Return to home page
Pastoral Care
|
Johnson Intern Program Last evening was the annual Johnson Intern Celebration Dinner sponsored by the Johnson Intern Board. Among the guests of honor were Bishop Gloster, Bishop Suffragan of North Carolina, and Douglas Fenton, Staff Officer for Young Adult and Higher Education Ministries at the Episcopal Church Center in New York, along with past and present Johnson Interns, clergy, staff, JIP board members, mentors, and representatives from community agencies. It was a grand evening of celebration and joy for those who offer their multiple gifts and talents to the Johnson Intern Program. Bishop Gloster addressed the gathering and described the purpose of the Johnson Intern Program as “Making disciples for the world,” and referred to JIP interns as, “living evidence of God's presence in the world.” I was reminded of a scripture taken from Chapter 6, verse 8 in Isaiah, “I heard the Lord saying 'Whom Shall I Send and Who Will Go for us?' And I answered, 'Here am I! send me!'” Last night, as I looked over the audience that included individuals from every aspect of Chapel of the Cross ministry, I thought Bishop Gloster's remarks apropos. The Johnson Intern Program is evidence of the Living Presence of our Lord. Individuals coming together in community to celebrate the fruits of a ministry experience. As several of the agency representatives spoke of their deep appreciation for the Johnson Interns, I reflected on my experience last August as I spoke to the individual interns about accepting placements in agencies that served populations much different from what they had anticipated. The interns accepted their assignments as challenges and have grown tremendously from this experience, as evidenced by the remarks of those individuals who spoke and of several who approached me later. Andrew, Carrie, Beverly, Megan, and Meredith are extremely gifted individuals and will continue to affect the world in which they live in significant ways. This is the essence of the Johnson Intern experience--accepting God's work in the world as it is and not always the way we want it to be. Our work is to be a Living Presence wherever we might find ourselves; and Johnson Interns reflect the truth of this scripture. Last night was also a witness to the involvement and individual commitment of Chapel of the Cross parishioners and the varied contributions they make to the work of the Johnson Intern Program. It was exciting to meet many of the individuals who originally envisioned this program and continue to promote its continued operation. I also had an opportunity to meet with former interns and learn about the continued good they are accomplishing in the community. I am appreciative of the opportunity I have been given to observe the growth and strength of the young adults in our midst. Last night was a statement of commitment and cooperation; evidence of a community alive with the Holy Spirit. I am learning the meaning of being a “Missionary Diocese”. Send
items for inclusion in future "Cross Roads." © 2003 The Chapel of the Cross |