Grace and peace to you in the name of Christ,
I have been busy at Saint Anne’s learning and stretching into this new role as a transitional deacon. I’ve really enjoyed my time interning there, and the good news is that my internship time has come to a close. As of the end of September I will have completed my internship. I have learned so much! I’ve gained confidence leading worship, and gotten to preach regularly, led a book study, and done some sessions for those experiencing grief. I’ve gotten deeply involved in worship planning and leadership, and feel like I really understand congregational functioning much better than I did when I started. As is the case, though, I am realizing that “the more you know, the more you realize how little you know” and feel like I have only begun to scratch the surface of my learning, especially with Covid putting a damper on much of our time together.
That said, the good news is that I still plan to return to Saint Matt’s, but the more difficult news is that I have been invited to remain at Saint Anne’s as their deacon for the last year of my formation. After discerning with both Blair and Jennifer, it has become clear that I will have many more opportunities to serve during worship and in leadership at Saint Anne’s. Saint Matt’s has been so blessed to raise up many young leaders in the church, but because of that there is much less work to go around—which is a wonderful gift—but also given my lack of experience in the Episcopal Church, makes it a bit harder for me to find opportunities to lead, preach, and learn. I am excited about the partnership I’ve had at Saint Anne’s and all the possibilities for learning in the next year, but I am sad to spend another few months away from Saint Matt’s. It has been too long since we have been together! Once we figure out what my schedule will be like as a deacon I hope I can make it back to Saint Matt’s for worship or to preach in order to stay connected. It’s such a bittersweet decision but I think I will be a better priest for it. I implore you to keep me in your prayers as I transition from one role to another at Saint Anne’s.
On a personal note, as many of you know I was ordained to the transitional diaconate this summer. I also received my board certification as a chaplain. I am still working at Allina EMS and am having a lot of fun riding on ambulances with crews and serving as their chaplain. We are doing a lot of fun wellness projects including getting a peer support program off the ground this fall. Alice turned one on Tuesday! It was such a joy to have her baptized at Saint Matt’s and have the community present for that special day. Sophia and Jonah started school this fall and are having a blast. Life is busy as usual, but I am so grateful knowing my friends are praying for me and lifting me up even when we can’t be together. Thank you all for your commitment to raising up leaders in this church, and I look forward to visiting in the near future.
In Christ,
Rev. Gwen Powell
September 20, 2021
