By William Crouch
Our journey through the Old Testament in the Capital Fellows Kingdom Seminar course brought us to Ecclesiastes last Friday afternoon. At the beginning of chapter three we read, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” I thought the verse was an appropriate precursor for our Friendsgiving dinner that evening—a time to eat, a time to laugh, and a time to enjoy the good company we’ve been given. It was a time for which we thank the Plitts, who graciously hosted the fellows for a second time and provided us with space to cook and relax. In this way and many others, the Lord has richly provided for us during our time as Capital Fellows and we have much to be thankful for.
Not only the fellows, but others in the church are expanding my understanding of family.
In this postgraduate season of life away from home, the spheres of family and friends that make up who I’m most thankful for continue to overlap. The fellows now occupy a unique space in both, and I’m glad Friendsgiving has become a tradition that celebrates those people in our lives. Not only the fellows, but others in the church are expanding my understanding of family. These include the host families who continue to open their homes to us, pastors and mentors that teach us and invest in our spiritual formation, ministry leaders that encourage us and set examples of how to serve well, and of course John, Shirley, and Lauren, who help us process it all each week at roundtable.
These people have built me up, helped me know myself better, and welcomed me into the life of McLean Presbyterian Church.
On Tuesday last week, I also felt a part of the larger community of believers in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area while attending a Trinity Forum event with Mollie, Esther, and the Kyles. It was a packed room and we got to speak to former fellows and folks from McLean Presbyterian, and the Falls Church Anglican. During the panel conversation, we heard great insight from modern hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty about the impact of music and singing on the wellbeing of individual families, and how that translates to the health and unity of the church—God’s family. It was a conversation that I’ll certainly keep in mind as we worship together as fellows at roundtable on Monday nights and with the congregation on Sunday morning.
It has been a blessing to see how all these relationships and the larger faith community surrounding the Capital Fellows program have enhanced the season of life I find myself in. These people have built me up, helped me know myself better, and welcomed me into the life of McLean Presbyterian Church. While I’m home with my immediate family this week, I’m thankful for this extended spiritual family to return to.
On behalf of all the fellows, I want to express our gratitude to all those involved with our journey thus far. We appreciate your prayers and support, and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!
Pictures from the Week
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Capital Fellows is a leadership and vocational development program for recent college graduates. It's a 9-month program that includes a paid job in your field of interest, service in the church and city, a personal mentor, vocational coaching, life with a host family, and customized seminary courses to help you grow in your walk with the Lord in all areas of life.
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