First Unitarian Church of St. Louis is a teaching church. The Lewis Ministerial Internship, initiated by the Rev. Earl K. Holt III, provides aspiring Unitarian Universalist ministers with a guided and supportive experience in the full range of ministerial duties. In 1985 the internship was established through the generous endowment gift from church members David and Norma Lewis. The Lewis Ministerial Internship was named in honor of their generosity.

First Unitarian feels privileged to assist each intern's growth in ministry. In turn, each intern brings to the church his or her unique background and theological viewpoint. The church has learned about everything from Buddhism to pagan traditions to Unitarian Christianity from interns' sermons and other contributions. The Lewis Ministerial Internship enriches our church community as much as it contributes to the interns' growth.

Many outstanding men and women have served First Unitarian Church as Lewis Ministerial Interns, and it has helped prepare many for successful careers as Unitarian Universalist ministers. The Lewis Internship aims to be a fulfilling and educational experience that helps the intern prepare for a successful presentation to and evaluation by the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee.

The intern is supervised on a daily basis by First Church's minister, the Reverend Suzanne Meyer. Suzanne has 23 years of ministerial experience and has supervised many interns and student ministers at two large Unitarian Universalist churches. She works closely with each intern, providing counsel and direction. The mentor relationship and bond that develop are an enduring part of this growth process and an important step in introducing new ministers to the profession.

The intern is also supported by the Lewis Ministerial Internship Committee. The committee meets with the intern at least monthly and attends all intern-led worship services and other intern activities. The committee provides ongoing constructive and supportive evaluation of the intern's activities and recommendations for improvement and growth.

Lewis Interns participate fully in congregational life, thereby gaining many important experiences vital to their growth in ministry. Internship activities are focused in four main areas: worship, education, administration, and pastoral care.

Worship

• Preaching at least once a month after a period of teaching and evaluation
  
• Creating entire worship services—integrating music, readings, prayer, and a sermon into a cohesive experience
  
• Conducting weddings, child dedications, funerals, and other life passage ceremonies
  

Education

• Participating in children's religious education programs
  
• Working with First Church's Religious Educator, Lynn Hunt
  
• Participating in young adult programs and worship services
  
• Creating and teaching at least one series of adult religious education classes
  

Administration

• Managing daily administrative tasks
  
• Participating in Board of Trustees meetings
  
• Being involved with other church committees
  
• Understanding church financial management
  

Pastoral Care

• Providing individual counseling
  
• Making home visits
  
• Making hospital visits
  

First Unitarian Church of St. Louis | 5007 Waterman Boulevard | St. Louis, Missouri 63108 | 314-361-0595

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