FAQ's for the New Minister ( frequently asked questions for the new minister)

It's hard to believe that I've been working at UBBC for three months now! That's a quarter of the year already! And if the rest of the year passes as quickly as these first three months, we'll be celebrating Christmas again before we know it. In the meantime I've realized that folks here at UBBC are a warm and welcoming, curious and caring group of people. I've noticed that there are a few key questions that keep coming up in conversations with me. I thought I'd share those with you this month, along with the most up to date answers.

1. So Bonnie, how are you "enjoying" our weather? And what about your children?

Since Ken and I grew up "in the East" (for Californians that means anything east of Colorado) we have been excited with each snowfall, and especially the one right before Halloween! We vowed that our children would not be fair weather Californians so they have always enjoyed snow days in the Sierra Nevada and now enjoy sledding in their own back yard with views of Tussey Mountain.

2. What do you think of State College so far?

In many ways I feel like I've moved to the country. Living in Boalsburg, surrounded by beautiful farmland, with views of the mountains, gives me the sense of stepping back in time, where the pace is just a little slower, and life is a bit more safe and secure. One afternoon as I was driving to Huntingdon for a meeting at Juniata College, I was in awe of the beauty of the countryside. The rolling hills, winding creeks, and mountainsides were breathtaking. I had forgotten that there were still places this beautiful and untouched by developments and urban sprawl. While it may appear that I've begun my rural phase of life, being in a University town has all the amenities of living in a much larger metropolitan area. I've actually taken in more cultural events (plays, concerts, and sports) in these first months here, than I had in the last year or so in California. All of that is to say I'm enjoying State College. In general, folks are very friendly, trusting, and eager to welcome newcomers like us! Even so, when learning I've moved here from California most people wonder why anyone would do that! That has proved to be a great evangelism opening for me to talk about UBBC and my work as a pastor.

3. How are your children adjusting to the move?

Our children are both settling into their new schools nicely. Jesse has found his niche working in the school store at the High School at the same time he's busy applying to colleges. Liz is enjoying 5th grade at the Friends School, especially some of her special classes - PE, Art, and Peace Choir. While both of them miss their California friends and church family they are finding their way at UBBC and learning to know many of you as well. They also like being closer to the Kline side of the family.

4. How's the job search going for your husband, Ken?

He'd respond, "Well I suppose I'm about ready to start really searching. The couple of possibilities I have pursued so far haven't panned out. Now that we're pretty well settled in, and I've got most of our furniture finished, I'll start making the rounds after the holidays." Actually, Ken has been employed full time as parent, husband, and domestic engineer in our household, for which I am very grateful.

And sooner or later this question is usually raised,

5. How's the job going so far?

I'm having a great time getting acquainted with all of you, the community, the Boards and committees, and the church staff. I'm especially excited about our staff, a committed and talented team that works hard to serve you. We've been meeting regularly in an effort to coordinate our work, to build a strong team, and do some long range planning.

I continue to love the weekly worship planning and preaching. You have been a very responsive congregation. Your feedback has been helpful. I welcome your affirmations and constructive criticism. It helps me to be a better pastor and helps you to become more invested in our ministry. In the coming year I look forward to having some intentional conversations about what the future holds for the ministry and mission of UBBC. You'll be hearing more about that later. In the meantime may God continue to bless us in our new journey as pastor and people.

Bonnie