 |
| Albert and Pastor Joel Dykstra (Albert's supervising Pastor) |
They say that the
older you get, the faster that time goes. There is much truth to that.
I am sitting at my
desk back in Illinois, and thinking where has time gone? It seems like only
yesterday that we made the trip over the ocean to begin my first year of
studies. Now I am about to begin my final year. Someone asked me yesterday if I
felt I knew two thirds of what I needed to know. It certainly doesn't feel like
it! Of course, my learning isn't going to stop at the end of three years of
study here at Mid America. Learning never ends!
But Seminary does. I
am about to begin year number three, the last one. As always, it will be a busy
semester, completing 16 hours.
This semester I will
be doing the following subjects: Applied Apologetics, Ecclesiology, Christian
Ethics, Preaching from Revelation in the Exilic/ Post Exilic periods,
Interpretation of Revelation in the Exilic/ Post Exilic periods, and Missions
and Evangelism. I am looking forward to it!
In this final year
we are expected to preach 12 times, with eight of these being original sermons
(not repeats). It is always enjoyable to go out and visit new congregations,
and get to talk with people from many different backgrounds. It is one of the real
strengths of the Ministerial Apprenticeship Programme that we complete as part
of our studies.
Another part of this
programme is the two summer internships that are required to be completed. If
you have been following the blog you will have seen plenty of photos of what we
have been up to as a family on my day off during our time in Ontario.
But other than one
day a week off I have been busy over the Summer. Wellandport URC is a big
church (600+), with plenty to do. Over the 11 weeks I managed to preached 21
times, which basically works out to twice a Sunday. One Sunday I preached three
times, and that was pretty hard work, it still surprises me how tired I am
after preaching.
Other than preaching
I would meet with my supervising pastor once a week, making various visits, as
well as leading a Bible Study on Wednesday evenings. There were also Council
and Consistory Meetings to attend, which were very helpful in terms of a learning
experience.
We very much enjoyed
our Summer in Wellandport, we were made to feel very welcome, and made many new
friends, some who we hope to see here in Chicago before we head back to New
Zealand. (We will hold you to your promises to come and visit!)
In terms of my sense
of call, it continues to strengthen, both internally, and also through the
encouragement of others. That is both encouraging and humbling. The future is
becoming more real for us in terms of pastoral ministry.
In the meantime we
are enjoying time with my parents, who are here from New Zealand till the
beginning of next month. It is awesome to be able to see them in the flesh
after having not seen them for the past two years. Skype is excellent, but it
isn't the same.
We are enjoying
showing them the sights, and we are looking forward to heading into Chicago on
Saturday to experience the Chicago Air and Water Show.
Thank you very much
for your support and prayers. We do not feel that we make this journey alone.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Till Next Time,
Blessings,
Albert
No comments:
Post a Comment