I remember thinking " OK , God , I am still here . How can I serve you ?"
Faith & daily life
At the heart of our faith is the belief that God meets us where we are in all the places and relationships in which we live , work , play and relate . We pray , support and encourage one another as we grow deeper in faith and learn to trust God with our whole lives . Some of us are new on the journey ; others have been at it for a while . All of us can find inspiration and hope in the stories of our fellow travelers . FAITH & DAILY LIFE will be featured monthly with stories of God at work in YOUR life .
Buoyed by Prayers ... by Gail Nylin
When my family joined Bethlehem Lutheran Church in 1996 , I would never have imagined that one day I would serve as President of the church council . Through the early years , I participated in Early Childhood and Sunday School with my sons JP and Andrew , and sang in the choir . At annual meetings , I was always impressed with the lay leadership that percolated within the congregation .
My world shifted in 2005 when I was diagnosed with cancer . I completed surgery and radiation treatment , with the awareness that I was at high risk for recurrence . In 2007 my routine MRI found more cancer , which required further surgery . My dear friend Renee shared a Bible verse which was very poignant as I found my “ new normal ” as a cancer survivor . Jeremiah 29:11 “ For I know the plans I have for you ,” declares the Lord , “ plans to prosper you and not to harm you , plans to give you hope and a future .” I remember thinking “ OK , God , I am still here . How can I serve you ?”
I remember thinking " OK , God , I am still here . How can I serve you ?"
For I know the plans I have for you , plans to prosper you and not to harm you , plans to give you hope and a future .
Jeremiah 29:11
When Pastor Beth Warpmaeker called me to ask if I would fill in for a confirmation leader who was starting treatment for a similar cancer , I said “ yes ”. When confirmation leaders were needed for my son Andrew ’ s class , I again said “ yes ”. The high school mission trip to Mexico was another wonderful opportunity to serve . When Andrew finished confirmation , I wondered what would come next at Bethlehem . The day of the Confirmation Service , Steve Tjeltveit asked if I would prayerfully consider filling a one-year term on the council . I accepted , and then was asked to continue with two full terms as Secretary .
After attending a few executive council meetings , I told my husband John “ I think I am going to be needed for something big at Bethlehem , and I am going to say yes .” When Lee Henderson passed away suddenly on April 30 , 2015 , Pastor Chris Nelson informed me that according to our by-laws the Secretary would become President , if I was willing . I said “ yes ” without hesitation , and immediately felt buoyed by prayers for Lee and his family , our church , and my new role as congregation President . It was an honor and a privilege to serve Bethlehem during this difficult time , with the deaths of both Lee Henderson and Pastor Chris Nelson .
During my time in leadership at Bethlehem , both of my parents passed away . The loving support that I have experienced as I continue to grieve lifts me up and keeps me moving forward . These years have also been joyful , as we consolidated with Minnetonka Lutheran Church and continue to thrive as a healthy and vibrant church community at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities .
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