Emily Sparks @emilynclark Twitter profile | Pikagi

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Emily Sparks

@emilynclark

4,338

Followers

562

Following

5,859

Media

34,764

Statuses

Senior Pastor. Jesus. Knitting. Antiques Roadshow. National Parks. Tweets usually contain typos. she/her

Grand Rapids, MI

Joined June 2009

Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.

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@emilynclark

Emily Sparks

4 years

A thread on my experience of being a Women in Ministry: Hi! I am a Senior Pastor, and I lead a church of about 90 people in West Michigan. Prior to this I was a missionary/Associate Pastor on the Pine Ridge Reservation [in SD]. I am ordained and I have my Master of Divinity.

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@emilynclark

Emily Sparks

1 year

My beloved father, Robert Clark, died peacefully yesterday. My sister Renea encouraged the family to circle around him in prayer after the nurse came in and said it wouldn’t be long. With family praying and giving thanks to God for the gift of Dad, we prayed him into heaven.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Dear men who comment on my tweets that I’m a sinner and that it’s unbiblical for me to be a pastor, I will block you. Hear me now twitter troll, you don’t get to dictate my call. God called me, not you. I don’t answer to you.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

My friend got a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy and now I think I need one.

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Emily Sparks

4 years

I REALLY surprised my parents with the pie. When I showed up they didn’t answer the door or phone. I tried one last call before I left. Dad answered, sorry we were in the shower together. #HappyThanksgiving from Bob and Carol in their bathrobes. *They said I could post this

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Emily Sparks

2 years

I know I'm not the first person to say this but I might be the first pastor you hear it from: Outlawing abortion does not stop abortions, it just stops safe abortions.

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Emily Sparks

6 years

I’m not sure I’ve ever related to anything more in my whole life. I want to hit my head and gain confidence.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Update: Kenny is going to be around forever. This last weekend Kenny asked and I said yes. We are getting married in summer 2022!!

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@emilynclark

Emily Sparks

3 years

This is Kenny. He is going to be around for a while. He is a hospice social worker, has a dog named Lacy, and is the absolute best.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

If you are the praying type, my family could use them. My dad, beloved Bathrobe Bob, has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He starts chemo Monday. He would like all the prayers he can get.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

I got a flyer in the mail for a new church plant and they put this at the bottom of the flyer, "If you don't have a home church attend for 5 services and receive a beautiful Bible." If you come to my church and you need a bible just take one. I won't track attendance.

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Emily Sparks

2 months

I once told a pastor that he undercut women’s worth in a sermon because he referred to women as someone’s daughter. I told him my worth is not based on my relationship to any man or any person. He was shocked and didn’t even realize how undercutting that kind of statement was.

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April Fiet

2 months

Me: A woman's worth is not based on her marital status or whether or not she has children. Response: But then what is it based on? Um...the fact that she's a human being? Created in God's image?

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Emily Sparks

3 years

This is Kenny. He is going to be around for a while. He is a hospice social worker, has a dog named Lacy, and is the absolute best.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

No words, just joy. #SparksFlyForClark

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Emily Sparks

4 years

Hey small church pastor (me included) you are serving your church well in a difficult advent. Just because you aren’t doing what big churches are doing doesn’t mean you aren’t serving your people well. You don’t need a drive through nativity or light display to celebrate Jesus.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Covid forced churches everywhere to go online. Because my church went online, my Great-Aunt Freida watched everyone of my church services for the last year and a half. Tomorrow, I'll officiate her funeral as her last pastor.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I am the type of pastor who sends sympathy cards to families when a pet dies because God cares for us and the things we are care about.

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Emily Sparks

4 years

My parents answer telemarketing calls with, "County Morgue." They usually hang up but one time someone from AT&T said, "well we just wanted to talk to you about tv service." Dad, "Ma'am, no one here watches tv." These are the people who raised me.

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Emily Sparks

4 years

Just a friendly reminder, no pastor wants church to be online only. We do it because as shepherds, it is the best way for us to keep our sheep safe. We don't want to lose any sheep. We do not any more funerals in 2020.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

Happy Wedding Day to me!!!

