June 2010 Letter from Pastor Caroline:

Dear Friends in Christ,

The winds of May blew steadily, strongly and kept things stirred up. All through the month I remembered the story I’d heard: “If the winds of Nebraska stopped, the people would all fall over.” We’re all so used to dealing with wind: whether it’s breezes, gusts, or tornadoes. Wind happens.

On Pentecost we celebrate the Breath of God, the Holy Spirit. The Breath of God blew over the waters at creation, stirring the chaos, creating something beautiful. The Breath of God breezes into a new Person of the Promises at his or her baptism. The Breath of God transforms the bread and cup we offer into a sacrament. The Breath of God will direct the sails of the high school and college graduates in our congregation. The Breath of God blew Quin Roberts, Andrew Rios, and two others on their relay team to an All Districts State Record!! God moves us in mysterious ways.

May began with a funeral hosted by our church for Jason Libal, killed in a motorcycle accident, shortly before his unit was to start their active duty tour. And Memorial Day weekend was filled with memories of Keith Anthony. The Breath of God sends healing peace, and as people of God we wrap in our love and prayers ALL those who are hurting.

June is now busting out all over: peonies, irises, roses, allergies ... The Breath of God continues to blow.

By the end of June I will blow into my sabbatical time. Next month our newsletter will include a detailed list of who’s doing what when while I’m gone. But for now, you should know that the Sabbatical Care Team includes Bruce Carlson, Chuck Olsen, Eldin Wells, Megan Morrow, and Elaine Besthorn. Corey Reutlinger will take a turn at preaching. There will be wonderful special music. Go, Team!! :‐)

FAQs, Part II
Sabbatical Send‐ Off? What and Why?
June 27th will be my last Sunday in the pulpit. It’s a big deal for me as it is hard for me to leave you, but I do need to go and grow in knowledge and my relationship with God. Because it’s a big deal, we will have a time of prayer for each other; I will present a candle to the congregation for you to light each Sunday in worship as I will carry my candle for you wherever I am. There may be cookies :‐) As many of the Care Team as possible will be there. Please plan to come.

Party when I Get Back? Why? I’ll be back in the pulpit on September 5th. After worship, we will celebrate and share stories. I want to hear from you about all the good stuff God has done with you and for you while we’re apart, and I’ll show some pictures from my sabbatical. I promise, not too many. We’ll also thank the Sabbatical Team, and all those who made things work this summer.

What if I need to get in touch with you?
Four people will know how to reach me at all times: Julie Rickertsen, Dorothy Woodside, Mary Reed and Gene Nansel. If I need to know something, they will contact me. If you want to get in touch, contact one of them.

Blessings as the Breath of God breezes us through June!!

Grace and peace,
Pastor Caroline