Well, I survived Rally Day and my first Wednesdays Together which is our Wednesday programming. Now it's Thursday and I swear it's so quiet around the office I can hear crickets... Plus, we're getting the leftovers of Ernesto so it's really rainy and well, quiet. I'm amazed at how fast things can go down here. The week leading up to all of this was crazy and I found myself doing random projects, running errands, and doing whatever I could to help and then all of it came and went and you're left thinking, that was it? I suppose that's a good thing, no major crises or anything. It's like you do the worst case scenario planning and then because of that, everything seems to go really well. So, I'm not complaining by any means. Plus, the small group Bible study that we're starting for young adults at Caribou started off really well which is a good feeling.
I think one thing that has surprised me a lot about internship so far is how much I've been praying. And something like that shouldn't surprise me. But I find myself praying over the little and the big stuff in my car, in bed, in my office, and in church and the need to pray for something or someone never seems to go away. And this is a good thing for me. I'm being reminded daily of my absolute need of and dependence on God in every little part of my life whether it is a new friendship, in preparation for a visit, forgiveness for something stupid I said, looking over sermon texts a month in advance, or thanking God for this amazing opportunity. And in the midst of all of this, I have been reminded over and over of God's faithfulness in all situations. God is good all the time!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Christ Lutheran
Here's the back entrance to my church. It comes complete with this beautiful fountain that's has water that's a bit too blue sometimes after they clean it. You can see the steeple in the front of the church.
This is the Spirit Hall where we have our contemporary worship. Obviously it's not set up for that right now. However, it's packed on Sunday mornings and quite the place to be. 
This is that sanctuary where we have traditional worship. I think it's beautiful and really is classic colonial style decor. I will be preaching from the high podium on the left. Crazy!
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Fighting the Good Fight
I've been here for a little over two weeks and I must say, it is hard to believe. In many ways, it feels like I've always been here. I'm getting into a routine, finding my way around the area, making some friends through church, and quickly learning what it is that I need to be doing around here. It's still all very new and fresh and exciting. However, I can also start calling this place and my church home. It's quite the mix but it keeps me on my toes while letting me relax a bit.
At church they also haven't hesitated giving me responsibility. Between Rally Sunday, starting a capital campaign, and all the crazyness that comes with fall programming kicking off again, it's been a whirlwind of action with me trying to help where I can. Plus, they aren't afraid to let me do random stuff for the service. I sang the kyrie on Sunday which was fun (for you fellow seminarians and hardcore Lutherans, it was setting one and incredibly easy) and was told 30 minutes before the service that I was supposed to do the prayers. But, I love the busyness, even though the busyness kind of misses me because I'm new and am not expected to really do as much. I've been impressed with how the staff at church work like a well oiled machine. The joys of being at a healthy large church.
The good news is that I'm actually finding that my seminary education hasn't been for nothing. I think that my middler year in general has instilled a fighting spirit in me. This could be fighting against the part of the system that seems to want to domesticate me or fighting on behalf of what I really believe about the potential of the Gospel, God, and the church. And this fight, this passion, is translated directly into my ministry. It's not just talk anymore, I finally get to put my money where my mouth is and put all this energy, put this fight, into a church that cares, that's passionate about the Gospel and delivering it to the people. So, though the year was hard and took so much out of me, I'm glad I had that conflict because I think that makes this experience, this chance to be a church so much more meaningful and there is no way I'm going to waste it if I can help it. I know I still am going to need all the grace I can get from God and the congregation but I know that with the help of God, I'm not going to sit and let this pass me by.
At church they also haven't hesitated giving me responsibility. Between Rally Sunday, starting a capital campaign, and all the crazyness that comes with fall programming kicking off again, it's been a whirlwind of action with me trying to help where I can. Plus, they aren't afraid to let me do random stuff for the service. I sang the kyrie on Sunday which was fun (for you fellow seminarians and hardcore Lutherans, it was setting one and incredibly easy) and was told 30 minutes before the service that I was supposed to do the prayers. But, I love the busyness, even though the busyness kind of misses me because I'm new and am not expected to really do as much. I've been impressed with how the staff at church work like a well oiled machine. The joys of being at a healthy large church.
The good news is that I'm actually finding that my seminary education hasn't been for nothing. I think that my middler year in general has instilled a fighting spirit in me. This could be fighting against the part of the system that seems to want to domesticate me or fighting on behalf of what I really believe about the potential of the Gospel, God, and the church. And this fight, this passion, is translated directly into my ministry. It's not just talk anymore, I finally get to put my money where my mouth is and put all this energy, put this fight, into a church that cares, that's passionate about the Gospel and delivering it to the people. So, though the year was hard and took so much out of me, I'm glad I had that conflict because I think that makes this experience, this chance to be a church so much more meaningful and there is no way I'm going to waste it if I can help it. I know I still am going to need all the grace I can get from God and the congregation but I know that with the help of God, I'm not going to sit and let this pass me by.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Some Pre-Inernship Thoughts
Yes, I'm living in Charlotte, but my internship doesn't officially start till Sunday. Hospitality is a word that comes to mind as I get settled in here in NC. The church community has been so gracious in welcoming me to Charlotte and even though I was expecting a warm welcome, I can't help but be blown away at how they have all been so giving already. I have a fully furnished apartment, I've been taken out for a meal every day since I've gotten here, and have been given so much more than I could have asked for or deserve. And I think that is God's grace at work through people. And I hope I can show them grace as well throughout my year here.
