A Recap of the ASP Mission Trip and Welcoming Linda Miller!
Down South in the Hollers of Kentucky
Each year for the better part of the last two decades, I have had the opportunity to travel to central Appalachia with a group of students and leaders, in some cases young adults, both congregation members and friends. While there, we partner with the organization, Appalachia Service Project, in an effort to help make homes warmer and safer, and drier for the residents who call those hollers home. With each passing year, my role as the trip coordinator becomes less and less about being an adult leader and more and more about being a participant alongside everyone else.
This year was no exception; the maturity and responsibility, the exemplary work ethic, and humble attitude of our participants and other adult leaders made it so that my role could be that of servant alongside everybody else that went - this is a gift.
We fixed a little work from the previous group, finished some roofing, and turned our attention to completely siding a mobile home, including a complete install of facia and soffit. Once the end of that project was in sight, a few peeled off to assist another crew finishing up some interior door installation, framing, and electrical work, and a few other punch-list items.
Over the years of this trip has evolved into one of high expectations, the students lead themselves and hold each other accountable, the veterans scoop up the first timers so they can hit the ground running immediately. While individual friendship and friend groups are important, once the vans point south, those distinctions take the backseat. We are one group, one mission, one super weird sense of humor, and I say with humility… one group that I know other groups and chaperones look up to and see as an example for how to serve and put others first.
Thank you to the few that came along for the first time, thank you to the college-age and graduates that pushed to be a part of this experience again and again and again. We did not eliminate substandard housing in Harlan this summer - that said, for the families we were privileged to serve, we made a lasting and powerful impact.
We will be back.
Written by Mark Halvorson, Director of Congregational Ministries
5 Questions with Linda Miller
At the beginning of August, we welcomed Linda Miller, our new Business Administrator to our staff! Linda’s job responsibilities include things like…..
What drew you to Good Shepherd?
Job search. I was looking to work part-time at a local church and found the advertisement for the Business Administrator position online.What is a church memory you have growing up?
I have many. I grew up in North Minneapolis, where the church (Community Covenant Church), just across the street from us (it's still there), provided so many good memories, it's difficult to choose. Because we didn’t have a lot of money growing up, I spent the majority of my free time at CCC. However, similar to Good Shepherd, CCC offered year-round activities for children and youth. Besides racing friends up and down the stairs, one of my favorite memories was playing one of the Magi and singing We Three Kings for the Christmas program. Another memory was moving from student to volunteer in the after-school tutoring program.What hobbies do you have that give joy to your life?
Writing children's books related to diversity, equity and inclusion. I also love to garden and spend time with family.What is the last good book you read?
The monthly Book Club I am a member of just finished the book, Colored Television by Danzy Senna. Before that, we read, We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes.Wednesday Evening Pizza is a big tradition here at Good Shepherd. What is your go-to pizza order?
I don't eat pizza very often, but my go-to pizza is Margherita. I am more of a flatbread fan.
Written by Mara Halvorson, Marketing and Communications Specialist