Introductions: Jesse St. Clair
We welcome Jesse St. Clair as a Wesley Theological Seminary intern! Learn about her interest in serving the United Methodist Church outside of the congregational setting as she introduces her self and why she is serving with us.
My name is Jesse St. Clair. I am a proud member of Broadway UMC in Council Bluffs, Iowa and the Iowa Annual Conference. I moved all the way out here to Washington, D.C. to attend Wesley Theological Seminary as I journey on the adventure of discerning God’s call on my life.
Have you ever had a moment in which God affirmed your decision by granting you a moment of intense peace and serenity?
This moment came upon me when I started seminary. I knew that I was in the right place. At the time, I was unaware of just how fitting attending seminary in Washington D.C. would be.
As a requirement of the M.Div. program, I must complete a field experience requirement. Knowing that God calls me to minister outside of a congregational setting, I was excited by the number of opportunities available in agencies and nonprofit settings in the Washington D.C. area. There were numerous options – and numerous interviews – in the process of finding a site that fit both my passions and the existing ministry. I felt a little unsettled and out of place in my first interviews, but when I met with Rev. Neal Christie and Rev. Clayton Childers I knew I had found my place.
I am proud to be a member of a church that is willing to take a stand on the side of justice, equity, and solidarity. I hope and pray that my time at Church and Society will lead to greater awareness, resources, and advocacy surrounding the reality of mental illness in our congregations, conferences, and global communities. I hope and pray that our church will make places and spaces for people struggling with mental illness – along with their families and loved ones – to feel that they belong. And, I hope and pray and trust that God will guide not only my time at The General Board of Church and Society but my connection with our global church. Grace and peace to you all.
