Kenosha UMC pastor, family to head to Denmark, Norway [Video]

Thanks to a $59,016 grant, First United Methodist Church minister, Rev. Susan Patterson-Sumwalt, will participate in the 2023 National Clergy Renewal Program.

Patterson-Sumwalt and First United Methodist Church will engage in the Norwegian concept of Velvære. Velvære is a state of well-being. It includes the important aspects of one’s life, developing them and living them out. The values of velvære that will be lived and explored include faith, family, genealogical history and culture, baking and outdoor activities.

Patterson-Sumwalt and her husband, Bob, will make their home in Denmark and Norway for three months. Their three adult sons will join them for part of the time away.

Activities will include reflecting on the life and works of Danish theologian Søren Kierkegaard, living in the parts of Denmark and Norway where great-grandparents originated from. She will bake classes taught by both professionals and United Methodist women, go hiking including a 109-mile trail …