Nebraska knows how to keep their interns busy and I've been loving every minute of it.
I've really been enjoying EfM on Sunday evenings. I find that it is the perfect way to end the week. The level of spiritual and theological exploration and study is really fulfilling. I would advise anyone who isn't involved with it to get involved. You can learn so much about Scripture, the Church and even your own faith. It really is a blast.
I've been working at St. Andrew's and the name of the game is "Get Involved." I've been helping withe everything from Youth Group, to preaching a Sermon, to helping build a ministry banner, to stuffing envelopes, answering phones, emailing parishioners and members of the Diocese of Nebraska.
I always enjoy our staff meetings and they are filled with lots of information (and not a little bit of laughter.) I'm learning so much from Father John on how to run a team. He doesn't micro-manage his employees and really trusts them to get their work done. They in turn love working for him and the product they put out is to the glory of the Lord. (No he doesn't read this blog so it isn't brown nosing it is just the truth.) I hope that no matter what I go on to do that if I find myself in management of any kind that I can learn to have the same level of respect and trust with my co-workers.
This last weekend I helped do cardboard testimonies sharing our story. The way it works is in silence someone got up and showed a sign that described a challenge or a struggle. After 10 seconds they would flip it over and the other side shared how the Lord blessed them or gave them a way through or a solution. They were very deep and moving. At the end of it St. Andrew's had Christine their Capital Campaign Consultant wrap up by reminding people, "We don't give because of budgets or because our church has debt. We give in thanksgiving for the blessings of the Lord and the ministry of this church." My cardboard talked about losing my job and how after that I found in a calling in God's church.
I also helped construct the Christian Education Ministry Banner which was a part of the processional at 2 of the services and was hanging up in the Church Hall for the other two. I hope to get more involved with Christian Education in the upcoming weeks. A solid Christian Ed program can make or break a parish and St. Andrew's has worked hard to develop their program. In time, I hope to contribute to it in some meaningful way. For the moment, I'm content to step back and listen to what they do.
Random Thought: My grandmother sent me some glove liners to help keep me warm and I'm very grateful for the gift. Any and all gifts that keep me warm or fed are always well received. (I almost referred to myself in Third Person but I've heard a few people out here really don't like that.)
We are inbetween books for the moment but I'm reading the Good and Beautiful God which I'm enjoying. I need to get a little deeper into it but it is meant for group discussion and exploration. I may pick it as my book for later in the year but probably not. I'll most likely pick a work of fiction. I love reading fiction.
I'm loving my time at my non-profit. I've helped launch Conversation Clinics to help our clients practice their English. I'm also developing a volunteer Orientation program.
My roommates and I continue to worship together and eat together. We don't get to spend as much time together as I would like but we are busy with our parishes and non-profits. All in all I"m happy to be here. I feel like God has brought me here to learn and to grow and I'm trying to get my "money's worth."
Thank you to everyone who has offered support to me and/or this program. Your charity, your prayers, and your thoughtfulness makes all this possible. All for the honor and glory of our Risen Lord.
Your Humble Intern,
Steven
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