Monday, March 24, 2016
Dear Members and Friends of Saint Matthew Lutheran Church,
We’re eager to let you know that we have an opportunity to host a seminary intern, John Nelson, beginning in August, 2016.
What is Internship?
Internship is the main way that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American (ELCA), partners with congregations to develop people for the ordained ministry. Field education, internship, Clinical Pastoral Education, and seminary graduation are all part of the comprehensive candidacy process that helps individuals and the ELCA discern and eventually approve candidates for ordained ministry.
Why now?
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia approached Saint Matthew and requested that we consider hosting another intern. The last intern we hosted was 2013-2014, the now Rev. Ryan Paetzold.
The Congregation Council knows the timing isn’t ideal given the current capital appeal phase I (maintenance projects), and the pending capital appeal phase ll (accessibility projects). However, we thought the opportunity was such a critical one for the wider church and also a profound opportunity for our congregation, that we decided to hold a special appeal to determine whether the congregation can fund this internship.
Saint Matthew has a reputation as a good teaching congregation in terms of gifted people, passion for teaching and knowledge. Internship is a mutual blessing as the congregation itself seemed to be enlivened and energized by hosting “Vicar Ryan.” John Nelson has many gifts, including teaching, and would be thrilled to complete his internship at Saint Matthew.
Internship Financial Appeal
Contributors in the congregation have already committed $7,200 to support an intern. The Memorial Fund may contribute $5,000, and there is $4,043 of designated memorials and gifts available. Thus, we have a probable total of $16,243 of financial support for this internship.
The estimated costs of hosting an intern are $22,500, which includes a stipend, fees, and costs associated with housing. The intern would live in the church apartment located in the Hassinger building behind the 7-11, which was originally built to house pastors or interns, and was vacated in September by a long-term tenant.
In order to support an intern, we would need an additional $6,257. Would you consider making a commitment?
If so, we’re looking to receive email or written commitments by April 17. At this point, we are requesting that you fill out a green commitment card (in foyer) or send an email to the church office. Given enough support from the congregation by April 17, we would then communicate again, inviting you to make the actual contribution,beginning September 2016.
Thanking God for you,
The Rev. Ingrid Wengert, Pastor Dick Graybill, President Tom Cassel,
Treasurer