MY FRIEND, EVANGELINE By Mikaela Langdon
I've been a part of PUMC for almost nineteen years. I grew up in the choir and Sunday School program and was very involved in the youth group and ASP. In 2013, I took a church scholarship and the prayers of a community with me to college. After moving back home from college, once I had my Sunday mornings free again, I got the opportunity to serve as the Nursery Lead for the church that had been so central for my family over the last two decades. That's how I first met Evangeline Burgers. Before I met Evangeline, I met her son Henry. Not even two at the time, Henry was a curious and fun addition to our nursery class. He fit right in with our PUMC toddlers, so it was no surprise when I met Evangeline shortly after that she was just as wonderful. I was thrilled when she was given the Director of Children's Ministry position early into the 2019-2020 school year. Evangeline didn't take long to make a great impression on our children's ministry. Anyone who has met her knows that she is impossible not to adore. Her vibrant and bubbly personality makes her an approachable leader for both kids and adults in our congregation. She is also a hard worker and passionate about social justice. She made sure our Sunday School curriculum was inclusive and thoughtful. She brought in an array of children's books that inspire creative thinking and empathy. It was easy to see that she belonged in this role and in our community. When we shut down in-person events due to COVID, Evangeline and her team did not miss a beat. There was virtual Sunday School that met the very first week. Evangeline made sure that our children were a priority in a time of uncertainty and fear. I had the privilege of working closely with her during this time. It was truly amazing to see the thought and care she put into finding the Compassion Camp curriculum and implementing it in our zoom classrooms. She put together kits so that children could do
Evangeline dancing with Holy Spirit streamers at the 2021 community-wide VBS.
crafts at home with their families. She organized and trained volunteers to be there every Sunday morning before the cameras were on. She went beyond her job description to make the children and families at PUMC feel cared for and loved. Evangeline's role as Director of Children's Ministry is sadly coming to an end. She and her growing family (Henry is getting a baby sister!) are moving to Michigan this summer. However, we haven’t seen the last of her here at PUMC! During the pandemic, being a multi-talented woman, she was able to add Communications Director to her title. I feel so blessed to have worked alongside her in this as well as the chair of the communications team. She has brought new energy and life to our church's online presence over the last year! We are so fortunate that, following her maternity leave, Evangeline will continue to work remotely in that role. While Evangeline is a great church employee, she is an even better friend. I'm so grateful to know her and have a friend for life in her. To Evangeline, Alex, Henry, and Baby Girl Burgers, on behalf of the PUMC community, we wish you all the best in your new adventures in Michigan! 7 7
