Call day and more

On April 22nd call day took place. For those of you who are unaware, call day is a time when the vicars and pastors are called to their first assignments. It is a time of excitement, anticipation, nerves and trusting in our Heavenly Father. I can remember last year vividly as I watched most of my classmates leave on their vicarage call. I am a deferred vicar, which means that I complete my three years of academic training first, then complete my vicarage (internship) assignment. It has been a long road. There have been peaks and valleys. There has been disappointment and joy. There has been temptation and deliverance. Through it all God has been forming my family for the furthering of his kingdom and we are excited to be assigned to St. Peter congregation, which happens to be our home congregation!

It is rare to have a sending congregation be the calling congregation for a vicarage assignment. God has worked through St. Peter to bring me his word and his salvation. I have been a member for the past 25 or so years. What a thrill it is to come back and serve my St. Peter family as their vicar. Of course, not everything is smooth sailing.

Elissa, my 11 year old daughter is having a difficult time accepting she has to leave her friends. She has solidified her social network and of course, just when all is well, there is a bump in the road. Saying good-bye is difficult for me too. I have made many friends in St. Louis and to be honest it is just plain hard to leave. The time goes by so fast and just when relationships start to take root, you leave. Yes, of course God is with us, for us and directing us, but that does not change the fact that it is tough to say good-bye.

I knew the day after call day, my mother, father and I would be traveling to Arkansas to put my Grandfather's ashes to rest alongside my grandmother's ashes. Yes, we would be saying good-bye for now to my grandfather, who passed away just before Christmas 2008....but what I did not know was that my one and only brother would be coming with!

I knew that our good friend from St. Peter (Sherry, the D.C.E) was supposed to come down to be there for our family on call day, but my blessed bride had something else in mind. Tuesday night, the 21st, I drove with Janet (my wife) to the airport to pick up Sherry, but to my surprise my brother was waiting for me at Lambert airport. How great is that? Unfortunately, my sister-in-law and their two daughters could not come with, but it was so special to have my brother for call day and our family trip to Arkansas. So after call day was done, just the four of us (Mother, Brother, Father and I) went to Arkansas together. I bet the four of us have not been on a trip together, just the four of us, for over twenty years. It was so special to go back to Arkansas and have closure regarding the death of grandfather and grandmother. There was no public funeral for either one of them, so this was a very special day, especially for my brother and I. I have so much love for my brother and I don't get to see him enough. The two of us had a great time telling stories about grandma and grandpa or as we sometimes like to refer to them, g-ma and g-pa.

We laughed. We remembered. We prayed. We heard from God. We also played a round of golf at the golf course he used to live on. What a great day that was. We played in howling winds, but it was not the scores that mattered. My brother of course attempted to wear a hat, but to no avail as the winds was too much. His hat did not make it past the first tee.It was the experience of getting play one last time. It was about togetherness. My Father, my brother and I were together. That is what counted.

Every stroke, every hole, every time I looked down the fairway and every putt....all I could see and hear was grandpa, encouraging my brother and I. I remember whenever we would hit a tee shot grandpa would say make the sound of a monkey and say, "You gorillas!" So many memories. As my father, my brother and I played that final round, I just could not believe my grandmother and grandfather were gone. I have pictures of them holding my daughters and I wonder where did it all go? Why so fast? I want to spend more time with them. I miss them a lot!

Then again, they lived a long life and we have so many memories of being together. I thank my Father in Heaven for the time we did have. Thanks so much for the time Lord. I know it is short. Teach me to number my days. Teach me to make them all count. Time is short. Here today and gone tomorrow. Like dust in the wind. There is no coming back or going back. Once tomorrow is here, today is gone.

Father, thank you so much for my brother. Thanks for my parents. Thank you for my bride who lives outside of herself and has a giant servant heart. Thank you for my precious children, please guard them and continue to form them for you. The love that holds us together is your love. Your love never ends. Thanks for sending my family back home to serve your people. Keep us close to you. Keep us focused on your cross. Thanks for my St. Peter family. Thank you Pastor Hudak and Pastor Cate. Thank you for the journey. I can't wait to see the next moment you have planned. Amen.

