Church and Society welcomes two Wesley Theological Seminary interns
This fall we are glad to welcome two Wesley Theological interns to the work of Church and Society. Michelle and Daniel will be serving with us for the year as a part of their practicum learning as they work toward their master's in divinity.
We have asked them to introduce themselves, their work and interest in the work of Church and Society. We are honored to walk with these students in this time of formation and learning.
Daniel Viehland
My name is Daniel Viehland, and I started an internship at Church and Society at the beginning of this month. I am working with the Rev. Clayton Childers on conference outreach and in the issue areas of criminal justice reform and immigration.
Although I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, I now call Montana home. While I was pursuing my undergraduate degree in political science and journalism at the University of Montana, I found myself doing more and more community organizing work. When I graduated, I pursued a career in community organizing. However, while my faith had always been a part of what drove my work, as I started attending Missoula First United Methodist Church, I began to feel a call to something different. I am now a certified candidate for elder’s orders in the Yellowstone Annual Conference.
I have always seen my call to ministry as leaning heavily on both parts of the United Methodist mission, to make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world. I am here to explore how the church takes up that second part of the mission and the work Church and Society does to help fulfill that mission.
Michelle Wood
My name is Michelle Wood, and I’m from the Dallas, Texas, area. I’m a member of First United Methodist Church — Richardson in the North Texas Annual Conference and have been living in Washington, D.C. for the past two years while attending Wesley Theological Seminary. During my third and final year of seminary, I will be interning in the seminar program.
I’m so excited to be working with Church and Society!
Growing up, I was not taught about the connections between political activism, community engagement and faith. Only while working as a young adult missionary with Global Ministries did I come to see how much I still had to learn in this area. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I decided to attend seminary in the nation’s capital to push myself in this particular gap area of knowledge. I believe that this time at Church and Society will help me learn how to utilize what I have been learning in a classroom.
I see stories as incredibly powerful and am looking forward to hearing people’s stories in the seminar program. I hope to journey alongside people as we learn how to use our voices and stories better to enact peace and justice in our communities and world.
