If you ever make it out to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, you might meet Joe. Joe is an ex-middle school principle who now volunteers at the local church in more ways than you can count. Joe serves as moderator, packs peanuts, partners with sister churches for community projects, and even goes out of his way to pick up guest speakers like me at the airport.
You also might meet Jane. Jane is the head of the evangelism team at her church. If you’re a first timer at First Congregational, Jane is probably the first person you’ll meet. It’s said that once Jane gets her hooks in you, you’ll never want to leave.
If you’re staying overnight, I recommend The Lamp Post Inn. Debbie and her husband Mike run an adorable bed and breakfast. The house is over 100 years old, and filled with more antiques than you could ever see in just one stay. Debbie is also an incredible cook, and it would make her day if you let her make you breakfast.
If you have teenagers, you might introduce them to Heidi. She’s part single mother, part gas station manager, part high school ministry leader, part super hero. With only a handful of students each Sunday, Heidi’s high school ministry is small. But the success of her class is measured in the depth of impact that her love and guidance has on the youth of Fort.
If you don’t meet anybody else, I’m sure you’ll meet Tammy. Tammy is the linchpin, the MVP, the glue that holds everything together. Tammy puts in 10-14 hour days at the church as the director of Christian education. She doesn’t have any fancy degree in Theology, but she has a love for God, a love for his people, and a passion to learn and serve.
These are just a few of the heroes of Fort Atkinson. You might not think it, and neither do they probably, but each and every one of these heroes is an artist. They may not be able to write, paint, sing, or create “viral videos”, but they do something just as, if not more vital and creative. They improve the lives of those in their community every single day. If you visit there, you might be lucky enough to meet some of them. Please tell them I said hello.
You also might meet Jane. Jane is the head of the evangelism team at her church. If you’re a first timer at First Congregational, Jane is probably the first person you’ll meet. It’s said that once Jane gets her hooks in you, you’ll never want to leave.
If you’re staying overnight, I recommend The Lamp Post Inn. Debbie and her husband Mike run an adorable bed and breakfast. The house is over 100 years old, and filled with more antiques than you could ever see in just one stay. Debbie is also an incredible cook, and it would make her day if you let her make you breakfast.
If you have teenagers, you might introduce them to Heidi. She’s part single mother, part gas station manager, part high school ministry leader, part super hero. With only a handful of students each Sunday, Heidi’s high school ministry is small. But the success of her class is measured in the depth of impact that her love and guidance has on the youth of Fort.
If you don’t meet anybody else, I’m sure you’ll meet Tammy. Tammy is the linchpin, the MVP, the glue that holds everything together. Tammy puts in 10-14 hour days at the church as the director of Christian education. She doesn’t have any fancy degree in Theology, but she has a love for God, a love for his people, and a passion to learn and serve.
These are just a few of the heroes of Fort Atkinson. You might not think it, and neither do they probably, but each and every one of these heroes is an artist. They may not be able to write, paint, sing, or create “viral videos”, but they do something just as, if not more vital and creative. They improve the lives of those in their community every single day. If you visit there, you might be lucky enough to meet some of them. Please tell them I said hello.
