For me, youth ministry begins with a simple promise: no child or young person should ever wonder whether they belong. I know what it feels like to be the new kid, to feel lonely and to wonder where you fit. That experience has stayed with me and continues to shape the way I welcome children, youth and families at First Lutheran.
I like to say I’m a Midwest native. I was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and moved to Ankeny, Iowa, when I was 10. As the only new student in my fifth-grade class, I struggled to find my place, even though I was usually a social butterfly. Because of that, I try especially hard to make sure others know they have a place—especially at church.
In 2020, my family moved to Sidney, Nebraska, for my dad’s first call as an ordained pastor. Faith was always part of our family life. My parents taught me that God walks with us through both difficult and joyful times and that belief has become a cornerstone of my faith.
Music has also shaped my life. I grew up dancing and singing in choir and hymns have always been one of my favorite parts of worship. I had wanted to learn handbells since high school, so finally having that opportunity at First Lutheran has been especially meaningful. I have also started taking piano lessons, although I have discovered that piano is much harder than handbells!
My husband, Evan, and I moved to Lincoln in 2023. Finding a church home on my own felt daunting, but during Advent I attended a Saturday service at First Lutheran. I asked Pastor Andrew plenty of questions, appreciated the traditional worship and music, and decided to return. As I formed friendships and became more involved, First Lutheran began to feel like home and I decided to join the community in the fall of 2024.
My career path was not a straight one. I once planned to become a teacher, then attended cosmetology school and worked in salons. Later, I tried working as a pharmacy technician, but I continued to feel that something was missing.
The turning point came when I helped with games at First Lutheran’s Vacation Bible School last summer. Spending time with children reminded me how much I loved teaching, listening to their questions and sharing in their excitement. With encouragement from my family and conversations with Pastor Erin and Pastor Andrew, I took a leap of faith into youth ministry and began serving as the Youth Ministry Coordinator last September.
What I love most about children is their sense of wonder. They ask thoughtful questions, silly questions and everything in between. They also enjoy reminding me that I am “so old” and that some of my friends must be dinosaurs! I do not always have the answers, and that is okay. It is a gift to be one of the adults who walks alongside them.
My hope is that every child and youth at First Lutheran experiences church as a place of love and acceptance—a place where they can bring their worries, ask questions and know there is a place for them at the table. Above all, I want them to know they are wholly and unconditionally loved by Jesus.
As I look toward the coming school year, I’m excited to continue building relationships with our children and youth and creating programs that help them grow in faith while encouraging their questions. I’m also looking forward to more LEGO ministry projects, family events for our FaithTrekkers and fun activities for our middle and high school youth. One of my priorities is helping create spaces where all children feel safe and supported, including our neurodivergent children.
Children are not only the future of the church; they are the church here and now. Whether we teach Sunday school, mentor a young person, pray for families or simply learn a child’s name, each of us can help make First Lutheran a place where every child knows they belong.
