Barbara Edema

To Love and to Cherish Barbara Edema

Twenty-six and single, Maggie Elzinga has just graduated from seminary and received a call to pastor a church in the town of Cherish, Michigan. Idealistic, impetuous, enthusiastic, and short on life experience, Maggie jumps in with both feet.
With her on the journey are a cast of colorful characters who support, amuse, and challenge her daily.
For Maggie it's a year of firsts: first funeral, first baptism; and the hope of a first wedding. But much more awaits her at Loving the Lord Community Church and in the little town of Cherish. Parking tickets, abandoned cats, and little white lies pop up to make her question what she believes is right and good and a sprinkling of romance provides a happy distraction.
Maggie faces her happiest moments and her deepest sorrow while serving the good people of her little church. She learns that being part of a community can be simultaneously suffocating and life-giving. Her bright attitude and hopefulness carry her through the difficult times, as she becomes a full-fledged pastor.