Just over three years ago I reluctantly showed up to an interview for a job that meant leaving the church home I had just made. The job wasn’t enough hours to support me through seminary, and I couldn’t even meet my supervisor, because they were still in the process of calling someone for that position.
But I met the kids, and they stole my heart. They asked what kind of music I listened to, and when I bashfully disclosed that it was usually Christian music, they didn’t give up on me. They used a lot of teenage lingo I didn’t know, and giggled when I told them that I had no idea what they just said. They were curious and welcoming, excited and willing to show up.
So I took the job.
I expected to be able to build relationships with the youth here at Prince of Peace. And I did that. I hope that they were just as blessed by those as I was. What I didn’t expect was to be embraced by the entire community.
I didn’t expect to be invited to sing and play in worship and with the choir, but I was loved and encouraged in ways that I never had been.
I didn’t expect to have my ideas and voice valued in staff meetings, but I was respected and embraced as an important voice.
I didn’t expect to be invited to dinners and coffee with members of the congregation.
I didn’t expect to have muffins delivered to my door on my birthday when we were in a pandemic.
I didn’t expect to be shown how the love of God is spread through a room full of $100 bills.
I didn’t expect to be comfortable being vulnerable to the people of Prince of Peace.
I didn’t expect to find family at Prince of Peace.
But I do expect that I will forever be changed by my time here.
I know generosity in new ways.
I know how to support others in new ways.
I know what can be done with a team who is looking to do the work of God.
I do expect that you as Prince of Peace, will continue to show that unconditional love to God’s people.
Blessings to you. Thank you for everything. And continue to choose God.
Love,
Cori
