Two events are taking place this weekend at Edina Community Lutheran Church as we remember Stephanie. All are welcome.

9/6/19 (Friday) 11:00am-7:00pm = Opportunities for prayer and reflection available in the church sanctuary. Come for a few minutes or longer to light a candle, write in a prayer journal, read scripture, or simply sit in quiet remembrance. Area Lutheran pastors will be present throughout the day for anointing and conversation.

9/8/19 (Sunday) 4:00pm = Special worship service with singing, reflections and individual anointing as we remember Pastor Stephanie Coltvet Erdmann.
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Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of Stephanie's death. Today, Madeline and August started Kindergarten. We walked to the bus this morning and I told them how much mommy would have loved to give them big hugs and kisses as she sent them on to their first day of school. Stephanie would be so proud of them.

I think of all the things Stephanie has not gotten to be a part of this year. Madeline and August starting violin lessons and having their first recital (just like their mom). Miles, talking and expressing his every thought and emotion. Madeline and August playing summer T-ball. Our annual camping trip to Madeline Island. The first day of kindergarten. Family gathering to support one another after the death of Stephanie's sister, Elizabeth. The Coltvet family week at Wisconsin Dells...the list is long. 

So much has happened in the last year. Time has flown by...and it has stood still. Most of the time, it still doesn't seem real. Stephanie couldn't possibly have died. It doesn't make any sense. It just doesn't make sense. I suspect that will never change. It will never make sense. It will always seem surreal.

I replay in my mind the chain of events that took place last year. The rollercoaster of emotions we experienced as we celebrated the small victories, only to be devastated by new or worsening issues. The gathering of family, friends, and faith communities and individuals that prayed around the clock for Stephanie. The meals delivered to the hospital. The farmers market with fresh cut flowers outside the hospital doors. Some things I have no memory of, and others, I will never forget. As I held Stephanie's hand and explained to her that I was going to squeeze it 3 times to tell her "I love you" and her response of quickly squeezing my hand over and over and over and over again...

Stephanie touched so many lives. Her generosity, compassion, faith, and love for all continues to inspire. As we continue to grieve and figure out how to live life without her physically being present, we take comfort in knowing that she is with Christ and she is always with us. I pray that our children will know and feel the love their mother had for them. I pray that Stephanie’s legacy will be lived out in countless ways by those who continue to fight against injustice and those who do the hard work of truly loving one another.

Paul & Family

PS – I just got around to mailing Thank You postcards on 9/4/19. I only had addresses for about 1/3 of the cards I received (be watching your mail to see if I had your address!). Attached to this post is a picture of the front and back of the postcard. I’d be happy to send you one if you could message me with your mailing address. Thank You postcards will also be available at ECLC this weekend and at Immanuel Lutheran Church.