Maren Kay Welsand
St. John's, St. Cloud
Called to be Outreach Minister
Hi- my name is Maren Kay Welsand and I became an Episcopalian when I married Randy 22 years ago. I have 2 daughters and 2 sons. I also have 3 grandsons and 4 granddaughters. My 2 daughters and their families live in Duluth and I don't get to see them as much as I would like. My older son lives in Idaho and our son, Ben lives in St.Cloud.I am employed as a pharmacy technician at Coborn's Long Term Care Pharmacy in St.Cloud. I have worked as a technician for 3 years and before that I worked at the Cashwise (Coborn Owned) Grocery Store for 4 years doing all kinds of jobs.
I joined Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Duluth in 1978 and was very active in the ECW as treasurer and on the Bishop's Committee. I taught Confirmation classes for 2 years and helped get the food shelf donations and food baskets started in the community. I helped on many outreach projects there. One year we helped wrap toiletries for the seafarers and one year we gave them hats and mittens.
When Randy's job moved us to Ishpeming, Michigan we joined the church there. I was in the choir, taught Sunday school and was part of their ECW also. I belonged to a group called "GOOD SAM". It was part of the outreach program to help people in the church and community when they were out of work or had a major crisis and needed help with utilities or food.
Since coming to St. John's St. Cloud 7 years ago. I have been in the choir, ECW and on the vestry. I helped with the Outreach committee here also. We made lap robes for the shut ins and made up cookie boxes at Christmas time for them. We also help with the food shelf and the holiday baskets.
I enjoy helping others and especially our own in our communities and churches. I went through cursillo in 1991-WOW!! what a spiritual weekend.(I recommend it to everyone). I am in my 2nd year of EFM and am glad to be part of the Spirit of the Heartland Total Ministry Team.
I love to sew and work on crafts. I also like camping and visiting with family and friends. Lately Randy and I have gotten involved with Rendezvous (Primitive Camping back in the 1800-1840 era) It has become a source of relaxation for us. It is so nice and peaceful to be outdoors at night and all you see is the stars, moon, campfires and candlelight. Very pretty and peaceful.