worship

Family: My husband Jeff and I have been married for 23 years. We have three children. Katie and Dan are both in college and Amy is in high school. We lost our first son, Matt, three weeks after he was born. That extremely difficult experience taught me that God is sufficient for all my needs. It also changed my goals, causing me to give up my career in order to stay home with our children. I have never regretted that decision and have felt blessed to have the opportunity.

Educational Background: I graduated in 1983 from the University of Minnesota, Duluth with a B.A.S. in Elementary Education and a licensure in Special Education. I taught in a special education classroom in the Minneapolis Public Schools before leaving the workplace.

Equipped for Service: First, the Lord has given me a love for the women who attend Bible study. I love to see these sweet women walk through our doors on a study day with Bibles and books in hand. They come ready to learn from the Word and to share from their hearts. I could hug every one. Second, God gave me an organizational bent that has helped greatly in overseeing this ministry. I am detail-oriented and like my "ducks in a row." The best thing about this gift is not what it has done for me, however, but learning how to depend on God when things do not go according to carefully laid plans­which is frequently!

Prepared for Service: I was involved in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship as a college student. IVCF taught me about the disciplines of the Christian life and trained me in aspects of leadership. I had the pleasure of serving as small group coordinator for a period of time. The information I learned then has been invaluable to me. For the past 10 years I have been involved in Women¹s Bible Study leadership at NHC. I have served with beautiful, talented women who have taught me much through their lives and work.

Appreciation for New Hope Church: We have been at New Hope Church for 17 years. My two favorite things have been the ongoing commitment to provide Bible studies for women of all ages and a strong program with fantastic leadership for the children and youth.

Free Time: I spend my free time in a variety of ways, though books usually work themselves into the activity in some way. I am either reading, thinking about a book, talking about a book with a friend or wishing I were reading! I also enjoy watching my kids compete in sports, walking, yard work, baking and cooking, coffee with a friend and time at our cabin.

Scripture: One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” This verse encourages me when I feel overwhelmed. It reminds me that God will give me the strength to do the things he puts before me and to cope with life’s circumstances.

Recommended Resources: “Christy,” by Catherine Marshall is my all-time favorite book. I also enjoy books by Michael Phillips, Randy Alcorn, Francine Rivers and Bodie Thoene. I love fiction that encourages me in my own walk with the Lord. Other authors I enjoy reading are Chaim Potok, Charles Dickens, Jane Austin, Charles Colson and C.S. Lewis. I am working through a compilation of reading selections called “Devotional Classics” with a friend. I am finding it to be thought provoking and inspiring.