Weekly Update// Pastoral Intern Alina Saucedo
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Asbury,
The time has come to end my Pastoral Internship at Asbury. Can you believe it? Fall and Spring went by quickly, though I can assure you that all I have learned, practiced, and shared in faith with you will last every day of my call to ministry.
During this time, Pastors Chris and Will have walked me through how pastors are called to care, support, and lead a church community. I have seen firsthand how pastoral service can be challenging, demanding, joyful, and rewarding all at the same time. I have seen God working ahead of us, providing grace, strength, and wisdom. I have learned with you that being a pastor is about giving and sharing God’s gifts – but also about receiving, and that God goes before us and meets our needs, and a church is His hands and feet.
I have confirmed with you the healing power of prayer that can unite us as a community to support each other. I have learned that interceding God with our hearts, our minds, our voices, and even our silences makes us stronger.
Participating in Asbury’s various committees and councils has allowed me to understand the complexity, the challenges, and the creative ways committed leaders keep us going, proving God’s providence at work through their giving and talents.
About the staff? Without each of them, I would have been lost at church. Oh boy! They do a lot and know so much about the church. They are the moving parts that place things together and make things happen. They reminded me about the value of teamwork and good communication.
Yes! This time has been a blessing beyond words. I leave with regained confidence, embracing and accepting whom I am with God-given gifts. I have confirmed that people like me, ones far beyond being perfect, are called and needed to serve the church’s people and that God wants me here.
I have heard the famous saying “You need a village to raise a child.” However, after my experience with all of you, I want to translate it to this: “It takes a caring, loving, committed, and serving church to raise a good pastor.” I have grown thanks to this time with all of you as a human, a leader, and a pastor “in process,” but above all, as a Christian. Thank you from my heart! Gracias de corazón!
Not sure what God’s plans are for the future, but for now, as part of my Practice in Mission Ministry, this summer I will be serving at the General Board of Church and Society, an official agency for The United Methodist Church located in Washington DC. Please take a look at the important work they are doing at https://www.umcjustice.org/
By the way, this is not a goodbye, as I plan to return to Asbury in the Fall and continue supporting and serving in their ministries.
As for now, let us continue growing in wisdom together. This Sunday, we continue with the series “What Does the Bible Say.” We will address the cliche: “God helps those who help themselves.” We will wait for you in our 9:30 Contemporary Worship and at 11:00 am Traditional Worship services. Come and join us!
In Christ's peace,
Alina Saucedo