Whew! What a whirlwind these first few months have been! I have been so graciously welcomed by many of you during this time of transition and I am so thankful for the support you have offered me.

There was no hesitation to throw me into just about everything that is going on in the life of Messiah and its members. The biggest adjustment for me, aside from moving across the country, has been the size difference between Messiah and my home congregation. It has been a great learning experience to witness how churches of significantly different sizes function in both similar and contrasting ways.

I have already learned more about ministry in my first three months here than I expected to learn in my entire internship year. I am so grateful for the learning opportunities and experiences the Messiah Staff has offered me in these early months and I look forward to all that is to come.

If I could only pick a few noticings to describe the Messiah community, it would be your willingness to learn, and your dedication to supporting those in need. I have been blown away by my experiences in both of these realms-- something not every church congregation has to offer.

Throughout my time thus far, I've had the chance to engage in numerous teaching opportunities, including (but not limited to) preschool chapel, confirmation class, high school youth group, and the adult book group (with Pastor Peter). I admire the questions and wonderings that have been posed in all of these groups and the thoughtful conversation that has followed. It is clear that the Messiah community is eager to learn more about God, the church, and everything in between.

I sincerely appreciate the support this congregation offers to any matter at hand-- from the One Mile Mission, to supporting refugees, to Food on the Fourth. It seems like there is always an opportunity to support community needs or share in the abundance we have been given and the people of Messiah do not hesitate to step up. I can only hope that my future congregation possesses the same generosity I have encountered in all of you at Messiah.

When I began the placement process for this internship, I was unsure of what I wanted in an internship site or where I wanted to be. Although hesitant to move so far from family and friends, my experience at Messiah has been more than I could ever ask for. I firmly believe that my placement here was Spirit-led, and I truly feel like I am in the right place. I can't picture myself anywhere else for this year of learning, and I am so thankful to have all of you alongside me for this journey.

Peace,

Katie