Today’s CliffNotes was written by Youth Interns Olivia Costa and Jonathan Lindsay and Director of Student Ministries, Beau Pruitt
Dear Christ Church,
Olivia
Interning with the Christ Church youth over the past year has truly been one of the greatest surprises and joys of my life. I say “surprised” because I had never thought about being involved in youth ministry before, but when Matt asked me to consider the job, I very much felt the Holy Spirit pulling me in that direction. Having experienced so much love and gaining wisdom and guidance from my youth leaders in middle and high school, I was excited for the opportunity to pour into students. From the weekly rhythms of Eikon and Ignite services, to weekend-long retreats and lock-ins, I have seen students form relationships, ask hard questions, learn the art of hospitality, and lean into who God is creating them to be. I can say with confidence that I am leaving this internship with many friendships that I hope to keep for years to come. I’m looking forward to the next year with Beau and Jonathan and our other AMAZING volunteers!
Jonathan
To put it frankly, working this past year with the Eikon, Ignite, and College groups has been my favorite job I’ve ever had. I’ve enjoyed almost everything about it, and this is mainly for two reasons. The first reason is that the people I’ve crossed paths with during this internship have brought heaps of true goodness to my work. To the youth: y’all have been nothing short of awesome. Building friendships, having fun, and showing each other Christ has brought much joy to my heart. To the volunteers: laboring with you for the furtherance of the Kingdom brings me hope that the next generation will know the love of God. To Olivia, Matt, Beau, and the rest of the Christ Church staff: working with you has been easy, not because it has been free of challenges, but because the teamwork we’ve shared and the care for each other we’ve displayed has shown me what a workplace can be. To the parents and all Christ Church parishioners: your prayer and consistency has not gone unnoticed – we so appreciate you! The second reason is that God has shown his faithfulness to me and to these groups in countless ways. Any fruit you see in these groups is a direct reflection of His goodness. I am confident our King and Friend will continue His work here.
Beau
I am of course thrilled to be the new Director of Student Ministries at Christ Church, but I am even more excited to be entering into a ministry that has been cultivated so well by Matt, Jonathan, Olivia, and all of our wonderful youth leaders. This is a good reminder that this is not my ministry, but our ministry together as a Parish to do “all in [our] power to support these persons in their life in Christ,” as we vow to in our service of Holy Baptism. The Lord has been at work within our youth, is at work within our youth, and I am excited to see what He is up to in the coming year.
Peace,
Beau, Jonathan, Olivia