Lilly Project
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-370-6213 voice
First United Methodist Church
1165 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR 97330
http://www.corvallisfumc.org/
Description of Site
First United Methodist Church is a dynamic church in the heart of Corvallis Oregon. We just celebrated our 159th year as a church community. The church sits across the street from Oregon State University and close to downtown which makes this congregation an interesting mix of perspectives. We are a Reconciling Congregation, an Active for Peace and Justice Congregation, as well as a Natural Step Congregation. Our mission is to bring people into a living relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, that we might love the world as God loves the world.
This congregation of 600 is an active congregation with many passions. We have three worship services on a typical Sunday, two in the morning and one in the evening that offer a variety of experiences. In addition, the church is lively with groups, activities, and dinners together every Sunday and Tuesday evenings. We have an active youth program, children's program, a budding young adult program, and many other aspects ranging in generations, experiences, perspectives, and opportunities. We are a progressive community of faith looking to explore what that means in the world.
What will the internship look like?
Goals:
Our goal is to provide an experience that would explore areas of ministry as well as questions of vocation. The emphasis for the term of the internship would be on worship and connecting community which would include hospitality, small groups, and brainstorming what that looks like in the world of the church. I would hope that the intern could also explore what gives them life in ministry.
Intern's tasks:
- Although the intern would be able to gain some experience with the morning worship services, the main focus would be with the evening service called the Common Cup. This worship service is our most contemporary service trying to be somewhat in the emerging sphere. It has been in existence for ten years which is part of its own challenge. The intern would be essential in the planning process of this service during the summer.
- Opportunities for preaching.
- Pastoral care visits when appropriate with pastors.
- Part of a visioning process for the future with pastors.
- Attend weekly staff meetings.
- Work with Associate Pastor on young adult projects for the summer.
- Assist with Vacation Bible School.
- Be introduced to administrative aspects of ministry such as budgeting, attend church council meetings, attend Staff Parish Relations meetings, etc.
A Typical Week
A typical week starts with all day on Sunday with worship responsibilities. Monday would include supervision time, work time, and perhaps an evening meeting. Tuesday includes the weekly staff meeting and check in time. Wednesday and Thursday would include pastoral care duties and whatever the supervisor and intern agree that the intern should be doing. Friday and Saturday are days off. We would be looking at a 35ish hour work week.
Supervision/Theological and vocational reflection
The Associate Pastor, Courtney McHill, will provide most of the supervision for this intern. The Senior Pastor, Jim Fellers, will provide some guidance as well. Courtney will schedule weekly time with the intern and work more closely with the intern on projects and tasks. It is also expected that conversations of theology and vocation will happen in these meetings and throughout the summer. Courtney is willing to explore the interests of the intern through study, conversation, activities, and questions. We could also explore the idea of a small group to help this process.
Vocational Questions
- What does it mean to be a young adult pondering ministry in a church world that not present itself as young adult accessible?
- What does emerging worship look like? Where is the church going?
- Where am I in the broad spectrum of theology?
- Where does ministry give life? Where does it drain life?
- How do we take ministry from the four walls of the church?
- What is the relevance of the church and how am I called to that?
- Does parish ministry give me passion?
Gifts, Skills, Experience
We are looking for an intern who is willing to ask questions, to really explore the world of ministry, and wants to contribute to the staff of Corvallis First UMC. We look for people who show hospitality and continually ask the question of where God is calling them. We look for someone who is willing to make mistakes, to be flexible, to have a good time, to be creative, to get to know people, and to enjoy new opportunities.
Logistics
Driving is helpful in Corvallis but not completely necessary. There is public transit and things within walking distance. Housing is available if needed. We would like the internship to begin June 1st and end August 10th but of course, we can talk about those dates as well.