God's SigNATURE

Our theme for the weekend was to leave the city and all it's
stresses behind and meet God in his creation.

  This past weekend I had the pleasure of leading a retreat to the Lake District with a student worker from Brunswick (another church in our circuit), that we aptly titled “God’s SigNATURE.” *credit to Kenzie Grant for the title idea.

A few of my students (that have only just joined JMC this past year) came together with some of Brunswick’s young professionals, and we enjoyed an amazing few days in the beauty of the lush green hills, the still lakes and the peaks that extended into the rain clouds.

It was a weekend of nature walks, puzzles, small mountain villages, time alone with God and time together in worship. I was so happy to see my “new” students representing JMC as THEIR church, as they enjoyed the weekend with another circuit fellowship.

We gave a lot of space throughout the weekend to be alone
with God and explore God's sigNATURE.

We spent some time at the end of the weekend reflecting on their year and how they feel JMC has become a big part of their Uni life; and how much joy it brings me to know they have clicked in with the rest of the students and church family.  They are the hope I see in the church. The future and fresh eyes of the church. The best part of my job that makes me proud to know each of my students, and the blessing it is to be apart of their faith journeys.

I then remembered I had written a blog following my last meeting with the students who have been at JMC for the past two years that I meant to post last month!

So if you don’t mind the delay, here is a short bit I wanted to write for those original 5 students that, I can only hope, sums up just how much I have enjoyed being their “tea slave.”

The group in Keswick on our last day

------

Thinking back to the first time I gathered them together in JMC- before they knew one another, before they declared the group name to be “Onsies and Doughnuts,” before a Monday became the day to bring their struggles and joys to one another, before I knew their hot drink preferences by heart, before the shared tears and laughter- THAT, seems like a lifetime ago!

Over the past two years, I have had the pleasure of watching them go from cautiously sharing their faith stories with one another, to diving headfirst into that faith and becoming significant roles in each others’ journey! They have all grown so much individually as well as collectively, and it blows me away how confident and mature they have become…while still being young enough at heart to play hide-and-seek from me anytime I leave the room.

I have seen them joke with each other and make each other laugh until they cried; and I have seen them hold one another in prayer when they have needed it most. These 5 students may have only seen each other once a week or a few times a month, yet each Monday, when we walked into JMC, they were able to celebrate the week and get their worries off their chest without hesitation.

It might be because I am sentimental, or it could be due to my rapidly approaching end date, but recently I can’t help but smile when I think about what the future holds for each of these incredible students (as well as the 5 new students from this past year). They have the strength and gifts to not only take on the world, but to take their faith TO the world!

So to my coffee with milk and two sugars, my tea with five sugars, my tea with milk and two sugars, my coffee with milk and one sugar, and my tea with milk and three sugars…I wish to express all the cheesy and cliché things you can imagine so you know what light you have brought to my life here in Newcastle. Now go and throw on your fuzziest onesie and have a doughnut for me! ;)

Thanking you and loving you,
-Elie

Wishing the Time Away??

Cafe 1901 (the cafe in our building)

4 Months.

That is the amount of time I have left in Newcastle.

There were many times earlier this year when I was worried that 8 months, or 6 months was too short a time to have here before moving back to the States. Many times when I thought about how this is really my home now and that I need to stay--of course, I know as my mother is reading this, she is most likely talking to the computer screen saying “No, no, no, missy! You are coming home!” haha. But the truth is…my mother would be right.  Although I love Newcastle, and life here is my norm, I know it is time to take a beat and head home to Colorado. JMC is looking towards a fast approaching future when Rob retires; my students have taken full ownership of their role in the congregation; the Ignite course that we run on a Wednesday night is extending into next year and expanding its influence on this city; and all three of my flatmates are moving on to new and exciting stages in their lives.

One of the JMC students on a Sunday
walk through the Dene to the petting zoo.

So, 4 months.

Ya know, in the big picture of my time here, that may seem like a short sprint, but thinking about it the other day I realized that 4 months is how long some students study abroad for during a semester at Uni (if not longer!). So really, I have plenty of time as long as I stop wishing it away!

And over the past few weeks, that is just what I have decided to do…

As if I have just arrived for my “4 month study abroad,” I have started two new volunteering opportunities in the circuit, and I can’t even begin to express how much I have been enjoying them!