IN THE MIDST OF THE BROKENNESS

I know it has been a while since the last blog for the Peterson family. We are so close with the great and loving family we have at St. Peter. St. Peter has been wounded and I hope these word's bring God's comfort during this time of deep pain.

Friday, April 17th, 2009 delivered a devastating blow to the body of Christ. The Engelhardts were not expecting death to show up, not Friday morning and certainly not in the manner it did.

Death has a way of always coming and it is never good, especially when it comes with such brutality and swiftness. Death knows no discrimination and this final enemy gives no quarter. Death takes the good, the bad, the rich, the poor, the young, the old, the healthy, the sick, those in want and those in need. Just as everyone is born, so everyone dies. Man and woman both go from the womb to the tomb. So many questions. What is the point of life? What does it mean to live? What does it mean to die? Why does death come? Why the Engelhardts? Why this way? Some say there is no rhyme or reason to life and death. Things are just the way they are. So much brokenness. Some say sin has entered the world and the result of sin is death. Does that help us? Is there an answer that gives hope? Is there hope in the midst of brokenness?

Answers are not to be found. Only silence. Just silence....BUT the body of Christ does not mourn without hope. Yes we hurt. Yes tears soak our pillows. Yes we ask hard questions. We do not have the answers, but we have the hope in the midst of this brokenness. Hope has broken through into this brokenness and hope sits with those who hurt. Hope is with us. Hope embraces us. We cannot see this hope, but we know the hope is with us, especially when we hurt in ways that cannot be fathomed.

Hope entered into our world through Mary's womb and hope did not stop until he conquered the tomb. Hope has defeated the grave and death has been swallowed up in hope. Hope does not quit. Hope does not disappoint. As we sit in the brokenness, we have this hope. Where? How? Through the word of God, our Father who sent his hope to his people. Hope is risen and hope is with us and for us. Hope will see us through this brokenness. Hope holds his people together.

The risen Christ is our only hope and he is with us now and evermore. He will not let go of his people. Our hope is on our lips and in our hearts. Because hope is risen, we are too, even though it does not feel like it. The feelings we feel are very real and they do hurt. There is a big hole in us, but this cannot change the reality which lies in our hope; in our Jesus.

May you, Jeff and Amanda receive our true hope and know that Jesus Christ sits with you in the midst of your brokenness. May God our Father continue to bring healing to your mother in both body and soul. May you both find comfort in Jesus Christ, our never ending hope.

The body of Christ is here for you and we are with you and for you.

In the name of Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

AMEN.

Fall is here officially

It's a beautiful 70 something here in St. Louis and the sun is out,..the trees haven't started turning yet (that happens a lot later down here) -- but it's so nice. I love this time of year.

Matthew is in his last "fall" quarter of school. It is a tough one - 5 classes this time. He is more busy than he's been for quite awhile. He still preaches at our fieldwork church, teaches confirmation, helps with sunday school, does hospital visits, and preaches at the local nursing home,..and goes to class, reads, writes papers,..............ok - so do you get it yet? We really don't see a whole lot of him right now. I really do think I forgot what it was like - he had two months off this summer, he spent lots of time with us, ate meals with us,...etc. So, we're back in Seminary mode. I'm so glad this is our last year - not sure how much more I could take of his nose in a book 24/7 and feeling like I'm talking to myself! He does manage to spend a few minutes with the kids every day and I think we had a date like a month or so ago! ha-ha!!

The kids are enjoying school. They have uniforms this year! Mom loves them - Elissa does not,...Sara really likes them too. It makes for much easier mornings in our house! ("what do I wear,...?") Elissa is in a musical next month. She auditioned and made it in the teens dancing and singing chorus. She is also in one dance class and is taking guitar from a seminarian friend of ours. Sara is in soccer this fall, and she is in one dance class and I am teaching her piano.

