"So what's this fellows program thing you've been doing?"

This post is a copy of an article that was featured in The Falls Church Current Magazine. Fellows Update by Sarah Foley So, what's this fellows program thing you've been doing?-I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard this question over Christmas break. Better yet, I wish I had a nickel for each time I struggled to explain what this year is really all about without sounding like an absolute snob! How do you tell someone that you have been welcomed into a community that desires to sacrifice time and energy that you might learn about life, love, and yourself in the context of the gospel without coming across as elitist or self-righteous? So, basically you learn about Jesus, work three days a week, hang out with teenagers, live for free in one of the most expensive cities in America, and build relationships." Me: "umm.yeah..." In all fairness, it's pretty amazing. Blessings, which we in no way deserve, have been freely given to us since the day we arrived last September. In so many ways the fellows program has given us a tangible picture of the gospel. When I think about this year, it's no wonder that I cannot help but marvel at the Lord's goodness and provision. In order to flesh that out a bit, let me give you a few snapshots of what we've been up to the past two months: In seminary we are learning the importance of peeling back the complex layers of God's creation in order to understand our place within it. In doing so, we've seen, perhaps for the first time, the implication of the cultural mandate and its requirement that we become proactive agents of redemption in the world. Steven Garber is teaching us to be sensitive to the sacramental and transcendent nature of life-we're learning to see art and sexuality and even economics through the lens of our deepest longings for reconciliation with the creator God. We've watched clips from popular films and discussed readings as diverse as Tom Wolfe and Wendell Berry. There have been tears as we confront brokenness, and yet the prospect of being used to restore creation has inspired us to think practically about how we "practice resurrection," as Berry so aptly describes it. In our weekly seminar, Dick Foth has met with us on two occasions to discuss the value and development of meaningful relationships-a process which he claims starts with history giving and ends with being able to dream together. As our group learns more about each other, it has become possible for us to see each person's God-given potential. How much fun it has been to dream about the ways each of us will be able to serve the Lord's Kingdom! Before this year I understood fellowship (spoken of in a Christian context) as a means of accountability only. However, now that I live and breathe in a context of true fellowship, I see that it functions also as a way to know myself and my God. As believers, we know that we live in a constant state of grace, but as fellows that grace is all the more easily detected. Never in my life has the gospel been so palpable-you can taste it in the meals we share with one another, hear it in the stories of our teachers and mentors, see it in the way that we are allowed to serve our community, and know it by the assurance of the Holy Spirit who has been so present in our time together at The Falls Church. Honestly, I often wonder if I'm not missing something-if there isn't a hidden fee or a required 5 year parish commitment lurking within the fine print! It would certainly explain why The Falls Church community has opened itself to us so unreservedly. Thank you for all you're doing for us. We are relishing the gospel and the Lord's blessing as He is showing it to us through you. And we are having a great time.

The Four Chapter Gospel

Under the tutelage of Steve Garber and Mike Metzger, the Fellows class of 2006-2007 have identified and embraced the most beautiful and often overlooked explanation of the Gospel. In academic circles it is termed the “Four Chapter Gospel.” The four points are simply explained as Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation. Within the greatest story ever written, we believe all aspects of our humanity (including all of creation) was once pristine and perfect. This creation idea explains how the world and the people living in it “ought” to be. But, we recognize that because we are all born of Adam, creation and humans living in creation, now currently live in a fallen state. The fall would explain how the world actually “is” as we struggle to make sense of it. But, as people of faith, we are privileged because we still have hope. To be hopeful is an exceptionally relevant and vital part of life. Even while we mourn, we also mourn with hope. We recognize that, with the divine help of the Spirit, one-day the world “can” look different as we usher in the Kingdom of God by becoming His ambassadors. It is invigorating to visualize a redeemed world. Some examples from this year would include: a world where cars and bikes share the road, where people work for proximate justice, and where beautifully designed buildings reflect creation. Lastly, we wait and consider what a new heaven and a new earth will look like. For the final consummation, we dream of what the world “will be” like as it parallels the beginning of Creation. As we keep the end in mind, we recognize the brokenness of the world and hope for total and perfect restoration. As the title of our Blog suggests, the Kingdom of God is “now, but not yet."

Wilberforce vs Jefferson

Wilberforce and Jefferson The most thoughtful question for any person living in a fragmented world is whether or not a person is capable of leaving a legacy. This has been a mystery for many people throughout the history of the world, including my self, my longings, and my divine purpose on this Earth. It seems to be a rarity to find a man or a woman who willingly decides to commit and remain faithful to a calling from God. Wilberforce was a man of great knowledge and wisdom, which was evident in his thoughts, words, and deeds. Jefferson however, only loosely held onto his convictions, and never choose a path higher than personal achievement or the ‘say-so’ of others. The difference is obvious, it was not the circumstances that determined anything for these well-to-do politicians, it was actually how these men choose to deal with problems and tensions in their public and private lives. Wilberforce’s love for humanity spurred him onto great action. He was a man who was willing to risk his reputation, stature and selfish desires to commit to a cause higher than himself. Wilberforce never divorced the idea of doing work apart from God. By Wilberforce’s example, we see that the acknowledgement of God’s calling upon one’s life will more than likely give the faithful person strength and endurance. The article seems to reveal that in Jefferson’s life, isolation produced a weak identity and a uninspiring character, while Wilberforce seemed to be a thriving visionary, with Christ sustaining him all the while. At the end of the day, Wilberforce believed not in himself, but the power of God through him. He relied on others for guidance, hope, and inspiration. He built his life around community and mutual trust in people. Even Wilberforce’s desire to hear and know his calling from God, begin his lifelong journey to bring about justice and freedom for every human being.

Lessons from a good family

Living with a family that is not my own has been a humbling lesson. It has been interesting to watch and participate in new traditions and customs with a different family. As a fellow, I got to partake in almost all the aspects of family life. My host family always made me feel included. Before dinner, I would help set the table and keep my host mom company in the kitchen. After dinner and on weekends, I would spend time with my host dad reading in the study or enjoying meaningful conversation about life, work, current events, and faith. My host sister and I had many great opportunities this year to go to concerts together, hike the Billy Goat Trail, re-decorate the basement, bike to Mt. Vernon, celebrate each other’s birthdays, and of course, snuggle up, eat popcorn, and watch movies together. During autumn, I had the fine privilege of raking leaves around the yard. During winter, I shoveled snow for the first time in the history of my life! While my relationship with each family member is unique, I still value each one of them equally. It is indescribable the impact my host family has had on my life. I am still amazed that they would allow me to live in their home for a year and be so gracious. The family I live with has taught me the value of being real. Every moment I walk in the door, the father of the house always stands up and with a huge grin and says “welcome back, welcome home, Emily!” I have every intention of staying in touch with them, and making visits back to Falls Church no matter where I end up. I always remind my host sister that if I Ieave the DC area, I will never be more than a plane ride away. Lessons I have learned from my host family:
1. A good family is not one in which no problems or conflicts occur
2. A good family creates a sense of community by sharing in responsibilities.
3. A good family welcomes and invites people into their home.
4. A good family practices traditions and retells stories.
5. A good family extends grace to one another.
6. A good family breaks bread and enjoys meals together.
7. A good family prays for one another.
8. A good family is thoughtful and considerate and always sends birthday cards.