Ministry Work

Minister of Youth and Young Adults at First Mennonite Church, Newton, KS, 1994- '96
Internship at Ridgeway Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg, VA Fall 2007

Interests

As an artist I desire to infuse worship and ministry settings with the gifts available through the arts.

Calling

As a child I was greatly formed by the vibrant Brazilian culture and church in which my parents served as missionaries. When we returned from Brazil I was blessed with a strong youth group and Mennonite community in Newton, Kansas. I was given many opportunities to serve the church as a young person and was encouraged to pursue ministry as a vocation. After working as a youth minister I sensed a desire for more training and went to EMS where I have further sensed God's call and affirmation for ministry. My husband and I, along with our two children, served a three and a half year term in Brazil with Mennonite Central Committee. For me it was wonderful to return to Brazil and reconnect with the Mennonite Brazilian church. Though my assignments in Brazil were not technically "ministry," I enjoyed building relationships with Brazilians, as well as contributing to the spiritual needs of our MCC team.

Ideal Ministry

Because of my international experience I long for a church that not only is diverse in its membership, but also is open to experiencing a variety of worship styles that our brothers and sisters in other countries can offer us here in North America.

EMS Comments

EMS has been a place of grace and peace. I have been thrilled to be part of a community of believers that explores the scriptures with integrity and seeks to worship God wholly. The faculty, staff, and fellow students have been wonderful mentors in the discipleship journey.

Favorite Course

It's hard to pick just one class that I enjoyed the most. They were all so good. Just this last semester I took "Interpreting the Biblical Text" with George R. Brunk III, and I was challenged to rediscover the ancient words for their original significance and to seek the meaning for relevant application today. Ervin's Preaching class, and Brenda's Worship class were also highlights. I also got to take a United Methodist course offered at the seminary, called "Sacramental Theology" and was blessed immensely with their practice and understanding of the sacraments.

Thoughts for Someone in My Position

As a mother and wife, I found EMS especially considerate of my extra challenges in balancing home life and studies. I am so grateful for the examples of other women, students and professors, and who have faced the same kinds of challenges that I do.

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