St. Paul's Lutheran Church Mass City, MI - St Paul's LC in Mass City, MI

While we are introducing new faces, I asked Julie to give us a little BIO for the newsletter. Julie will help Pastor Autio fill our Sunday schedules for the next year or so and it is expected that she will be scheduled about twice a month at this point. This is what she sent us about her background:

I come to your congregation through the TEEM (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) program of the Western Mission Cluster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, comprised of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Completion of this program meets the established expectations and requirements for ordained ministry.
Currently, I am a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and hold the office of church council secretary. Over the past three years I have enjoyed doing pulpit supply for area churches. My husband, Bucky Beach, is the Pastor of Good Shepherd.
About a year ago, I was laid off (along with co-workers and clients) from my full time position as manager of a retail store and work center for adults with developmental disabilities. I spent this year in prayer and meditation seeking God’s direction for the next step in my life’s journey.
I have always had a love and intrigue for theology. I finished my BA in Liberal Studies from Finlandia University focusing on philosophy, religion, and conflict resolution; many years prior to that I attended other universities and a two-year program at Rhema Bible College that prepared me for mission work. I worked with the Spanish population in Tulsa, OK and later lived in Jyvaskyla, Finland to help a congregation in the process of forming a church.
The majority of my work experience lies in academic institutions and human service related fields (mental health, crisis intervention, developmental disabilities).
It was during this contemplative lay-off period, that I started taking classes at the Northern Great Lakes Synod Lay School for Mission and my vision and mission for Christ was renewed. I knew it was time to complete my life’s journey by entering seminary. When I told my 17 year daughter Erin what I intended to do next, she said, “Oh Mom, it is so you!” My other three children, who have left the nest, also think what Mom is doing is cool! My eldest son Michael is 26; Nathan is 24, and Anneli is 19.
With full support of friends and family, I eagerly look forward to the road ahead. This is a long awaited path I have dreamed to travel on and I am so excited to share it with you!
Grace and Peace,
Julie

UPDATE : (FEbruary 2012) - JULIE HAS been installed as our LLM to cover our parish until we have a full time minister. We welcome our continued relationship with her now that she has finished her intership. Julie was installed as the LLM for the new Norhtern Lights Lutheran Parish on January 15, 2012.