a place at the table

sometime soon i’ll write something decent, but here’s a quick posting between mudding the new walls in our house and taking the lasagna out of the oven.

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I represent the fourth generation in a timber family. Raised in small towns and logging camps in Washington and Alaska, I was the first person in my family to go to college. Starting as a biochem major, I realized partway through my time at the University of Washington that I was more passionate about my faith, and wrestling with it, than I was about medicine (a tough call). I switched majors to Comparative History of Ideas, or CHID, a course of study designed to enter into the big questions: “Why do we think the way we do? Can we escape our social conditioning? Is religion a construct? How is our Western thought programmed by culture, and not empirically ‘right’? Can I escape my own cultural lens? Is there any absolute, capital “T” truth?” A mix of philosophy, comparative religion, sociology, and cultural anthropology on steroids, I loved it. At the same time, while I was challenging my faith, it was growing stronger. I had for some time felt called to ministry, but was raised to believe women were not allowed to serve in leadership positions (thankfully, my parents have changed their views). I also wrestled with the lack of relevant social justice activities within the church, finding it hard to reconcile the gospel in the pews with the gospel in the pages of scripture.

In searching for a new church in Seattle, I saw some fliers for a new community called ‘Quest’ on UW’s campus. Working at the University, I passed the fliers daily, and finally went to the web to take a look. The description of how folks at Quest wanted to live out their faith resonated with me, and I visited the new church at the Vineyard location. As I walked in, I felt at home, and haven’t left since. Serving as a small group leader, the first cafe manager, and eventually as part of the pastoral staff, has been a privilege and a joy. While not always easy, it has been redemptive to have the chance to live out my calling in my home church, to be supported and encouraged by a body of believers, and to build real community over the past six plus years.

Today, I’m finishing seminary in June, am happily married to my wonderful husband, and continue to wrestle with my faith. I haven’t ever been perfect, and I relish the opportunity to learn more about God in community. I am blessed.