Pastor's Periodic Pondering  
by Pastor Josh Nelson

 
 

INTRODUCING PASTOR SUE ENGHOLM

Since this past September, we've been preparing to hire a pastor who could work part-time with us in an interim capacity, serving us through the rest of this school year.  With the Synod's recommendation, the church council appointed a transition team (Marcia Strand, Lance Wegner, Robert Hoppe, and Pr. Josh) who met for a few months and then set up an interview with Pastor Sue Engholm.  After that, the HR team and the Church Council approved the recommendation, and lo and behold, here is Pastor Sue.  She arrived this past Wednesday night and took part in activities with Christos and Confirmation and will be with us in worship this coming Sunday.  I simply wanted to introduce her, and to turn this pondering over to her so she can further introduce herself.
 

"Greetings!  I am thrilled to be part of the team at Family of Christ!  I have already experienced this faith community to be vibrant, warm, and welcoming.  With that in mind, let me begin by saying THANK YOU for your hospitality!  

For those of you I have not met yet, I grew up in Fargo, ND, where my parents still live.  I have an older brother who lives in Woodbury with his two sons.  After graduating high school, I went to the U of MN, Twin Cities for my undergraduate degree, then on to Luther Seminary.  Since then I have served as an associate pastor in St James, MN, as a chaplain at Project Turnabout in Granite Falls, and as an interim at a two-point parish in Benson and Swift Falls, MN.  These days, I primarily serve congregations and individuals through pulpit supply and spiritual direction.  My husband, Jeff, and I have lived in Watertown, MN for the past 2-1/2 years along with our dog, Beverly.  I have two step-kids through Jeff:  Isaac is married to Christina and together they have a 2-year old daughter, Alice.  They live in Enid, OK, where Isaac is finishing out his commitment to the Air Force as a medical doctor.  Hannah is married to Chris, and they make their home in Valley Center, CA, serving as a lawyer and engineer.
 
I look forward to getting to know you!  Please be sure to introduce yourself and tell me a little about you.  Transition is a special time in faith communities, as it can produce vibrant opportunities for growth and new beginnings.  I am honored to have the opportunity to accompany you during this time!"
 
 
{Now this is Josh again.}  I am eager for you to meet our new Interim Associate Pastor Sue and welcome her into our midst.  She will be working alongside Pastor Jeanne and I, and she'll primarily preach, lead worship, help with Confirmation, and provide visitation and pastoral care.  Introduce yourself to her over these next few weeks and join me in welcoming her to Family of Christ! 
 
See you in church!

- Pastor Josh


A Couple More Things:
Happy 25th Anniversary to the Cookie Walk!  

Join us on Saturday, Dec. 9 th from 9-11am for our annual Cookie Walk! Come fill a container to the brim for only $10.  NEW this year - Elsa and Anna (from Frozen fame) will be here with songs and crafts to entertain the kids!  We will also have FoC honey available and some fun Haitian crafts for sale (these items will also be available for purchase between worship services on Dec. 10).    It's a great addition to your holiday traditions!  Come early for the best selection.

BAKERS:  So far we have 25 cookie bakers signed up, but Kim Schaeferle really hopes for 35 - and I want to see us get up to 50, even if I have to sign up myself and bring some Oreos!!  Bakers are asked to have at least 6 dozen cookies to the church by 4pm on Friday, Dec. 8th. Email Kim to sign up.    

FoC DIRECTORY
Thanks to everyone who took the time to come get their family pictures taken! We had over 170 families  participate! If you would still like to have your photo in the directory, you are able to submit a photo for a $10 fee. Please email all photos to Kim by November 27 th.

 
Read the latest issue of Family News for more announcements.