Bethlehem Lutheran Church

I love being an advocate for our young people!  My hope for every young person is they discover, affirm and live out their unique gifts for God's mission in the world!!!

I live in South Minneapolis with my husband, Kristoff and our dog, Russell, and MY kitten (husband takes no ownership), Hazel.

When I'm not working with teens, you can find me trying a new recipe, training for the YWCA Women's Triathlon, camping or reading anything and everything! The Minnehaha Dog Park is my favorite place in Minneapolis.  The joy of dogs combined with lots of trails and interesting wildlife provide a place to step from the fast pace of urban life and give thanks for the simplicities of God's creation.

My favorite bible story is of the hemorrhaging woman in the Gospel of Mark.  It has made a big impact on my understanding of God and the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ.  The woman's audacity and unyielding faith are stand out characteristics in a gospel story full of dimwitted and nervous disciples. Tradition, rituals and law (in the name of God) kept her secluded, separated from community, unable to worship or actively participate in public faith, the very foundation of her people and their history.  This wasn't okay with her, and she believed Jesus' redemptive, healing power was as much hers as the righteous men of the synagogue!  I wonder how often our own Lutheran rituals and traditions push away the faithful or enslave the spiritually authentic?