First Anniversary Picnic

Joshua's first anniversary in ministry was July 26th.  The church celebrated with an outdoor service and picnic on August 15th. It was clear skies and a bit toasty for the festivities. We really enjoyed celebrating this milestone with our church family.

Joshua ready to preach. 

The all important food. 

The kids playing games.

The picnic was a great success! We want to thank everyone involved!

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

Sue's Visit

Sue, Joshua's sister, came for her first visit "Up North" this past week.  We showed her the major sights: Church, Petoskey, Mackinaw Crossings, Ocqueoc Falls, the beach of Lake Huron, and Mackinac Island. Not to mention all the yummy places we have to eat!  We enjoyed showing her the "new" home we have talked so much about.

Shopping in Petoskey.

Awwwww. Christmas card pictures?

At our favorite eatery, Manzana's.

 

 Sue, Lady Liberty, Stefani.

Another great visit with family!

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

Michigan District Junior High Youth Gathering 2010

We recently attended the Michigan District Junior High Youth Gathering held on the campus of Concordia University Ann Arbor. We took 6 Youth. For many of them it was their first retreat. The theme was "All About Nothing". It was based on Romans 8:38-39: "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."  One powerful message!
We were kept busy the whole weekend. There was a carnival, mass events, a Servant Event, water games, a concert, a prayer walk, and family time. Our Servant Event was to work at a food pantry. We helped clean and sort food. For many of our kids this was the first time giving of their time this way.

Our group has the honor of making the banner for this event every year.

This Swen and Dean. They are two brothers that have an amazing ministry of singing, being silly, being serious, and connecting with kids. Aargh!

This is Pastor Bill Yonker. He is the Senior Pastor at Immanuel East Dundee, IL. He is dynamic and really holds the kids attention.

Here we are receiving our instructions for the Servant Event. The Pantry is part of the organization Feeding America.

Stefani doing some heavy lifting.

What a good looking group?! The Pantry was at 1 Carrot Way. Hence, the carrots.

We think everyone had a great time whether they showed it or not. (You know teenagers.) The adults enjoyed seeing God work in the Junior High kids. If we (adults) can guide them along the path they are on, THE Church (not just Lutherans) will be in good hands. So, please INVEST in your youth through prayer, your time, and/or finances. They are the future (insert Whitney Houston lyrics here). 


God's Blessings,


Joshua and Stefani

BBQ and an Ordination

The Ketelsens hosted a second BBQ at our house for the members of the church council. It was great to open our home to people who have been such a big part of our lives this past year. We had about 20 folks over. There was a bit of rain so we had to move the party into the garage. (Joshua had the smarts clean it out that morning.) 

The next day Joshua participated in an ordination of a classmate from Seminary. Pastor Peter Elliott and his family were Called to Christ Lutheran in Boyne City. Boyne City is about an hour from Onaway. (Which around here is not very far.) It was a great service and we really enjoyed seeing them.

The pastors giving words of wisdom and a prayer for the new shepherd. Joshua is hiding behind the man with the large book.(Which happens to be Peter's father and his brother is the current pastor praying over him.)

Please keep the Elliott family in your prayers as they embark on this adventure. 

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

VBS 2010

Vacation Bible School was a success! We used Lifelight's Sonquest Rainforest program. About sixty kids attended through out the week. This kids had so much fun!  Joshua introduced the lesson each night and took pictures through out the week. Stefani was in charge of crafts. She prepared them for each night and helped the kids make them. On our last day we had a slide show done by Joshua and an ice cream social. 


Here a few photos taken by the resident photographer, Pastor Josh...

Check out our rainforest! We left most of it up for Sunday.

Some kids praising God!

We collected food for our local food pantry.

Joshua took a close up Stefani. Check out the awesome green shirts we had. It was difficult not to be cheerful in the bright color. 


God's Blessings,


Joshua and Stefani

St. Louis Visit July 2010

Stefani made a trip to St. Louis for a week of birthday celebrations. She arrived in time for her mom's birthday. They celebrated with a dinner at Cannoli's. Stefani visited with some of her former co-workers from Andrews Academy. They had a great time catching up. Stefani was able to see her Grandma Gavisk. She isn't able to travel right now, so she tries to see her every time she comes to St. Louis.  Stefani and her parents had a family day. They went to the Art Museum and had lunch at Schlafly as well as toured their brewery. 
The main event of the week was Noah's 1st birthday party. Stefani was so excited to be a part of his special day. His "Aunt" Stefani really loves him. 

Carolyn (mom) putting on Noah's party shoes.

Noah's 3-tiered cake. I found the picture on Facebook on the cakemaker's page. (She is former Old Navy co-worker.)

Noah after he destroyed his cupcake. (Touchdown!)

Stefani's last day of visiting was quite busy. She went to breakfast with an old friend who happens to be expecting her first child! After breakfast, Stefani was able to get in a visit with The Algers (Stefani's cousin, Jen's, family). They were in the middle of their move to Jacksonville, North Carolina. It was great to get in some visiting before their big move. Stefani sees some beach vacations in her future. The last big event of the visit was a BBQ at Stefani's godmother's house with her mom's high school friends. They haven't seen Stefani since she was a baby.

The trip was very fun. Although, Stefani missed Joshua very much. She feels blessed that she is able to visit frequently. 

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani

Carol and Sarah's Summer Visit 2010

After the Fourth, the Ketelsen Inn had a quick turn around. Joshua's mom and sister came for a visit. We saw some sights together including Mackinaw Crossings, Ocqueoc Falls, and the shore of Lake Huron. During their visit we had the first party at our house. After a year we decided it was time to have the Elders over for a BBQ.  It was a great night of food and fellowship.

Stefani, Carol, and Sarah at Mackinaw Crossings.

Carol, Sarah, Stefani, and Joshua at Rosa's. A great Italian place about 15 minutes outside of town.

All in all it was a great visit.

God's Blessings,

Joshua and Stefani