Concordia students serving as Director of Christian Education interns from across the country and the other side of the world returned to campus for a three-day retreat Jan. 25-27. The students are at the midway point of their year-long internships.
A mid-year retreat, according to DCE program director Dr. Mark Blanke, gives the interns a chance to discuss their learning to date and to help the interns adjust to becoming DCE professionals. A DCE's work varies according to the needs of a particular congregation and can include everything from youth ministry to working with the elderly.
The retreat included workshops for debriefing the internship experience, one-on-one placement interviews, time dedicated to fellowship with fellow interns and an opportunity to share insights with those students preparing for next year's internships.
Rebekah Beal, interning at Fountain of Life Lutheran in Kernersville, N.C., in children's ministry, feels Concordia has prepared her well for her internship and career in the church. With that preparation in hand, Beal was thankful for this opportunity to connect her learning in the classroom with the internship experience.
"It was good catching up and hearing other's experiences - giving and gaining resources from each other," said Beal. "Coming back here allowed me to close the college window and open the career one."
Kathleen Garner, a DCE intern in Riga, Latvia, traveled the farthest to come home to Concordia. In Latvia Garner works mostly with youth 16 years old and older. Despite the language barrier and culture change, her experience has reminded her of what she shares with the people she serves.
"It amazes me how other cultures worship and serve God. I am comforted because I know they are praising the same God," said Garner. "They are kind and warm people."