I know it's been about four months since I've written on here, and I promise to write more from the heart by the end of next week, but for now Im just going to throw out here a column I wrote for our church newsletter semi-recently. It's basically just an update of what's going on now that I've started here, which sets out the basics of what I do day to day relatively well. I'll explain some terms in parentheses, but other than that, this is what I wrote for my church here.

Hey y'all!

Well, I have now been serving here in England for a little over a month—time sure does fly! It seems like it was just yesterday that I arrived here in Egglescliffe and began meeting all of you wonderful people! Nevertheless, I am happy to be able to say that I have settled in nicely, thanks to the hospitality of the Johnson's (with whom I am living) and the warm welcomes of everyone here at St. John's (the church I am stationed at).

It didn't take long to get plugged into the ministry here and organize a consistent schedule that would enable me to build relationships within daily commitments. Throughout the week, my days consist of volunteering at events at the church (P.I.P.S--preschool group, Encounter--students from the school come to the church and we have 'activity stations' for them that relay biblical truth, Coffee Morning--what it sounds like, Sunday Kids Club--sunday school, etc), teaching R.E. (religious education) Lessons and leading worship clubs (I've  been teaching kids a Fruit of the Spirit each week through games, stories, videos, etc in about a 20min time slot) at Egglescliffe Primary C of E (a Church of England elementary school that's five min down the road), speaking at school assemblies at the Comp school (a high school), planning with Sylvia (the vicar/pastor and my wonderful mentor at the church at which I am serving) , and attending a variety of local youth events. Even in the short time I have been here, I have seen the Lord work in the relationships I have built with the students and teachers at Egglescliffe Primary. I see trust building and hope to use that to help bridge a friendship between St. John's and Egglescliffe Primary.

This lovely truth manifested itself in the last Encounter meeting that we had a couple of Friday's ago. A few of the older years from the primary school came to the church to engage in a day of learning about the Fruit of the Spirit. Sylvia taught from the Word about the characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit, we had worship, then the children were free to explore through the different activities that we provided around the room. It was an afternoon of fun and learning as they played music, created crafts, expressed their worries, and listened to stories. The students were so interested and well-behaved, which is simply a testament to the planning team that worked so hard to put this event together. The teachers were so pleased at the success of this event—they are still talking about it in their classrooms! I was proud to be a part of such an edifying afternoon, and I can't wait for more!

With such a great start, I can only imagine what incredible things God is going to continue to do in St. John's and in the community of Egglescliffe. I am excited about the future, and can't wait for upcoming events such as our “Light Up the Night” party (it was like a Harvest Festival) and our Movie Night! The youth and children of this community desperately need Jesus; please pray with me that we as a group of believers—as St. John's Parish Church—may be a source of light and of love in this community and that these events that we are planning will be edifying and bring glory to the Kingdom of God.

Thank y'all so much again for so kindly welcoming me into your home; I am so thrilled and honored to be a part of your family!

        -Alexa Spence