I plan to post different thoughts and ministerial activities within this blog. I am going to talk about my ministry beginnings, lessons, failures, and celebrations. First, let me give you some background on who I am.
My name is Phillip and I am the Minister to Family and Children at Trinity Episcopal church. I am set to graduate from Charleston Southern in December with a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry. I am engaged to a beautiful woman of God and her name is Karey. We are set to be married April 18, 2009 and let me tell you... I CANT WAIT!
I started at Trinity in January of this year, so i am about to begin my 1oth month within my first ministry position tomorrow. This first 9 months has been great! I have learned a lot, celebrated a lot, and well just enjoyed every bit of it. I have had my ups and downs, my conflicts and battles, but that comes with the job, but God shows Himself in every situation and always brings me through to the other side.
I am new to the Episcopal denomination. I grew up Southern Baptist and never thought that I would be where I am today, episcopal. Shows that our plans do not matter to God.
I must say that I am more of fire for God than I have been in a while. The Episcopal denomination has forced me out of my comfort zone to learn something new. That something new centers around the words "liturgical worship." I have had to begin to grasp this idea of liturgy, but it has been great and rewarding! I have to gain my liturgical calendar and get used to the celebration of more things within the church year, such as lent, advent, pentecost, etc. I have had to get a grasp on the Book of Common Prayer (the book that we use within the service) and learn how to navigate the different aspects.
I must say that the thought of taking communion every Sunday was a bit "intimidating" to me. I must say that it has brought me closer to God more and more. I find myself drawing close to him throughout the service and then coming to his table for a feast of his spirit and love. There are people who do this to get the ticket punched and as the routine and one has to be careful in how they approach the alter of God in just a rut of routine. I do my best to go into the service expecting something new from God, and He always shows Himself in a new way.
Overall, the Episcopal church has been a great transition from me. I feel that I have made my way in and learned things. I still have a lot to learn, but that comes with anything in life. I am excited about what God is doing in Karey and I, within me, and within Trinity.
There will be more to come! This is just to get going. I will share next time more about the ministry and the ups and downs!
God's Peace to you all!
