Vicar, if you're wondering, basically means that I am a pastor in training. I finished my first two years of study at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and now have a year of practical training under the guidance of Pastor Ritter.  The Lord Jesus has blessed me far more than I deserve by placing me here with you at Immanuel for this year.

My wife Mary and my two-year-old son Stephen are so excited to be here as well. You may bump into them around town—maybe at a park or grocery shopping or eating ice cream or at MOPS or Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. No matter the time or place, they're both excited to meet you.

I look forward to learning from you all this year, and I'm confident you have plenty to teach me about serving the people of God. Jesus made sure you and I would be here together at this time and place, and I just can't wait to see what Jesus is up to. 

The school's theme this year is Making Disciples.  What does this theme mean to you or what is one way that you can have an impact as a disciple of Jesus?

You just won a cruise to anywhere in the world! Where would you go?

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes"

I  moved back to Wisc. Rapids after being away for 11 years after my husband, Todd, passed away from cancer. I have two daughters that both have stayed in MN so it is just me and my black lab, Ace.  I have two siblings that still live in the area, my brother in Rapids, and my sister out Grand Rapids/Kellner.   I love spending time with my girls when they come home to visit.  I was a church secretary for six years at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Gaylord, MN.  

I am truly blessed to be back in a church family and have the love and support of the congregation.  That means so much to me because FAMILY is everything to me.

I absolutely love working in the office setting. I hope I serve all the congregation with the blessing of my work here.  I will bring my compassion, my love of the Lord, and my enjoyment to help in any way to make Immanuel Lutheran Church and School a better place.

Favorite Bible Verse:

1 Corinthians 13:13  And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 

The school's theme this year is Making Disciples.  What does this theme mean to you or what is one way that you can have an impact as a disciple of Jesus?

I think it means the most to me by sharing your talents with everyone.  Showing them how to be disciples is a lot easier than people think.  We can share this beautiful blessing of our Lord and be proud of it.

What's the best birthday or Christmas present you remember getting as a kid?

Well, the funny thing about birthday gifts and Christmas gifts is that I usually get both at once. Seeing that my birthday is December 27th I would get "Here is your birthday and Christmas gift",  and it may not even be anything bigger.  But I think my favorite gift would be my huge doll that if you squeezed its tummy she would blow her horn in and out.

Hometown: Nekoosa, WI

Contact Mary at (715) 423-3260 or at ilcoffice@immanuelrapids.com

I grew up in Wisconsin Rapids and at Immanuel, and I’m excited to share my love of music and worship with my extended church family here. Music has always been a big part of my life. I started playing piano when I was 4, transitioned to cello at 10, joined Gospel Choir in college at UW-Eau Claire, and taught myself guitar and ukulele since graduating and returning to Wisconsin Rapids. I am blessed to use the talents God gave me in ministry at Immanuel.

When I had surgery and radiation treatments several years ago, this congregation gave me so much support, love and prayers, and I am happy to be able to return some of that support and love through my role here.

Favorite Bible Verse:

Psalm 98:4  Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. 

The school's theme this year is Making Disciples.  What does this theme mean to you or what is one way that you can have an impact as a disciple of Jesus?

I think making disciples starts with our own desire to follow God, and showing His love by loving and serving others.

       "Where You go, I'll go/Where You stay, I'll stay/When You move, I'll move/I will follow You/ Who You love, I'll love/How You serve, I'll serve/If this life I lose, I will follow you." - I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin

What's the quality that you admire most in other people?

I admire compassionate and empathetic qualities in others.

“When I feel my hope about to break / I will cling to Your unchanging grace / Let the waters come and the earth give way / I'll be dancing in the rain! / My feet are on the rock” -My Feet are on the Rock by I Am They

Hometown: Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Relations, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire