We are marching right along with wedding planning... my mom and I went and picked out the flowers for my bouquet, and the flowers for the groomsman, moms, dads, grandparents, personal attendents and ushers. Check that off the list!

I have started to organize the mailing lists for the bridal showers. Figuring out who will go to which one... fiuring out dates, etc.

Dave and I finished registering at Macy's and Crate and Barrel. Oh man.. I am in LOVE with Crate and Barrel. So much to look at and it is layed out so organized! Its my kind of store!

We still have to do tuxes, but we have an idea of what we want.. just a matter of where to go that is affordable and reliable.

Thats all for now! More to come soon I am sure!

My last Sunday at Zumbro Lutheran

So yes.. I am back in the twin Cities... but before I reflect on that....

It was an amazing last Sunday at Zumbro Lutheran, but so sad. I thought I would be ok, but when we had our prayer together before the service started... tears began to roll down like waters... I composed my self.... Sandy of of the altar guild told me... "Im not going to pin on your honorary flower if you're gonna cry... now COME ON!"... Gotta love motivational words from Sandy!

I was great through the service... until I had to preach. To start my sermons off I always like to grab the audience with a story or catching beginning... so I started my last sermon by comparing my first sermon at Zumbro to know. 1. I was a lot shorter... (I stepped off the step they made me, whoa... what a difference). 2. my first sermon I held on to the pulpit with my life cause I was so nervous, but now I can do large hand gestures...thank you pastor Nick (supervisor). 3. I looked down a lot at my sermon... not smiling, or letting my personality shine through... but now I can be confident in being myself and look up cause I see all your faces. Thank you Zumbro for being my support, my constructive critique, my friends this past year (on come the tears). My sermon was about the bread of life... so I also thanks Zumbro for being my bread this year...nourishing me on internship!

Once I got through that part... I took a deep breath and continued with the text... No tears for the remainder... of the sermon....

When it came to communion... oh man... it was like I was saying my own personal goodbyes.. to everyone I served wine too... I had to look them in the eye....needless to say.. I was sniffling and slowly getting the words "blood of Christ shed for you" out as best I could. A powerful experience.
And Ironically the closing hymn for that Sunday was "God be with you till be meet again"... I swear I didn't pick it! Whoa!

There was a reception for me in the lounge following each service... I didn't even make it in there after the first one. There was a long line of people to wish me farewell and Godspeed as they left the sanctuary... I tried to make my way to the lounge but kept getting stopped by people... it was a good problem to have. My poor flower got crushed! By the time I made it in the lounge they were already starting announcements for the second service... so off I went to do the final service/sermon at Zumbro. I cried in all the same spots as the first service.. but couldn't quite stop at the end. It was tough!

My family and some friends came down for the second service, so after everyone left my goodbye lounge party... the pastors of the church, my parents, sisters, Dave, friends Dena and Tommy all came together to have a brunch. My dad made a whole bunch of Chicken salad, cut up fruit, and sugar cookies! It was a great closure to the morning.

I was exhausted after that.. so I took a well needed nap later that day.
I ended up going back Monday to say goodbye to staff members, clean out my computer hard drive, and pick up a few more cards people had dropped off.

Packing was Monday. Dave's family came down with a trailer.. THANKS Be to God for them!
Cleaning was Tuesday... then internship committee dinner that night. I was home back in the cities Tuesday night!

It all went so fast! I can honestly say it was the fastest year of my life... filled with so many good memories, teaching moments, and dear friends in Christ!

My last week!

Its my last week on internship and there is so much to do!

-Write my sermon.. although now most of it is done. It has been hard to come up with "final" words... i want to go out on a great note!

-Say goodbye to those at church and in Rochester!

-Pack, organize, and pack some more

-staff lunch

-final evaluation

-start my approval essay that is due Sept. 1

I am excited to be going back to the cities but I have become a part of such a welcoming, warm, faithful community. I don't think it is really going to hit me till I am already gone.. but I know this Sunday will be a day full of tears and hugs! This year I can say has probably been one of the fastest in my life... which means it was one filled with great things!

Youthworks- Cincinnati, OH

So I returned home from the National youth Gathering on a Monday and left that Saturday morning for a youthworks trip! Just enough time to do some laundry and catch upon sleep so I can do it all again in a new state, new kids, new adventures.

We loaded the two 15 passenger vans in the parking lot of Zumbro, checked the forms, and waved goodbye. 4 chaperons, 19 7th, 8th, and 9th graders headed to Ohio. I drove the whole way there. I enjoy driving. It keeps me occupied and the time flies! We stopped for the night in De Kalb and slept at a church there. We arose in the morning, were fed a great breakfast by a group of couples from the congregation. We attended their church service and we were off on the road again. Because of some extreme road work and stop and go traffic in Indiana we were late arriving to Cincinnati... but did make it safe and sound... greeted by the Youthworks staff and 2 other churches we lived and worked with all week.

Instead of building this year, our site focused on the people of Cincinnati. Some crews went to nursing homes and interacted and helped where they could there. But most sites went to churches that held feeding programs, to children. Children would come to these sites for the day, and were provided with a hearty breakfast and lunch and then a structured day of learning and playtime. Some were more structured than others. The kids ages were from 4-15.

We had a great time getting to know the kids, and them getting to know us! The girls loved playing with our hair and the boys loved running around and being boys. It was so interesting to see and hear about how some had never interacted with a caucasian person before and vice versa. Its amazing the new cultures that were experienced while we were there! We had a great time playing and simply being a positve presence in these kids lives!

