Update December 20
Merry Christmas from the Winston-Salem Fellows!
This past week we did a lot of celebrating as we wrap up 2021. Hope you enjoy this photo-filled update!
Round Table + Christmas Party
We were so fortunate to be in the beautiful home of Tim + Julie Gupton for our Christmas Party. We felt as though we were in a Christmas magazine; it was stunning! In addition to a wonderful meal we played a different version of white elephant, where there are no rules, and several competitions to "steal" gifts. To say we had fun would be an understatement.
Not only was the Gupton's home a Christmas dream, they had three of the sweetest dogs that we could not get enough of, as you will see.
Ashlyn + Elisabeth going head to head in a puzzle scramble.
Poor Elisabeth had to fight hard for her Target gift card, here she is going head to head with Wil with streamer pinwheels.
Mallory + Wil battle in math farkle.
Jamo and Wil had a tough time with leg wrestling.
Bunkbed...
Baby...
Backpack!
These two cannot stop laughing long enough to take a picture.
This is Mallory Bryan in her happy place!
Can you tell they loved the dogs?
A little dog therapy made everyone's night.
Leader Lunch
We were welcomed into another beautiful home for Leader Lunch, the Parkers! Bryan and Tina Parker shared their stories of faith, owning a business, starting a non-profit, and so much more!
Dream Job
Sweet Sarah has waited ever so patiently for this day. Last week she was able to start her dream job as a Child Life Specialist at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Way to go Sarah!
Class
During our last class time of 2021, the Fellows presented their group projects for our Beloved Community class with Dr. Anthony Jones. Then, we finished up the morning with a Moravian Lovefeast. What a day!
Sarah and Wil participated in a demonstration from Group 1.
Fellows Alumni hosted a fancy Christmas Party and invited all of the Fellows from this year. I think it's safe to say that everyone enjoyed the chance to dress up for an evening.
Luke and his fiancé, Montana.
The Hawthorne Girls!
Shoe swap!
Christmas for the City
A Fellow's tradition is serving with Love out Loud's Christmas for the City. We are honored to participate in this incredible event that serves our entire community. As the pictures indicate, we had a great time!
Jamo used his talents and assisted with photography and videography.
Snowball fight in the teen room.
Some of the Fellows got to serve alongside Redeemer youth and Blake Hill!
The kids got Caleb!
Santa's helpers
Fellows Alum, JM Dixon surprised us. He worked for Love out Loud when he was a Fellow and still connects with them when he's in town.
Luke and Ismael helping guests as they arrived.
Elisabeth painted some of her incredible artwork!
Move over Santa, Queen Sydney is here!
Candlelight vigil to end the event.
We finished the evening with hot cocoa, popcorn, and Elf at the Turner house. What a day!
Waughtown
For the past couple years, some of the Fellows have participated in ministry with neighborhood kids in Waughtown. Typically the game of choice is kickball, but they've gotten creative as the days are shorter and colder this time of year. Last week, they surprised the kids with these fun sweatshirts for Christmas.
Recruitment
Our Admissions Team has been hard at work the past couple of weeks with interviews. We are already so excited about next year and the incredible applicants we've had thus far.
If you or someone you know is still interested, there's still time to apply! You can find out more at: wsfellows.com
Giving
We're always grateful for the financial support of others who make this possible and we would be honored if you considered us in your end of year giving. You can mail checks to:
Winston-Salem Fellows
PO Box 20514
Winston-Salem, NC 27120
or you can give online at: wsfellows.com/give
A note from the Acting Director
During interviews and conversations with applicants, I am often asked "What makes the Winston-Salem program unique?" Then, I have the honor and privilege to talk about all of you. The churches, mentors, family friends, board members, Bible Study leaders, Leader Lunch speakers, and various community members that invest in the lives of the Fellows. Over the course of their year, the Fellows come into contact with hundreds of people. All of these interactions equate to a year of learning, growing, and loving like most have yet to experience. So, thank you. Thank you for your time and partnership; it truly does take a village.
On behalf of the Winston-Salem Fellows Board of Directors, we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Photo Dump
This will be the last update of 2021, but there are plenty of pictures to enjoy until next year.
Sydney made her last day in Winston this year count as she stood in line to be one of Bossy Beulah's first customers and won free chicken for a year!