Entering my second year on Zion’s Church Council, and a second year on the Executive Committee as treasurer, I am thankful for a faith journey that includes the capable people I serve with. It is all a learning experience!
I am especially proud of my seven grandchildren (ages 15 to 26) and their own church involvement, whether that be mentoring, teaching, or camp counseling.
Living in a small rural South Dakota town from birth to high school graduation, Sundays were spent attending a Methodist church with my mom, my dad, an older sister, an older brother, and my twin brother. It is part of what drew our small community of three hundred together. My best high school memory is Wednesday night Christmas caroling with Methodist, Lutheran, and Catholic kids all walking through the town.
I became a member of Zion in 1976, when I moved to Buffalo from Maple Plain. I am active on the Transition Committee, Rebecca Circle, and volunteer with the funeral serving team.
My favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 13, which (as adapted by Nicholas Sparks in A Walk to Remember) says:
Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, and to hope. And to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end.In my mind, this is so appropriate for today’s challenging times. Joan’s term on Zion’s Congregational Council runs 2021-2023 and she currently serves as Zion’s treasurer.