Some of the evening activities the youthworks team had set up for us were: walking across the purple people bridge... crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky. Just a bridge walk away! We also went to the freedom slavery museum. We learned a lot about the history of slavery and how in some cases it is still prevelent today in parts of the world. There was so much to see and learn about... you couls spend the whole day there and still not experience everything! I highly recommend it!
We also went to a "bible study" at Tabernacle baptist church. It is a whole new way of seeing how people worship or hear the good news and the ways in which they respond to it. Lots of stomping, clapping, yelling out phrases of "preach it", "wow", "amen", and "Teach!" The Holy Spirit was truly present in the hearts of those around us...and it was so cool the way they showed it!

Our plan was to head home Friday morning, but since there was an accident with one of the van windows breaking we had to alter our plans a bit. Instead of arriving in Chicago for a fun day at Navy Pier.. Rachel dropped us off at Kings Island amusement park while she went back and waited for the auto glass guy to come and fix it. We were picked up at 3( after a day of so much fun)... and made our way to Chicago. Our main interstate was closed so after many a times recalculating our route... 3 hours later we left Cincinnati. We were in teh car about 10 and a half hours before making it to CHicago. We slept at a church for a few hours... but up at 7AM to make the last stretch home!

It was an awesome trip.. and although drained of energy I feel so fulfilled with so much! It was a great end of my internship year!

Youth Gathering Update

As I am taking some time to cool off in the convention center.. I decided to take a few moments in the Adult Academy computer lab to blog a bit. The kids are in the learning center doing workshops of their choice... some of these worshops include:Jesus Christ Movie Star- looking at Jesus in movies and how those images help shape our faithLuck of the draw- What does it mean to live on less than one dollar a day. Learn about poverty around the world.Writing stories for Healing- learn how to write your stories as an act of prayer and healing.Who's got the cheese?- How rich or poor do you feel?Learn more on your perception of wealth and poverty.Such great learning experiences.. all at our fingertips.. we are truly blessed here at the gathering.Where I am- the Adult Academy- are rooms including-The Oasis- dark room where you can rest on comfy couches and chairs. A station to charge your phone, I pod, camera, tables of loation, prayer bokos, soothing sounds. A real relaxing place to decompress, and catch your breath!A computer lab, to upload pics, email, BLOG, print things if needed.A resource room for youth and family ministry.A room to sit around tables and share in conversation about the gathering or what ever adult chaparones want to discuss!Its nice that even the adults can have some of their needs met. Its hard to not follow the kids and their activities!We have been having such a blast so far! The adults have been saing to each other how blessed we are to have such a great group of kids with us! We are loving it! The humidness is a little much for me personally but we are surviving. Thank you God for Air coniditioning!Hope all are doing well at home!Until next time....

On the bus.,....

I am on the bus... with wireless of course... on my way to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. We left Yesterday (Tuesday) at 10:30am... it is now Wednesday at 6:45 am.... we have stopped 4 times for potty breaks/food and beverage breaks. We had a nice dinner in St. Louis. All the kids (36) went to the mall to eat/shop till 9pm. All the adults headed to Chilis for a dinner and pow-wow for our wild week ahead.

The ELCA National Youth Gathering is something that takes place every three years. Churches from all over the US gather with high school kids to worship, learn, share in service and experience together. There will be about 30,000 of us total. What an experience that will be. The theme for this year is JESUS, JUSTICE, and JAZZ! Im excited to see how it all ties in.

We are staying at a hotel right in the chaos of it all... across the street from the french quarter. Im looking forward to seeing all my Seminary friends who are now pastors in churches and the ones who are still on internship like me.

We stay till Sunday morning.. then following worship we will hop on the bus for our 19 hour bus ride home. I am hoping to do some blogging while down on the trip... we will see what time permits!

Well because of wireless I have been able to blog... and register for senior fall classes... since I PASSED the BPE(Bible Proficiency Exam),,,, I know I have been putting it off forever...but I passed it this last Monday with a 93%, The hold on my account has been lifted.. along with the huge weights off my shoulders to get it done!

Ok time for a bathroom break!

Transition time!

Well... today was officially my supervisor's last day in the office. He will be in church on Sunday to preach his final sermon and so everyone can give him a proper goodbye.. but then he is out the door.. on retirement.... again... for his third time. Pastor Nick was the interim directing pastor. For those of you who are unfamiliar... its sorta like a substitute... until a new pastor is called to the church. He was with Zumbro for about a year... and lucky for me he was my supervisor. Nick was fabulous and such a strong leader. He was Bishop of the South Eastern Synod for 14 years.. so he knows his stuff! He did such a great job at guiding me and the rest of Zumbro through this transition time. The new directing pastor, Vern Christopherson wont be starting officially till the 1st of September, but he will be in and out and "directing" from his home town till he gets settled in to Rochester.

So once Pastor Nick leaves.... we are also having our visitation pastor Jim retiring too. After 8 years of serving at Zumbro Pastor Jim's last Sunday will be August 2.

One week later... Rachel Arends, the middle school director, and my dear friend will be leaving as well for she has accepted a postition at another church... in Maple Grove, MN. I am happy because she will be coming back up to the cities with me! I know I am selfish.

Then one week after that I will be having my last Sunday at Zumbro... August 16th. So many transitions at Zumbro, my goodness... There is nothing at all WRONG with Zumbro... its just a changing time.... thats all... its exciting to know that they will be having amazing new people joining the staff to continue ministry.

