Welcome to Our Community - Vicar Kim Kacmarynski

Welcome Kim! Kim currently serves at Nazareth Lutheran in Armstrong and United Lutheran in Ringsted. She hasn't wandered too far from home having grown up in Emmetsburg! She was a camper at Ingham in her younger days and both of her children started attending camp as soon as possible through their graduation from high school. You can find her (and possibly her husband Jim!) at camp with the many youth her churches send each summer, at retreats, and our annual Ingham events at the start and end of each summer.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11

“…your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” ~Psalm 139:10

“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;” ~Isaiah 49:16

These three verses have been and continue to be key verses for me. Since I began my discernment to ministry in 2016 and then answered a TEEM call in October 2021, I have come back to these verses for guidance and centering.

In 2016 I didn’t know what an external or internal call was and I sure didn’t know why God was nudging me to quit my education career and begin seminary. After a discernment weekend at Wartburg Seminary, time spent with mentors and LOTS of time spent in prayer I decided that God did know what the plans were that He had for me and for my future. But….

Yes, there was a “but”…I put up roadblocks like “I will wait until my youngest child graduates from high school (2018).” or “I can continue to work as an educator and work on my Masters of Divinity at the same time.” (HA!! Ask me sometime how that worked in regards to time management!) or “But why would God choose me? I am not anyone special. I am a single mother. I have not led a perfect life.” I also stumbled on the journey to full-time ministry with other things. It was then that I focused on the words from Psalm 139. I had to trust in God that He would guide me along the journey; that he would hold me through the ups, downs, and straight roads. He had a plan for me and was not going to let go of me.

Since answering the TEEM call in 2021, I am not going to say that everything has been perfect and without issues. I will admit the thought of “Why me?” creeps into my mind sometimes but just as quickly I look at my congregations and the progress I have made since 2016 and know that God holds me (and the members at both parishes) in the palm of His hand. He is going to continue to guide us and hold us even past when I complete my coursework and am ordained. He continues to know the plans He has for us and that includes hope and a future.

We may not know the future, but we know the One who holds the future and us in the palm of his hand. And in that knowledge I can rest safe and secure in His promises.

Blessings,

Vicar Kim Kacmarynski

Follow Up:

- What roadblocks have you/are you putting up to avoid answering a call God has placed on your life?

- Want to know more about Kim's ministry? Check out the website for the 2 parishes she is currently serving at by clicking HERE.