The other thing I am always amazed by is how God can work in the most surprising ways. I really do think he has a sense of humor. This past year at seminary I was the captain/manager of our soccer team and was part of the leadership team of a student led worship service. These were things I did because I loved them. They were great for building community in the seminary and it was fun to do something different. However, I never really thought they'd play a big role in my internship this year. In talks with my supervising pastor about a possible internship project, we've talked a lot about young adults ministry, working with people who are just out of college or grad school and are looking for some sort of connection at the church. And ideas that have been thrown around include a worship service such as The Way and activities such as a soccer team since apparently there are a lot of young adults interested in soccer.
Now this stuff is all in talks and again, I haven't even officially started my internship. But, I really see it as a lesson to never take anything that you do for granted. God will find a way to use whatever talents and experiences you have, as trivial as it may seem (such as being a captain of a rag-tag-seminary soccer team) and make good use of them. And maybe that is a part of ministry, being surprised that even the smallest or easiest thing might open a door to preach the Gospel and reach out to others. And in all of this I have to remember not to take anything for granted, because God is looking to use and work with all of me, the whole package, to get the Word out. And he's doing the same with everyone else.
The other thing I am always amazed by is how God can work in the most surprising ways. I really do think he has a sense of humor. This past year at seminary I was the captain/manager of our soccer team and was part of the leadership team of a student led worship service. These were things I did because I loved them. They were great for building community in the seminary and it was fun to do something different. However, I never really thought they'd play a big role in my internship this year. In talks with my supervising pastor about a possible internship project, we've talked a lot about young adults ministry, working with people who are just out of college or grad school and are looking for some sort of connection at the church. And ideas that have been thrown around include a worship service such as The Way and activities such as a soccer team since apparently there are a lot of young adults interested in soccer.
Now this stuff is all in talks and again, I haven't even officially started my internship. But, I really see it as a lesson to never take anything that you do for granted. God will find a way to use whatever talents and experiences you have, as trivial as it may seem (such as being a captain of a rag-tag-seminary soccer team) and make good use of them. And maybe that is a part of ministry, being surprised that even the smallest or easiest thing might open a door to preach the Gospel and reach out to others. And in all of this I have to remember not to take anything for granted, because God is looking to use and work with all of me, the whole package, to get the Word out. And he's doing the same with everyone else.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
New Residence = Charlotte!
I made it here safe and sound. After three pretty easy days of driving including my favorite part, WV (there were lots of hills, mountains, and trees) I arrived to my new life in Charlotte. Crazy! (I feel I'll be writing that a lot in the next few weeks) So, I am here, I'm alive, and I'm getting settled (I have a feeling I'll be making a trip to Target every night this week to get more stuff). I have a wonderful place and I'm itching to start work (my first official day is Sunday). I'm excited to see what God has planned for me. Peace out!
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Ends, Beginnings, and Drives
Well, here I go. I'm on the cusp. I'm looking over the edge and preparing to jump. 3, 2, 1... It's all very crazy to think of where I am now. Getting ready to live outside of the midwest for the first time in my life. In a way, this is what I was made for. I love new experiences and meeting new people, hearing their stories, and learning from everything that happens from me. I have always thrived off of adventure and off of doing ministry. Change is something I've been able to handle with a surprising amount of grace. But, this of course does not make this any easier. And maybe that's how it's supposed to be. Ends always carry some mourning with them. Even though I will find myself back here in a year, it will be different. I certainly hope that I will grow and mature as an intern and change for the better. But I look forward in hope. Beginnings are always exciting, they carry so many possibilities and opportunities. When I was driving up to Alexandria I saw an exit for "Opportunity Drive." I kid you not! It seemed perfect and the friends I was visiting noticed the same sign and I think it meant the same to all of us especially since they are also traveling cross country.
God has blessed me and them with an opportunity to go out there and be a part of a ministry for a year that is outside the Luther Seminary bubble. And as much as I have enjoyed my time here, I think I am ready to go out to the larger community and world and do my best to share the Gospel because we are all in need of hearing some good news in the midst of all this war and conflict and pain. This is what God intended me to be doing this year, going to Charlotte and I know that it is an incredible opportunity. So, even as scary as it may be, I take heart knowing that this is ultimately God's plan for my life and that His love and grace will carry me through this year. Peace and God's blessings to all of you who are making similar journeys and may every "drive" be an opportunity.
God has blessed me and them with an opportunity to go out there and be a part of a ministry for a year that is outside the Luther Seminary bubble. And as much as I have enjoyed my time here, I think I am ready to go out to the larger community and world and do my best to share the Gospel because we are all in need of hearing some good news in the midst of all this war and conflict and pain. This is what God intended me to be doing this year, going to Charlotte and I know that it is an incredible opportunity. So, even as scary as it may be, I take heart knowing that this is ultimately God's plan for my life and that His love and grace will carry me through this year. Peace and God's blessings to all of you who are making similar journeys and may every "drive" be an opportunity.
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