Well... I have a date set to finish my internship evaluation with my supervisor... the internship committee has theirs done and just has to submit it... and I still have to finish mine.. but things truly are coming to a close here! I have two trips I am taking; the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans- July 21-27 and then a Youth Works trip to Ohio with the 7-8th graders; Agust 1-8. Then I only have one week back in the office before I am done for good!

With other news... the wedding is coming along quite well. Bridesmaids dresses were picked out at David's Bridal... Cake tasting is set for July 31st at Butter Cream. Next on the list is tuxes and designing the invitation and programs. We have a lot done which is great considering I will starting up with vigorus classes in September!

Summer time!

The change of pace has changed a lot around here at church since it is summer. So many staff members are on vacation, so we are all juggling who is going to be around when... who needs to cover what... when can we get certain meetings taken care of... its tricky.. but also kinda quiet during the day time.

As for me.. I am not having as many responsibilities.. my time here is wrapping up... and since there is a lot of time going into planning the upcoming programatic year... when I wont be here.. I am slowly being taken out of planning... its sad but needed I guess.

so for my to-do list this week:

Study for the BPE( I plan to take it and pass on July 20) PRAYERS PLEASE!

Write my last article for the Zumbro newsletter

Go shopping for my last Gather Together service next week

Practice my sermon for Sunday

Make copies of my final evaluation for my internship committe memebers for our meeting tomorrow.

Start thinking about packing up stuff here pretty soon. (my office has accumulated a lot of stuff.)


I am looking forward to some church friends to come down and hear me preach this weekend. It means so much to have visitors come see me in action. I appreciate the support and seeing their friendly faces in the congregation. I always tell people... I am going to be preaching the rest of my life so there will be PLENTY of time to come see me in action... but they insist on coming as often and soon as they can! I love it!

im so bad at this blogging thing!

So I know I know again it has been quite a long time since I have blogged last! Maybe its a good thing since I am staying busy and out of trouble...but no.. I made a commitment and I know some are using this as their main way to stay up to date with what I am getting myself into!

The month of June was filled with weddings galore!
June 6th was Cody and Jess' wedding.
June 13th was Drew and Sarah Wisner's wedding. I was an usher in that and had a blast!
June 20th was Bob and Dana's wedding. I was a personal attendant but sadly got pretty sick with a virus that attacked my throat. Dave and I made it to the rehearsal and dinner but I was so sick and in urgent care most of the day Saturday, I was only able to make it to the reception. Dave met me there later, since he had yet another wedding that day of his friend Bridget! We got some good slow dances in... which was kinda fun considering Dana and Bob's reception was at the same location ours will be at in 7 months... so we got some good ideas!

As for church news... I preached on June 7... and the branches and the Vine. It was a tough sermon for me to grasp... but the Holy Spirit did a great job in guiding me through it! VBS took place last week. It actually was my first time experiencing VBS. Of course I had done many programs at Mt. Olivet of the same nature but not an actual VBS program. We had about 130 kids.. and 66 adult volunteers! It was a blast! I had no real responsibilities until Friday when I got to teach Moses parting the Red sea. We had a good time building a parted red sea with a blue tarp... lots of duck tape... brown paper, and a spray bottle.

Teachers played Pharoh's soldiers coming after "moses's people"... the little ones got kinda nervous but were ok in the end. We had a good time.

I am now planning a sermon for NEXT Sunday... July 12th, the beheading of John the Baptist. I am taking the stance of giving into pressure and where at can lead you. The passage is Mark 6: 14-29. Check it out!

My internship is coming to an end.... only a month and a half left! Its so crazy how fast the time has gone. and 2 of those weeks I will be on the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans (July 21-27) and then a Youth works trip to Cinicinatti (August 1-8). My last Sunday is August 16th. It will be a sad Sunday but a positive reflection of the GREAT year.

It has been a busy month of Engagments!!! My friend and bridesmaid Ashely and her fiance Ryan got engaged June 12th and plan to have their wedding this Sepetermber 26th! SO FUN!

My Seminary friend Amber and her fiance Kevin got engaged June 12th as well... but have not yet set a date yet!

Finally a friend from Gustavus and fellow Rochester friend Jenna and her fiance Donny (Mr. thang) got engaged a week and a half ago! Oh so exciting.

As my parents say- "your at that age"
Next will be baby showers... WHOA WHOA... slow down!

This weekend is the 4th of July... no real big plans but hope to see some family and friends. More updates later.

Alright.. so for the most part we are all up to speed. And now since summer has slowed things down a bit I will hope to keep everyone updated. For now... enjoy the summer days.

Sunny San Diego? Nope...Gray May

So I headed to San Diego May 27-May 31st, to see a life long friend of mine, Kate Forsyth. We have been friends since 2nd grade, and 6 months ago she headed to San Diego to start a new life in the sun to pursue her schooling for nursing.

I was able to take some vacation time to go see her, from Wednesday night to Sunday night. I figured since it was nice here in Minnesota it would be extra nice in San Diego, California.... well I was not aware of this thing there called May Gray and June Gloom.... yea.. thats right... I did not see the sun once while I was there.... well wait I take that back.. it came out for about 20 minutes while we were at the Santa Monica Pier. So I left MN while it was raining... experienced cloudy cold weather in CA, and when I came home... my layover was in Denver (raining), and when I came home it was raining... I swear it was following me!

