Lisa Connolly, Emmanuel's Director of Christian Education (DCE) and Youth, grew up in Fort Worth, a member of Gethsemane Presbyterian Church. She received her Bachelor in Broadcast Journalism from UNT, Denton, and her Master of Christian Education from Union Theological Seminary School of Christian Education, Richmond, Virginia. Lisa and her husband Mark, a financial consultant, live in Fort Worth with their 9 month old daughter, Rachel. Prior to being called to serve on Emmanuel's staff, Lisa served at Hemphill Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth.

Here is Lisa's greeting to Emmanuel:

Have you ever read a book in which it seems you underlined every other sentence because the books' message was so powerful that you wanted to remember each thought-provoking word?

To help me in my calling as Emmanuel's Director of Christian Education/Youth Director, I am reading The Godbearing Life written by Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster. It has given me another way of looking at ministry with youth as well as with children and adults.

Like the authors, I believe each one of us is called to bring God into this world. There are no age or skill requirements for being a "Godbearer". In fact, the Bible shows us that God often chooses the most unlikely people for His mission.

I can think of many Godbearers in my life: my grandmother who passed away when I was 15, my parents, my two best friends in High school, a church elder, my second grade Sunday school teacher. Most of us have fond memories of people in the church who incarnated the love of Christ and helped us to follow Jesus.

We promise to be "Godbearers" every time we baptize an infant at Emmanuel. The congregation stands and accepts the responsibility to raise up that child in faith. Among the many gifts a church has to offer are significant friendships between mature Christian adults and children and youth.

I look forward to serving as your partner in ministry as we bear God into the world and to one another.

Grace and Peace to you, Lisa

Click to email Lisa.