By Emy Luong
The leaves are turning orange. There is something so simple, yet captivating about the turning of the leaves in October. Being from Florida, autumn is a foreign concept (sometimes the palm trees turn brown, but that’s not quite as beautiful). Among other things that have felt foreign to me since moving to McLean – traffic, long workdays, living with a host family, going to Giant instead of Publix… Did I mention the traffic?
God orchestrated a million circumstances and relationships to bring us here. I often ask myself, ‘How did I end up here? Hundreds of miles from any place that I have ever called home?!' In those moments, I feel the presence of God assuring me: “I will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8) I have been learning about what it looks like to lean into the familiarity of the Lord when everything else feels unfamiliar.
While some things are new and unfamiliar, there are moments that have made my move easier: the way a Fellow reminds me of a childhood best friend, how John Kyle, the director of Capital Fellows, laughs at his own jokes the way my dad does, or the kids at youth ministry who have the same interests as campers I have worked with in the summertime. I take comfort in the glimpses of home I have experienced since moving to Virginia.
Adjusting to a new setting will not come without difficulties, but among followers of Jesus, there is always something familiar. His character is reflected in His images and through His creation. God is writing our stories with great intentionality. He has intertwined our stories from the beginning to the end. This year, there is a beautiful collision of 16 Fellows in McLean, Virginia. For we know God is the weaver of all things, so we trust that He brought us here with great purpose. I am beyond excited that He has stretched and pulled us all together for His glory.
The Capital Fellows class has very quickly become a family and home for a bunch of twenty-something-year-olds who are all trying to figure it out. We are learning to ask each other the right questions. We are pressing into intentional community. There is still so much to learn about each other and about what the Lord has in store for this year.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens Ecclesiastes 3:1
Pictures from the Week
Children’s Ministry Fellows right before Sunday School (you should see the after…)
Picnic on the National Mall after the Capital Fellows citywide scavenger hunt
A glimpse of the leaves before they turn
A well-spent October weekend at the steeplechase
Become A Capital Fellow in 2022-23
We are now receiving applications for Season 16 of the Capital Fellows program!
Most fellows work in the marketplace - for companies, nonprofits, government offices. Three Capital Fellows work at our church each year as well. For these roles, we are looking for a worship fellow, a children's ministry fellow, and a missions fellow. These are special Capital Fellows opportunities because the Capital Pres Family not only pays your salary, but also pays your Capital Fellows program fees!!
The Season 16 program year runs from late August 2022 through mid-May 2023. If you are a college senior or recent graduate - or know someone that is - we would love to hear from you!
Pray for the Capital Fellows
Thank you for praying for the Capital Fellows each week!
October is often marked by tiredness for fellows. The newness of life in DC is giving way to the ordinariness of routines, commuting, deadlines, and other patterns post-college life. This can result in Fellows feeling tired and stretched. Please pray for the Fellows as they make the transition from college to post-college life and structure. Please pray for their community as they learn to love and serve each other IN their tiredness.
Want to pray for the Capital Fellows throughout the year? Download this handy prayer guide for your phone or tablet.
Benefits of The Fellows Initiative
You probably already know that Capital Fellows is one of 32 fellows programs in The Fellows Initiative network. Capital Fellows benefit from our affiliation with The Fellows Initiative in many ways. One of those ways is that all Capital Fellows alumni receive a 33% tuition discount at Reformed Theological Seminary for 5 years. For more information, please contact us.
If you know a church in the US or Canada that would benefit from joining The Fellows Initiative by launching a new fellows program. Please contact TFI by visiting their website.
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