Each month, we introduce you to two or three women you might see around church but perhaps haven’t had the chance to meet. This month, you get get the pleasure of meeting Helene Spencer, Ginger Boyce, and Ginger’s soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Kaitlin Swanson!
Meet Helene Spencer
Share a core childhood memory and a bit about your background.
I spent most of my childhood in Kenya, where my parents were missionaries. My dad taught at two seminaries, and we were involved with children’s ministry as well.
I had a wild, imaginative childhood of running around barefooted, climbing trees, riding horses, spending weekends camping out in huts we built, sitting by the fire telling stories under a starry sky or waging play battles with homemade spears, swords or bows and arrows.
One activity we enjoyed regularly as a family was camping. One experience I will never forget was when we went to Makalia Falls near Lake Nakuru in the Rift Valley. It turned out that our campsite was fairly close to where a large herd of buffalo would graze in the afternoon. I had grown up hearing stories of brutal buffalo encounters, and so we tried to keep our distance.
One afternoon, my friend and I decided to climb the hill behind our campsite to see the view from the top. We were walking along when we suddenly heard a rustling sound.
We stood still.
Rustling again.
All of a sudden, we heard thundering hooves and a saw huge black buffalo charging straight toward us through the brush. We froze in our tracks, too afraid to move. I was certain that we would be dead in a matter of seconds. Then, for no apparent reason, just before he reached us, the buffalo turned and bolted the other way.
My friend and I ran down the hill as fast as our feet would take us, our hearts in our throats, but grateful to be alive. We have always believed that God saved our lives that day.
How did you end up in Rochester?
Like many people, I moved to Rochester for the Mayo Clinic. I had just finished up a family practice nurse practitioner residency in Humboldt County in norther CA and was either going to stay there and work in Dermatology or move to Rochester and take a position in Integrative Behavioral Health Psychiatry. As I prayed about the decision, I felt most peace about and passion for the position in Psychiatry, so I moved to Rochester in October, 2018.
What is a typical day in the life of Helene look like?
Since having our son, Jack, each day seems to be bursting at the seams! I continue to work one half day each week at Mayo and then am full-time as an assistant professor at Winona State University in their psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program. Since the program is primarily online, I have the flexibility of working from home, which has a been a huge blessing! My husband, Josh, and I have split up each day of the week into “shifts,” so that we can continue to work but also have time with Jack and with each other. It’s not a perfect system, but it helps keep things on track. I’m blessed to have such a supportive partner, and a baby that doesn’t mind hearing and looking at texts about psychopharmacology!
In spare moments, I have enjoyed getting back into running, playing piano and memorizing Scripture.
What are the best and hardest parts of having a new baby?
For me, the best part about having our son, Jack, over the past 8 months has been getting to see life in a fresh way through his eyes as he experiences various aspects of life for the first time. While my mind is often pulled to the future and all the things that “need” to get done, he is completely in the moment and reminds me of what joy looks like. He is a smiley, exuberant, curious and loving little fellow.
The hardest part of being a new mom for me actually happened on the day that he was born. Some routine screenings quickly led to an Echo, which was concerning for an anomalous right coronary artery that required further testing and monitoring. We were warned that he had been put on the schedule for surgery the following day. Jack was taken by ambulance to the NICU, and I was left in the maternity ward, feeling as if my very heart had been torn out of me. What had initially been one of the happiest days of my life had become a nightmare. In tears, I prayed to God. And in my anguish, He showed me that He was holding Jack in His hands even when I could not, hands that knew from personal experience what it means to be a vulnerable infant and hands that are reliable, infinitely loving and good. That night, I learned a painful, but important lesson:
As much as I love this precious boy, he is not mine. He is not mine to possess or to control.
Thankfully, Jack’s CT showed that the the anomaly was nothing that required surgery after all. He continues to have follow-up with cardiology intermittently, but we have been told he is likely to have a completely normal life. Jack’s name means “God is gracious.” He certainly is!
I sometimes still have to fight those fears and anxieties, wanting to protect and control, but as I reflect on that experience, I remember, “Put him in the Lord’s hands.” Josh and I simply have the blessing of this beautiful little soul in our lives and the privilege of getting to nurture him with God’s guidance and grace.
What do you appreciate about Calvary?
One of the things I appreciate most about Calvary is our small group, which has really become a second family over the years. It is amazing to have such a group to share life with and to encourage, challenge and love each other as we work out together what it means to live out the Gospel. Since our biological families are out of state, Josh and I are grateful that Jack has so many church “aunties” and “uncles” to love on him. I also appreciate the coffee connection time, not only because of Pastor Tim’s amazing cinnamon rolls, but also as a time to fellowship with others.
Meet Ginger Boyce
Tell us about your family.
Chris and I just celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary. We have 4 adult children. Taylor and his wife Natalie have been married 3 1/2 years and live in Rochester. Meredith is enjoying the single life in Lynchburg, VA. Our other daughter,Jordan, also lives in Lynchburg & will marry Joshua on August 27. Grant lives in Rochester and is engaged to Kaitlin.
