Thank you for the warm welcome! I appreciate how kind everyone is, bearing with me while I learn all the new names and faces, which I may have to relearn when the masks come off. 

Last week, Jane Anne compared the barrage of new information to drinking from a fire hose. And let me tell you, that is exactly how I am feeling. My head is so overstuffed with new information, it hurts – almost like I just took several pounds of water straight to the face. I am a little overwhelmed. Most of the week was full of “someone pinch me, I must be dreaming” moments as I celebrated this new and exciting community. However, the self-doubt gremlin would often creep in, and anxiety would overwhelm my excitement. 

Then came Sunday, and out of the fire hose came an overwhelming outpouring of Love. I felt the Love of God through every welcome, every prayer, every song, every child, every student, and every person. It was a wonderful reminder that even though we may not know each other yet, God knows us all and will still lead us to Love. For some time now, God has been working on me and preparing me for Plymouth. I am so excited to be here, even if I am a little overwhelmed. When that little gremlin starts running its mouth again, I’m just going to blast it with the firehose of Love. 

Wish me luck. 

Please welcome Plymouth's new Director of Christian Formation for Children and Youth, Brooklyn McBride!
 
Brooklyn, a native of Fort Collins, is a graduate of CSU with a BA in Journalism and Media Communication. She is currently pursuing her Master of Divinity degree in the online program of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. Brooklyn brings to Plymouth experience in youth ministry and family ministries development along with her work experience in media, communications, and drama. She also brings her guitar and experience in worship leadership. 
 
Brooklyn was outstanding among the candidates we interviewed, not only for her intellect, her great love of learning and her organization/planning gifts, but even more for her love of people, particularly those on the margins, such as LGBTQ+ youth, and her love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. As you get to know her, you will find that she is bubbly and fun as well as extremely thoughtful and an excellent listener. Brooklyn is married to Michael McBride, an apprentice electrician here in Fort Collins. They have two dogs, Diego, their big, lovable German shepherd mix and Teddy, their 8 week old, Briard-doodle puppy. 
 
Please join the Christian Formation Board and Search Team in welcoming Brooklyn to Plymouth on Sunday, Sept. 19 after services. 

Hal Chorpenning, Sr. Minister
Bruce Ronda, Leadership Council Moderator