A Message from Vicar Jennifer

Dear Beloved Siblings in Christ,

Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  (Joshua 1:9)

As is often the case in our lives, transitions are bittersweet. I write to express my deep gratitude and affection as I prepare to embark on a new chapter in my journey to Word and Sacrament ministry in the ELCA, aka becoming a pastor. It is with a sense of both sadness and excitement that I bid farewell to the beloved community of Oak Knoll Lutheran Church, which has been a Spirit-filled place of nurturing and growth for me.

As I reflect upon my time here, I cannot help but be overwhelmed by the kindness and grace you showed me as I honed my preaching and worship leadership skills, tried my hand at teaching confirmation and leading preschool chapel, and gained confidence in who I am as a faith leader. Over the past year, I witnessed the power of faith and the transformative love of our Lord working through the lives of each one of you. Your unwavering commitment to your faith has been an inspiration to me, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve my internship at OKLC.

I have been assigned to the Minneapolis Area Synod, and will be working with Bishop Jen Nagel’s staff to begin the call process. (That’s church lingo for the process of matching up the ministry skills and passions of clergy with the hopes and needs of congregations seeking new leaders.) I hope to begin interviewing very soon. Once a congregation extends a “call” to me, I will be ordained and installed as their pastor! 

The sign over the Christikon gate reads: “Wherever you go, Christ will go with you!”

I carry with me the memories and experiences I have shared with all of you. You have left an indelible mark on my heart, and I will forever cherish the relationships we have formed and the moments we have shared. As I move forward, please know that you will remain in my prayers, and I humbly ask for your prayers as well, that God may grant me the strength and wisdom to shepherd a new flock entrusted to my care.

God bless you; and, I thank you!

Vicar Jennifer