Reflections from Pastor Kim As I write this I am sitting in the Pastor’s Office FREEZING! Tomorrow it will be in the 40s and then in the 50s and I will forget that a space heater can’t appropriately heat two rooms when it’s 4* with a ‘feels like’ of -7. We will get cold again this season and I will sit typing with my coat on wondering why I didn’t prepare better when I knew it would get cold again. This is what we do though, right? Out of sight, out of mind – cold, warmth – hungry, full – we forget the uncomfortable when we are in the comfortable – we don’t prepare for the next time of the uncomfortable or pain or crisis – and we have that tendency set on automatic repeat. So what’s a guy or gal to do? We are entering the season of Lent on Wednesday, March 2, a time of self-reflection and self-denial. A time of contemplating our commitment to our faith, to our God, and to our Savior. A time to prepare ourselves for the moments in our lives where we sit huddled and shivering in our deepest depths, knowing it won’t last forever, and wondering why we didn’t prepare for this known eventuality. “But,” you may ask, “how in the world do we prepare for the things that topple us to the ground? For the loss of a loved one, the screams of children who are in danger in a multitude of ways, the cry of the hungry, or the pain of not knowing if your friend or family member is alive? How do we prepare to watch bombs explode in someone’s back yard, to look into the eyes of those who have been victim of human trafficking or physical, mental, psychological, religious, or sexual abuse? Maybe in some of these things the ‘we’ is actually ‘me’ and I don’t know how to get past the pain. Kim, we can’t prepare ourselves to watch, experience, or hear this things!” Beloved Child of God, there is only one thing we can do. In all honesty, we may – no, we WILL never be ready for these events in our lives, and the lives of those in our midst or around the world. What we can do is hold on boldly to our faith, to each other, and to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “I LIFT UP MY EYES TO THE HILLS – FROM WHERE WILL MY HELP COME? MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD, WHO MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH.” PSALM 121:1-2 We must cling to our source of strength and hope, and we must cling to those comprising this worldly Body of Christ. Let us experience Lent together this year, more fully than ever before. Let us worship together Sunday mornings and throughout the week; let us ready God’s Word together through the Bible Year plan (more copies are available if you’d like one for your household); let us gather for fellowship and learning throughout the seek; let us dedicate ourselves to taking the things out of our lives that keep us from focusing more on Christ; let us spend more time in prayer – not just talking, but listening. This is how we prepare ourselves for the unknown future, for gut wrenching realities, and to present ourselves more confidently as people of faith. Please join together this Lenten season in repentance, as well as to experience the wonder of God’s grace. Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone with you on the journey!
Pastor Kim
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Pastor Kim asked me to contribute to this month’s newsletter by answering the question “Why do you give of your time, talents and money”. This assignment put me in mind of my school day essay writing; so I pulled out my index cards and wrote 1 thought on each card, arranged them in a reasonable order, and voila, here it is.
My time and talent is pretty specific. I’ve always been a detail, numbers-oriented person as shown by my work career being mostly in finance. However, I would not have thought to volunteer as Church Treasurer. But God has a sense of humor and knew how to point me in that direction. At one Ad Council Meeting I made the “mistake” of saying I did not understand the Treasurer’s Report presented and then made some suggestions. Eyes lit up because the current Treasurer was looking for a replacement and I was asked if that was something I felt called to do. Six years later, I’m still in position and feel I have been blessed in return. The Lord knew I needed to keep my retired brain working. He also knew that even though the Church Treasurer position takes a lot of time, it fit into my schedule well as I could go in anytime to get the work done. With God’s “nudge” I feel I’ve grown spiritually by volunteering my time and talent. How has my giving to the church filled my soul? When God wants me to be a cheerful giver, he starts working on my conscious. After I receive my annual “Giving Notice”, I make a copy of the card and fill out my next year’s giving. Then I wait. Sure enough, a voice is telling me, “Barb, you can do a bit better than that. You know through your work as Treasurer at church, that more funds are needed to meet the daily operating expense obligations. You know that the Church’s ministry is then able to grow and reach beyond when the foundation is firm.” I believe God expects me to give up to my ability. So, the original “Giving Notice” comes out and I up my commitment cheerfully. I do the auto giving because to me it represents giving first and consistently to the church by being a faithful giver. In turn, I believe I’ve grown in my faith and trust in God to provide. One last God story that goes along with the scripture Luke 6:38 “Give and it will be given to you”. After I retired I was really struggling with increasing my annual giving. The Lord was doing his usual talking thing; but I was telling Him, “Look, I’m retired and do not have as much spending money as when I was working. Would You be satisfied if I kept it the same?” Well, apparently not. I did increase my commitment that year and I tried for cheerful giver. A few weeks later I was notified that one of the companies I had worked for was going to give me a second unexpected small pension, which was more that I had upped my giving to. Good one, God! – Barb Schorsch Reflections from Pastor Kim
