What year did you begin attending St. Philip the Deacon? 1987

What is your faith background? Doris: I am from rural Minnesota and attended a small-town Lutheran church, where Carl and I were married—the church has a bell in the steeple and a family friend rang the bell to begin the ceremony—it was a thrill to hear! My mom was a long-time Sunday School teacher to preschoolers and was my first Sunday School teacher. She taught the basics of faith: “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know” and “This Little Light of Mine, I’m Going to Let it Shine.” Carl: I was baptized, grew up and was confirmed in a Lutheran church in northern Minnesota. As an adult, I have been involved in various Christian organizations and churches up until we joined St Philip the Deacon more than 25 years ago.

What is your professional background and experience? Doris: I have been a corporate attorney for many years, working at a law firm and then in-house at a publicly-held company. Carl: I have worked as an engineer since graduating from college with an engineering degree.

How are you involved at St. Phillip? We started attending SPD in 1987 when we moved to Plymouth. Our two sons were baptized and confirmed at SPD. Doris taught Sunday School and Confirmation when the boys were at those stages. Carl has been a tutor for many years in an after-school program with Interfaith Outreach Community Partners that he became involved with through SPD. We have also volunteered for various events and service projects over the years. It is a great way to be part of a community and do something that makes a difference.

What is something you love about St. Philip the Deacon? Doris: I love weekly worship on Sunday mornings. It is good to remember who we are and what is important in life—we are bombarded with other messages and values during the week. Carl: SPD is a place that acknowledges God’s presence in our world, identifies ways to become involved, and encourages our participation.

Have you ever been surprised by God? If so, how? Doris: Yes. I think there have been times in my life when God was speaking to me when I didn’t expect it at all—a different path or a new way of looking at something. Carl: Yes. I have learned at St. Philip the Deacon that God is way more accepting of everyone than I ever thought.

• #community
• #engineer
• #lawyer
• #Lutheran
• #northern Minnesota
• #participation
• #service