twenty-three

Year 2. That sounds like some sort of subheadline for a stupid reality TV show. We’re back, but the camera’s aren’t roling. And it’s all unscripted. Today is day 1 of year 2 at the INN!!

I am very happy to be here. I am very happy to be back. Today I walked back into the INN office to begin another year of full time college ministry. This year will be different, with what I’m sure will be lots of ups and downs, lots of surprises and what not. And I’m excited for it.

Today I officially began my new position as well. I’ll be taking over the music and program elements of the INN, which means I’m going to be coordinating Tuesday night gatherings, hanging out with music leaders, working on finding ways to develop a sense of community in our large group gathers as well as finding ways to making engaging in worship significant and worthwhile for our broad student population. I feel very overwhelmed with the idea of moving into yet another "new job" as I’ve been so fond of doing over the last few years of my life, but with an understanding of the program at the INN and a passion for music and worship, I also feel like it is a very "right" transition for me.

Tomorrow we restart fully with out intern staff, who will be meeting us at the office at 9am so we can head out on our staff retreat at Stonewater Ranch in Plaine, WA. Today has just been Senior Staff around the office (Jim, Lisa, myself, and Lindsay, the newest staff member). We’ve gone through logistics, gotten reacquainted, and are beginning to move into planning mode as we get prepped for the weeks ahead. It’s going to be a busy September, as we’ll plan the first INN of the year, have our student leader retreat, a welcome back activity for new and returning students, and help open the upcoming year at the INN.

As we begin to move into yet another year, please remember to be praying for our students and for our staff. There are some specific things you can be praying for:
– New students who are coming to Bellingham for the first time, that they find community.
– Returning students, as they go back to school
– Student leaders and staff, that we all be supported as we work with students and peers
– the INN, that we would find a new office space, have a fruitful year, and continue to serve the students of the Bellingham community.

As I tried to last year, I will hopefully keep everyone up to date with what’s going on in my life here at the INN throughout this year. Thanks for all your support and prayer.

One Response to “the INN – Year 2”