I'm writing this "the morning after." The morning after high winds, thunderstorms, tornados, and yes, snow cut a swath through the southern Great Plains and Upper Midwest. This wasn't unexpected, it had been forecasted for several days with surprising accuracy. Today's technology is not foolproof, but it gives us a much larger picture of the possibilities than we had even ten years ago. Our job is to take the information and use it for the best results in our context. To achieve this level of meteorology took many people, over many centuries who kept notes, watched patterns, listened to stories, and shared all that with the world, so the next generation could build on that hard work that had already been done. The disheartening thing about this is those who, often with malice, attack the one who shares the results of these centuries of work with those affected. If the timing isn't just right in the naysayers mind, the rest of the information is useless. If total precipitation doesn't add up to the forecasted amount, the information should all be thrown out. When the weather passes by them without catastrophic events then all who shared the information have overreacted. Here's the amazing thing! Even when someone is a naysayer it doesn't keep the information from being recorded. Even when a disgruntled citizen takes to social media to attempt to cut the centuries of research to the core, the information is shared and compared to other events. Even when those who attack for no apparent reason speak with derision and disrespect to someone they don't know, on a topic in which they are simply an observer of, observations are explored for clues. A much repeated saying goes something like this, "Their actions are a reflection on them, not you." Though negativity and unconstructive criticism is hard to deal with, that doesn't change the story. The events still happen and there is more knowledge now than before the event. We have the ability to more accurately predict weather, because many people dreamed dreams and paved the way. "Then afterward I will pour out my spirit on all flesh, your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." Joel 2:28 As we approach this new year as a Faith Family, I feel a bit of that anticipation. The anticipation that comes from seeing what the next steps will look like and what the results will be. Some of the dreams and visions for 2022 are tried and true--more information will be gathered for future reference. Some of those dreams and visions have been just that, dreams and visions, and 2022 will be a starting block for what those dreams and visions will produce. Yet, other dreams and visions are new, at least for Oakland UMC, and tied into those may be a bit of apprehension, as well as anticipation. A piece of our work is to take what has been shared before and build on that--to use that information the best we can in our context. Regardless how we see 2022 as we stand on its brink, we know it won't look like any other year, because we know that is not a norm. For well over a century, the Faith Family of Oakland UMC have weathered hardship, trials, hatred, love, peace, and joy. We will do the same. For over a century the Faith Family of Oakland UMC have kept traditions and planned new adventures. We will do the same. For over a century the Faith Family of Oakland UMC have been faithful to sharing a story--the story of a humble people who share their faith with those next door and those far away. The story of a Faith Family who dream dreams and see visions of how God has called them to be a gift to the community of Oakland, Iowa. Not just for this new year of 2022 we move into, but for generations yet to come. This isn't unexpected, it's been forecast! Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone with you on the journey! Pastor Kim Reflections from Pastor Kim Home – noun The place where one lives permanently, especially as a member of a family or household. A place of origin adjective Relating to the place where one lives. adverb To or at the place where one lives. verb (of an animal) Return by instinct to its territory after leaving it. Move or be aimed toward (a target or destination) with great accuracy. intransitive verb To move to or toward an objective by following a signal or landmark —usually used with on or in. Home. That word means so many different things, depending on your experience – the lens that all things filter through in your thought process. For some it is an amazing and love filled space, and a sense of belonging. For some it is a place of longing for what the possibilities are. For still others it is a place of pain, neglect, anger and hopelessness. Home can be a many faceted experience, not just a place. An introduction to “Come Home for Christmas” from UM Discipleship Ministries: “Advent is an invitation. For many, it is the invitation to get into that Christmas spirit, to count down the days to the grand celebration, and let the holiday transform everything around us. But there is a deeper and more profound invitation being offered in the season of Advent. The invitation is to re-member that we are heading for home. Or if we’re not, if we’ve forgotten that there is a home toward which to head, it is the invitation to long for the home we call the kin-dom of God. It is where family resides, where peace resides, where justice abides, and hope will rise. Advent reminds us that we shouldn’t be complacent about the way things are – not that we want to become angrily attuned to every perceived failing in those around us or the world at large; but that we want to be those who look forward to something greater, something more that is just on the horizon. Advent is the call to come home.” https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship-planning/come-home-for-christmas From the first Sunday of Advent through the Sunday after Christmas, we will explore home and images of home that cling to us. We might even find some new images of home. You’ll hear from me, and from some other voices, very familiar voices from this church home in Oakland. Do you know someone who might benefit from this experience? Bring them along! I look forward to spending this season of anticipation and contemplation with you for the first time! Together we develop a space that brings a sense of home to others. Might the result be an outpouring of the love, grace and mercy that God has shown each of us. Might we experience the expectation of what is yet to be in faith as the Holy Spirit leads us with intent and God’s will. Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone with you on the journey! Pastor Kim
