Ingrid & Mary

-A friendship that blossomed through serving together

Proverbs 27:9 -The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

Did you know that Mary and Ingrid gave birth to their sweet second-born babies at the same hospital, on the same day, and within an hour of each other. Ingrid shared how worried she was about being too loud while giving birth, and that Mary might hear her. If that isn’t a bonding experience, I don’t know what is. But, as Mary shares below it wasn’t until they started to serve together that their friendship blossomed.

Mary Hanson

When I was asked to write up something about my friendship with Ingrid, I thought there are MANY that could write the same story. I know many of you have experienced a newfound friendship in serving together as we have.  The fun photo of us with our newborns taken at the hospital, born next door to each other, within an hour, encapsulates the LONG (look no wrinkles!) history of life lived together at Calvary!

Ingrid and I knew each other from a distance for many years. But, it wasn’t until Ingrid stepped down from other serving commitments and began coming to Calvary’s Thursday morning study that we got to know each other better.  It was serving together in Women’s Ministry though, that really deepened our friendship. 

When Pastor Larry asked us to serve on the Women’s Ministry, we both had an “I’ll do it if you will” mentality.  Nervous to do it alone, a team approach sounded much more doable!  I think we have found that most of us work better in teams.  We all need “Aarons” helping hold us up so we can serve more readily.

As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on one side, one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. Exodus 17: 11-12

I consider Ingrid and the entire Women’s Ministry team, Stephanie Conkright, Gail Peterson, LeAnn Tebben, and Deb Zeldenrust, dear friends, and co-workers for the Lord. Each meeting I learn from them. In the way they love and serve God. In the way they conduct themselves, and in the way they care about the ladies of Calvary.  It is our hope each one of you would be blessed with the bonds of friendship as you serve at Calvary.  There are many opportunities to serve. There are opportunities in the worship and arts, student ministries, and women’s ministries. We have room! . These are all places where friendships can blossom. Feel free to talk with any of the Women’s leadership team about ways you can get involved.