For decades the strong partnership between First Church and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary has reaped benefts on both sides of Sheridan Road.
For Garrett, First Church is a vibrant (and geographically convenient) training ground for seminary students who need to fulfill field education requirements in settings where they can apply what they are learning in the classroom, further develop their pastoral skill set, and acquire real life experience working in churches.
For First Church, Garrett interns provide fresh energy along with new perspectives and ideas they have gleaned from their coursework. With the many programs and ministries the church provides, additional hands and heads are always welcome.
Two Garrett Seminary students will serve as interns during the 2022-23 program year. Lambert Habonimana will work in Youth and Young Adult Ministries and Abby Holcombe will serve as part of our Worship Team.
Abby Holcombe, a second-year M.Div. student and native of Alabama, introduces herself here:
Hi y’all! I’m so excited to serve as the Worship Intern for this year. I will be focusing on the worship service on Sunday mornings and all of the things that make it happen each week. I’m eager to get to know each of you and the unique gifts you bring to First Church.
I was born and raised in a suburb of Birmingham, Alabama. Most of my childhood was spent outside — whether it be with my cousins in rural areas or hiking in the state park near my house or beekeeping. You can usually catch me on a walk, talking on the phone to one of my siblings, nieces, nephew, or parents (there’s a lot of us!). We’ve always been a family full of laughter and story-telling, which we’ve maintained over this new distance from Alabama to Illinois. I also frequently go on adventures to explore Evanston and Chicago with my partner Kristina!
I am currently an elder candidate in the United Methodist Church and second year Master of Divinity student at Garrett Seminary. Thus far, I have discerned that my call is to be a bridge builder, particularly in spaces of tension. I’m not sure what this will look like specifically in the next few years, but I know I will get more clarity as I serve at First Church, carefully study liturgy and ritual, and engage with all of you through the worship service.
Lambert Habonimana, also a second year M.Div student at Garrett, introduces himself:
I come from Burundi in Africa. As a student at Garrett Evangelical-Theological Seminary I am pursuing a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Congregational Leadership. At First Church I will serve as a Youth and Young Adult Ministries intern.
I was born and raised in a Christian family and in the Church where I have served in a number of roles such as choir president, treasurer, project manager, singer, guitarist, and orchestra leader. My experience as a youth leader includes roles in Burundi, Zimbabwe, and the U.S.
My motto is “equip, help them grow, and find God”. I believe God is calling me as a Pastor. I plan to seek ordination as an Elder in the United Methodist Church and serve the Church and community.