A little bit about me: I was born and raised in this area and currently live in Greenfield with my husband, Brian and our 4 fur babies, Ollie (dog), Harley (cat), Davi (cat), and Hendrix (cat).  Our animals are a part of our family and are spoiled rotten!  I graduated from Luther Seminary in Minnesota with my Masters of Divinity.  I also have a Masters of Organizational Development which has served me well throughout my career.  In addition to looking for my first call, I also work full-time with Milwaukee County as an Organizational Development Coordinator in the Department of Health and Human Services.  As well as with Advocate Aurora as a part-time pool Chaplain.  In my limited free-time, I like to read, paint, go for motorcycle rides and garden.  I feel most connected with God when I am outside enjoying God’s beautiful creation.

Some of my spiritual convictions:  I believe strongly that we are called to walk with others and be witnesses for them.  We walk with them so that we can help lift their burdens and pick up the part of the load that they can no longer carry.  We are called to live a grace filled life and see the good in others regardless of their actions; we see the face of God when we look into the faces of others.   To give others the grace they deserve we must be empathetic and understand that while we may not have experienced the exact things that someone else has, we most likely have felt the same things that they are feeling. 

My approach to ministry:  My preferred approach is to get to know people’s wants, needs, and gifts. Building relationships is the foundation in which trust begins. All people matter and deserve dignity and I would lead with that philosophy. I would let my passions show but also my struggles. I am not a person that believes that a Pastor should be viewed as someone who is without struggles and without faults. We are all human and both saints and sinners.

Some of my passions: One passion is working to address social justice issues.  In my department in the County, we serve underrepresented communities every day.  I see the impact that discrimination and limited access to resources can have on whole communities of people.  I am also passionate about making scripture relevant to us today.  I bring forth the lessons that we are meant to learn and apply them to current life circumstances.

I want to end with sharing one of my favorite bible passages, Ephesians 6:10-18.

10 Finally, be strong in God and in God’s mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all of God’s people.