This weekend, as we begin a new semester and a new time in our life together, we are hoping to get families with children together out on the playground to reconnect after the holidays and to connect with our Interim Children’s Minister, The Rev. Erin Hensley. I will be skipping out on the Sunday morning forum because I hope to see you there! I am so grateful to Erin for stepping into Amber’s shoes in an interim capacity on a part-time basis, from January – May, so that we can conduct an unhurried search for our next Children’s Minister. Erin comes to us with tremendous gifts and experience in ministry, and I have no doubt that we will grow together during her time with us. That said, she will need your help and your active support. Come and hang out with us on the playground this Sunday, and let’s start 2023 off with joy!
Rev. Eileen
Here is a message from Erin:
Dear People of St. James’,
I am elated to be St. James’ interim Children’s Ministries for this interim period. As a recent worshipper with St. James’ and a mother, I have been blessed to experience St. James’ children’s ministries as welcoming, nurturing, and compelling. Serving as the interim Children’s Minister is both my privilege and joy!
In addition to 14 years of ordained ministry serving in multigenerational congregations, I taught in elementary schools for 3 years, completed 3 units for Clinical Pastoral Education in children’s hospitals, and worked as an on-call chaplain for children’s hospitals for 2 years. I am familiar with numerous resources for families with young children and fully support Godly Play.
My top strengths are brainstorming, empathizing, learning, coaching, and believing. My top joys are my ministries as wife to PJ, parent with PJ for Micah, and being with our beloved Piper, a rescue beagle dog.
I look forward to nurturing your families alongside you as we grow in God’s love and grow in ministry. Thanks again for the opportunity to know and support you and your families. Happy Epiphany to you and yours; here’s to the Christ light in you all!
Sincerely,
The Rev. Erin Hensley