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Emily Sparks

4 years

The pharmacy tech causally asked me what I do while I was getting my medicine. Me- “I’m a pastor.” Her- “That is so badass. I’ve never met a woman pastor before.” Me- “Yep, pretty badass.”

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Emily Sparks

4 years

I share Disney+ with my parents and even at 34 I feel like if I watch the Simpsons and they find out, they will be mad.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Student loans are broken. Here's how I know that. This week I accidentally paid $7,500 when I meant to pay $75. And guess what? My principal did not change at all with that large payment. It all went to interest. Something has to change.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

When I called my mom to tell her in 2009 that I had brought home a kitten she said, “You know you are making a lifelong commitment.” I didn’t expect a lifetime to feel so short Captain Jack Sparrow 2009-2022 He truly was the best boy.

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Emily Sparks

4 years

All I want for Christmas is for my shampoo and conditioner to run out at the same time.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I found this at an antique mall and it’s everything.

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Emily Sparks

5 years

I'm preaching on the bleeding woman that Jesus heals on Sunday and I can't preach about the power of her healing unless I talk about the power of what it was like for her to be unclean. Which means, I talk about periods from the pulpit.

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Emily Sparks

21 days

I'll never forget online dating as a pastor. 5 years ago I experienced this: A man messaged me and asked if I was “a naughty pastor.” I responded, “By naughty do you mean if I sometimes preach from the Message or if I like Rob Bell’s theology. Then yes.”

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Peanut Butter M&M’s are the best M&M’s and I will not be taking any questions at this time.

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Emily Sparks

4 years

I tweet about being a pastor because I want to normalize women in positions of leadership in the church. I want people to see God at work. I want people to see not all pastors are men some of us are shepherdesses leading our flocks.

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Emily Sparks

4 years

Today in online dating: I got scolded by a man because I like The Office. He claimed as a Christian I shouldn’t consume content that doesn’t honor God. He gave me bible verses to pray over.

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Emily Sparks

4 years

Guys, I went on a second date tonight with a good Christian guy who doesn’t support Trump. He said quote, “Trump is mean and I can’t believe Christians support him.”

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Emily Sparks

2 years

Pictures from friends are starting to come in. This one was taken by my maid of honor. I did not know happiness could be captured in a picture. #SparksFlyForClark

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Online dating as a tattooed and progressive pastor is like looking for a unicorn in a herd of jackasses. Like I’ve heard stories that unicorns exist but all I’ve seen are jackasses.

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Emily Sparks

4 years

What it is like to pastor right now: -Yesterday, a couple told me they wished we could worship from the parking lot longer instead of moving inside for worship. -Today, I got an email from another couple saying they are leaving because we haven't moved inside for worship.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Two months ago today we had our first date and now this is both of our profile pictures on Facebook. It's pretty clear we like each other and we are both so happy. I’m so thankful Kenny bumbled into my life.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I will not engage anymore with a troll who tweeted I need to repent because I’m a woman called by God to be a pastor. I will not engage anymore because I answer to God not an internet troll. I will not engage anymore even though I really want.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I can’t believe how much fun it is to tell the internet I have a boyfriend. You guys are the best people to share joy with.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Post church naps are one of God’s best gifts.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Hey friends I’m feeling really worn out today. I know I’m usually the one offering to pray but I could use some prayers if you have a minute.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

The weariness of the pandemic always appears most obvious to me when trying to find volunteers at church. People are tired.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Yesterday, 12 years ago I declared on Facebook that I created a twitter account and that people should follow me. I'm really glad the majority of my Facebook friends did not take me up on that offer.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

It is very important to me to use non-gendered pronouns for God when I preach, even when it's awkward, I work my best to stick to it. God is not he or she, God is divine, God is both, God is neither. God is God and English doesn't have a good pronoun for that.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

My fiancé and I have been talking a lot about finances and budgets. I asked him if we could build in our own benevolence fund so we can give money to people who need it and there isn't a question about resources. He happily agreed.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

We had a Mother's Day responsive reading and I got choked and teary up when leading a line about single women who long to be mothers. Then I was told graciously after church not to apologize for expressing emotion. So Happy Mother's Day from this crying pastor.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I was interviewed on a podcast this morning about being a woman senior pastor. So naturally I used my “I Preach Like A Girl” mug during the interview.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

6 months ago today we had our first date and now I can’t imagine life without him. It’s amazing how quickly life can change when you’ve fallen in love.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I asked my sister what I should get my 17 year old niece for her birthday. She said, anything from the 90’ or 2000’s. My niece calls it Y2K style. You guys- she wants cd’s, beanie babies, scrunchies, and jewelry with peace signs. I have no words for this.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

Grief is exhausting.

