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2021 Update

 So I haven't blogged in awhile. I just couldn't write about so much because it was too real and raw and just flat out hurt on so many levels. I'll share more about things as time goes on but not at the moment.

So here's a brief life update.

2020 was a year that no one predicted. Covid 19 became a global pandemic. It meant that church had to be different because it wasn't safe to be around people for the year. Wearing facemasks and washing hands became a political issue - this I'm still trying to wrap my head around.

Iowa experienced a derecho - a new word for me. It's basically an inland hurricane. The derecho devastated a lot of Iowa. Belle Plaine was without power for more than a week. I became the unofficial relief coordinator for the town and that expanded into surrounding areas. I'm really happy to not see a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for awhile but hey people got fed. I spent three weeks hosting various mission groups from the Seventh Day Adventist tradition - folks I wouldn't have met any other way. I saw a lot of good come out in spite of people having half a home, no home and so much other destruction. Rebuilding still continues today for so many people so please continue to support long term recovery programs and organizations. Also check your insurance policies to make sure they cover more then you think you will need.

In July of 2020 I started the search and call process to find a new church to pastor. It wasn't a comfortable or easy decision, but it was one that I needed for my soul. At the end of November I was called to pastor St. John's UCC in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This was exciting news with a congregation looking to revitalize itself and grow. But this meant saying goodbye to my church family in Belle Plaine. 

When I made the announcement to the congregation, they decided to close permanently. This broke my heart. I knew it was coming in the life of the congregation, but I wasn't expecting it to come when I left. So I learned how to close a church and helped the congregation close in about 6 weeks. The building and parsonage were sold to a newer church start in Belle Plaine, the church created a scholarship fund in Belle Plaine for students that will live on for a really long time, and donated the rest of their assets to other congregations and 501c3 charities - both local and nationally. This also meant I left my position with the Central Association Committee on Ministry - a part of my ministry that I loved doing - church nerd! And I had to leave my Girl Scout troop in Belle Plaine. I miss my girls but I know that they are in great hands.

I officially moved and started at St. John's UCC in Council Bluffs, IA on February 1, 2021. This has also been a learning curve. Moving during a global pandemic was different. Being a new minister in town has been really different since I'm meeting most people via Zoom meetings and with facemasks. I will say it is nice to have good coffee and a wide variety of restaurants within a 10 to 15 minute drive of me - even though I still really dislike shopping. St. John's will be going back to in person worship on May 23, which is exciting but also nerve wrecking. 

So my dog, Ty, and I are doing alright. We are settling in and figuring out life in Council Bluffs. Ty has only had 1 unauthorized outing - scariest hour of my life in a long time. I am using my maps app on my phone less and less the more I go. I'm slowly meeting new clergy friends and I'm figuring out how to do ministry with a new group of people.

I'm wishing and praying you all the best in 2021. I'm hopeful that Covid 19 will become less scary and less of a risk as more people get vaccinated. I'm praying that 2020 has made society realize that our priorities have been off for a long time and we need to look at how we do things so we can use our resources wisely. I'm hoping that we will continue to work to address systemic injustices for so many people and let people just be who they are without fear of being reduced to less than in one form or another. 

Be well everyone! Wash your hands often and wear your masks please.

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