After Sharon Johnson’s family moved to Maple Grove from Champlin in the late 70’s, her daughters started attending Osseo Junior High. They were able to walk from school to Advent for confirmation classes, which prompted her family to become members of Advent. Sharon’s daughters enjoyed having school friends with them in their confirmation classes. Over the years, all three of her kids were confirmed and married at Advent. All eight grandkids have been baptized at Advent and Sharon’s oldest granddaughter was also confirmed at Advent.
Sharon has been a faithful and active member of Advent for many years, serving in countless ways as a devoted volunteer. For fifteen years she served as a confirmation guide, walking alongside the same groups of students from sixth grade until they were confirmed. Her steadfast presence meant that she got to know the students very well. Currently Sharon supervises confirmands to serve at the Wednesday night services. In the past, Sharon had been a head usher and she still ushers for the Wednesday night services.
In 2014 Sharon was commissioned to be a Stephen Minister. She has helped LuAnn in the kitchen for many years. When there were Saturday night services, she attended those services so she could work in the kitchen Sunday mornings. Sharon continues this work of hospitality arriving at 8:00 AM to set up, make lemonade, fill water pitchers, serve beverages, and wash dishes.
Sharon is deeply thankful for the wonderful community at Advent, which she described as “home town” people who are easy to talk to and have a welcoming manner. Since Sharon was a daycare provider in the past and cares for her great granddaughter three days/week, she enjoys the adult interaction at Advent.
Sharon appreciates that the pastors at Advent make sermons more relatable to her compared to the strict pastors she had growing up. One special memory was when Pastor Tim supported her at her grandson’s funeral.
Sharon knows that volunteering is important for the growth of the church. She also has found it a wonderful way to meet and become friends with others. Thank you to Sharon and all the people of Advent for your welcoming spirit and for volunteering in any and all ways to help Advent thrive.
