Kelly was a member at Mount Olivet Church. Just days before her passing,

she gave this inspiring speech about stewardship.

As a member of Mount Olivet, there have been unlimited opportunities to serve God through our church’s many ministries. Being baptized and raised at Mount Olivet, I was able to follow in the footsteps of my parents and grandparents, trying to take full advantage of these opportunities. Being involved at church has and continues to be as natural to me as being Scandinavian; it’s part of who I am. 

 As with many of you here tonight, I have always wanted to be the kind of Christian who makes a difference in the lives of others. Through counseling and workstaffing at the Cathedral of the Pines and King’s Kids, singing in the Cathedral Choir, being actively involved with High League and serving on its board, and participating in a variety of service projects, I have had many opportunities to make a difference. However, what I never expected were the blessings these activities would bring to my life. I feel very fortunate to have had these meaningful experiences through church, as they have been important in forming my strong relationship with God.

Colossians 1:10 – Then the way you live will always honor

and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others.

All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.

This past August, I concluded my summer at Cathedral of the Pines at High League Retreat. After a spectacular week of competition, fun and spiritual growth. Although similar to the dozens of services I had attended during the summer, this service will forever remain in my memory. As I looked out onto the calm waters of Lake Caribou, over to the cross, I felt tears run down my face as I reflected on the amazing camping season I had been a part of. As I went up to receive Communion, I recalled favorite memories from counseling and work staffing: the bus rides, run dress up meals, crazy dances, a camper crying on my shoulder during devotions, talking about my faith with my peers and so many more.

It was in this chapel service that I truly realized what a difference Cathedral of the Pines has made in my life. After chapel, surrounded by the amazing people I had spent the summer with at Cathedral of the Pines, we hugged, cried and comforted each other. I couldn’t imagine going back to the cities, without the thought of going back to camp in a matter of days or weeks.