New Rig

In Idaho, the official name for your vehicle, especially if it's a truck, is a "rig." Well, we now have a new rig. After breaking down in the 1997 Chrysler Town and Country halfway between No, ID and Where, ID (that is, in the middle of nowhere) we were forced to look for something new. Instead of that, we found a 2000 Ford Expedition, one of my dream vehicles. I had never dared dream that I would actually own one, however, because I had little support on the matter from my life partner. It turns out that we found the perfect vehicle for a growing family because this truck can hold 8 people! And in style and comfort. It's beautiful and we all love it, or are growing to love it. Also, in honor of your holiday celebration:

A Kampy Kangaroo

A Reluctant Ladybug

Leah and Grandma Dorothy

Listen to the music

Dancing with Pastor Ken

The Dance Master

Disneyland

Parade time

Dancing with Jeongs

Ashes, ashes...

Summer of 2006

Click here to see videos of the girls!

How Things Are

They are great! I love being a pastor and actually don't think of it as work. The people are wonderful here and I am quickly getting into the groove of things. When you're a pastor, there never is a complete groove because each day is different. However, I'm having a great time. I think Anne and the girls are adjusting well. Leah attends a pre-school across the street from our house 2 mornings a week.

Dancing queen

On a kiddie ride

Watching the Lumberjack Days Parade

Helping paint

Leah's first day of pre-school

The Road to Orofino...

...is paved with good intentions, I mean, the road to Somewhere Else is. It's been a wild ride so far...after two vehicles broke down on our trip and we've had a few floods in our new home (the washing machine drained unto the floor). We are very happy to be here. This is a lovely place and so are the people. Of course, I have to say that because some of them have this website address. Seriously, however, Anne and I are excited to start this new phase of our lives. We are honored to be called to this place and to be invited into the lives of the parishioners in Orofino, home of the Maniacs. No kidding.



More pictures of our growing children will be placed here soon as will tales of the lives and times of the Manz Family Four, soon to be Five. Peace to you, Matthew

Confirmed

My ordination will be at 7:00 pm Thursday, August, 31, 2006 at New Hope Lutheran Church, Alvarado, Minnesota. All are welcome! Please spread the word. The next day we will start driving to Idaho. Peace,

Vote

Hey, they voted to hire me in Orofino, Idaho! More details soon, but for now, we are getting ready to move by the end of the month. I'm checking with the bishop out there about the ordination date, but it will probably be the evening of Aug. 31 in Alvarado, MN. A more definite answer will be posted here soon.

Matthew

News

Anne and I are going to Idaho on August 2 for an interview and a look around. Please pray for us. Hope you're having a great summer.

Post Interview

I sent the parish in Idaho a copy of a sermon I did for a class this spring. The call committee is meeting again on Jun 20 to decide what they want to do with me. Meanwhile, it's off to California! We'll be gone from Jun 19-Jun 26. Enjoy these while we're away:

Sharing a laugh with Great Uncle Ken

Riding Bambi

Found in Uncle Ken's workshop

So long, Luther

Grandma Joyce and Great Aunt Jane

Perusing at the library

Interview

The interview went well, I thought. It seemed to flow well and I felt pretty good about it when it was over. The call committee who interviewed me will meet again this week and decide how to proceed. Mostly, I'm happy to have it done.

Phone Interview

I am having a phone interview with the Orofino, ID parish folks at 4 pm on Monday, June 12. Please pray for me. Hope you're having a nice summer.

Fun at the Pool

Enjoy!

New Pictures

Car Sold!

We sold the car pictured below. It went to a fellow seminarian.