KATHY (PAULSEN '75) SOETMELK

I had the opportunity to do four different kinds of Interims during my four years at Dana. The first year, I went on tour to the West Coast with the Dana choir. The second year was independent study. Six of us formed a group called Isaiah 6 and did team ministry in Northern California. The third year, I went to Doane College and studied music therapy. All of these were wonderful experiences, but I would especially like to share about the team ministry Interim.

Isaiah 6 was a group of four girls and two guys. We got our name from Isaiah 6:8, where Isaiah says, “Here I am, send me.” The two guys played guitar and we all sang. We had all been involved with the Lutheran Youth Encounter group on campus. We rented a station wagon and drove nonstop to California. (We did have a slight delay with a flat tire and waiting for a tire store to open.)

Our team ministry involved singing and leading worship, leading youth events such as underground worship services, lock-ins, Bible studies, feet washings, etc. We spent a week in each of three churches.

This was a wonderful growing experience for our Christian journey and our adulthood. We shared a closeness that has long been remembered. In 2000, for our 25th class reunion, we brought four of us together to sing at the Homecoming Alumni talent show. We had a great time talking about old times and renewing new friendships. We even re-enacted a similar pose to our promotional poster for a reunion picture.

One of us became a Lutheran pastor, one a parish worker, and I have recently completed the lay ministry class in the Western Iowa Synod. The message of Isaiah 6:8 has always been special to me, and God has led and continues to lead me in many ways.

—Kathy (Paulsen ’75) Soetmelk
Avoca, Iowa