ANYWAY... I didn't really go for the weather but more so to catch up with my dear friend Kate... see her new place, her new California life style. She works at at preschool/daycare... so for Thursday and Friday I got to go to work with her for the afternoon portion of her shift. She works in the infant room... a baby haven... so I was in BABY HEAVEN! Babies are my thing, I just love em so I got to play with about 15 babies at a time... it was a wild experience but I had a blast!

Kate and I went out to Joe's Crab shack for dinner one night.. and got a lot of crab legs, shrimp, and goodies to share! Another night we went out with some of her girlfriends from work. We went to a place called Jonny V's.. a place that has a great happy hour where cocktails are cheap and appetizers are free. It was fun to see the night life of San Diego... people I talked to could definitely tell I was a mid-wester.

One of my highlights was all the frozen yogurt. We went to a place called Yogurtland... where it is self serve.. with about 10 different flavors of frozen yogurt and about 25 different toppings from captain crunch, to berries galore, to nerds, chocolate and vanilla chips... oh man it was amazing.. and then it is only 30 cents per oz. Not bad!!! I think we went there everyday but one. We tried another frozen yogurt place called the Golden spoon...which was tasty but not self serve.

Kate and I spent a day driving to L.A since I had never been there before. I got to experience driving through a toll booth.. that was a first...then we stopped and had lunch with my friend from Seminary Amber who is an intern from Luther. She took us to In and Out burger.. a new experience for both Kate and I.... SO TASTY! We need to get one of those here! It was good to have Amber there... she helped us order thinsg Animal style... the way to do it I guess.

We headed to LA and saw Hollywood and Vine... walked up and down the streets looking at all the stars on the street... we were going to see the hand prints outside the Chinese theater... but there was a premiere going on... we waited to see if we could spot any celebrities but no such luck. So we headed back to San Diego and stopped to pick up some P. F. Changs for a quiet night in with chinese food and Mario Party 8 on the wii. Mark's cousin flew into town that night so the four of us all played wii... very competitive.

I head back to MPLS and arrived back home late Sunday night! It was a fun trip and I am looking forward to going back out there soon! Depsite the poor weather it was so great to reconnect with Kate!

back in the swing of things!

So I have been horrible at blogging lately.. my apologies.... I have had a lot of time off so I am now getting back in the swing of being at work, sermonizing... living the Rochester life.

I thought I would get you all caught up on what I have been doing with my life.. cause isnt that the whole point of blogs in the first place!?

Memorial weekend was not that long ago... and it was a lot of family and friend time. I was given the Sunday of memorial weekend off... THANK YOU PASTOR NICK! It was so nice to be up in the cities and not have to worry about coming back down for Sunday service. Don't get me wrong, I love Zumbro, but a Sunday off every now and again is nice. So The weekend was filled with Dave's family and my family...with sprinkles of friend time.

I was able to have some sister time with sister Taylor and our neighborhood friends Sara and Louise who are sisters... and then Tay and Sara's friend Nora.. who has no sisters so we include her. Whenever we are all in town we try to get together for a meal, games, whatever.... Since Louise was headng back to boston we had to meet early Friday morning for breakfast... not the ideal time.. but still good to get together and catch up.

Friday night we went out for Dave's dad's birthday! We went to Texas Roadhouse... AMAZING steaks and honey butter for your rolls... a delicious time!

Saturday was Wedding dress shopping day at the wedding shoppe! So exciting! My mom, older sister Steph, Maid of honor Amber, and Dave's mom Lynda all went with me. We went to the wedding shoppe on Grand and tried on a lot of dresses. Sadly I cant post pics of the dress I picked because Dave is not allowed to see it, but if you wish to see it.. just email me and I can send you a pic... I didnt end up buying from Wedding shoppe... because I looked one other place (my mom insisted.. just to be sure), I went to mesteds in Rochester that following Tuesday with some friends that live down here. I did find another dress... but since it was WAY over my price limit... it was a no.... but the good news was they did have the dress I loved (from the wedding shoppe) but for a better price... SOLD! I called my mom and dad.. and that was that. I have a dress!

Saturday night was a bachelorette party for my friend Sarah.. at a Spa in Still Water. I had a massage... which was badly needed.... then the group of us girls got ready and went out for dinner.. came back to the house and played games till late hours of the night. Such a fun group of girls... looking forward to seeing them at the wedding!

Sunday of Memorial day Dave and I had a few BBQ's to go to. One to celebrate Austin's(of Kat and Austin) graduation from St. Thomas! Couldnt stay too long but it was good to see friends of theirs we got to know from their wedding!

Then it was off to my parents for another round.. lots of family and friends were there! It was great to socialize and eat amazing food... and just relax.

Monday Dave and I headed to a movie-Night at the Museum II... it was good.. very creative! Then it was off to his parents for a final BBQ. Ribeye Steaks, salads, rice krispie bars, pie, icecream... all soo good! We got on the topic of wedding pics and ended up looking at Dave's parents wedding pics and his grandpa's wedding albulm. It was fun to see what the styles and traditions were then.. fun to reminise.. hear the stories.

It was time for me to head back to Rochester.. but only for a day and a half because I was off to California.. but I will save that for another post!!!

Wher has the time gone!?