I did a fun Egg Hunt for all ages at JMC
on Easter Sunday- proving you don't need
to be a child to enjoy Easter Egg Hunts...
simply being competitive will do :)

The first being a youth club on Thursday evenings at one of our circuit churches here in Newcastle. The kids are from 6-9 years old and all proper little Geordies, so needless to say it has taken me a bit of time to understand them.

It has been a while since I have done any work with kids and I forgot how much I love it! Yes they fight, and yes they scream and run through the halls; but they also draw you pictures, and give you cuddles. Even some of the young boys acknowledge and accept that you are a new leader in their own sweet way--“Oh. I know you. So you’re gonna be here every week then?...Canny.” These little bairnes really become a new highlight of my week :)

The second addition to my schedule has been working one day a week in Café 1901 (the coffee shop/café in our building). For a few years now I have wanted to try my hand at making coffee and learning latte art, and now the owners of the Café (Mandeep and Debbie) are giving me that chance and more!

I initially spoke to them about volunteering in the shop and learning some barista skills in the process. However, little did I know they would turn me into a baker as well as a business savvy barista! It has been a whirlwind experience making coffees, preparing cakes, and all the while learning the ins and out of running a small business. Mandeep and Debbie have been the most gracious leaders, and such an inspiration that they may have even convinced me to open my own tea room one day! Who knows!

Both of these coffees were supposed to be a heart...the one on the left being
my first attempt, it is safe to say I have come a long way already!

Rob was brave and tried the first cup of coffee I ever made!

As if I thought I had hit the limit for what blessing I would get from this community, once again I am blown away by where this journey is taking me.

So it is about time this Geordie wannabe heads back to the Rockies…but not before I shake things up in Newcastle for one last season :)

     Cheers for now!

                  -Elie

(A selection of photos from our Maundy Thursday night of prayer. There was a beautiful space prepared in our sanctuary to reflect on Holy Week.)

No Place I'd Rather Be

My first flight out of Chicago a year and a half ago and
my last flight out of Chicago back across the pond.

    I have now officially made my last cross-atlantic journey to my home here in Newcastle; and honestly, it is tough to absorb and comprehend. I was sad to leave friends and family in Colorado yet again, but so excited to return to England. I was so happy to be back in Britain, but sad and scared to know my time here is passing faster than I imagined possible!

Have I done my job well?
Will I have made enough of an impact on my community to last even when I am gone next year? What most deserves my attention these next 7 months?

But all these questions so easily lifted from my shoulders the moment I walked back through the doors of JMC. Because although Rob joked that, without me in Newcastle, the walls of the church fall down (only literally of course! we are having some structural concerns with plaster falling from the walls of the sanctuary), this place's strength, impact and blessing is far beyond anything I could do in a lifetime!!

Even from my first Sunday in the church I could feel it--something almost tangible and yet indescribable. But over the last few months, we have had a few folks share with us their sense of why JMC is so special. One in particular speaks volumes...

"...Since I first walked through the doors of JMC a month ago two things have been consistently on my mind:
Firstly this feels like "home-church". Not reminiscent of a particular church, but of a church which is God's home for us. Incredibly welcoming, and a church who are showing God's love.
The second is an inconsistency. I keep hearing the same phrases at JMC. "We're a small church" and "we're not a big church", and yet I keep hearing God say it is a big church. A huge church. A people with a huge passion, making a big impact and with a massive mission. It's like he is saying:

"I want you to open your eyes. Look at what I'm using you for. Look at who I'm impacting through you. The building may not be the biggest, but it's going to be full soon (we might need to put more chairs out) - expect it. Their might not be thousands of people in Jmc, but it is a huge church, and it's mine"

I wanted to share it with you..." (James Went, JMC family member)

The view from the JMC front steps, that so many have walked up to come in and join our family (Yes that is snow on the ground! One of the two snowfalls we have had this year).

And under tragic circumstance earlier this month, the true "size" of JMC became more obvious than ever.
Following the unexpected and heartbreaking loss of our minister's son, Andy, this community immediately pulled together and enfolded the family with love, prayers and endless offers of support. I have never been more proud to be apart of this community than I do now!

We had a prayer vigil for Andy Hawkins at JMC
the afternoon after he passed and saw just
how tangible the love of this community can be. 

It is a tough time for JMC, but an immeasurably difficult time for the Hawkins family. Yet through this pain, they have shown strength in faith and turned to God in such a way that is truly inspirational! Somehow, even in a time when we as a church family are holding them in love and support, they continue to lead us by living the ultimate example.

