May, 2004

May 30^th

9:30 Statements of Faith

10:45 Confirmation

Reception following

Megan Burns         Mike McCoy

Michael Dunten       Elizabeth Ransone

Lauren George         Stacie Wolfe

From the Staff . . . .

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.

Phil 1:2-7

Dear Partners in Christ,

          Grace and peace to from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

          I am using the words “partners in Christ” very emphatically, for throughout these past eight years there truly has been a partnership in ministry here at Resurrection. It is with many mixed emotions that I write this last letter as Associate in Ministry at Resurrection Lutheran Church.

          It seems like yesterday that the Mikkelson family of five left Minnesota to journey to Indiana to accept the call of Director of Small Group and Youth Ministry at RLC. We left family and friends in Minnesota, but we have gained an even larger circle of friends during these last eight years. You have truly been our family away from family. You have watched our children grow, not only physically but in number as well! (Dinah was only 2 months old when we arrived!) We certainly look forward to being closer to our Minnesota family again, but we will greatly miss the family that we have grown to know and love here.

I personally have many thoughts I wish to convey, but it is difficult to express my deep feeling of gratitude to you as well as for each of you. You have been such an encouragement and support to me over the years. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this congregation. I have appreciated the opportunities given to me that have allowed and challenged me to stretch and grow in my faith and ministry. The confidence that has been expressed in my leadership has been overwhelming. You have been an integral part of my decision to accept God’s call to ordained ministry. (Which is, of course why we must journey back to Minnesota to complete my last year of study at Luther Seminary.)                       

          I will forever be grateful for the support you have given, not only financial for my seminary studies, but also the emotional and spiritual support I have received through your prayers and encouragement. The love that you have shown and the grace that has been given is overwhelming.

          My family has grown over the years, but so has RLC. There has been a dramatic increase in membership, but even more importantly there has been a dramatic increase in spiritual growth as well. That is what I am most encouraged about as I look at the future of RLC and why it is even more difficult to leave. It is, however a wonderful model for me to see and to use as I look to the time of leading a congregation in the future.

          God is working in this congregation in a mighty way and I know that there will be some great things that will continue to happen here. We are excited for the future of RLC and will continue to pray for the ministry that is now taking place and for the ministries that will take shape in the future. Pastor Dave has been a wonderful mentor for me and will continue to lead this place to serve and follow Christ’s example. Pastor Mitch will continue to train and equip you to do the ministry that God has called each of you to do. God is truly alive working in and through each of you.

You have all been such a blessing to us over the years. You have touched us in ways that you may not even know, but your impact on our lives will be felt for many years to come. We have truly been blessed to be a part of this community of believers, but we want to leave not saying “good-bye,” but instead “Shalom,” God’s peace be with you! We carry with us memories of our wonderful years here, and you, our Indiana family. You have been a huge part of our lives and will forever remain in our hearts.

May God bless you richly as you continue to live and shine for Him.

In Christ’s service,

Farewell Party . . . .

Join us for a fun night on Saturday, May 22^nd at 6:30pm for a pitch-in supper and fun “entertainment” as we say, “God Speed” to Scott, Karen, Josiah, Marah, Dinah, Isaiah, and Keturah Mikkelson. Scott will be finishing his seminary work at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. Find details about the party in your bulletin announcement pages.