2020 Annual Report and 2021 Ministry Plan

Seminary Intern Report Vicar Justin Kierzek
For better or worse, some years stand out a little more than
others. With a global pandemic, a contentious election, wildfires,
earthquakes, floods, and a myriad of other challenges, this year
was one of the more challenging years many of us have faced and
there is not enough sugar in the universe to make it palatable.
However, as I reflect on the
year that was, I am
reminded that there are
good and meaningful
moments found within times
of great challenge – a pause
that provides a memory of
what we miss or may have
taken for granted.
I feel blessed
to have seen and
experienced so much good
in and through
all of you.
Suddenly thrust into the
need to use technology as a
tool for ministry, we worked on virtual worship, an online Bible
study, and virtual confirmation, among a plethora of virtual
meetings and a steady stream of email. However, I will
never forget the feeling of our first outdoor blessing
after months of not being able to see people at Mount
Carmel. As people’s mouths silently moved underneath
their masks to the words of The Lord’s Prayer, I found
myself caught in that moment. As news of the delay
and probable cancellation of my seminary trip to South
Africa came through an email, I thought of that
moment. When the realization that Christmas would
not be the same, I thought of that moment. Whenever I
have experienced change based on things beyond my
control, I have thought of that moment because that
moment demonstrated our faith. Faith that God
continues to work in and through our most
challenging of times. Faith that we are not alone in any
of it.
The next few months will bring an end to my
internship at Mount Carmel and the completion of my
seminary studies. I thank you for the relationships that
have been built, the lessons you have taught me, and
the incredible generosity that you have shared with me
and each other. Even in the challenges of this time and
the uncertainty of what is to come, I feel blessed to
have seen and experienced so much good in and
through all of you. Thank you for all you continue to
do both within and beyond Mount Carmel’s walls.
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