So I ask you today to keep the Hawkins in your thoughts and prayers and if you would like to further help the family, do email me for information on a fund started for Rob and Katie's grandchildren.

God is love-through the good and the bad.
I may forever have my heart split between two homes, but for the moment, there is no place I'd rather be!

Cheers for now,
-Elie

Onesies and Doughnuts

Christmas set up at JMC!

   Christmas Music was playing, our Secret Santa gifts had been exchanged and opened, and the bill was sorted with yet another lecture on why I don't need to Tip 20% here in Britain (don't think I will ever get used to that). I sat around a table with 9 students who were laughing and sharing stories from the past week; discussing faith, tough questions, and Christmas traditions; and all I could do was smile. This bunch has grown, not only in number, but also in maturity, faith and friendship.

Over the past year and a bit, a big focus for me here at Jesmond Methodist Church, has been University students. And since then, I have come to see them take on Uni life and settle in as an integral part of the JMC family. As new students found their way through our doors this year and, as I mentioned, around the table at the student Christmas dinner, I remembered a reflection I wrote just before the number of students at JMC grew to require a booking deposit for a dinner reservation!

Christmas set up at JMC!

So in the spirit of my month of sharing, 
here is the 2nd post (my own blog version of TBT) 
from October this year...




     Tonight I saw my students come together in such an inspiring way. Each bringing their joys and struggles of the past week to share in community and laughter; through tears and prayer and, of course, over doughnuts!

It is a random mix of characters, all coming to JMC separately, but have joined together and slowly become a tight support group for one another. They affectionately call this group, "Onesies and Doughnuts," and they often refer to me as "the mom", or "the crazy church lady", and of recent..."tea slave." So, in line with this new title, I want to introduce them to you here by way of their respective hot drink order...

Coffee. 2 sugars. Milk.
   He is quiet and kind. Ready to give his time for others, with a patience and willingness that speaks volumes in itself. He is the great, listening ear of the group and forever, graciously going along with some cooky ideas: such as hiding from Elie whenever she leaves the room (or at least I tell myself that he simply obliges to these plans, when in reality, he could actually be the silent yet devious mastermind behind all the shenanigans...I may never know).

Tea. 5 sugars (yes 5). No milk.
   Our chatterbox, always sharing stories and jokes to bring smiles to others faces; he is consistently the first to offer condolence, support, and advice when needed. And the verdict is still not out on whether or not he knows that the word "no" exists, as his diary (remember this means schedule/time-table) is permanently filled, yet he is the first to offer help to run each new event: a true servant's heart.

Tea. 2 sugars. Milk.
   She is a passionate, kind, and strong young woman, who brings the perfect dose of reality to the group, followed immediately by some sass and a good cuddle (hug). She has an amazing heart to see justice and possibility for change around her; and you just wait, one day soon she will accomplish far more than she knows is even possible.

Coffee. 1 sugar. Milk.
   Wise beyond her years, she has a gentle kindness and is a sure bet for a good, meaningful conversation. She is a natural leader, while also happy to watch others succeed; and this humility makes it a joy to watch her shine, which is far from a rare occurrence.

Tea. 3 sugars (or 2 teaspoons). Milk.
   She is our "life adventurer." Smiling and laughing all the way, she takes life with both hands and runs with it! She is well in tune with how her faith can grow and strengthen, and will not apologize for who she is (not only because she is a gem, but because she knows there is not enough time in our lives to worry about what anyone but God thinks of us).

It has been such a pleasure and joy to watch these students group together into a wonderful community over the past 14 months. From strangers to family in Christ huddled together in prayer.

Tonight I looked over them, clinging to one another, some tears rolling down cheeks, hands in hands, heads on shoulders, and smiles emerging from under the tears as we prayed.

One of them asked what they were gonna do without each other after uni, but I have no fear that these five individuals will go on to do great things, make wonderful friends, find another strong community, and forever remember the night at Jesmond Methodist Church when they held, not only each others' hands and shoulders, but each others' burdens and joys in prayer.

You got one proud mamma bear right here!

Cheers - Elie



We had an Advent Evening Celebration at JMC earlier in December. It was a great night of food, fun, and fellowship!

Long Time, No Talk. Long Time, Much Thanks!

Long time, no talk...

I have been down to London twice since I have been back! 

      So I realized that I haven't posted a blog since September and I thought that ought to change. Sorry for my silence, but to make up for that, I will be posting a few different reflections this month that I have written over the past 3 months since I have been back in Newcastle. Enjoy :)




Took my flatmate's family dogs out for a walk up in Alnwick with sheep roaming the field and the castle in the background! Classic England :)



Here we go! 
Post number 1,
from 28th November....



