CURTIS R. {RAILROAD} RIECK,

 Your youth guy   here at Saron, is shall we say, "unique". At times  we think he's a nine year old trapped inside a "middle age man" body. When you need him  though, he's at your side faster than  a speeding bullet, and often with the wisdom of Solomon. The places we go and the things we do blow us away   (like worship that's really worship). Most of the time though he is as normal as any person (especially considering he has five kids). He likes to spend his time (the little that he has) with his little men (12 year old twins), and he's now into this rollerblading thing. Don't forget though, if you need anything he is your best friend, always here "for the people," and just an all around good egg. E-mail Curtis at Slyguy@izoom.net

                 Here is an equation to remember.

            Linda Rieck = not funny.

Actually she's hilarious and we all just say that she is not funny. Linda has been around for as long as I can remember. She is known for telling jokes , but that is just one of the little things she does. She can light up a room with her smile. Linda is one of those people who you  can just go up to, tell her all of your problems, and she'll make you feel better. She has 5 gorgeous children; Matthew, Stephanie, Sarah, Christian and Caleb. She also has a wonderful husband; Curtis and two grandchildren; Samantha    and Abby. They live out in Otsego, MN.  Linda may also be referred to as "Scooter" because of her childhood memories with her little red scooter. We   give Linda much sympathy, not for being with us, but dealing with Curtis not   only at Church but also home. We really don't know how she does it but it is good practice for working with our more rowdy students. We really are grateful  for Linda and all she does for us..

Don’t let the grumpy look scare you. If you ever find yourself at a North Memorial Medical Center keep your eye out for Molly Frederick. Molly works in the  X-ray department. That’s right, with Molly you can skip the surface talk and get right to the inner workings of any problem. You’ll notice her at the church or hospital by listening for the infamous voice that sounds remarkably similar to one Minnie Mouse! You’ll find Molly helping out at church on Wednesday and Sunday’s. Remember, she’s as fun as Disneyland, can see through to the inner workings of any situation and give you a diagnosis in a minute!

She is a “back-cracker” (A.K.A. chiropractor) here in Big Lake. Stacy Boone works with people of all ages but her first love is working with children (always was and always will). She spends her extra time doing many things like working out, snowmobiling, reading and following as many of the local sports teams as she can. Her favorite Bible verse can be found in her office (Joshua 1:5) as God reminds Joshua, and us, that He is always with us and will never leave us, no matter what. That, in fact, is what she plans to continue to build here at the REFUGE. A safe place where we can freely experience and express our faith and questions about God. A place to go and see, in a very real way, that God is here especially for you!

Need a hug or an encouraging word.

Well, Scott Carlson is your guy.  Scott serves as our resident REFUGE teddy bear.  This is a leader who is always positive and looking for the good in life.  He’ll be easy to find, just listen for the roaring voice surrounded by laughter.  When Scott’s not traveling for his job, he’s usually at church with his wife LuAnn.  Scott dreams of being your best friend.  He truly understands the concept of confidentiality so you can talk to him about anything.

Meet Charlie West, avid Big Lake sports enthusiast and our resident “Techno Geek”.  Yup, Charlie is the brains behind THE REFUGE website, sound, and lights and all things electronic.  Family time with his wife and son fill the summer months.  Play your cards right and you might find yourself along for a day of water tubing!  Among THE REFUGE family, Charlie loves to serve as a wonderful listener.  But watch out, he also is master of harassing (the good kind), anyone within arms distance.

Welcome Bill Bryant.  Bill is married to Laurie and they have two wonderful daughters Karen and Wendy.  Bill has been a friend of Curtis for many years, which means he is a very unique, patient, and understanding man.  You may not notice Bill around church, but he is always there.  His passion is to pray for you constantly and he spends his Wednesday nights in a back room praying for you and your needs.  Bill is your “go to” guy when you have a need that is confidential.  Just talk to him or leave a note in the prayer box and know that Bill will carry you around in his heart every moment of every day.  Fact is, without Bill THE REFUGE would not run as smoothly as it does.  It is his prayers that keep us going and safe.

Welcome our very special person with a tender heart, Heather Bengtson.  Already the mother of a near multitude, she is also a mother figure to many in the youth group.  Heather is a bit shy (ok maybe a lot shy), but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t hold each of you close to her heart.  Her greatest gift to you is how serious she takes you joys, but also your hardships.  It might take you a bit to break through her shyness, but when you do you will gain a friend and confidant for life.

Cathy Bengtson, (Heather’s mother in law) is also a part of THE REFUGE prayer team.  She spends most of her Wednesdays in the prayer room privately praying for each of you and the ministry of THE REFUGE.  She believes in prayer and dedicates much of her day turning your concerns over in her heart.  Each time you drop a prayer request in the box, or fill it out on your worship evaluation, it forwarded directly to Cathy.  She is your secret friend turning her thoughts to you each day.

Meet Kris Lund, mother of three and an all around good egg.  Kris is overflowing with joy and believe me it is catchy.  Talking to Kris is a treat.  She gives you full and undivided attention, great advice, and you will always walk away knowing you just had a very special encounter.  She funny, fun, serious and compassionate all at once.  If you’re every feeling down, Kris is the one to go to for your weekly dose of “pick me up”.

Meet Sue Quitmeyer, our resident kitchen connoisseur.  Though she works for Target Corporation, when she’s at church she is all about keeping your tummies full and happy.  Don’t let her fool you though, Sue is an absolute riot and a half.  Waiting behind the counter to be your best friend, Sue will go the extra mile for you.  Just ask and it will be done.  Did we mention she has a full blown arcade (pinball machines, electronic games, you name it…) in her basement?  They don’t even cost money to play so we suggest you buddy up with her or her kids, Sadie and Spencer.