Kirstin Nielsen has moved to our Diocese to participate in the national Short-term Internship Program through the Episcopal Church (ECUSA).  Our Diocese is one of six national sites selected for this special young adult mission opportunity.  The purpose of SIP is to provide an opportunity for young adults to live in an intentional Christian community, work full time at local social service agencies and discern their vocational call.

While here in our Diocese, Kirstin will be working at St. Matthew’s food closet and after school program with local children assisting them in homework as well as fun activities.  She will also be working with River City Community Services and the YAYA department of the Bishop’s office. All Saint’s of Sacramento is sponsoring her; providing an apartment for her to live in, a parish life to be involved in and ministries to assist with.  The Rev. Lucinda Ashby, rector of St. Matthew’s will be her spiritual mentor providing weekly time for spiritual reflections on her experience here.

Kirstin comes to us with a wealth of church experience. A lifetime member of All Saint’s in Boise, she has worked in their outreach preschool, served on the vestry, been a Sunday school teacher, chair of their Parish Growth and Communications committee and is an LEM.  On a diocesan level, she has worked at Paradise Point Camp in McCall for several summers, represented her diocese at several Province VIII youth events.  Nationally, she was a deputy to General Convention in 03 and will be in 06, and is currently serving a 6 year term on The Standing Commission for Domestic Mission and Evangelism- who is charged with 20/20.  

She is majoring in American Studies, which encompasses American history, culture, food, music, immigration patterns, etc.  In 2000 she went to Honduras on a mission trip with Episcopal Relief Development working on the Faith, Hope and Joy project.

We are blessed and pleased to have Kirstin in our Diocese this Spring! If you would like to reach her by email her address is kirstin.nielsen@gmail.com.