Meet Rev. Natalie Carlson

Hometown: Fergus Falls, MN
Family: Husband - Bob; Children - Sara (Jarod), Rachel (Scott), Nick (Alison), Laura Grandchildren - Callum, Brittyn, Camden, Isabel, Lincoln; Dog - Jack; Cat - Charlie Extended Family: Mom, Dad, and 6 siblings—2 brothers and 4 sisters

Educational & Professional Background

I have had a few careers in my lifetime. I graduated from the University of North Dakota with a double major in Education and Special Education. Following graduation, I taught special education students in and around the Grand Forks, ND area. I was hired for the position of head teacher of the Adult Deaf-Blind program at the School for the Blind in Grand Forks, ND. When my husband was transferred to Fargo, ND, I became the Nursery Coordinator, then Assistant Education Director, then Education Director at First Lutheran Church in Fargo. After many years at First Lutheran Church, a new-start church was planted in southwest Fargo, Living Waters Lutheran Church. I then became the Education Director and opened a Preschool at this church. It was there that I finally answered the call to enter seminary at Luther Seminary in St. Paul and became ordained in Word and Sacrament. I am currently the pastor at Zion Lutheran Church, Harwood, ND, where I am blessed to learn and serve with these great people.

Family and Personal Interests

I have various hobbies but what brings me the greatest joy is spending time with our children and grandchildren. It is wonderful to have family dinners at our home during the cool months and barbecue in the park on warm sunny days.

Why Love Your Buns is Important to Me

Unfortunately, I am very familiar with cancer, family and numerous members in my current and previous congregations have been affected by cancer. I do not hate many things in this world, but cancer is one of them. Sara and Jarod’s nonprofit is important to me because I want and need to support Sara however I can. My heart aches as I watch how cancer has affected all of these people I love and care about. I know that if we better educate ourselves about this type of cancer and its affects, we can then help make a difference in educating the medical/insurance fields and the public as a whole.

Toilet Paper: over or under?

Joseph knows what is correct…over.