2026-2027 Interns

September has honestly been quite a rollercoaster. There have been some really high moments, some pretty low ones, and a lot of uncertainty in between. But as I look back on the month, I can see so many ways God has been working and reminding me that He is faithful.

I think one of the biggest things I am learning this month is that faith doesn’t always mean feeling certain. There have been times when I’ve felt pretty discouraged about the future and struggled to trust that God has a plan for me. But even in those moments, He has continued to put people and experiences in my life that remind me I don’t have to figure everything out on my own.

One of those reminders came through Groups All-Team night, where group leaders got to experience learning sessions to strengthen their leadership. Before the sessions, hearing Lauren Snyder talk about how we aren’t meant to do life alone was something I really needed to hear. Community is something I haven't always known is important, but this month I’ve really been realizing that I want to continue building relationships that last beyond a certain season or circumstance. I don’t just want people around when I’m struggling; I want to let people into my life even when things are going well.

I’ve seen how meaningful that kind of community can be in some of the smaller moments this month. I’ve loved seeing Brittany, a member of our church who continues to show up and take steps in her walk with Jesus. There is something so encouraging about watching someone continue to show up, and I’ve found myself genuinely excited to see where God takes her. At the same time, Gabrielle, a new group leader, encouraged me by complimenting one of my newsletters, and I had the opportunity to interview Debbie to lead a group, and she left feeling encouraged. They may seem like small moments, but they've reminded me that relationships don't always have to be deep conversations or big moments. Sometimes it's simply showing up, encouraging someone, or being excited to see what God is doing in another person's life.

I also joined Brenda Cooper’s Ruth Bible study this month. At the end of the first night, when we shared prayer requests, I opened up about how I was really feeling rather than hiding it. The love and encouragement I received that night, and even in the weeks since, have made me feel cared for in a really meaningful way. I’m so excited to see what God does over these next 13 weeks and to see the relationships that are built around my table.

At High School Midweek, I listened to Levi Brice share a message with the high school students about being in the wilderness, a place of uncertainty and the unknown. It met me in a really specific place because I feel like I have been in a season of uncertainty myself. But as I looked around the room, I also found myself thinking about who I was at that age. I never would have imagined that one day I would be sitting in a church like CedarCreek, let alone have a relationship with Jesus like I do now. It made me realize how much God can do in a life that we could never predict for ourselves.

Another really special moment this month was Night of Worship. It came at the end of a long week, and being able to worship in a way that I am not always naturally comfortable with was really refreshing. The night was very meaningful, and I left with an indescribable peace. 

Then, I ended the month with a trip to Pennsylvania with my friend, Marsha, to meet her family and finally meet her mom, Donna, who I have been doing Bible study with for over a year. Getting to hug her in person after only seeing her through a screen is something I will always carry with me. I had such an amazing weekend and got to spend time with some really special people.

With month two coming to an end, I can say that God is faithful and He is good, even when things don’t always feel that way. Sometimes faith looks like showing up when you don’t feel like it. Sometimes it looks like letting people in. Sometimes it looks like trusting God with something you don’t understand yet.

Well, it is official! I have entered a new chapter of my life, and it still feels surreal.

As I sat in a service the day before my internship started, I remember taking in the feeling that this was my last time at CedarCreek not as an intern. When worship began, I heard the song “Worthy of It All” for the first time. As I listened to the lyrics, I was awestruck by the reminder that God chose me long before I ever knew what this year would hold (Ephesians 1:4-5). I believe it is no coincidence that I am here, and He has led me to this moment step by step.

In all honesty, I have experienced a mix of excitement, fear, and uncertainty throughout this journey. Looking back on the thoughts and emotions I have encountered, I can say with my whole heart that nothing can thwart God’s plan (Proverbs 19:21), no matter what I face.

Once the internship started, I immediately sensed genuine care from the people I interacted with, and that has only continued to grow. One of the first things that surprised me was how intentional everyone is. Every meeting, conversation, and decision has purpose behind it, with our church’s mission—to introduce people to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with Him—in mind.

I have had the privilege of being part of meetings within Groups and Outreach, as well as the Perrysburg Campus staff, and both experiences have given me a completely different perspective on what goes into ministry behind the scenes. Attending my first all-staff meeting, where staff members from all six campuses come together, was a highlight of my first month. We celebrated staff members, recognized how God is moving across our campuses, and worshipped together. When “Worthy of It All” began to play, I sensed God’s presence in such a personal way.

It felt like a full-circle moment. The last time I heard that song at CedarCreek, I was alone, anticipating what was ahead. This time, I was singing it alongside the people I will be doing life with for the next year. I don’t think I could have planned that moment myself!

I also had the opportunity to serve at baptisms at the Perrysburg Campus. As I stood greeting people entering the auditorium, I had a full view of the excitement taking place. What stood out to me most was the joy and passion on my supervisor Michael Orlando’s face as he celebrated with those taking the step to publicly declare their faith. Watching him and everyone in the room celebrate each baptism reminded me that ministry is ultimately about people taking their next step with Jesus.

We also recently wrapped up Serve Day, one of the biggest projects of the year where our church goes out to serve communities across all of our campuses. This was my first Serve Day, and I traveled to different projects throughout Toledo with Danielle Sidebottom; it was so much fun! I loved seeing the diversity of people who showed up to serve and the different needs our church was able to meet. It was encouraging to see so many people willingly give their time and energy to serve others and witness the heart for outreach within our church.

Along with all of these experiences, I have faced some personal struggles throughout these first few weeks. There have been moments when I have questioned whether I belong here, felt overwhelmed by everything I am learning, or wondered if I am doing enough. But being in this environment has given me eyes to see and ears to hear in ways I don’t think I would have noticed otherwise. I’m becoming more comfortable the more time I spend around people, and I’m learning how willing others are to help. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask! These small interactions have already played a role in shaping my character and the person I envision myself becoming.

Another life-giving part of the program has been our weekly class with the other interns. There are nine of us total, and being alongside others who are going through similar experiences has been such a relief. It reminds me that I am not alone in this adventure, and I look forward to continuing to grow alongside the other interns throughout this year.

Only a month in, God has already started teaching me so many lessons. From being reminded that we are better together and not meant to do life alone, to learning how to receive God’s grace while walking through humility, I am confident that He is with me every step of the way.

I don’t know everything this year will hold, and I know there will be both exciting and difficult moments ahead. But if I’ve learned one thing, it is that I don’t have to walk through this by myself. God has been faithful in bringing me to this place, and I am excited to see where He leads next. Whatever this year holds, He is worthy of all praise and glory!

Scripture References:

Ephesians 1:4–5 (NLT): “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.”

Proverbs 19:21 (NIV): “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Listen to "Worthy of It All" Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiT9KsaHyug&list=RDGiT9KsaHyug&start_radio=1