“A lifetime’s not too long to live as friends”

Pastor Vicki has touched the lives of many while being a part of our community. She didn’t expect to stay this long, but she didn’t expect to leave as quick, either.

Pastor Vicki, along with her husband, Tim, are gearing up to move to Northwood to care for Vicki’s 89 year old mother. “I got into ministry late - in my 40’s,” she said. “I didn’t expect to retire so soon, but my mom needs the extra care right now.” she added.

As Vicki winds things down and prepares for the next chapter soon to come, we wish her farewell, as she recently did the same to us.

Taken from the November 2019 “Parish Post.”

 “Though it’s hard to let you go, in the Father’s hands we know, that a lifetime’s not too long to live as friends.”

Dear Friends,

I still remember the trip to Grygla a little over seven years ago. The trip from Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Grygla was about six hours so I had a lot of time to think. Actually, I had already made up my mind. Though I never turn down an interview, I was pretty sure that Minnesota was not for me. Even though I claim both North Dakota and Minnesota as my home states, Minnesota taxes always took my breath away.

It was a beautiful day to drive. I got to Grygla early and decided to take a little stroll around town. When the call committee arrived, we headed to Our Savior’s for the interview. I still giggle when I told Bob Thompson that I had to say hello to my Aunt Myrtle in the cemetery at Our Savior’s. Nobody had known that little tidbit of information. 

After a really good time with the call committee, and after a good night’s rest, and after seeing Marie and Wayne on my way out of town and back to South Dakota, I basically chuckled all the way back. God had already spoken. Minnesota, and specifically Grygla, was to be our next home.

Being a wonderer all my life, it never occurred to me that I would stay in this call the longest of any call, but the longest in my entire life of 66 years. Ever! The five-year record was broken. Who knew it would be in a place of hunters and fisher (people) and gardeners and canners…everything I don’t do. Who knew? God knew.

I loved my Aunt Myrtle precisely because she wasn’t afraid to express an opinion. Every so often I wonder what she would have said about me being a preacher. Would she have liked my wacky sense of humor? Or my insufferable banter about the Packers vs. the Vikings? What would she think about a pastor who doesn’t preach from a pulpit? Or one who doesn’t wear the robes or make church coffee.

What I do know if that you have accepted me as your pastor for seven years. You have no always agreed with me, and that’s just fine. You have been gracious to me when my health went wonky and understood when I made a lot of trips back to Northwood to be with my folks. I will never be able to explain in words what you have meant to me. I do thank you from the bottom of my heart.

May you continue to be a blessing as you are so blessed. God be with you till we meet again. 

A few members of her congregations graciously shared the following:

“After 7 years, I’m still amazed she can give a meaningful message each Sunday with no notes! Her sermons really are the best. Every sermon seems to speak to me and leave me thinking. She has added so much fun and laughter to our Red Hats group, too! Vicki, you will be missed.” – Kandy Sundberg, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

“I’m really going to miss Vicki not only as my pastor, but as my friend. Her sermon messages (without any paper notes) have always brought the Bible alive for me, along with her love of music, which she graciously shares wherever she goes. She may be moving away from Grygla, but I’m hoping we can always keep in touch.” – Holly Rychlock, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

“Me being on her call committee and living right next door to the parsonage, our relationship with Vicki immediately turned into a friendship that turned into almost family. She is so easy to joke around with and talk through problems with. Right from the first Christmas they were here, they came over after church on Christmas Eve and had hors d’oeuvres with us and it’s been a Christmas tradition ever since they’ve been here.” – Bob Thompson, Grace Lutheran Church

“Pastor Vicki has always been so personable and always has positive things to say about everything. She’s the kind of person that you want to be around and spend time with. She always looks on the bright side of things. She’s been way more than a pastor to all of us. She’s been and will continue to be a great friend.” – Ruth Anderson, Grace Lutheran Church

“Vicki is not just my pastor, she is my friend! She is part of my everyday life, whether it be a quick text here or a phone call there, and a few laughs in between. She is someone I can always count on. Vicki is one in a million and I am so honored to call her my friend!” – Kris Monson, Grace Lutheran Church

“As the church pianist, I traveled back and forth from Grace to Our Savior’s every Sunday morning with Pastor Vicki. We had so many memorable conversations along the way. She is such a great listening ear and would share so many funny things with me. I’m sure everybody would agree with me on this, but she has a gift that no other pastor I know has. To be able to stand in front and talk, never hesitating, and give a presentation second to none; it’s unbelievable and truly a gift.” – Joy Nordby, Grace Lutheran Church

Farewell Sunday

This Sunday, November 24th, will be Pastor Vicki’s final Sunday Worship at 10:30am at Grace Lutheran. A potluck dinner will be held following the service and will be served by the Grace Choir. Pastor Vicki’s final Worship will be at the Thanksgiving Eve Service at Grace on Wednesday, November 27th, at 7pm.

As she reflected back, Pastor Vicki concluded our conversation saying she will miss most the people here. Come and wish her farewell this Sunday.