Thursday was my first day back to the office following our wonderful wedding, honeymoon in Hawaii, and a time of unpacking boxes and organizing. Stephen and I are so grateful for being a part of this wonderful and generous congregation, who has blessed us with love and gifts as we start our life together. I did my best to make sure everyone received a thank you note for their gift. If you did not receive one, please let me know because there must have been a mix up as our things got shuffled in the move!

It meant the world to us to celebrate our marriage at Christ Lutheran. I am aware of the time and effort needed in planning each worship service to ensure that each one runs beautifully and smoothly. There are worship leaders, choirs, worship assistants, sacristans, readers, ushers, and greeters, who give their time and talents. There are flowers, seasonal decorations, and timing considerations that go into every service.  

Our marriage service was no exception. I saw the art, skill and love that went into its planning, and I'm forever grateful to each person who participated and attended. The choir sang magnificently, the flowers were vibrant and colorful, the food was delicious, and the serving of communion ran smoothly. I am so grateful to work with and serve a congregation, who is passionate, faithful and gifted. That also applies wholeheartedly to the church staff!

There was one special surprise that I would like to feature, and it is a gift from one of our youth. If you haven’t met her yet, you may recognize her from the Xperience. She is a junior in high school, and throughout her years in the worship group, she has had solo parts in the show. While you may know her for her beautiful voice, did you know that she is a baker, and a gifted baker at that?

I knew from fundraisers, bake sales, and Xperience practice that Aleesa liked to bake. She even completed an internship at Amelie’s in Noda. A few times she brought in treats that were gluten & dairy free for Xperience practice, and everyone loved them. I have several food allergies, so for our wedding I asked if she might make our cake for the reception. I gave a tall order: sugar free, dairy free, vegan and gluten free. I don’t think such a cake exists! Ha!

I asked Natalya (Aleesa's mom) if she would consider it. Aleesa worked on it and experimented, and I'm guessing, that she experimented many times! As the time drew near, she made me a single layer chocolate cake/vanilla coconut cream birthday cake that met all of those requirements. It was delicious! I told Natalya that the cake was awesome, and would be perfect for the wedding. Aleesa said she would make it for us.

The day of the wedding came, and she brought the cake. She had made a multi-layered wedding cake with sugar-free icing flowers! There are pictures of my gasping in disbelief at how beautiful and professional it looked! I can honestly say that Aleesa “ hit it out of the park!”

I am constantly amazed at the talent, dedication and faithfulness of our youth. I greatly appreciate the young people who participate in being speakers, leaders, singers, instrumentalists, sound and tech, nursery attendants, mentors, crucifers, acolytes, banner & torch bearers. They are a wonderful example of the good work of the Holy Spirit here at Christ Lutheran.

I am looking forward to another great year of growing in faith together.