Old Friends, New Adventures – St. Nick’s News Aug. 9, 2024

Full St. Nick’s News for August 9, 2024

Dear Friends,

I cannot wait to see you on Sunday! Jeremy and I are thankful for the last few weeks of rest, rejuvenation, and the decadence of uninterrupted time together. We have been filled with love as we visited family and friends. We have been inspired by all the different experiences on our travels. And last, but certainly not least, we are excited and energized as we have had a chance to worship with different churches and see how they express their faith.

Jeremy and I love our lift together and the work God has called all of us into at St. Nick’s. God, at every turn, has been faithful. This new program year, we are taking many leaps of faith at St. Nick’s. Come on Sunday at 9:30am for worship and learn about these leaps and initiatives.

One of our beautiful leaps of faith this year is in calling Jena to be our full time Family Minister/Parish Coordinator. She will be overseeing our children and youth ministries, she will be helping to sustain and create adult formation experiences, and help with the day to day tasks of running St. Nick’s. She will begin this work in September and here is a little note from her –

I am so excited to be joining St. Nicholas in my new full time roles, Family Minister and Parish Coordinator. In the future I will have a special section in the newsletters for children and youth ministries. Here are some things that you might like to know about me!

1. I was born and raised in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).
2. In my adult life I have served as Sunday School/VBS Teacher, youth group chaperon and cook, Intern Christian Education Director (twice at the same church).
3. I grew up in Texas but at the age of 21 I moved to Kentucky where I met Scott. I vowed I would never move back to hot old Texas! Boy, does God have a sense of humor! But after being away for over 30 years I’m thankful to be back.
4. Scott and I have 2 adult sons. The oldest lives outside Tacoma, WA because he is in love. The youngest lives with us because he is finding himself and wise enough to save money instead of paying for rent.
5. When our boys were young I fell into teaching Preschool, mostly at church facilities. I simply love this age, all of their curiosity, joy and unconditional love! 
6. When St. Nicholas opened at it’s current location I was intrigued. There are no ELCA churches in the area and I really wanted a church that was in my community. I learned that the ELCA and the Episcopal Church are similar in all the ways that mattered to me. Then I met Rev. Beth for lunch and her attitude of being in the community spoke to me, so I stayed.

I love to share God with all age groups! And I look forward to what God has planned for us here at St. Nicholas! My title is Family Minister, but don’t think that I am only available to children and their parents, we are a Family, so I am here for you, no matter your age!

Blessings,
Jena Baldridge

I hope you will join me in giving God thanks for Jena’s ministry. I hope you will join me in giving God thanks for all of our staff (volunteer and paid) that help St. Nick’s to be the sacred and holy place and people God has called us to be.

Almighty and Gracious God, thank You for the leadership and service of those in Your church who guide, keep, and care for St. Nick’s. Be present with all who serve in leadership, keep their hearts and minds set on you. Continue to bless them with knowledge and wisdom and the willingness to share in the cares and concerns of our community of faith. Give them trust in You when questions arise and faith in Your guidance and everlasting love. All this we offer through Jesus our Lord. Amen.

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Beth+