Well tomorrow is our last Sunday for the program year! We are recognizing all our volunteers... making sure everyone who has volunteered in any way is recognized... we have a fun liturgy to honor them, but will not be mentioning all the programs and ways people have helped... we would be there all week if we did that!
It is amazing how important it is to do this but how crazy it can get preparing for it because you dont want to leave anybody out...because lord knows we would hear about it!! I am so grateful for all the volunteers at Zumbro...this church truly thrives on its volunteers. Especially with all the transition of trying to call a new directing pastor... the members of this church stepped up to the plate...ran the church... no real tragedies! THANK YOU ZUMBRO VOLUNTEERS!

It was a busy weekend at home. Lots to do with helping with a funeral of a family friend, sister heading to the ER(on her birthday) to get treated for a horrible headache( not great treatment at all.... waited from 8:30pm-4:30am), met some of Dave's co-workers while singing some karaoke, dropped of some paperwork at church for the wedding, dinner at a parishioners house tonight for end of the year continuing ed committee meetings... great food, fun company...and the weekend is not even over yet!

This next week should be ok, not too much on the to do list but you never know what could happen. Even though major program year is over, the summer season is packed full with VBS, weddings (to attend and be in), National Youth Gathering, Youth Works trip, and then before you know it, I will be packing up to head back to Seminary for my final year of classes! Again, I ask... where has the time gone!?

WE'RE ENGAGED!!!

Yes it is true! Dave and I got engaged last Friday night!!
This is how it happened:

We were having a quiet evening in; making dinner and relaxing. Dave said he had brought dessert and wanted it to be a surprise. He made me tie a scarf around my eyes so I wouldn't peek, and he went into the kitchen to get it. He was "getting dessert" from the freezer. Making a lot of noise in the kitchen...and all I could think of was "what is for dessert? Ice cream? Popsicle? When he said open, he was down on one knee in front of me(box closed). Since the box was larger than a normal ring box, I still thought it was dessert. Once he opened it and asked me to marry him, I then realized THIS WAS IT! The MOMENT.

Now it has to be said, that I was not expecting this at all, because Dave had convinced me that the ring that should have been in earlier had to get sent back to get reset.... so it would be another few weeks till he even had it! ALL A LIE! Needless to say I was completely surprised... what he wanted!


So now we are on to planning! We have set a date; January 30, 2010
It will be at Mt. Olivet at 7pm with a dessert reception to follow...that is about all I know right now. I have my older sister and mother helping me research reception halls.. so we will hopefully get one booked soon!

I am so excited I cant even stand it! Just like every other girl who has been planning their wedding in their head their whole lives, now that I actually get to plan it, its like a whole new ball game! But i the end I get to be with the man I love..FOREVER!

Birthdays, Bridal showers, and Bachelorette parties!

What a weekend! I went up to the cities for a few events this last weekend. It all started with going to see Godspell at Edina high school! WHAT A SHOW! I am in love with that musical... and the talent those Edina kids have in incredible!!! I get filled with the Holy spirit every time I hear those songs, day by day, Light of the world, all good gifts, we beseech thee! I LOVE IT!! Kat came with me because she knew the costumes designer... well and its more time for us to hang out!



Friday started with manicures and pedicures with Emiley, followed by lunch at Broders...mmm Italian, and then some shopping for a bit! Went home for a quick nap so I could be ready for my birthday party at Dave and Busters! Dinner was at 7 for about 20 people... Dave's parents ;Dave and Lynda came, along with his cousin and brother! What a family! I was surrounded with so many friends! They put us in a party room... although I never reserved one... nice! People kept showing up all through dinner! Some were complete surprises! (amber and Kevin)... it was so nice to have so many show up! After dinner we all went out and played games!!! Ski ball, trivia, racing games, basketball... so fun to resort back to our kid days of arcades and just have fun! more and more people showed up to play some games with me! Every where I turned it s like a new friend showed up!


Saturday Dave and I had a low key morning, waiting for his car to be fixed..then I had to get ready for Dana's shower and bachelorette party! Good food, present opening and fun games were played. We met family and all got to know each other! Then it was off to the bachelorette party. After all getting ready we headed to chino latino for appetizers and cocktails... then just had a fun night out on the town. I am realizing how much that is not my scene anymore. Dont get me wrong, the girls were all fun.. but loud music, big crowds, and chaos is not something I do on a regular basis anymore.





I woke up the next morning with NO voice.. I know.. me... no voice! I had to be a silent presence in church, and couldnt lead prayers or the benediction... Nick took over... no big deal...but its hard to be in ministry with no voice when that is what you use to pray, greet, and lead the people.

I am recovering now, and getting ready for the Synod assembly this weekend. But first, tomorrow I am heading to Luther Seminary for our previews day! Kids from all over are brought to luther by their church leaders to check it out...hoping maybe someday they will come to seminary... Ha.. i went as a senior in high school and look where I am at now!! So you never know......

Post Holy Week

Oh Gosh, it has been so long since I have posted! My apologies! It has been a whirl-wind of events and such! Where do I begin...?

Well Holy Week was amazing! I was able to be a part of all the services, stripping of the altar... bearing in the HUGE wooden cross... that was an amazing perspective.. I started complaining about how my shoulder hurt after holding that cross for a straight 20 minutes... then I stopped myself and realized that is NOTHING compared to what Jesus had done... so I was put in my place and it gave me a true perspective on that day, journey... although I wasnt even close to understanding... are any of us!?

Easter was amazing... the sanctuary was filled with flowers everywhere... smelled awesome, looked so beautiful! We had an incredible procession with banners and choirs, and bells, it was such a celebration! CHRIST is RISEN!!!