Reflections from Pastor Kim Thanksgiving – one word, that we associate with one day or season. What if instead we considered Thanks Giving – more than one word, with a broader focus. Consider what it might look like if we made giving thanks a way of life? What if Thanks Giving became a culture not just of individuals, not just a faith family, but of an entire community? How does that change the greater community? How does that change the world? November 1 we begin to move in just that direction! We will be working together to move into a culture of Thanks Giving; not focused on a day or season, but instead working together to change our lives and the lives of others, as we learn to live in a continual atmosphere of Thanks Giving. That will not be an overnight transition. It will not happen in a few months. This is a long-range endeavor to deepen our faith, strengthen our faith family, and reach our community with the love God calls us to cultivate and share. We will work together with a common goal, with a plan laid out for next steps of which I’ve shared the basic structure below. During the October Administrative Board meeting, Oakland UMC leadership agreed to support the plan and work together with myself and you, to make a culture of Thanks Giving a reality. This is nothing that a pastor can do on their own, nor anything that appointed leadership alone can tackle. Each of you are an integral part of this process because you are an integral part of our faith family. It will take our realization that together we can have a more profound effect on our children, youth, elders, and everyone in between. Together we are able to have a larger and more significant impact on our local and greater community in faith building, mission, and ministry. The next year of this endeavor has a name, 2022 - A Gift to Oakland. This is a plan that will be evaluated weekly by those who are in the midst of specific elements of the plan, and monthly by the Administrative Board. The plan has desired outcomes listed and dreams and realities mixed in with each step. Oakland UMC leadership is committed to being nimble and responsive to changing needs and situations, yet continuing to move forward. This is such a testament to the deep roots of faith and the willingness to petition the Holy Spirit for next steps of Oakland UMC. How did this foundational plan come to be? I have been at Oakland for four months. No, not long, but the time has been full of learning! There have been many hours of listening to stories, reading church history, talking to leadership about who we are, where we are, and in what direction we feel God is calling us to move forward. There have been conversations with community members, unscientific core values polls, watching you all worship, communicate and be together. In the midst of this is also the realities of the last over eighteen months of unrest surrounding COVID, changing demographics, and the changing perception of faith and organized religion. So many things in the mix!! The most important though, is the consistent leading of the Holy Spirit. I am so excited to be on this journey with you!! We will work together, learn together, grow together and worship together over the next years. There will be more to come. Always know that my door is open to your questions, ideas and inspirations. Let’s move forward to what God has for us that we have yet to imagine! “FOR SURELY I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, SAYS THE LORD, PLANS FOR YOUR WELFARE AND NOT FOR YOUR HARM, TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE WITH HOPE." JEREMIAH 29:11 NRSV 2022 - A Gift to Oakland 1. Create an atmosphere of thanksgiving
2. Develop a network of learning centered on the giving of time, talents and treasures 3. Oakland UMC becomes a community outreach hub. Each of these are multi-faceted and our next few months are just the beginning. Let’s live in Thanks Giving EVERY day! See you on the journey! Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone with you on the journey! Pastor Kim Reflections from Pastor Kim This month we will spend some time in worship talking about healing and the impact that has on a positive move forward in relationship with God, ourselves, and others. If you don’t know this about me yet, you soon will. I’m not a big fan of reinventing the wheel! So when I read something that is better left in its original form than synopsized, I tend to let that happen whenever possible. I read the following excerpt from an article to be published in the Early UMC October newsletter. We all have wounds. We all have scars. Physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual. So many injuries which are left to fester. Most often, because we are too busy taking care of others, or rushing to the next thing, to be able to take care of the pain caused by scar tissue which grows layer by layer. Even if we are very private people, there are ways to facilitate healing of all kinds in our lives. Never be afraid or embarrassed to seek out healing