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!