Some thoughts

Note: This is a reprint of the article that appeared in the September newsletter.  Going forward, I plan to write here several times a month.

Dear Grace United Church of Christ,
As I continue packing up here in North Lima, Ohio and get ready to move to Lancaster, I wanted to share some thoughts with you, as we ready ourselves to be together at Grace UCC. I am both excited and happy to have been called to be your pastor. I believe that we will work together in God’s name to be what God is calling us to be and do. But some words about me before I actually start…

I have been in the church, the United Church of Christ, my whole life. I grew up knowing and believing that we are all created equal in Gods eyes, and that there are many bad things and unjust things that happen. I am kind of quiet at times, but usually that just means I am processing and thinking. I love to walk, and hike; it is how I get renewed. I love to share a meal with folks and I love to brag on my kids (sorry, they are great). I was also taught to respect everyone, EVERYONE. Didn’t matter, who they were, or if I agreed with them or if my parents agreed with them. Respect was something that was part of my upbringing. So I in turn have worked hard to teach my sons to respect everyone.

I believe respect is shown in many different ways, and that it comes from the smallest child to the oldest adult. We show each other that respect. My office, pastor and teacher, comes with respect and in the early days the title said that. With that said, people always ask me how they should address me, what to call me. In Isaiah 43:1b, it says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” In Exodus 3:13b-14 says, “What is his name? What shall I say to them? God said to Moses, I am who I am.”

All that to say, I am happy with Mindy, said with respect, just like I will say your names with respect, but it is up to you. Some have chosen to call me Pastor Mindy. Some have chosen to call me Rev. Quellhorst. Some have chosen to call me just Pastor. But it is up to you. And please talk to your children, and you decide together what you them to call me. I do have to say that most have called me Pastor Mindy. But that is yours to decide.

Other things about me… I hate to cook, I love to read. I don’t drink or like coffee, but give me a good tea and I am happy. I am the Vice moderator of the Ohio Conference and will move into the role as moderator next year. I have been ordained 26 years. I was a teacher of elementary children for a few years before I went to seminary. I went to Choir camp when I was a kid and loved it. I love music. I am really looking forward to getting to Grace UCC and learning together how to be Gods children together in Lancaster. I have some ideas, and some thoughts. I want to try all kinds of things, some may work, others will not. But together we are called to be the church together.

Here’s to new beginnings, fresh starts….

Mindy