Finding Family: My Time at Christ Church

I remember visiting Christ Church with a colleague back in 2024. I had met Fr. Manny at a program at Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS), and after I introduced myself, he shared the address of the church and invited us to come over whenever we could.

When we finally made it to Christ Church, we noticed something different the very moment we stepped inside. There was a unique atmosphere, a presence unseen but incredibly tangible. We immediately felt a strong bond of love, friendship, and true community. Everyone was smiling, genuinely delighted to see us and to hear that we had come to visit. This was no shallow welcome; it was a warmth that we knew was completely sincere. Right after the service ended, my friend and I looked at each other and said, "This is the place to be."

Although Christ Church is about an hour away from VTS, I firmly decided that day that I would happily go the distance to be among such people. I haven't questioned that decision once since my time here began.

Part of the requirements for students on the M.Div. track at VTS is to serve at a church or other relevant ministry setting for a year to gain Contextual Ministry (CXM) experience. Doing my CXM at Christ Church has been nothing short of fulfilling. I have learned so much from everyone and have truly grown to see this church as my family.

At the end of April, I officially fulfilled the hours and requirements of the CXM curriculum, and I will be marking my last Sunday as your Seminarian Associate on June 30th. While this is a goodbye on paper signifying the formal end of my CXM placement, it is definitely not a final goodbye to this community. Although I may not be able to be present as often as I used to be, it is my deep desire to continue in fellowship, friendship, and love with the family I have found here.

My special thanks go to my supervisor and our rector, Fr. Emmanuel Mercer, for his mentorship, training, and love, as well as to my Lay Support Team—Janette Deboissiere, Diana Hall, and Sonni Aribiah for their guidance, advice, and encouragement. Thank you for walking with me through this journey.

Please keep me in your prayers as I enter my final year at the seminary. Pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen me in my studies and direct my steps as I walk in this great calling of ordained ministry to His people.

It is my prayer that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ continues to keep you all unified by His Spirit, through the perfection of His love in your hearts.

The Rev. Yehinuel Oshokhai Odidi

Seminarian Associate