FAREWELL TO OUR ’21-’22 SEMINARY INTERNS As our congregation partners with Princeton Theological Seminary each year to host interns, we are so blessed to see them grow and flourish as they minister with us. From serving on ministry teams, to leading small groups, to participating in worship services, our interns have done an amazing job this year and we are so grateful! We asked each of them to give us the inside scoop on their experiences at Princeton UMC and where they’re headed next.
Tayler Necoechea “My seminary experience wasn't exactly conventional because for almost half of seminary we were online. But my two years as an intern at PUMC has shaped my seminary experience for the better, and I am grateful for that. Not only did Skitch and Jenny invest into me as a growing minister and disciple, but the congregation of PUMC has truly cared for me in these past few years in ways I had never expected. Throughout my time, I have grown more confident in my preaching and pastoral abilities, and I have been greatly inspired by our congregation's willingness to say 'yes and amen' to God's call on their lives. I am truly inspired by the ministry of our congregants, and even through the most difficult points of seminary, I always felt like I could show up to PUMC just as I am, because our church reminds me daily that I am enough because God is enough. It is one of the greatest blessings of my life to be able to say that I will be remaining at PUMC as an associate pastor, beginning this July. I have the honor of taking over our Children's Ministry, as well as Adult Formation and the Online Campus. As I had spent this last year praying to God about my next steps, I asked God to allow me into a space where I could be fully myself as I continue to grow as a minister. I can say with the absolute confidence that God answered this prayer. As I transition into this new role, I look forward to spending more time with you all as we grow in Christ, together.”
Emma Worrall “Being at PUMC taught me a lot about community and worship, specifically the beauty of intergenerational worship. I have known this before, but every Sunday at PUMC was a reminder. It was amazing to be part of a community that had families who have been at the Church for over fifty years, those who just joined, and everyone in between. The Church is truly its people, and that was very evident at PUMC in the way that the community embraced the interns and supported us. Thank you all for everything that you did to not only further my education, but to be a community for me as well. I still have one more year to finish my dual program (MDiv./Masters in Christian Education and Spiritual Formation). In the coming year, I will be working with the Center for Theological Inquiry as a research assistant on a research project for how the Church can better serve those with chronic illnesses.” 4