balms of life. They are life giving, and life affirming. Below find a portion of the article by Cary Brown, Spiritual Director, and Administrative Assistant for Early UMC, Early, Iowa. I love trees and their beauty in every season! The colors of fall is a no-brainer. That one is easy. God’s paintbox in the colors of the leaves is a wonder! Then those leaves let go and fall and leave the trees bare. The structures of the trees fascinate me. Some are straight and tall and strong and lift their arms high. But then there are the trees who have been injured, broken, or bent. They are the ones with holes in them or huge knotholes or unexpected bends and twists. They are the interesting ones! They have a beauty all of their own if we just stop and look and see the wonder. When I see trees like that, I wonder what they have been through to end up like that…. Their ‘wounds’ are hidden by the leaves during most of the year but during winter, those ‘wounds’ end up showing their beauty. Just like us. Most of the time our ‘wounds’ and imperfections are hidden because we are ashamed of them. What we don’t get is that those ‘wounds’ and imperfections have a beauty all of their own. How many people around us need to see and hear about our ‘wounds’ and imperfections in order to know they can make it through their own? Whether your story includes surviving abuse of any kind, or surviving cancer, or the death of a loved one, or a fire, or any other of a multitude of things, people need to hear from you that this can be survived! In fact, can even be a grace. When we hide our ‘wounds’, we hide the wonder of who we are. We hide the grace we have to offer others to help them through their ‘wounds’. Jesus did not hide his wounds – he showed them to his friends and taught them the graces those wounds hold. “The changing of leaves reminds us that new wonders are just around the corner.” When we are willing to let the leaves of our lives change and eventually fall, we let others see the wonders that are just around the corner. Yes, it hurts. Yes, it is uncomfortable. Jesus knows all about hurting and being uncomfortable – but, more than anything, he knows the wonder!! This fall, look for the wonders – around you and inside you. Look for the wonders you can share with others as Jesus did. Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone with you on the journey!
Pastor Kim Reflections from Pastor Kim “…let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill,… " Proverbs 1:5 I am a lifetime learner. There has never been a time in my life that I can remember not wanting to know more about, well, anything! Now, this can be both a blessing and a curse. It means I know just enough about just about everything to be a bit dangerous. It also means that I have spent many nights in my life (still do) reading way too late into the night, which leaves me a little bleary eyed for the day to come. This need to continue to learn has included learning more about scripture, the Church, and my role in the midst of that. One thing that fascinates me is to read scripture and then dig into the context of what was going on at the time it was written. Why was this story important to the people of the time. What was the original words in which it was written? Do they mean the same thing today? Did the story have an ulterior motive or is it clearly directed by God? So very many different things to dig into. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 Perhaps the hardest thing I’ve found to do with knowledge is to relearn something. An example would be to dive into new knowledge and then discern how that effects what I already know to be true, then draw new and informed conclusions to add to the knowledge bank. The longer I’ve had the base knowledge, the harder it is to think of the topic or situation in a different light. Let’s think on the familiar Birth of Christ story. In our youth as we are building the foundation of our faith, all the events of the Birth of Christ happen in one night, right? That is, according to the annual Christmas pageant! When we begin to age and read scripture ourselves, what an onslaught of emotion there is when we realize that our Christmas pageant story actually comes from more than one story. Then as we get older and the realization hits that not all the Gospel writers felt the “Birth of Christ” was worthy of inclusion, but instead focused on the life and ministry of Christ, there’s another hiccup. At that point there is yet another gut punch to our faith, or at least a realization that we may need to dig deeper; learn more. “An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15 What I’ve found to be particularly helpful in my journey of lifelong learning, is having people to bounce my thoughts off of as I wonder about what I’ve been learning. That includes colleagues, friends, small groups and educators in many different levels and genres. If I just lean on my own understanding, I miss the depth of meaning in nearly every topic known to man. When it comes to scripture, in my mind and life, it is essential to have those folks in my life who I can question, safely debate with, and in all things, learn together. “Give instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still; teach the righteous and they will gain in learning.” Proverbs 9:9 How about you? How do you learn best? No matter what age you are as you read this, your faith can deepen. Whether you are young, middle-aged, or in your golden years, deepening your faith is still very important. How we read and understand the Living Word throughout our lives, is indeed the “Living” part of the Word. Our age, our experiences and our culture all plays a part in how we experience that Living Word. Though it is timeless, it speaks to the people of every age, in every age. All of us can use someone to bounce our learnings off of, to help us discern is we are hearing what we think we are hearing.
