Vicar (ad) Ventures Part II
As students leave for fall break, it is hard to believe I have been in St. Louis for about three months now!! I am finally feeling like I remember most names and faces on Sunday mornings, and I have developed deeper relationships with several students. In particular, I enjoy carpooling with a Washington University student to St. Louis University and back for our Wednesday night Bible study. I’ve found that often the big questions and conversations arise not only in the large group but in the drive home or cleaning up after dinner. Our studies of the book of Revelation on Mondays and Wednesdays have resulted in more conversations about life issues than I could have imagined. How is the Church still relevant today? What do we believe about heaven and hell? Is God primarily a God of judgment or of grace? These are all questions we have wrestled with this fall. We will end the month of October with a “Tell-tale Heart” retreat the night before Halloween, where we will help students explore their true selves and who God is calling them to be, before going out dressed up as someone else!
At Bethel, I have started being more involved with worship planning. The first Sunday of every month, we hold a “Center Celebration” in place of adult forum and Sunday school. This is a worship service planned by lay members (usually two or three families) with a theme. I am helping with our December center celebration, with the theme “Welcoming the Stranger.” This October, I had the opportunity to attend a “Welcoming Church” training that Bethel hosted with other churches in the area, and we hope to incorporate some learnings into that service. Pr. Yancey and I are starting a Tuesday night Bible study on the book of Romans, and I have also begun teaching confirmation by myself.
Finally, Pr. Rebecca and I are planning an undergraduate alternative spring break trip to Guatemala in March! I am excited to use my travel experience and passion for the accompaniment model for global mission in creating a trip that is meaningful for students. We are working with the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala and its pastors to expose students to a different kind of Lutheranism as well as a different way of life. It is exciting to be part of the two vibrant ministries of Bethel Lutheran Church and Lutheran Campus Ministry. I pray that Lord of Love in its own mission continues to be vibrant and growing! Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
