My New Job

The past week has been quite eventful. Not simply because of the theft on Sunday, but because I was offered (and accepted) a new job on Friday morning. In mid February I will become Sunset Presbyterian's new Special Events Coordinator.

I feel exceptionally honored that they offered me the job. Sunset is swimming with highly qualified people and I'm sure it was not an easy decision. My spirit is lifted with the reality that they felt me qualified enough to join them in fulfilling the mission at Sunset in serving Christ and the community. I'm thrilled beyond words and can't wait to start!!

In some ways I feel like I shouldn't be paid for doing something I love! Events are one of my greatest joys. I'm not sure how that happened, but I get a thrill from being a part (any part) of an event. Seeing it take shape from the brainstorming stages to finding people to fill positions, discussing ideas, orchestrating the elements that come together and make it wonderful, and even tearing it down. In some ways, the event itself is the least interesting part... at least for me. Sort of like when my brothers and I used to play legos. We loved to build cities and buildings and then when it was all finished, we'd end up bored and break it all up to build something else.

For the past 5 years I've been in Portland, I've been in and out of Sunset in different capacities. Interim staff in the youth department, volunteering on events, attending events, attending regular services, helping lead the 20s group Quarterlife for a while, and 4 years as a leader to girls in the highschool ministry which included Houseboat camp for 4 years and winter camp for 3. I have wonderful friends who work at Sunset (half the blogs I link to are those people) and I feel honored to join them.

I will admit that I'm slightly intimidated about the transition from working in a secular environment to a Christian one. I've gotten so used to separating God and my work (not on a personal level, I've always tried to remember that whatever I do can be honoring to and service to Him), that I'm not sure what to expect. I worked at Peacemaker Ministries for 3.5 years before moving here, so have had some experience in ministry. When I left Peacemakers my hope was to one day work for a church but without a degree and not a ton of life experience (except for with events, oddly enough) I wasn't sure where I would fit in.

This might seem a bit overly dramatic about something as simple as where you make your money, but for someone who has not always had the privilege of working in areas I thrive in, I feel like this job is a direct (highly undeserved) gift from God. In more ways than I could describe!!

To my correct work: Thanks for the privilege of letting me work with and learn from you over the past 3.5 years! And thanks for helping me grow up in maturity and in my professional abilities under your leadership and direction.

To my future co-workers and boss (Janet): Thanks for extending the opportunity to serve with you! I look forward to a long working relationship and many fantastic events to come!!