The month of July is coming to an end, which means several things — hotter temperatures, the resumption of classes inching closer, and our “Created For” Sunday message series nearing its finale. But for me it also means the close of a 10-week experience that I won’t soon forget.
What I’m talking about is the 2022 Browncroft summer internship program.
This summer there were 5 interns in my cohort: Alia Leavitt and Josh McCleary helping our worship team, Parren Carnahan working with production, Ryan Ledermann supporting family ministry, and me working with communications.
Stationed at the communications office in the church’s East House, I’ve had the opportunity to get some really meaningful experience during my time here. Creating content for our social media posts, taking pictures and shadowing our photographers on Sundays, and becoming well versed in graphic design tools like Adobe and Canva are just a few examples. I’ve also been invited to participate in weekly Sunday service planning activities, our regular all-staff meetings, a session of the Rooted small group experience, and a professionally enriching “Leadership Challenge.” My fellow interns and I got together outside of the work time as well — I loved our Red Wings game!
I’ve been a Browncrofter since 2008, but I never really saw much of what went into making Sundays and our other church ministries run smoothly each week. But now… I really have an appreciation for all the work, planning, and care that goes into it.
The other interns have enjoyed this 10-week experience, too. Alia, for example, felt that the Rooted Prayer Experience was a significant step in her walk with Jesus. Being a worshiper at heart, Josh enjoyed being able to play in the band on Sundays. Parren got to learn more about how to record a live production. And Ryan got to form Christ-centered relationships with Browncroft students.
What’s been so significant about being able to do all of this is that now I have an insider’s view of my home church. I’ve been a Browncrofter since 2008, but I never really saw much of what went into making Sundays and our other church ministries run smoothly each week. Even as a volunteer on the production team for many years I didn’t get a full view.
But now that I’ve seen the feedback that’s given in service planning meetings , the thought and creativity that goes into creating church graphics, and much more, I really have an appreciation for all the work, planning, and care that goes into it. No one can do it alone. It takes everyone doing their part. And I’m glad to have been part of the team these last 10 weeks.
If anyone is thinking about applying for this experience in summer 2023, I say “Go for it!”