A note from Sara Don
Sara Don is a South Elkhorn member, former Ministry Intern (October 2016 – January 2018) and deacon, and current student at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville. Sara Don is pursuing a Master of Divinity Degree and a degree/license in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is also starting the ordination process, and South Elkhorn’s Cabinet recently voted to endorse and sponsor Sara Don for ordination into Christian Ministry.
A letter from Sara Don:
Hello from Louisville, South Elkhorn!!
Wow! It is hard to believe how quickly 2018 flew by and we are already two months in to 2019! For me, that means one year of seminary is down and now onto semester three! I am absolutely LOVING it here at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS) and enjoying the Louisville life! I immediately felt at home the first day I arrived! I am grateful to be a part of a community that not only deeply cares about our education and training as future ministers and counselors, but also the passion our staff and student body has for inclusion, social justice, and pouring out compassion to those who find themselves along the margins in our society. I am finding the South Elkhorn value of “Extravagant Welcome” is a priority here, too!
Pursuing a seminary education has been one of the most challenging experiences in my academic career, no doubt! Hebrew was a killer! Regardless, this chapter has been one of the most fulfilling, humbling, and exciting times in my life thus far!
Not only am I pursuing a Master of Divinity degree (M.Div), but also my degree and license in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)! I will be interviewed in March before I know if I am officially entering the MFT program this fall. I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity for God to use me to walk alongside people not only in their spiritual journey, but during those times that consist of grief and heartache. That “Valley of Dry Bones” is a very real place for all of us at some point in our lives. It is in this valley we may feel God has overlooked us, leaving us to “dry up” in our suffering. I pray in my ministry God will use me to offer not only comfort, but to give folks the tools to navigate the grieving and healing process. Too many people can be overlooked during these difficult times, feeling unseen and unheard. Unfortunately, that holds true in our churches sometimes. My hope is that I may be an example of God’s overwhelming love that is poured out on us in that “valley”. We know from Psalm 116:2 God is the one who “bends down to listen” to our cries for help. God not only sees us when we hurt, but also endures that pain with us.
I miss each one of you terribly and think of you all the time! South Elkhorn will always be my home. It is where my life was changed and my healing officially began. I would not be where I am today without God’s grace as well as the love and support you each have graciously given to me. THANK YOU for seeing me and hearing me! I’m blessed to call you family!
Here is to each of us as we continue to seek our Savior and serve our communities together!
Love and Peace,
Sara Don