Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for.

Hello Christian Friends,

Allow me to express to you deep thanks and appreciation for the warm and gracious way you have embraced me as your interim pastor. The Holy Spirit is truly at work among us. I was a stranger to many of you before August 18th, but today, one week later, we are bound together in the cords of God's love and common mission. Your remarkable stories as a community and individuals along with my stories and God's stories in scripture are already being woven together into the fabric of the gospel.

Many of you have already graciously begun to share yourselves with me. I'd like to share a bit about myself. I've been married to Rhonda for 13 years. She is a pastor at Sheridan Lutheran in Lincoln. We have two children, Annika 6 and Soren 4. Annika is a first grader at Morley Elementary School. We live in Lincoln east of Holmes Lake. I graduated from High School from Millard North High School in Omaha. Rhonda and I both graduated from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont. We both attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. We served together as co-pastors of a three point congregation in Ceresco, Davey, and Ithaca, NE. In 2007, I was called as the campus pastor of the Lutheran Center on UNL's campus and Rhonda was called as associate pastor of Sheridan Lutheran. Rhonda continues her vibrant ministry at Sheridan.

The two areas I will focus my energy as I begin this interim is healing and moving forward. To begin the healing process I desire to meet with every family and person of Faith for conversation. Telling your story and being heard are important in the healing process. Kathy Miller is helping me coordinate these appointments. As far as moving forward goes, I have heard people say things like, "rebirth", "resurrection", and "excitement". I will work with you all to steward and harness this new energy in worship, music, faith formation, and mission.

Hebrews11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for.

I have assurance,