In The Cost of Discipleship (1937), Dietrich Bonhoeffer observed that "Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to new life." My name is Rev. Angie Vertz, and I serve at Hazen Methodist Church in Hazen, North Dakota—a wonderful, close-knit rural community of 2,200 people.
Before coming here, I served in Kansas and Nebraska after graduating from Saint Paul School of Theology. As a single mother of three grown children, and today I live with my fourth "child"—a spunky longhair Chihuahua. Moving to snow-blowing territory was an adjustment, but God's creation is breathtaking in every season. Short summers and long winters are filled with starlight, autumn colors, and vibrant sunsets declaring His grace. Wherever we land, we abide under His watchful eye, trusting Him to adapt our spirits—and internal thermostats!—to His choosing.
As a South Korean native living in America for nearly 37 years, I see myself as an ethnic pastor and a lifelong sojourner passing through this world. Serving as the first Asian-Korean female pastor in a town rich in German-Russian and Irish-German heritage is a unique pairing! Yet, just as a garden thrives on distinct flowers, God does not blend us into a bland melting pot. Instead, He weaves our diverse stories into a vibrant tapestry—a new creation in Christ.
Here in Hazen, our small congregation possesses 'the heart of God and the heart of the church.' In every endeavor, our ministry thrives—equipping the next generation through our Wednesday after-school program and youth confirmation, while blessing empty-nesters with monthly luncheons. Every Wednesday night, our prayer service fires up, sending petitions to His throne.
Coming from a high-energy "let's get it done" mindset, I’ve had to learn the holy art of pacing. Learning to slow down—and trusting His timing rather than blaming myself for unexpected outcomes—has brought deep peace. Ministry is not about rushing down a smooth silk road; it is about steady faithfulness through every storm.
Jesus reminds us in Luke 5:37–38 that "new wine must be poured into new wineskins." We cannot let our churches become static museums; we must be a Spirit-filled, living movement. Embracing this grace has given me fresh joy for life’s simple adventures! I even added car camping to my bucket list. I’ve been researching gear, eager to sit under the open Dakota sky and marvel at the morning star shining brightest right before sunrise.
As Paul encourages us in Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good..." Let us keep walking together with joy, dressed in the full armor of God. How about you, dear reader? How is your sojourn going, and what new wonders is God inviting you to discover along the road?
