Small and handmade May Day baskets bring sweet smelling joy to celebrate the beginning of May. For me, this May Day began with a lovely bouquet of alstroemeria (also my wedding flowers) perched on the corner of my desk. I soon learned it was a gift from the staff of my new church: Our Saviors Lutheran Church in New Ulm, Minnesota.
As I perked up with a warm mug of coffee, I smiled during staff devotions when I heard that WEARY and READY are only one letter from each other (get it? it took me a moment as well). Even Jesus' disciples got tired, says Mark 6:31, so he bids them to rest. What a wonderful reminder to pace myself as I begin a new call. I am certainly ready to be Senior Pastor of a faith-filled congregation in this lovely Minnesota town.
New Ulm is a community of 15,000 folks, nestled on the Minnesota river in the southwest farmlands of the state of 10,000 lakes. German heritage means festivals, food and culture rooted in traditional customs. The best sauerkraut I've ever had, Herman the German overlooking the town and well kept streets are hallmarks of this place. Kind, friendly, polite, the folks we've met are going to be great neighbors.
My first week included spaghetti supper with Morgan, Aaron, Kaelyn and their parents Becky and Jeff; listening to a lively Youth Board meeting to plan summer events (I was invited to Bible Camp, and a New Orleans trip), hugs and high fives from the children's choir, an invitation from a 6th grader to watch youth bells (wow they are precise musicians, I couldn't do that), sitting in with the adult choir (maybe they invited me because the tenors and basses need more supervision?) and a salad supper where I learned about the history of Aprons, yes aprons--from farm kitchen necessity to frilly decoration.
Surrounded by Helen, Olivia, Liatrius, Arlene, Ginny and Eloise (not to mention Joleen, Janelle, Linda, Maylys ,Mavis, Marge, Sharmin, Bev and many more) at supper, remembering hugs and hellos from first graders and youth like Laura, Levi, Ellie, Lizzie, Hannah, Jamie, Parker and others, I pinched myself and thought: this is what church is about: a community of all ages coming together in God's house!
Tomorrow I preach my first sermon at the Saturday service. Sunday I'll be installed and we'll process to Holy, Holy, Holy, my favorite, and my ordination hymn as well.
Thanks for all your prayers and support dear friends and family!!
