Kid's Corner

I am in the beginning stages of creating a "Kid's Corner" in my new office at Faith.  I started by using old items I had around the house to make a pillow.

The pillow is made from:

• T-Shirt (Brown, Rooted from Caswell a few years ago)
• Tank (White for eyes)
• Stained pillow (stuffing and buttons for pupils)
• Too small long sleeved shirt (blue print)
• Shirt Bella chewed (light brown fabric)

I did not use a tutorial to make the pillow. I just found the applique here, printed it on freezer paper, and applied it using this technique. However, I left the paper inside.

There were already so puzzles and coloring supplies, so I just brought a basket from home and thus we have the start of my "Kid's Corner".  As I add items, I'll update you.

Ministering at St. Andrews

As you can see, it has been months since my last update.  I’m trying out a new program called Winds Live Writer.  We’ll see if this encourages me to blog more than normal. I am loving my position as Minister of Students at St. Andrews Baptist here in Columbia.  In addition to my role with students, I have been visiting hospitals, attending meetings for personnel and interim pastor search, and much more.  The thing is, I love it all!  I serve with a wonderful group of ministers who truly function as a team.  Currently, we are a team of four: Sharon King serves as Minister of Congregational Life, Fred DeFoor serves as Minister of Music, and Sharon Simpson serves as Minister of Childhood Education.  The latter will be retiring at the end of the year.  I am excited for what this means for her family and personal life, but am sad because of what it means for the relationship that was just beginning between us as co-laborers.

As Minister of Students I am responsible for ministry for students 7th grade through college.  I am enjoying getting to know the youth but am struggling to connect with college students.  Please be in prayer for opportunities to meet new students, to connect with “homegrown” college students, and to build up the few students we have contact with currently.

The News is Out

Yesterday morning, Thomas and I shared with the congregation at Eastside Baptist that I was offered the Minister of Students position at St. Andrews Baptist in Columbia. Next Sunday, we will attend SABC as their congregation votes to affirm the personnel committee's choice of me as their new MoS.

As we shared with the congregation our news, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I am completely and utterly ecstatic about going to St. Andrews and beginning my ministry there. However, we still have strong ties to Eastside. The children, youth, and their families have become like our own family.

For some reason, sharing the news with them yesterday made me flash back to the night before I moved to Raleigh the summer of 2003. On that evening, my best friend Leigh came over and gave me one last goodbye gift, which included a throw I still have, some Slim Jim's (my guilty pleasure) and a card. We sat there on my bed hugging each other and crying. I knew going to State was what I needed and wanted to do, and Leigh knew it was what was best for me, but it did not make our parting any easier. However, 7 years later, we are still friends, still keep in touch, and love each other just as much as we did back in 2003 (if not even a little more).

It is my prayer that my family at Eastside will know this: although I am following where I know God is leading, that does not mean I am leaving their lives, just their zip code. I plan to remain friends with those that choose to stay connected. I love each and every one of you and know that God has used you to bless me in the past three years.