I then hopped in the car after the 3 services: 7,9, and 11... to head home to MPLS, where I took a well needed nap... then Dave and I headed to my parents for Easter dinner/ celebrate my birthday! ( we always celebrate my birthday on Easter).... family and friends gathered for great food, fun time opening presents, more food, and birthday cake and pie!!! MMMM.... I love birthdays...

I had Easter Monday off so I was able to sleep in, get some errands done in the cities, before I headed back to Rochester for another busy week at church.

We started up our mid week services again... and we are not having asl many people sign up to help as we wanted... so that is a struggle right now... I feel Im needed in 5 places at once... coffee, dinner serving, communion in the service, clean up... ok.. I am done venting...

Tuesday was my actual day of birth! I got many phone calls, text messages, and facebook postings! I truly felt so loved! My supervisor Nick took Dave and I out to Michaels for lunch... really great food.. and apparently you cant live in Rochester without experiencing Michaels.... Dave and I will be going back soon.

Many parishoners wished me a happy birthday with cards, flowers, and singing. I LOVE my church! The night of my birthday I started a 3 week book study on the Shack! It was agreta turn out... we had amazing discussion, and more birthday cake! HAHA.... I am looking forward to having the next two sessions.. we will really be diving into the questions about God and suffering, trinity, and justice! If you have not read the Shack yet.. PLEASE DO!

Well I preached yesterday on the "doubting Thomas" text... and it went really well.. I focused on how doubt is NOT the opposite of Faith and that what we are to do with that doubt... My parents, sister Casey came along with Dave and his parents.. it was great to have them there to look out at as I preached! We went back to my apartment after for bloody marys, memosas, and amazing egg bake!!! my friend and other Seminary Intern Seyward and Justin joined us! Fun conversation and delicious food! I am blessed!!

This week should be managable... not too much going on.. but enough to keep me out of trouble I think.

My birthday party is this Friday which I am looking forward to! Dave and Busters for dinner and games... CHUCKY CHEESE for Adults! Cant go wrong there!

Well thats a good catch up... hope all are well!!!

Oh gosh.. holy week....

Well.. after a three hour meeting today with the staff.. we went over the details of the 10 services that are coming up this week... 2 on Wednesday at Assisted living locations, 2 on Maunday Thursday, 2 on Good Friday( where I am the one to be 'Jesus', and carry in the HUGE wooden cross), an Easter rehearsal Saturday morning, an Easter Vigil Saturday night, and three services on Easter morning, 7, 9, and 11.

Lots of practice, costume changes(so to speak), specific instructions... so much time and effort has gone into these services that have been living off of Zumbro tradition for many many years! It is such an eye opener to be a part of the celebration of the Risen Christ... but I feel with all the work that is being put into it.. I myself am going to have to try extra hard to "worship" at these services. Since this is all so new to me, I have to pay extra attention to what is coming up next... I just hope I will not get so wrapped up in the production of it all, so I can see, witness, and feel the powerful presence of the crucifed and risen Christ in the prayers, music, procession, light and darkness, and drama that lies in the tradition of this Church.

Blessings to all this holy week! I will update as best as I am able!

Otto's Bakery Night

So... one of the many traditions here at Zumbro is Otto's Bakery night! Otto is a member of our church and he provides all the bakery treats on Sunday mornings! One Saturday night a year he opens up his bakery, In Byron, for members to come and have a potluck dinner, and then watch how doughnuts, apple fritters, and tasty treats are made!

One part of this tradition is that the INTERN is required to go and asist Otto in making everything!
I was not aware it was a requirement/hazing! It was not a bad thing but they really do make you work!

Some of my duties were as follows:

1.I was asked to measure out the flour, base, and yeast... get the (heavy) dough out of the bowl so it could rise.

2. Flip everything that was fried.. you used two sticks (that looked like what you would play drums with)

3. Glaze certain but not all doughnuts ( I called that baptism)

4. Distribute treats for those standing around.

5. Roll out the dough in a fast paced machine!

6. Sometimes I was asked to catch the dough that came of the fast moving machine.. very nervewracking!

7. Cut, twist, and place on trays

8. Frost the Long John's

9. Dice up the apple fritters

10. Fill the bismarks with custard or raspberrry filling!

Needless to say, it was a busy but super fun night! I kept the crowd entertained for sure! Many said they saw a whole new side to Intern Mollie!

Just one more reason I am so lucky to be at Zumbro! My experiences have been unforgettable!
I can now add this to my resume! Some church is gonna want someone who appreciates the making of doughnuts/lefse/ and norweigian cookies... right!?

Enjoy all the pics pastor Wayne and pastor Paul took of the evening!

Pastor Wayne.. the photographer!

pals, puppies, and picnics!

Last weekend, when the weather was gorgeous, Dave and I got together with our friends Kat and Austin so we could meet the new addition to their family... Nash.. the lab/retriever puppy.... a huge step but such a blessed one! The got him through a Craigslist ad, that was just meant to be. The ad had been put up just before they checked it, and the people lined up to come "see" the dog, never showed... so off they went to meet and greet, and adopt their new puppy, for a great price including, bowls, puppy food... more than they could ask for!!



It was fun to see them as a family, and see Nash and his puppy ways! So fun to go have a fun lunch in a park near by and eat Buffalo Wild Wings and just enjoy each others company, the NICE weather, and the simple pleasures in life; just like Nash who found fun in a stick, or freedom to run, or to lay in the grass and just be! Amazing how much you can learn from a puppy!



