Down South & Pastor Jeff’s Farewell
Down South; High School Mission Trip
Well– we did it again. We rented a big white van, filled it with tools and supplies, and headed south for a week in Harlan, Kentucky to serve with Appalachia Service Project.
This time, our project was to finish the installation of a tin roof. Previous groups had repaired the rafters and it was time for some new tin. Over five days, in between surprise torrential downpours, near triple-digit temperatures, and humidity that you can actually see, this group rallied and completed the roof install for our homeowner before the week was out.
In addition to that project, our students were instrumental in helping the two other work groups at our site with siding, soffit, and facia. Nate Benson also fine-tuned his carpentry skills creating an access for the homeowner to get under the porch.
Our homeowner, Claude, lived his whole life in those hills. He and his wife made a home for themselves in that holler and were married for over 43 years. He shared with us that she had just recently passed away and was, in fact, the one who filled out the application for home repair last fall. He said the summer of volunteers, week after week, was her final gift to him so that their home could be dry for years to come. It was an absolute joy to get to know Claude; his love for the people who call those mountains home is deep and sincere, and in our short time with him, we felt like family.
Nolan, Lyle, Emerson, Luke, Nate, and Trygg gave a week of their summer vacation to serve others and live out their faith. Their work ethic, humility, and willingness to do anything that was asked of them set the tone for this amazing experience.
Oh, we also busted a light and part of the bumper on the rental van...it’s all good!
Written by Mark Halvorson, Director of Congregational Ministries
Pastor Jeff’s Last Sunday!
On Sunday, August 18, our congregation gathered for a special worship service and celebration to honor Pastor Jeff for being a wonderful addition to our staff and congregation during this transition period. Over the past year and a half, Pastor Jeff has guided us with wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to our community, and this day was our chance to express our heartfelt thanks.
The celebration after worship was sweet in more ways than one! We enjoyed delicious cupcakes, each topped with decorations inspired by Wilderness Canoe Base in Minnesota—a place dear to Pastor Jeff's heart, as we all know! A big shoutout goes to Riley and Caleb Severson for their enthusiasm in helping place those toppers, and thanks to their parents for lending a hand.
During Kids’ Time, Tor presented Pastor Jeff with a stuffed moose, complete with a message that read, “We will moose you!” The gesture captured both our love and the sense of fun that Pastor Jeff has brought to our community.
Pastor Jeff also received a one-of-a-kind tie as a gift from the Art Team. The tie was made just for him, featuring photos of our church building.
We’re grateful for Pastor Jeff’s steady presence, his leadership, and the joy he’s shared with us, and we wish him all the best as he moves on to his next adventure. Though we’ll miss him, his impact on our church and congregation will remain with us.
Written by Mara Halvorson, Marketing and Communications Specialist