Erin is a new member of En Vivo Church. We love the passion and thoughtfulness she brings into our community, along with a angelic singing voice that now leads us in worship. Recently I asked her to share a little about herself. Here’s what she said.
Who is Erin?
I like to refer to myself as a broken puzzle piece. There are many different parts of me that don’t always seem like they should fit together, but they do, and they create the uniqueness that is Erin. I grew up in a small town in Illinois, came to West Michigan to go to college and stayed. I am a wife. I’m a dog mom. I’m an educator. I am queer. I am a lifelong learner. I am Christian. I am a singer. I am always looking to bring joy and laughter to most situations (yes. I’m the one who finds something to laugh about at a funeral).
What draws you to En Vivo?
I had been looking for a faith community that was welcoming of all of the parts of my broken puzzle piece. En Vivo had been on my radar for a while, but I was nervous to actually go. I’m a bit of an introvert, so going to a brand new place where I know no one was a bit terrifying. I then met Ricky at an event, and my spouse and I were personally invited. I visited the very next Sunday and was immediately welcomed. I’m drawn by the community and the transparency within it. I”m drawn by the potential of En Vivo to be a powerhouse in the community.
In what ways does En Vivo shape your faith journey?
I honestly walked in the doors not knowing what to expect. I had recently been reintroduced to the Bible as something that actually applies to my life. As a child it just felt like stories. Even some of the sermons I heard as an adult felt like a stretch. But the way we actually study the Bible and dissect it helps me see myself in the Word a bit more. I find myself translating passages into African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) quite a bit :).
What is your dream for our church?
By being a powerhouse in the community, I don’t necessarily mean numerically. I’m talking transformationally. I want En Vivo to be a community of worshipers who are ready and willing to transform the neighborhood around us.I want to be a beacon of light and love, and I want that light and love to be represented anywhere En Vivo is.