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!!!