I have started a part time job working for the kids school: Christ Community Lutheran School. I am working in the kitchen. This started as a volunteer position (lunch mom) and then blossomed into a three days a week job for me -- paid! So I was excited -- the Lord just led me into that one! And the extra money will be nice -- I will try to save it to use for our moving expenses at the end of the year! whew!!!

Zoe is fine -- she's happy no matter where she is - as long as she's with us. And the cats are great too. You know cats,...they just kind of hang around! :)

That's about it -- for our update. We get to go home to Schaumburg next weekend - our friends had a baby girl and are having her baptized that weekend. We're so glad to be able to go home for that! Our next trips to Schaumburg will include Thanksgiving and Christmas! We'll be staying with "grandma and grandpa".

Thanks to all of you who continue to pray for us. Blessings to you!!!

The Peterson's

Summer is almost over?!

Well, friends and family,...we just returned to St. Louis to complete Matthew's final year at the seminary. We were able to spend the entire month of July "away". Most of our time was spent in Schaumburg, Illinois. We participated in the National Children's Ministry Conference, matt preached one whole weekend (5 services in 3 days!-whew!), we drove to Green Bay to see friends, we helped with vbs at St. Peter and I sang three times at St. Peter with the Praise Band,....whew! What a vacation,....we needed to come to St. Louis to get a break!!!! ha-ha!

We have been putting the house back together since returning. Our friend from the seminary stayed at our house while we were gone,..he needed a place,...and we were happy to let him stay here. He moved out yesterday, though. So Matthew helped him move yesterday - all day. Today we were back in the swing of things again here - I got a last minute phone call to sing at church on Sunday and Matthew got asked to lead Sunday school too! (good thing we came back!) lol.

We've been to the pool every day since we got back -- even if it's only at night for an hour to relax! It's down the street and has a lazy river (my personal favorite). It's very, very hot down here. (i do love Schaumburg's weather!) It's sopposed to be heat index of 110 tomorrow,....I can't wait! :(

The girls have their home visits with their teachers this week. School for the girls begins on August 14th. Matthew is off until Sept. 8th, - although he has a paper due by August 22nd still.

Enjoy the following pictures. They are all from the conference which was held at St. Peter. Our whole family participated!

This is Elissa up front in front of 500+ people interviewing Vice President Bill Diekleman.

This is me and Beth (our new Vicar's wife). We helped serve lunch and wondered which pop was winning,......coke or pepsi?!

Here's Sara hanging out in the hallway with me during a sectional.

Here's Elissa being interviewed by Pastor Roger Theimer (from King of King's Omaha) He then did a skit with her - once again infront of 500+ people. She loved being in the spotlight. When asked if it was a good thing being a "PK",...she paused,.....and then answered it correctly!! :)

It was a long, long day. Sara fell asleep during the last Festive Gathering,.....such an angel.

So here it is,...summer time! Time is flying by at top speed. Matthew took summer school for the first session - and it ends this week! He is in finals tight now - he has 2 papers, a sermon and a test to take! He's a little frazzled - but as always the Lord always sees him through!

Our family used some birthday money and bought season passes to Six Flags in St. Louis and we've gone many, many times!! It's so fun! The girls are each getting braver and enjoying the family time we have there. We also joined a local swimming pool this summer and have been taking advantage of that almost every day! (I actually have a little of a tan going!)

Next week we leave for Schaumburg, our "home". We will be spending Matt's birthday with his family and our friends. We are also going to help at/attend the national children's ministry conference which will be held at our home congregation, help with vbs at our home congregation, visit friends in Green Bay,...attend the annual Luau at our home congregation,...house/dog sit in one of the parsonages while our Pastor is away on visiting family. It's going to be a packed month -- but what fun to be able to go "home" for that long!!! (since Matthew has two months off before the next quarter!)

We had the girls dance recitals this month and visitors from "home". We are so blessed by our family and friends both here in St. Louis, Schaumburg and many other places around the U.S.!!!