How are you working towards learning more about scripture? What about learning to deepen your faith? I’d love to have a chat with you about how we can work on those things together. Feel free to contact me at any time to dive a bit deeper or to chat about what tools I may be able to offer for your faith journey. Above all – DON’T STOP LEARNING! Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone with you on the journey! Pastor Kim Reflections from Pastor Kim Who are you? Who, who, who, who? Who are you? Who, who, who, who? I really wanna know (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?) Tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?) source: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthemes/csilyrics.html These iconic lyrics were released by The Who on August 18, 1978. Some of us of a certain generation (ahem!) have memories of this song being released, and maybe even who we danced with Homecoming 1978 to this tune. Yet there is another generation who doesn’t attribute their memory of this song to an album, 8-track or cassette (gasp!). That generation remembers sitting down to watch a hip crime/police drama on or after September 23, 2002. From the TV set that song called folks from all corners of the house to watch the intro of that week’s show. They just HAD to see what zinger (even when it was corny) that Horatio Caine expressed as he slid those Ray Bans back on his face. Same song, same artists, different lens. Yet the song is known by millions. There are similarities to our memories of songs, events, or people in the church, just as there are to the great pull of the secular world. We remember singing “Amazing Grace” at Hildebrand’s funeral, and doing a scavenger hunt during Youth Group our sophomore year. We remember a pastor who could make goose bumps jump onto the whole rooms arms as she sang “What Wondrous Love Is This”, and the nausea those same folks felt as another pastor surprised them with his original rendition of “When We All Get to Heaven.” Our memories are precious and remind us that we have a rich heritage which brought us to where we are today. Those memories also inform us of what and who we have been as this part of the Body of Christ known as Oakland UMC. What memories don’t inform us of is who we are now; in this minute, in this place, in the shelter of the Most High, discerning who calls us NOW. So, who are we? This is a question we MUST ask ourselves repeatedly and continually. Hopefully at least part of the answer takes the following into consideration. “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 NRSV If the world shifts under our feet, either literally or figuratively, we have an obligation to work even harder to not loose our “saltiness.” When we’ve been hurt physically, mentally, spiritually, or emotionally, we have those around us who keep oil in the lamp and keep it high about the destruction to ensure it’s longevity. When we find that God’s call might look or sound different than it did even yesterday, we come together to figure out our place in the Body of Christ.
That’s where we are at, friends! We are in a place of exploration. Seeking God’s call on Oakland UMC in this time and place; to continue that exploration in the years to come. Just as God does not call us at the age of three in the same way as at eighty-three, God does not Oakland UMC in the same way today, as he did in the decades before. Over the last sixteen months or so the world has tilted. Regardless our viewpoint in anything which occurred during that time, today is different than this same date in 2019 or 2020. So, who are we in the midst of, and in addition to this? That’s what we’ll be exploring in the weeks and months to come. What we know for sure is that we are part of the Family of God and the Body of Christ. Called to fulfill the Great Commission to make disciples. Together we move forward to seek the movement and leading of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling this. We sing a song of praise familiar to our ears – it is the one we sing in response to God’s call to a new day, sung for the faithful. To God be the glory! Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone on the journey with you! Pastor Kim Reflections from Pastor Kim
It’s that time in the life of the local church when things seem new. A new pastor often means a change in routines, scheduling, order, and more, instead of what has become familiar. Those new pastors bring new relationships and personalities to adjust to, and new names and faces to recognize in the community. Especially as United Methodists, this is a routine that we have lived through multiple times, and will continue to in the future. In the beginning of “new” we can often feel like we are lost in a wilderness, thrashing around in the underbrush until we reach a place of firm footing. For now though, what we are able to latch onto in that wilderness, is the faithfulness of God to provide for us. “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 The Israelites are grumbling… again. It seems to be a continual litany (this might feel a bit familiar even today). Yet with patience – well, mostly – and a solid history of providing for God’s own people, this Isaiah text reminds them of who God is. God’s character, the