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Emily Sparks

4 years

I mostly want a husband so that when I get home I can have someone give me a hug and say it’s going to be ok.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

I pulled out some donut holes for the kids to eat before we leave. One girl said- I’m not used to being able to eat unlimited donut holes. Me- Welcome to Youth Group.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

The next wedding we attend will be our own!

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Emily Sparks

3 years

One of my friends posted this on instagram and I can't stop thinking about it, "Behind every strong person is a story that gave them no choice." The majority of time we have no idea the stories that people carry every day. Be gentle with one another and extend grace.

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Emily Sparks

4 years

Guys... someone from my church just tagged me in a post which is a poem he wrote inspired by my sermon Sunday. The sermon that I believed to be mediocre. And now I’m crying because God is gracious and the Holy Spirit moved in ways I don’t understand.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

This makes this super official.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Falling in love with Kenny has made 2021 one of the best years of my life.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Pray for me, I’ve downloaded dating apps again. I keep reminding myself that for the most part men on dating apps are just trying to find someone like I am. Grace upon grace because online dating is the worst for everyone.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

What is the kind of getaway where someone just takes care of you for a couple of days? Like there is there a retreat center for tired pastors filled with grandmas who will cook dinner and feed me pie?

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Time it takes me to wash my face before bed: 3 minutes. Time it takes me to psych myself up to wash my face before bed: hours

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Emily Sparks

2 years

Sometimes I worry I’m too snarky to be allowed at Christian events.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

World’s cutest married couple in front of the world’s most photographed lighthouse.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I’ll never know how some can preach the story of the resurrection and still not believe God calls women to preach the good news. The first preachers were women because all the men were hiding and afraid.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

Down to single digits till the wedding! Only 9 more days. At 35 there were many, many lonely years I believed I’d never find love. Sometimes it’s still hard to believe I did. Kenny is my favorite.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I have an appointment to get my Covid vaccine on Wednesday. Getting this shot means I’ll be able to visit my congregants who I miss so desperately.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Every single week a great older guy at my church comments on our service live-stream. If you are working your tail off in ministry, Dean's comment this week is for you. WORSHIP TEAM==SUPER SERVICE==EXCELLENT MESSAGE==PERFECT TIMING==KEEP GOING==NEVER NEVER NEVER STOP !!!!!

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Emily Sparks

2 years

I really love cats. Will you please send pictures of your adorable cats today? Nothing is wrong by the way, I just want to see more pictures of kitties.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I’ve cried so many happy tears in the last 3 days.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I got home from the hospital about an hour ago. Surgery was long and successful. I’m happy to be home.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I have an undergraduate degree in Bible and Religion and a Master of Divinity. I just googled was "Isaiah written during the exile" Please don't tell any of my professors.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

Four years ago today my dad received a life saving lung transplant and 2 weeks ago he walked me down the aisle. Life is a gift, don’t take it for granted.

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Emily Sparks

5 years

Today in online dating: I got a message from a guy who is from an ultra conservative denomination. So in my reply, I said Hi I’m a senior pastor. I haven’t gotten a response and that’s fine by me.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I was a senior pastor for 9 months before the pandemic hit. I’ve now been pastoring longer during pandemic times than before. This is a very strange reality to experience.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Not only do I take pastoral care calls but tonight a woman from church called to talk about knitting and yarn. I'm what they call a wholistic pastor.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I thought dating as a pastor was weird. Turns out having a boyfriend and being a pastor is weirder. My church adores the fact that I am seeing someone. They might smother him with love when he comes to church.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Before I go on a date, I text my friends his first and last name, where we are meeting, and the time of the date because you know... safety. Do men do this? Are they concerned an internet date will murder them? Or have I just listened to a lot of true crime podcasts.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

10 months ago today Kenny and I had our first date and this afternoon we picked up our wedding bands. Life sure does change quickly and I couldn’t be happier.

