Top
ten things I learned during my summer internship:
1.
The intern will never go hungry at
FVUMC. (A special thanks to everyone who fed and fed and fed me this summer. My
grandmother was pleased.)
2.
Congregations can show grace to
those who lead them (no one mentioned it when I forgot the Lord’s Prayer at
10:50 or when I got times mixed up and walked into the 8:15 service at 8:30)
3.
Offering plates are heavy!! When
lifting, stack them and use two hands instead of one.
4.
Audits are good things. (I usually
associate audits with fear and the IRS, so it was fascinating to witness this
church’s faithful and professional approach to finances)
5.
Church meetings can be less than an
hour. (Major kudos to Lisa, our fabulous Trustees chair, who adjourned her last
meeting at record 39 minutes!)
6.
With the right heart and help,
church property itself can become a haven for homelessness and a garden for
fighting hunger in the community (…and grape Koolaid keeps birds away from
blueberries. Thanks Joy)
7.
Church life does not have to slow
down in the summer. It’s amazing to see a congregation plan its own trips and
mow its own lawn…. Truly, God does great things through you and your passionate
initiative.
8.
Staff meetings should begin with
worship—and it’s ok to laugh through them! Joan and Jane, Al and Elaine,
Debbie, Bob, Terri, Jennifer, Felicia, Kevin, Lynne, Diana, Stephanie…You have
all brought such joy to this place.
9.
Prayers can be authentic—even when
others are listening.
10.
You can fall in love with people in
just 10 weeks.
Honestly, I have treasured the time
spent with you this summer. From the kids at Vacation Bible School to the
seniors who can walk circles around me, I have met so many incredible people
this summer and I’m thankful for your witness and your presence in this
community! You have shown me how to live Church, love Christ, and share
fellowship. Thank you for sharing this vision with me. The summer has been
wonderful and I promise I’ll be back to visit!
Learning, Serving, and Loving the time Shared,
~Summer Intern
