A transition for Patterns
Patterns for a Lasting Marriage, St. Paul’s half-day experience for couples who are planning to marry at St. Paul, will be transitioning leadership as long-time leader Nancy Ingelson retires.
Nancy started leading marriage preparation at St. Paul in the early 1990s. It is offered four times a year.
“God’s grace has to be at work in the lives of two people who are figuring out a way to make a promise to do life together. That goes to the heart of my heart,” she said. “There is a faith and hope at work, and love of course.”
The course explores aspects of engagement and marriage that research shows most important, including:
- care of the relationship/family of origin/developing self
- communication/ conflict/stress
- personal growth and its benefits for marriage
- and hopes, expectations, spirituality of marriage.
Nancy credited Pastor Don Harding with playing a key role in the course as well.
“I’ve just always felt, especially when I was the one doing the marrying, that it was important that couples think about their reasons for getting married, and what marriage involves,” said Don, who estimates he presided over more than 600 weddings during his 35 years in ministry.
Angie Vaaler, a St. Paul member, will begin teaching the course in January. Nancy’s last class was in October.
Dick Moore
Congratulations to Nancy on a great ride. She has always been such a devoted member of her Church, whether here or at Trinity or in Moline. I’m also sure that she will find other ways to practice her faith at St. Paul.