Hello again, one last time my dear friends. It’s me, Simas.
Crazy to think that the year is over, and that myself and my 8 besties are fellows no longer. These past 9 months have been an absolute whirlwind in the best way. It has been such a gift to be a part of this wonderful program that Apostles hosts for us.
Today I want to take a moment to appreciate a couple of my favorite parts of the program, and what I’m excited to apply to my life this next year.
Firstly I really appreciated the way that we were connected to the church in multiple ways; leading student ministy, our adult mentors, classes with members from the church/church staff, serving on Sundays, and our mens/womens retreats. This has been an amazing and new experience to be connected in the church in multiple capacities. This really leads to a cohesive church experience in that is more interconnected and gives space to build relationships and obtain wisdom from older members of the church. My time at Apostles this year has really redeemed my view of Church as the Body of Christ, and the importance it holds.
I really appreciated the classes this year. There was so much practical wisdom surrounding things like money, the Old and New Testaments, justice, philosophies, family systems, how to deductively read scripture, and more. Much of this wisdom will be so important and useful to me as I step into the working world, and begin living with the least structure I will have ever had in my life. These classes not only taught me loads of practical wisdom, but also offered explanation of how Jesus shows up in all this wisdom, and what his heart for us in in this life. I was introduced to multiple new spiritual practices to interact with the Holy Spirt, reminded of the truth of who God is, and pushed to understand deeply that I am Jesus’ beloved.
I’m so thankful for this wonderful time as a Raleigh Fellow, but look forward with great excitement for the future. This year has prepared me so well to meet the challenges of adult life, and to do it with the Spirit by my side. I am grateful to be “starting well” in my adult life, thanks to my time here as a Fellow. I’m expectant for how Christ will move as I transition to living, working, playing, giving, serving, and more, all still here in Raleigh.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT
Signing off,
-William Simas