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Emily Sparks

4 years

I got a Christmas card in the mail from one of the lovely couples at my church and I got teary. They don’t have internet so they can’t watch online. They haven’t been to a service since March. And they wrote in the card, “Keep up the good work, we all love you.”

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I called a congregant to check in and she asked if I was engaged yet. So how's your Monday? Also I'm not engaged.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

May 2022 be a year where you are surprised by the goodness and kindness of God. May you be God’s surprise of goodness and kindness to someone else. Happy New Year friends.

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Emily Sparks

5 years

Today in online dating. I can’t stop laughing about this. Note I can’t stop laughing so I haven’t responded yet.

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Emily Sparks

6 years

This. Is. Everything. I can’t wait for Saturday!

@nbcsnl

Saturday Night Live - SNL

6 years

HADER'S GONNA HADE. 🔊VOLUME UP!

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Emily Sparks

3 years

The pastor’s wedding date is pretty cute.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Someone donated jelly beans to my church Easter egg hunt but we can't put unwrapped candy in the eggs. So I'm claiming pastor privileges and eating those jelly beans.

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Emily Sparks

4 years

I don’t say this lightly but I love Ralphie with my whole being.

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WeRateDogs

4 years

This is Ralphie. His ears are already pretty big, but he can make them bigger if you want. 12/10 very cool Ralphie

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Emily Sparks

3 years

While picking up communion supplies at my local Christian bookstore I shared with the clerk my call to be a pastor. She is discerning a call but doesn’t come from a tradition that support women pastors. I’ll never stop sharing that I’m a pastor, people need to hear it.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Please get vaccinated. I trust the science even though I'm not a doctor. I'm a daughter who would like her dad with a lung transplant to stay healthy. I'm a pastor who doesn't want to do Covid funerals. I'm a bride-to-be who wants to have a wedding next summer.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

While snuggled up in bed next to my husband of a mere 6 hours he says to me affectionately, “Did you brush your teeth, your breath stinks.” Yes I had brushed my teeth and yes my breath did indeed stink. True love folks, true love.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

I want to be the kind of pastor who can help make church safe for people who have been disillusioned by faith or aren't sure what faith means anymore. I want to be a pastor who creates space for everyone to belong.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

It’s wedding day!!

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Emily Sparks

2 years

As of life wasn’t crazy enough right now Kenny and I bought a fixer upper! We are so excited to start our life together in this super cute house we can’t wait to make our own. Also I asked our friend and relator for a sold sign just so we could take this picture.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

McDonald's gave me an extra hashbrown this morning and if that is not the blessing of God, I don't know what is.

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Emily Sparks

6 years

In the hospital waiting room showing my mom @dog_rates for the first time. Naturally she loves it. Thanks for the delight during a difficult time doggos.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I just had a guy follow me. He is following 23 people. 90% of them named Emily. Guess who just earned his spot on the weirdos I’ve blocked list.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

I have a church council meeting tonight and we are discussing the new CDC mask regulations. So yes I just ate a bunch of cookie dough.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

If someone ever tries to tell me there isn’t value in this site, I’m going to open my DM’s and show them all the times God has given me the opportunity to extend pastoral care to complete strangers.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

That’s it. Pastor needs a church cat. Church mice ate the banana I had on my desk.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

I’ve officially set aside all the clothes for the honeymoon and I had my last therapy session before the wedding. Final count down 5 days.

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Emily Sparks

2 years

Engaged then married. Tomorrow is 2 weeks as Mrs Sparks.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

This morning it is an honor to preach the risen savior just like the women who were first witnesses to the resurrected Jesus. Women have been preaching the good news since the risen Jesus sent them out. It’s an honor to be among them.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

My parents are coming to my out door Easter service Sunday. Worship starts at 10am. My dad just asked me if I’d be at the church at 9:30. Yeah, dad. I’m the pastor. I’ll be there a half an hour before service started.

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Emily Sparks

3 years

Boyfriend was in town today (he lives an hour a way) and he helped me with a small project at church for worship tomorrow. It was so fun and I warned him he better get used to stuff like that because dating a pastor sometimes means helping with random church projects.

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