I need to do more of that in this time of lent. I am getting too caught up the busyness of completing a check list... I need to just be, not get caught up in the hectic time frame of when I am free, or obligated to be somewhere.

So blessings to you Kat and Austin with your new addition, Nash! He is one lucky puppy! So loved!

Teenage wasteland

This last Saturday I was able to attend another performance here in Rochester, called Teenage Wasteland... some of our kids from church were in it. The Schowalter sisters, Kirsten, Megan, Susan, and Gretchen.... are all dancers and all took part in this show! I am partial to these girls because they are 4 girls, just like in my family!!! They also take part in our liturgical dance group here at Zumbro too.. so they are able to show their talent when the liturgical dancers perform during the service every now and again.

Teenage Wasteland is a performance of dances done by teens to show the different things they face each day... at home, at school, dances, cliques, health class, peer pressure.... all the music is up to date music such as Where is the Love by Black Eyed Peas, Fallen by Alicia Keys, Parents just dont undertsnad by Will Smith... so very contemporary but powerful... it strips away the sugar coating and lays it right out there for you to see.. the struggles, the humor, the real things that are impacting teens these days!

the Performance was truly amazing! I feel so blessed to witness such talent in the Rochester Community, and have some of them be memebers of my church! ha, I almost feel like a proud parent!

Sadly I didnt take any videos of the show.. but that is because I was so into it!

These are the Schowalter girls... such a fun group of sisters... reminds me a lot of me and my sisters so much!

Godspell

I was able to drive down to Luther College and see ms. Carah Claflin in their dress rehearsal of Godspell. I went with Carah's mom Beverly and the Edina high School performance team since they are doing a production of Godspell in April.

I absolutely love Godspell! The first time I saw it was at South high school in 8th grade with my friend Nick... we ended up going back the next 3 nights to see it! I love the songs, the messages, the creativity you can do with that show! I cant say enough about it! Yes, I even own the movie Godspell on VHS! I only wish I could do a performance of it here at Zumbro, because the musical talent this congregation holds is incredible... but there is just not enough time left in my internship year.

The show at Luther was amazing. Such talented actors and actresses, musicians, director...it really helped me to appreciate the arts and how important they are in schools.. and in my life! They did creative things with the script..using modern songs to help emphasize the point( example: single ladies, put a ring on it)
The dancing was powerful, the message and acting was powerful... so way to go!!

I provided a couple videos from the show so you could get a peek into the brilliant show!



Enjoy! and have a God filled day!

Weekends

As I sit here in Caribou, on a Friday, my day off... I am starting to see the affects of my true pastoral life style. I have time today to do nothing.. no work, just play.. as the world around me is busy working--the last day of their work week preparing for the weekend, when I am already a day into mine.

THIS Weekend's plans will consist of the following:
- Dave comes down tonight- for a movie and dinner at Seyward's place with Justin and Rachel.
-Saturday will be low key with dinner plans at Janpachi- the Bennihana of Rochester
-Sunday will start early with church services at 8:30 and 11:00- home for lunch with Dave- lunch- mostly Erberts and Gerberts... Dave will head home and I will get together with the girls to watch some reality TV.. head to bed so I can get up the next day for a full weeks work.

My weekends are from Thursday night to Saturday... where most people have the typical Friday night to Sunday weekend. Lots of activities happen on Saturday nights... which I have to miss out on due to my early Sunday morning.

Part of it is because I am in Rochester, and majority of my friends who invite me to fun Saturday night activities, live in the cities. My big challenge that will effect this awkward weekend schedule I own, is, all the weddings... in June.. that take place up in the cities SATURDAY nights....
Dave and I have 4 weddings to attend in June... 2 of which I am in. I cant possibly take off all Sundays in June... so do I ask to miss the first service and drive back that morning in time for the 11? Do I drive back that night after the reception so I can be there for both services? Do I take of the Sundays following the weddings I am in?

I know my church is understanding and will help accommodate the scheduling.. but I am now realizing this is how my life is going to be. I am not complaining in the slightest..... although it is hard to get up early on a Sunday.. once I step inside the doors of church and see congregation memebers, I am filled with energy and LOVE for what I do! I am reassured every day, but especially Sundays of the Holy Spirit working through me to serve God and the the Zumbro Lutheran Congregation! I just get to experience "sabbath" and rest on different days!

This is my life... and I do love it... I really do beat to my own drum.. or at least share this drum with the lives of other pastors!

Blessings this weekend to you.. may you find time to rest in the schedule you live!

wher did the time go?

As I look back on the last time I posted.. it has been so long that the month of March is now here...
I cant believe it. So much has happened since the SPAM museum, so I thought I would create a list...

1. Had lunch at Holmstead (living facility for senior citizens, for a pastor appreciation lunch, and have been invited back to have a pool tournament with some of the residents there.

2. Hosted an Academy Awards party and had Rachel, Seyward, Justin, and Dave over for food, and ballots!

3. Experienced Ash Wednesday by imposing members with Ashes. Not a service I attended frequently growing up at church.. but this Ash Wednesday was powerful. reading the liturgy, mixing the Ashes, imposing the members... not once but twice( 2 services that day)... incredible beginning to lent.

4. Gave up fast food for lent with the exception of Subway and Herberts and Gerberts- since it is "healthy"...

5. Went back to Seminary and saw a lot of people I had been missing!

6. Played an awesome game of Trivial Pursuit 90's edition.. with Kat and Austin and Dave... boys against girls... GIRLS WON!!