Long time, much thanks...

    Today is the day after Thanksgiving, and although for the rest of the country it is simply another Friday, for me it is a day to be thankful (as I ride the train down to London for a 2nd Year TFG conference). 
I would have done this yesterday , but I was too busy cooking an entire Turkey Day meal for two fellow Americans and my lovely flatmates :) -which is obviously number one on my list of gratitude.

Joined my cousin in London for the US vs Columbia football match.

It was a great day of cooking (with help from an Nebraskan native who is in Newcastle to get her masters), watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and all 10 Thanksgiving episodes of "Friends." 
Then we brought American traditions to Britain at little ol' 56 Ashleigh Grove, with all the fix-ins of the big meal, the breaking of the wishbone, a night stroll through the moor after dinner, and my flatmate even prepared some fun USA Quizes to really make the night a blast!

But generally, I feel the need to reflect back on the last two months, as they seem to have gone by in such a blur!

    October was, admittedly, quite tough, with a combination of bad health, rocky relationships, and a lack of faith in how God was using me at JMC. Despite how busy I was in September with freshers and welcoming past students back, all that excitement and energy seemed to produce no fruit (excuse the cringe Christian metaphor). Although I have such a great support system here in Newcastle that was so reassuring through it all, it is very difficult to not let a lack of results affect the way you judge your "success."
But, as God does (as if it amuses him sometimes- I can just see him watching down, chuckling to himself, "silly Elie"), he pulled through this past month, without any action on my part!

I am still working on my musical side in the JMC worship
team on sunday mornings.

I got my health back on track, let go of stress from relationships, and JMC was suddenly filled with new people eager to become apart of our quirky little family :). 
One great example, was the Christian Union Church Search, which rarely brings in any new students for us. Normally, I would go each Sunday, sit around for 10 minutes, and then leave alone. Rob and I had discussed whether or not it was a good use of our time, but thought that the week we aren't there, will be the week someone shows. And low and behold, that very Sunday as I arrived and got out my JMC sign, two students immediately bee-lined their way to me!

Now we have a second student group started, a new young professionals house group going, and by the third song on a Sunday morning service, the Church is full! 
It was a humbling lesson learned (as it always seems to be), that God has his own time and plan, and all I can do is pray that my work is in line with that "schedule." 

This year's UK YAGM group has some gems that I am so
glad to have the opportunity to meet! Including this lovely
lady, Anastasia, who is doing amazing work in a small
town just south of London. Please keep all the new volunteers
in your thoughts and prayers (especially with the coming
Holiday season they will be spending away from home)!

Apart from work, I have had some great time spent getting to know the new UK YAGMs from London to Edinburgh! And now, here I am again on a train--a favorite part of British culture--, eating Thanksgiving leftovers--a favorite part of American culture--so there is much to be Thankful for.

Hanging out with a life-size (yeah, he was
 a short little man) sculpture of
Wesley- the main man of Methodist Church

Thanks G-man!
-Elie 

The other 2nd year volunteers in London for our conference. Only
three of us now, but our numbers will double next month as a few
January starters will be staying on for a second year as well!

The Beauty of a Needle in a Haystack...

Love being back and taking the
evening walks I fell so in love with
last year.

Sometimes God has a funny was of taking us by surprise. We may walk into some situations with certain expectations and enthusiasm, and we end up walking out with a different excitement than we had anticipated; yet still somehow meeting our expectations.

This month is crazy busy, with students returning and plenty of work to do at JMC...and I am so pumped! I have such a good feeling about this year, especially for the next few weeks--to meet new students and young professionals moving to the area, and make solid connections. My diary (British for a planner/schedule book) is filled with events at the university and JMC to welcome people to Newcastle and put myself in the right place at the right time to make these connections....but it seems that each day I come out with stronger and unexpected encounters from times and places outside the ones I have penciled in.

It took three brilliant examples for me to finally see the pattern...