You’re a Southern girl through and through. How did you find your way to Rochester?
I was born and raised in Texas. In August, 2004, we moved to NC for a new job for Chris. The project he was hired to do was cancelled after only 5 months. He was hired by McNeilus Trucks in August, 2005, so we moved to Rochester. To say I was reluctant to come here is an understatement! But I quickly came to love it here. It’s hard to believe we’ve been here almost 17 years.
Share a core childhood memory.
I have many happy memories of being at my maternal grandparents’ house. We’d celebrate birthdays & holidays with all my aunts, uncles and cousins (I’m the oldest of 9). My grandpa loved to cook, so there was always plenty of food. We played games and laughed a lot!
Describe an average day in the life of Ginger.
Every day upon waking up, I make my bed then make coffee. While eating breakfast, I read the Verse of the Day on the Holy Bible app and do the Wordle puzzle. This summer I’m working at Bamber Valley Elementary School as a para in the Summer of Discovery Program 7:45am to 12:15pm. Afterward, I run errands or make Mary Kay deliveries. I get home around 2:30pm, have a snack and a 2nd cup of coffee, then take a nap. About 5pm, I make Mary Kay booking/customer service calls for an hour. Chris and I have dinner, then take a walk or call one of our 4 kids. We spend the evening watching TV (our new favorite is The Mentalist), and I crochet. Then off to bed!
Describe yourself in 5 adjectives.
Friendly, Positive, Funny, Patient & Southern
If your life was a sitcom, which one would it be and why?
Good Luck Charlie…I chose this one only because they have 4 kids… 2 boys and 2 girls, like us! I don’t know anything
about the story.
What is something you are passionate about?
I have been a Mary Kay consultant for 30 years. I’m passionate about servicing my customers and growing my business.
What is something you’re really enjoying right now?
I am enjoying having a best friend! Carol Andringa and I met in Worship Chorale about 6 years ago, and we’ve been pretty much inseparable ever since! She and her family were the only people we socialized with during the pandemic, meeting almost every week for dinner and games. We have so much fun together! Carol is one of the most giving people I’ve ever met. She’s even flying to Virginia for Jordan’s wedding! She is a real blessing to me.
What is the best meal I’ve ever had?
This question is difficult to answer. Chris is an excellent cook and makes most of our meals. I’ve had the privilege of eating lots of yummy food made by him, though I cannot choose a favorite.
How has music blessed my life?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. My father went to college on a choir scholarship. Later, when I was in 4th grade, he joined a barbershop chorus & quartet. I remember his quartet rehearsing in our living room. My parents exposed us to many typed of music. My sister and I loved to sing and often performed “concerts” of songs by The Carpenters. I was a dancer through grade school, college & after I was married. I never sang in public until I became a Christian at the age of 20. I’ve been singing on worship teams ever since. I’ve passed my love of music to my children by sending them to piano lessons (something I didn’t have) and putting them in band and choir. All 4 of them continue to sing and play instruments. I can’t imagine my life without music!
What do you value about Calvary?
Calvary is a wonderful church! I truly value the pastoral team and their commitment to teaching biblical truth. We have many dear friends at church. Recently, Chris had some serious health issues. The church really supported us during this tough time with meals, cards, prayers and even money. Also, I really value the worship ministry and all of the musically talented people at Calvary.
Meet Kaitlin Swanson
Can you share a bit about your family and your life as a kid?
I grew up in the Rochester area with my Dad (Dickie), Mom (Evie), and two younger sisters (Kalli and Makayla). When I was about 8 years old we moved to the country outside of Rochester and got a piece of land surrounded by cornfields. My parents taught me how to sing at a young age and I taught myself how to play the guitar throughout middle and high school. Singing with my whole family around the piano is still one of my favorite things to do.
What is an average day in the life of Kaitlin these days?
This summer, I am working as the Day Camp Coordinator at Camp Victory. This means my days are filled with sunshine, laughter, and hundreds of kids learning about Jesus. I get the honor of discipling the staff as they disciple the children each week.
During the rest of the year I work full time at Visiting Angels as an Admin Assistant and Caregiver. I am also getting my Bachelor of Social Work degree through Winona State University online.
Can you tell us about your recent engagement and future plans?
In April, I got engaged to Grant Boyce! We have known each other since we were little (we actually went to elementary and middle school together) but we reconnected working at Camp Victory a couple years ago. We are currently doing pre-marital counseling through Calvary and are getting married this December!
What gets you excited?
I get really excited with Christmas, when people surprise me, when I get to play music with my friends (or at church), and when I get a new house plant to add to my excessive collection.
What are 3 things you highly value?
1. Living a Christ-centered life.
2. Family
3. Community
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Hiking or trapshooting!
How has God used music in your life?
Throughout my whole life, music has been the most prominent way that I connect with God. I use music to not only worship Him but share His character with the people around me. I have grown to love leading people in worship and it’s one of the most encouraging things to watch individuals glorify Christ in their own beautiful way.
What do you appreciate about Calvary?
I appreciate how the church prioritizes discipleship and Bible-based teaching, values a diverse community, and makes every decision intentionally.