7. Celebrated Danielle's baby shower with some great girls from church. It was a fun car ride.. going way out of our way, but seeing many interesting things while driving through the middle of NO WHERE!!

8. Sprained my right foot while running up the stairs at the Kuntz home. Its healing, but not fast enough. I had to rely on others to get me medicine, ice, drive me home... and I realized how guilty I feel depending so much on others.. I know I know.. I couldnt help it...but I am supposed to be the one helping others... its hard to reverse the roles...

9.Discovered a new salad from DOLE that I love, called Winter Jubilee! Bib/iceberg lettuce, dried cherries, almound slices, blue cheese crumbles, and white vinigrette! AMAZING!

10. Said goodbye to my supervisor who is now in Flordia with his wife for the month of March. (it was in his interim contract)... its going to be a busy month, but he has supervised me well enough that I will manage. I have a sub supervisor( the other interim pastor)... but he wont have to do much.

I am blown away with the fact my internship is already half over.. well more than that actually. I have been learning so much and enjoying my time here.. so much... it is going to be tough to leave! but I stillhave 5 months to enjoy and work hard before I head back to class/homework/late night studying.

SPAM MUSEUM!

We have staff retreats about 2 to 3 times a year. These retreat consist of leaving the church...doing something fun, eating lunch somewhere, then having an extensive meeting, usually lasting 3-3.5 hours talking about the calendar( for the next 6 months). Since the SPAM Museum was only 40 minutes away in Austin, MN...Nick suggested we go!!

So off we went... as a staff.. in 2 vans... to the museum... where lots of fun took place, lots of facts were read and experienced. Its nice to hang out with your staff outside of work.. there is almost a whole different side to them when you step out of the office and just enjoy each others company.



After the museum we ate at a place across the street called Jerry's Other Place. Spam was on the menu in different forms. We ordered a couple orders of spam sticks... they we like deep fried spam... the batter was SO delicious, and the spam was not half bad... salty ham... pretty much...
but I would never eat it cold... although you can. After my BLT and strawberry rhubarb pie we all piled in the vans again.. and headed to St. Olaf Church in Austin, where Nick served as pastor before he became bishop of the South Eastern Synod.

We got a tour of their new remodeled church!!! Zumbro is needing some updating, so that tour gave us some great ideas! ;)

We had a productive meeting and talked about events up through next fall! So strange that when people starting talking about anything post August... I knew I was not going to be there. A couple times people turned to me, expecting my involvement(habit), forgetting I was not going to be there after August 16th. :( So sad.... I feel so at home...not being a part of Zumbro's plans for next fall makes me realize how lucky I am to have had such a great experience here.

We then headed back to Zumbro after our long meeting... that day took a lot out of me... but it was a a day that needed to be had.. by all the staff!!

Proud to be a woman!

I was invited this last Saturday to ZWELCA (Zumbro women of the ELCA) lunch to celebrate all our birthdays. There were about 9 tables... and at each table was a host, who got to decorate the table however she wanted... each table had it's own theme! Then each host was able to invite 7 other women to sit at her table... that is how you were able to come... I was invited by Annette... I didnt know how lucky I was to be invited until I got there. At first I thought it was going to be another church lunch deal... some food and fellowship... and although there was nothing wrong with THAT... it WAS a Saturday... a typical day off for me... so as a intern pastor... you kind of are still "working in a sense" by simply being there.... but I was honored none the less...

The theme for the lunch was bold women. "Such is the confidence we have through Christ...since then, we have such a hope, we act with great BOLDNESS." 2 Corinthians 3: 4-6, 12

The mission for the women of the ELCA is "To mobilize women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ."








They had 4 speakers who talked about how they are acting boldly in this world! It was after these speakers I have never been more proud of being a woman.. in my life!!!

1. Jan Vetter(very active member of our church) talked about her mother and friend who have inspired her to start the adopt-a-family program... she is a rock star at it.. so organized... so passionate about her work!

2. Annette Godtland- Spoke of her experience giving up her daughter for adoption. So many times you hear the side of the adoptive parents and their experience...but she told the side of becoming pregnant and making the bold decision to give her daughter up for adoption... and then being contacted 25 years later by her daughter... reconnecting with her and how that has impacted her life so far.... proud to have been a part of her daughter's life now.. witnessing her daughter's son's baptism... knowing... if she would not have made this bold choice... look at what would NOT have happened....

3. Jill Youse- a little older than me... While breastfeeding her first child, Jill realized she had a "weath of frozen unused milk" and made a bold choice by originating both the International Breast Milk Project and the nonprofit supporting it today, enabling HIV babies in Africa to receive nature's perfect formula and a better chance for life. IBMP is the only organization in the world to send large-scale provisions of donor breast mild to infants unable to naturally breastfeed in Africa!

4. Judy Weller- Started a fundraiser where she boldly runs marathons to support the Boys & Girls Club.... she collects pledges for every step she runs... 100K's!!!! her Goal is to raise 100,000.... she has raised about 45,000 so far!!! She is determined to finish!
Annette, Jan, and Judy...(Sadly Jill had to leave early and couldnt make the picture)


Each woman was so remarkable.. and have made such BOLD decisions and actions! I can only hope I can do the same in my ministry... or to whatever God is calling me to do!

"There is no more liberating, no more exhilarating experience than to determine one's position, state it bravely, and then to act BOLDLY!" - Eleanor Roosevelt

My fun name tag... I was at the LOON table!