1- I was working a stall at one of the welcome fairs last week, thinking that I would meet students that are really looking for that home away from home, and we (the university chaplaincy team) would be there to help. Instead, God gave me a taste of home myself! One of the students I greeted, of hundreds at the fair, had an American accent, so naturally I got all "USA proud" (as I do when I meet another American...it's a rare occurrence here), and asked him where he was from. When he said Colorado, I got even more geeky-excited, because I have never met another Colorado native in the UK, let alone Newcastle of all places. And to make this world even smaller, and make the encounter a bit more unbelievable, he said he was from the Vail Valley! Completely unexpectedly, I met probably the only other valley kid to have ever lived in Newcastle. We knew each others siblings and were flabbergasted at the coincidence because, for those of you who don't know, Vail is a very small and tight community. But apparently the world can be even smaller :)

Who would ever expect the preacher to ask you to sleep
through their sermon?...mine :) in order to create an image of
waking up and shedding the comfort of our personal
"sleeping bags", Katie asked me to crawl into this bag
and take a 10 min nap as she gave her sermon on Sunday.

2- I was booked in to help with the international student meet and greet last week. So when I arrived at the Student Union and saw a table with another Chaplin helping hand out coffees, I walked over and started pouring hot drinks and chatting with the students who turned up. I had quite a few good conversations and welcomed students from all over the world. There were two students who I had a great conversation with and connected them to some helpful information for their first few weeks. It was a great afternoon and they were very sweet and thankful for the event. When we were cleaning up, I asked one of the student volunteers if she was going to be at the next week's meet and greet. She laughed and told me, "the meet and greet is going on in that room right now, this was the student life coffee lounge." I had been in the wrong room! Honestly I felt very silly, but it turned out that again my expectations were twisted, and although I was at the wrong event, I made those solid connections (and I don't think Student Life minded me helping out either haha).

3- And to really drive the message home: we had a few newbies at JMC's Sunday service this weekend, which was great! But, as I was apart of the worship band that morning, I wasn't able to welcome and meet them all until after the service. So when we found that one girl (who had come to the service on her own) left early, I was bummed that I didn't get the chance to talk with her or get her name.

The next day, I was working another stall at the Fresher's fair. It was buzzing with hundreds of students and over 50 stalls! So as I was leaving when my shift was done, you can imagine I was trying to sift through tight crowds to get to the exit. And randomly, through the mass of students, I bumped into that very girl from Sunday! I said hello and she explained that she's sorry she had to leave early, but she really enjoyed the service. We agreed how lucky our chance run in was and made a plan to have coffee later this week :) again God surprised me and twisted my expectations.

I don't know how, and I fully give that up to God, but I know this year is gonna be a good year :)

Cheers for Now!

-Elie

Some people in the states asked me what English Muffins are called here...well there you have it! They are simply called "muffins."

#Failbetter

Found this gem in Vail :)

I'm Back!

After spending a solid 3 days asleep (jetlag), I'm back in good ol' Geordie Land, and have hit the ground running!
Back to leadership training days, meetings in preparation for the arrival of the students (which is just around the corner!), catching up with friends, and of course back to Sunday mornings at Jesmond Methodist Church. All this activity and excitement makes me so thankful for my time back home in the Mountains to relax and play.

As blessed I have been here in Newcastle, it did not take long to be reminded of the amazing support and blessings I have back in the states. I was reminded of the beauty in Colorado that I got to call my backyard growing up: hiking, biking, paddle boarding, off-roading, and even just looking at it all! I spent time with my amazing family and life-long friends that prove, it did "take a village" to raise this kid. And what a village I am lucky enough to call home :)

Left: Took my dad's Jeep up the mountain to hike around Piney Lake

Right: Some of my childhood friends that I got to catch up with while I was home.



Left: I was able to make it up to Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp for a week, which was such an amazing time as always :)

Right: I had time to relax and just be (my parent's home)








Left: More of my friends supporting me at my "Very British Evening" fundraising night.


Right: Hiked up Pitkin Lake Trail behind my friend's house.





Although I will always be a mountain girl at heart, it was time to get back to Newcastle and the home I've found here for one more year.

So looking at all that lies ahead this year and all the plans being devised and set in motion, one quote has sprung up to the forefront of my thoughts.

While in Dublin with a fellow YAGM last year, exploring the Trinity College campus, we came across the hashtag "#Failbetter." The quote preceding the hastag read, "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better."


Looking forward to this year, I hope to take on this mantra fully and give my all to JMC for one last year. We will be doing a lot of the same, and even more new things here at the church and in the surrounding community. I want to approach each situation with such enthusiasm and hope that we blow people away, or fail more epically. It may seem a bit mad, but isn't that what faith is sometimes? A bit mad?


So, here we go. Round two. Faith is fully in God's hands. And JMC is gonna #Failbetter!





Cheers for Now!
-Elie