FAMILIAR FACES

Cheryl Mathison

Cheryl Mathison brings together her extensive knowledge of scripture and a passion for art and creativity to create rich and meaningful experiences for members of SPD to grow in their faith and deepen their understanding of God’s Word. She joined the SPD staff in 2003.

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Describe when you knew you’d be going into ministry. Mrs. Forsman was my fourth grade Sunday school teacher, and her love of Jesus and scripture made a huge impression on me. I can still see her standing at the table with her red leather Bible, all marked up, teaching us the Ten Commandments. Of course, at that time there were no female clergy so it didn’t occur to me that I could be a pastor; but I knew in my heart that what I wanted to do more than anything was to be a teacher like her and I couldn’t imagine anything better to teach than the Bible! When I was a senior in college, I applied to seminary with the goal of a master’s degree to support a teaching ministry in the church. The chaplain at Gustavus Adolphus College encouraged me to pursue a Master of Divinity degree and consider ordination, which, obviously, I did. To serve as a parish pastor is something I count as one of my greatest blessings.

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What’s one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? I have been published—twice! The first time, in McCall’s Magazine in 1969 when I wrote a poem that my mom submitted for me. The second time, in Word and World, a quarterly journal published by Luther Seminary. I wrote an article for the spring 2022 issue; the theme was Solitude and Community. Using Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together, I

What are three things on your lifetime to-do list? 1 . Do a legit push up; nose to the floor. Or maybe 10. 2 . Be a faithful witness to my grandchildren that they may grow up loving Jesus and the church. 3. Cook more than eat out; maybe in retirement.

How do you take care of yourself—spiritually, emotionally and physically—so that you stay healthy in ministry? Spiritually: I am fed by the faith life here at St. Philip the Deacon— what joy to be a part of such a rich worship life! My own prayer and devotional time have taken many forms. Sometimes I write; sometimes I draw; sometimes I listen; sometimes I talk; sometimes I read. Right now, I am exploring a variety of spiritual practices as part of the Holy Grounds class I am co-leading. Emotionally: I take time for creative pursuits providing a place for self-expression. This is really important to me. Sometimes things can only be worked out with paint and glue and paper. Physically: I workout daily, 45 minutes each morning and a walk at some other point in the day. There is no bad weather; just bad clothing.

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What are you passionate about right now? I am passionate about the relationship between art and faith and how they inform one another and can help us to grow and heal.

Holy Week

Easter Worship at St. Philip the Deacon

First Light of Easter

Saturday, April 8, 5:30 pm

Easter Worship with Holy Communion

Sunday, April 9, 8:15, 9:45 & 11:15 am