things that they see God carry out, is what is to be recalled. God is not asking the Israelites, nor us, to forget the history that brought them (us) to this place, but rather don’t dwell on it. This is about the things that God has done on this long journey that the Israelites have been on, both figuratively and literally, for generations, and God’s faithfulness to provide for the next leg of the journey. Every. Time. When they needed water, there was water. When they needed food, there was manna. When they needed to cross the sea to reach safety, there was dry land. If we move farther in the chapter, we hear God reprimanding Israel for forgetting their God and turning to ungodly things, all of which grieved God greatly. Even some of their leaders didn’t take time to call on God, repent of their sins, give praise for God’s bounty, or seek God’s wisdom. And yet, God remains faithful. This is not a scripture to guilt the peoples into God’s ways, but instead is a piece of a much larger story. A story which calls the people to remember what has been for its historical and faith significance. Yet, God calls them, and us, to know that with God a new definition of who we are, a new pathway, will become at least as, if not more, important to the story of God’s people, as that which has gone before. So as we move into our time together, let us remember to repent of our sins, praise God, seek God’s wisdom and lift up in glory our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, together. For together, there are more to enfold each of us on this journey with grace, mercy and love as we do our best each day to carry out God’s will in Oakland and beyond, in the name of God our Provider, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit our Guide. Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone on the journey with you! Pastor Kim Pastor Kim’s Bio
What joy to anticipate joining you in ministry in Oakland! I look forward to what God has in store for us as we work together as the Body of Christ, the Church. As we move toward July 1 I will begin to learn just a bit about Oakland UMC from Pastor Carolyn and Martha. During that time I’d like you to get an inkling of who is coming to be your pastor, as well. I grew up about 20 miles east of Independence, MO in the rural area surrounding the very small town of Napoleon, the oldest of three girls. I attended kindergarten through 12th grade at Wellington-Napoleon R-9 Schools. As a new graduate ready to take on the world I went to the big city to attend Rockhurst College in Kansas City for a year. At that point I realized that perhaps that was not the time of my life I needed to worry about academics, and instead spread my wings in the work force. In my early twenties I met my husband Ron at Whiteman Air Force Base outside of Knob Noster, MO. After a time I followed him to his home community in Northwest Iowa and we settled in Varina, where we still have a home. Ron has one son, Dustan, who lives in Council Bluffs with his son, Syris. Together we have two children. Our oldest, Faith, who with her husband Kenneth, live in Varina with their three children Hope, JoyAnna and Gabriel. Our youngest, Michael, lives outside of Los Angeles, CA. When asked if I’m a second career pastor, I will reply, “No, a 32nd career pastor!” Throughout the years I worked a multitude of jobs, always with a focus on people, but in a large variety of contexts. God certainly had a plan to grow me through a number of ways over the years. Looking back God was calling from an early age, but I was in my forties before I finally relented and moved from pew to pulpit. Since that time I have taken many classes and in 2019 completed Course of Study for Local Licensed Pastor. Being a lifelong learner this is not the end of learning, but rather a milestone achieved. In my spare time I enjoy cooking and baking, am a beginning quilter, crafting, reading, knitting, and welcoming folks to our home. Two years ago, after about 30+ years of tent camping we bought a camper, and as much as we loved to camp before, that love has been multiplied! We especially love camping near water and just spending time unwinding. As we move into Oakland, Ron will remain in Varina for his job in Storm Lake. We have been living in a two household scenario since 2016, and have found with technology and intentional time together on a regular basis, we seem to have more quality time together than when we lived in the same house every day and had varying schedules. We both hope that in the near future Ron will be able to relocate to Oakland as well, and we once again rely on God’s timing for that event. Also moving into the parsonage will be Dash, who is a one year old Golden Retriever. Dash is a COVID puppy and brought a bit of insanity to the parsonage as a distraction. He loves people and we spend time walking off all that puppy energy, so I’m sure we will see you around town. I’m excited to get to know each of you as we come together in ministry. You are each being specifically prayed for as households and leaders of Oakland UMC and the community of Oakland. Might God add God’s blessing and power to our ministry! Be blessed, be a blessing, and take someone on the journey with you! Pastor Kim |
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