As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

~Luke 8:15 (ESV)

Building Good Soil

As my summer internship at Saint John’s wraps up, I have been reflecting on my time spent in this community, and I am grateful for how SJUMC has so graciously welcomed and nurtured me as I discern my call to ministry.  

My bachelor’s degree is in Human Ecology, and one thing that has stuck with me from my training as a “Human Ecologist” is a deep appreciation for soil. In my “Gardens and Greenhouses” class, we were forbidden from using the word “dirt” to describe the dynamic and vital ecosystem made up of organic matter, insects, bacteria, fungi, and billions of microorganisms which all work together to support life on this planet. We learned that if you want to feed your plants, you must feed the soil. Healthy, living soil is essential for plant life — and, by extension, animal and human life, too. In turn, soil depends on humans, animals, and plants for food as we decompose! A wonderfully ingenious cycle, no? 

Saint John’s seems like rich, dark soil to me. If my journey of discernment is a seed, this community has provided the ideal conditions for me to grow. As Izzy mentioned earlier this summer in her sermon on the fruits of the spirit, one important condition for growth is time. I am grateful for the time this community has shared with me.

Soil also relies upon diversity to keep its ecosystem healthy and strong. Saint John’s is a community that honors and celebrates the diverse gifts and experiences of its members. I have had the privilege of participating in so many different avenues of church ministry throughout my internship; and I have been able to discern my own gifts and call not only through practicing them and trying new things, but also through witnessing others exercising their gifts. Hospitality, teaching, organization, leadership, children’s ministry, pastoral care, fellowship — all of these things contribute to the vitality of the soil at Saint John’s. I could not imagine a better place to learn and grow. Thank you, Saint John’s, for your support and friendship. Here’s to growing together and to building good soil!