As I look back at November (and literally look at my planner to remember it all), November was a month full of gatherings! My November was full of moments where people gathered together to worship, learn, and laugh.
We kicked the month off with probably our largest gathering of this month. The Raleigh Fellows packed our cars to the brim and picked up two California Fellows along the way to Camp Oak Hill for the TFI National Conference. At the conference, we talked about how vocation, justice, and faith are all intertwined. As someone who would just love to know what my dream job is and search Indeed.com for that right now, it was really encouraging to hear from speakers and directors about how the Lord uses our different passions and gifts at different times. There were certain jobs where they felt like they were thriving. There were others where that wasn’t the case even though they created the job description. All this to say, it’s a journey. They had many tips about discernment which I appreciated greatly as someone who would love to just answer the question, “What’s next?”
We also got to meet fellows from all over the country. It was funny and encouraging to have convos with people from all over who were doing such similar things to us. We didn’t have to explain what a host fam was to each other or what we were doing for the next 9 months. Instead, we got to connect over what the Lord has already been teaching us in a time like this and in different cities. I especially loved getting to meet and play ultimate frisbee with the Memphis Fellows! I’m still bitter about our loss in the frisbee tournament, but it’s safe to say our team had some of the best dance moves and cheers out there.
The next week, our church had a worship night in the middle of the week. I loved gathering with all different people from the congregation and just finding rest and peace in that moment. I’ve been to worship nights before coming to Apostles, but it had always been like where you only knew the people you came with, and it was just something trendy to do it seemed. This felt authentic as I looked around and saw people who we’ve met over the past couple of months and have gotten to know. Our church also did a service day at Refugee Hope. It was so cool seeing where Emily and Ian work! I loved getting to help but also getting a glimpse at what they do and at what community they are a part of at work. They’re doing some truly special and sweet things there!
We got a time to gather back at the lake for the Jason Young retreat the next weekend which was super sweet since we haven’t been back there since we started the program and all met each other! That’s kind of wild to even just think about! Oh, we were so awkward, and then we returned to the lake and were just thankful that these friendships are forming and that we have each other. Jason shared with us 6 “stones”, or 6 ways to live well, and then “a blessing” is the glue that holds these stones together. He offered encouragement and a blessing to each of us through telling stories and just sharing time with us which I’m super thankful for. 10/10 would go back to do this retreat all over again. That’s how great it was!
When I got back, my work had a potluck, and then I went home to Georgia for thanksgiving. Afterwards, I ventured up to Clemson to see old roommates. We don’t need to discuss the game…and when I got back to Raleigh, I saw a bunch of the fellows! We got some dinner, and I was thankful to be back with each of them and to be laughing around the table once again. Overall, this month’s moments showed me that the Lord is at and in each gathering, no matter the size. He uses fellowship to encourage us and teach us what the body of Christ really looks like. In solitude, we spend quality time with Him, and in gatherings, He surrounds us with His love through His people. God’s there with us in the times of worship, learning, and laughing!
John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
