From camp to the Capitol

As the plane began its descent, I felt the butterflies begin fluttering in my stomach. It was no fear of flying that was causing my belly to do flip-flops; in fact, it was no fear at all. It was an incredible nervous excitement. I was arriving for my first time in Washington, D.C. — a place I have loved and revered for years. Even more exciting for me than this inaugural visit to our nation's capitol was the reason for this weekend trip.

I was headed to National City Christian Church where I would attend my first ever HELM Fellows Conference. There, I would have the opportunity to meet and talk with my fellow Fellows, the awesome guys that run HELM (Brad Lyons and Dennis Landon), and four fantastic leaders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)-Yvonne Gilmore-Esig, Marshall Dunn, Newell Williams, and Sharon Watkins. I was enormously excited but exceedingly intimidated by meeting all of these influential people. I couldn't imagine how my story could possibly be important to these people, or how I could merit the chance to spend a weekend with them.

Eighteen years ago, I was born into First Christian Church of Lewisville, and ever since, I have been nurtured, loved, and encouraged by the wonderful people in that sweet, small church. Every summer I can remember, I have spent a week at Vacation Bible School. Then, beginning in 7th grade, I spent time every summer at a wonderful little piece of heaven known as Disciples Crossing in Athens, Texas. As a part of the camping experience, I was given the awesome opportunity to serve for a year on the Youth Ministry Council for the North Texas Area. I regretted that I had only one year to serve on the council, but after high school I was introduced to another organization where I would be able to develop in my faith while serving others and developing leadership skills. This organization was the HELM Leadership Fellows Program.

So, there I was in Washington DC, but rather than feeling nervous and insignificant as I expected, I felt appreciated, comfortable, and inspired. We discussed the hopes we have for the denomination and our individual churches. We discussed the elements of vital churches and how we, as young leaders, could help develop these elements. The 2007 HELM Fellows conference was an experience that inspired me and provoked thought and creativity among leaders of our denomination. It was better than I could have expected, and I anticipate that the future will hold equally great things for and from the HELM Leadership Fellows program.

Caroline Hamilton is in her first year as a HELM Leadership Fellow and is a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lewisville, Texas.