Thank you for your prayers - we love you!

Does anyone read this anymore?`

Oh my,...it's been like five months since I wrote on here. I have a feeling that no one checks this anymore - you have probably given up on us! I apologize. Life is so busy here in St. Louis and very exciting indeed. Matthew recieved a deferred vicarage and that means we get the opportunity to stay here and he finishes his classes first -- and then we go out on our vicarage/call. Less moves,.....less stress,........we are very happy. Thank you Lord for granting this awesome opportunity for us!!

We are all doing great. We've been a lot the last couple months for home congregation events and two weddings,..one of which all four of us was in! We are now here in St. Louis for awhile - but are looking forward to returning "home" this summer to see family and friends soon.

Love and hugs!!!!

December 19, 2007,....Merry Christmas!

WOW!!! I am so sorry that I haven't been on here in awhile. We have been so very busy. I've had a few people actually bug me about updating this - so I guess that's a good thing! That means people are reading it!

Today is a special day. Matthew preached this morning at The Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens for the Wednesday Advent service. (this was his second time preaching in chuch) Tonight he will be preaching again at the 7pm service. God is so good - he invited our un-churched neighbors the other day, after he shoveled their driveway --- and they showed up this morning!! Praise the Lord! It only takes a seed to be planted. The girls and I will be going to Advent dinner and go see "Daddy" preach tonight. This will be our first time seeing him up there. (he wouldn't let us come last time!)

We've had so many things going on - I don't even know where to begin. But we did travel home for the Thanksgiving break to see our family. We all ended up sick with a sinus infection that slowly moved through the whole family,....then the kids each got strep throat,.....so we've spent a lot of the last month or so fighting illnesses. When we were home for break we got to see many friends and family. We even went downtown to the Science and Industry Museum to see the Star Wars Exhibit! (ooooooooo.)

I led the Christmas Praise Choir at Webster Gardens and had practices every Wed. after school with my choir. We had our Christmas Service a couple days ago at the Sunday Contemporary Service. It went very, very well. The children all had fun and I know this because when it was all over and I told them what an awesome job they did,...I got asked repeaditly "Can we do this again next year?" and "Will you lead us again next year?" How sweet! I got asked this same question when I led music for vbs at this church. It's so hard to answer. I don't know where I'll be next year!!! So I just smile and say - "I sure hope so!"

We had our vicarage meeting at the Seminary last week, after filling out all the paperwork and Mat had another interview that I didn't have to be at. It was very relaxing - I thought I might be a little nervous - but Dr. Nielsen was very easy to talk to and I enjoyed our time there. We are asking for what's called a "deffered" vicarage. This means that Matthew would stay in St. Louis for one more year and finish his studies and then have a convertable vicarage the following year. (which would mean hopefully just one move after being here - instead of three!) We have submit a letter and wait for the faculty board to approve or deny. If they deny - that means in April on the 22nd, we will find out our vicarage placement and it could be anywhere!!! (but we did request the Chicago area). I think Elissa wants the vicarage to be in Florida,...I think we all know why!

I'm sure I won't get on here again until after Christmas. We are heading to Schaumburg to be with family - Matt's brother and his family are flying in from California too! AND while we're home, Matthew is preaching his very first sermon at our home congregation: St. Peter Lutheran. If in the area - come hear the word!!! (Dec. 29th at 5pm, Dec. 30th at 9am / 11am)

Because of the Christ child, our lives have meaning! Merry Christmas!!!!

Matthew, Janet, Elissa and Sara (Zoe and Simba too!)

Grandma (Matt's mom) and Elissa at the Thanksgiving Dinner table.

Everyone always asks why Zoe isn't on this blog,...well here she is. She is SO good with our kids. What an awesome dog!

Here's the whole family. (this was used for our Christmas picture!)

This is taken in the old historic chapel at St. Peter Lutheran Schaumburg, Illinois. This is the church where Matthew and I got married 14 years ago.