First Presbyterian Church of
525
N. Broadway
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Greetings from Pastor
Cathy Northrup
Dear Friends,
By the time you read
this, I will be in Minnesota on vacation visiting my family. Most of you know I
spent many of my formative years in Minnesota after my dad’s retirement from
the Army, and I also attended college there. I answered the call to serve this
church as Pastor/ Head of Staff because I did, indeed, feel called here, but an
added benefit was that being in Wichita would allow me to be a quick plane
flight or day’s drive from Minnesota and my family!
At the time, both of
my husband Michael’s parents were deceased, as was my father, but my mom was
still living in southeastern Minnesota. She was happy and healthy and active,
but she was aging, and I very much wanted to be closer to her. Sadly, just five
months after we moved here, she was killed in a tragic car accident. I have not
been to Minnesota since her funeral. I am sure that many of you have made the transition
of going “back home” after the death of a loved one. I had to do it after my
father died, and that first “visit home” was a bit difficult, if not a bit
surreal. Knowing this, I have planned my trip home a bit differently this time.
I’m going to be staying at a nice hotel in downtown Minneapolis and then
visiting family and friends from there. I’ll spend time with my brother and his
family, and with my sister and her family. I will also take some trips to visit
a few elderly relatives scattered around the state. My mom was one of twelve
siblings, so I have tons of cousins, and my sister is planning a big “cousins’
gathering” for us all to get together. I will also spend some time with my
college friends.
I should add that my
sister is a whiz with technology, and she has created a family “blogspot” on
the web through which we can all stay in touch. It has a lot of old historic
photos, and she changes the features on it periodically. It also allows us all
to keep in touch with each other’s adventures or misadventures, such as they
are, even with busy lives.
I also want to share
with you that I will be away for a week in September as well. I will be in
Scottsdale, Arizona, at an Episcopal Retreat Center at a denomination sponsored
event called CREDO. This is a time for “mid-career” ministers (45-50) to
reflect back and forward on their lives, spiritually, vocationally,
financially, physically, and emotionally. I am very much looking forward to
this. I ask that you keep me in your prayers during my time away this month and
next, just as I keep you in my prayers.
In the meantime,
Michael and I are enjoying life with our two “kids,” Knoxie, who is 8 now, and
our new Sophie, who has acclimated well to our household after three months
with us. Michael continues to teach at Friends University, and he finds that
meaningful. I am also blessed to be working with my new colleague Amy
Baumgartner, who is doing a great job as our Designated Associate Pastor. It is
going to be a great fall here at First Church!
Grace and peace,
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© First Presbyterian Church of Wichita 2008
525 N. Broadway Wichita, Kansas 67214
Phone: (316) 263-0248 – Fax: (316) 263-3237
Questions, Comments, Constructive
Criticism don’t hesitate to email Shawn