Church of the Redeemer

I went to church with my roommate, Julie, Linzi, who is a first year Masters student from California, and Claire, an MA in Ministry first year from North Carolina. We went to the church Julie has been attending, Church of the Redeemer Episcopal. They are in Morristown, which is just a few minutes' drive from Drew. They were very deliberate about using inclusive language and very much identifies as a welcoming and accepting community. The church itself was beautiful. It was built in the 1850's, and it's amazing to worhip somewhere with that much history. I am really not used to Episcopal liturgy, but there is something very holy within the formal structure. This church does have grape juice available, and I was grateful for that because I don't think I've ever taken wine at communion. It was a lovely service and the people could not have been any nice.

I was very taken with one practice there. During communion, people bring up canned goods that go to a local food pantry. I loved the idea of tying communion with outreach in that way.

Next week we are venturing to another church. I think we are actually going to another Episcopal Church, this time the one that is literally in my back yard.

And Now I'm a Jersey Girl

Ok right, let's try this again, shall we? I am now in Madison, New Jersey and I'm starting my first semester at Drew University. I'm still pursuing my Masters of Divinity, just in a new place. Last year in Oregon, and at NHTS, was amazing. I learned a lot. I was also blessed with the opportunity to work at Sherwood United Methodist. I preached, led book groups, and was in fellowship with a truly wonderful group of people. And, if I were any good at updating blogs, you all would know that! But I'm not and I'm going to try to be, so let's start with a new school year.

I have survived orientation week!! There is a lot of information given out this week. I suppose it's all necessary, but it just feel very overwhelmed sometimes. I'm already amazed at the diversity of the school; the other day at lunch I ate with Joe from the Congo, Doug from Kenya, Boram from South Korea, and my other new friends from all over the country. I've found a good group of friends and it's nice to already have a support network, and people to explore this crazy new state with. Classes start next week, and I'm already impatient to start learning. They keep telling us how difficult the classes will be. That's such good news to me. We had to take a writing test this week to see how well we wrote academic papers. I'm a little nervous about the results, I have done enough writing that I SHOULD pass with flying colors, but we'll see.

It's hot here. The first few days were windy and rainy, but I knew that wouldn't last forever. My wimpy west-coast self is NOT a fan of this humidity. I feel gross and sticky all the time.

I made an IKEA run with a few of the girls yesterday. I needed quite a few things for my room, since I flew here and wasn't able to take much. That store really does have everything. Today was grocery shopping and I should be set up with food for a little while.

My roommate is a very very sweet girl. She's been awesome, running me around and helping me figure out what I need to settle in here. I'm blessed to live with someone that knows the ropes so that I'm a little less overwhelmed.

I hope to post pictures of my apartment and room soon, but I have a ton of space. It's a real apartment, I have a kitchen and living room and bathroom. My roommate's room is on the other side of the living room. My room used to be a formal dining room, we think, so there isn't a closet in it, but I have a wardrobe and a bigger closet down the hall. There is a lot of built in shelving and beautiful lighting fixtures. It's a pretty great place!

I'm heading down the hall to visit with some new friends in a bit, and I better get my room cleaned up just in case people stop by.