Dear friends,

It has been one of those days--where I'm busy all day, but feel as though I haven't done anything.  The main reason is fighting with computer errors.  For six weeks or so, I keep getting this error message when I turn on the computer, so I downloaded a "registry cleaner," thinking that would correct the problem.  But it hasn't...and what's more, it is interfering with my Internet Security software.  And every so often--like when I'm rushing to get to a committee meeting--the computer tells me it "can't communicate" with the printer...so I can't print my document.  On days like this, I think that maybe the Board was right in questioning the necessity of a church office computer ("we always did with a legal pad and pen"--yes, seriously, that's what they told me.)

Well, this is my 11th week as a pastor.  In some ways, I still feel very new.  In other ways, I feel as though it's been much longer.  I think that I will focus on what is going well and spare you the complaints this time.

I have a great chairperson to work with for the Mennonite congregation.  She is a lawyer, and it's time to revise the constitution and Articles of Incorporation--so she is very, very much appreciated.  Plus, she keeps me filled in on the children's activities and invites me to ride along to see ball games, etc.  And she has invited me to have coffee once a week, just to ask questions or process what's going on.  I am blessed.  And I am also thankful that she pushed to set up a Pastor-congregation Relations Committee, so there are more "advocates" on my side.

I have many opportunities to connect with other pastors.  This area of southeast Iowa is very ecumenically active.  There is a Mid-Lee County Council of Churches that hosts Sunday evening services every week of Lent, a service at the county fair, a "Singspiration" in June, and the CROP Walk.  The Donnellson Ministerial (which is three pastors, counting myself) holds a "Blue Christmas" (for grieving families), Good Friday, Easter Sunrise, community VBS, community "Apple Daze" festival service.  Since my congregation is the "yoked fellowship," I have the "privilege" of attending Presbytery meetings with regional Presbyterian ministers, as well as my Mennonite "cluster" (10 pastors) and other Mennonite Conference gatherings.  I have also found a female Mennonite pastor to serve as my spiritual director, and she organizes a luncheon each time I come to her area (about 1-1/2 hour drive) for the 10 or 11 Mennonite female pastors in our area.

My dear friend, Karla Stoltzfus, with whom I graduated from seminary, began serving First Mennonite Church in Iowa City at the same time I started here in Donnellson.  We're about an hour's drive apart--so we've committed to get together once a month for fellowship.  I am so very grateful to continue that friendship.

I have received compliments on several of my sermons and worship planned.  In particular, I hosted the first Sunday Lenten service for Mid-Lee Co. churches, and was complimented on the service and my message.  I began my sermon by reading a favorite children's book!

Aaron and I really enjoy our home, and the rural setting.  I can see the moon and stars!  Our brand new couch and chair are very comfortable!  And I am so happy to have Meri and Nami (border collie sisters)--thank you to my sister, Holly, for taking me to the Humane Society shelter to adopt "a" pet for my birthday!!

Aaron's first children's book illustration project was published last fall, and he has been selling copies of the book.  He even has a book signing set up at a local bookstore!  And we got tee-shirts with his artwork on them (a promotional thing the author is doing).

Well, it's getting late.  I need to get some sleep.  As you remember me in your prayers, pray that I will get better at managing my own time and establishing an office routine, plus that I can get out of the office and do some visitation!  Thank you.

Grace and peace,
Audrey (Bazil) Ratzlaff '01