Sunday afternoon in Council Bluffs

Shortly after leaving Omaha this morning, the car developed a problem with the alternator which led to a call to AAA for a tow. Eventually, he got to a car repair place in Council Bluffs, Iowa and then by Uber to a hotel at the Ameristar Casino!

Sunday morning in Omaha

With Dr. Shropshire (middle)

 

At the Urban Abbey

Rev. Jim Wallasky shares the message  

Buttons from Urban Abbey

Charles' last morning in Omaha began with another early breakfast with other chaplains. At Charles' table, was Dr. James Shropshire, one of his professors from Wesley Theological Seminary!

Saturday in Omaha

Charles day got off to another early start with the prayer breakfast for chaplains and other specialized ministries. Attendance at two workshops and a rally for Palestinian justice gave a lot to think about!

He also ventured to the historic Haymarket area for lunch and enjoyed a treat at Voodoo Tacos (think Voodoo Donuts but with tacos!). Lots to see in the area!!

July 4 in Omaha

An early start to the day

At the Fat Putter

At the Luminarium

Charles' day got off to an early start with the gathering of the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists Biennial Breakfast. It was nice to be in the midst of such an enthusiastic gathering.

A late-morning break in the schedule gave him an excuse to visit the Fat Putter, a place that is without question the most unique putt-putt venue he's ever seen!

Following another conference gathering, this one with MMBB, Charles ventured out to take in the nearby Kiewit Luminarium, an amazing combination of science, entertainment, and social gathering place. He ran into friends from his time in the Nebraska Conference, Rev. Susan & David Davies while there!

Back to Omaha

Quick stop at Cracker Barrel

All signed in!

Attendees getting orientation

Buttons!

A fellow ABHM chaplain

Charles is in Omaha for a few days, attending an American Baptist Church Mission Summit. Thorne Crest is part of that denomination's programming.
 

A new beginning

 

We had our first worship service at Glenville UMC today with Charles preaching as a "guest preacher." On July 13, he'll begin a stint as the supply preacher (think interim) for this small congregation. We are so excited to be on this journey with them.

Catching up in Shawano

 

Charles drove to Shawano, Wisconsin on Friday to take some items to Joshua, son of Jackie. It was nice to catch up and see Josh's family. Josh even surprised Charles with an assortment of Wisconsin-themed buttons!

This week in St. Cloud

Belinda spent part of this week in St. Cloud, attending the Minnesota Annual Conference with our friend, Rev. Judy Clark.
 

A big night in Albert Lea

Charles took part in the first session of the Albert Lea Human Rights Commission today at City Hall. He was selected to be the chair of the of the group which will meet each month.

Time in a small Missouri city

Before Charles leaves Chillicothe tomorrow, he spent time this afternoon, wandering around the city that his sister, Jackie, loved so much. The many murals along Washington St. capture the spirit of this city.

Tending to memories in Chillicothe

Charles is in Chillicothe, Missouri this week along with his nephew, Jeremiah, tending to the affairs of Charles' sister, Jackie, who died unexpectedly last Monday at her home.

Jacqueline Evett Alkula                                   August 18, 1953 — June 2, 2025

Jacqueline “Jackie” Evett Alkula, age 71, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025, at her residence.

Jackie was born on August 18, 1953, to Venlear James and Margaret Jean (Plants) Alkula, in Painesville, Ohio. She was enlisted in the United States Army for sixteen years. Jackie also worked as a retail associate at Walmart for many years. She enjoyed photography and working with film in a dark room. She liked to cross stitch and spend time geocaching.

Survivors include three sons, Joshua Alkula of Shawno, Wisconsin, Jeremiah Alkula of Lebanon, Indiana, and Jason Alkula (Diane) of Flint, Michigan; one daughter, Elizabeth Alkula of Largo, Florida; her mother, Margaret Alkula of Newnan, Georgia; three brothers, Joe Alkula (Jody) of Holiday, Florida, Charles Alkula (Belinda) of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and Dale Alkula of Columbus, Ohio; one sister, Sandy Boda (Steve) of Tyrone, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her father.

A cremation was held. Inurnment will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida at a later date. 

Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.

New painting started

Charles began work on a new painting that may be included in the Albert Lea Art Center's display for Pride Day in the city in two week's time!

Another project in the books

The work begins

Ta da!

Charles tackled another outdoor project this weekend, painting the backyard deck. He had already power washed the deck and then yesterday and this morning, the deck was painted a light grey. We really have enjoyed sitting under the large backyard tree and now, we have an attractive place to do it!
 

Big news!

We met with the leadership of Glenville UMC tonight to discuss Charles' future role with this congregation effective July 1. Officially, this is not an appointment as Charles is already appointed by his bishop to an extension ministry at Thorne Crest. Instead, he will be assisting as a "supply preacher" and offering pastoral care as a volunteer.

One more project done

Charles spent Memorial Day working on another big project at our cottage, completing the spreading of two tons of landscape rock around the property.

More work being done

The studio is back in place!

Two tons of rock!

A burst of color

More projects have been undertaken this week with more painting done (front of the house), the basement cleaned up and the studio put back into place, and two tons of rock were delivered to be spread around the property!

This morning in Glenville

Charles ventured to Glenville for worship this morning and visited with First Lutheran Church as they celebrated the conclusion of VBS.

More work being done

More work was done at our cottage this week with the installation of the AC, sump pump, and re-hooking up of the washer/dryer. On Friday, Charles also power washed the side of the garage to address some places that were chipping and on Saturday, painted that portion of the house.