Parishioner Shelly Furuness has agreed to serve as the Interim Program Director for Faith at the Crossroads, joining Trinity’s staff, part-time, effective immediately.
Recently, we communicated that Demarius Walker is leaving Trinity’s staff, to pursue theological education in preparation for ordination to the priesthood. How wonderful that Trinity has played a role in Demarius’s vocational formation! It is no small thing for a parish to “send” a postulant to seminary – and we are sending three this year.
While I rejoice at Trinity’s support of Demarius, we have been mighty blessed by his presence on our staff for the last two years as well: by his spiritual depth and leadership, and especially his passion and vision for intentional spiritual community and young adult ministry here. As Program Director, he led our first year and a half of Trinity Service Corps, and then was the driving force behind our re-formed and relaunched model, Faith at the Crossroads.
I write to share news about the program’s future. I am pleased to report that, as of this writing, we have three new service fellows and one community resident moving into our house on Trinity’s campus in August. And I am delighted to announce that Trinity parishioner Shelly Furuness has agreed to serve as the Interim Program Director for Faith at the Crossroads, joining Trinity’s staff, part-time, effective immediately.
Shelly brings to Faith at the Crossroads tremendous experience in education, program development, and mentorship of young adults. For decades she has served at Butler University in several capacities, including as a Professor in the College of Education and a Senior Faculty Fellow in the Provost’s Office. She has been actively involved in Trinity’s service corps program from its inception, serving on the advisory council, and participating in its recent revisioning. Shelly is an Education for Ministry graduate and former Junior Warden, and I am ecstatic that she has agreed to lead our still-young program during this time of transition and, God willing, growth. Read more about Shelly in her bio. For this next year, the position will be designated “interim,” while the vestry and Shelly evaluate the sustainability of Faith at the Crossroads and its optimal staffing structure.
Please join me in welcoming Shelly to her important new role!
Faithfully, and with love,
The Reverend Julia Whitworth
Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church
