Update from Gillian Matherly

As June has come to an end and July is in full swing, I can’t believe I only have a month left in the city. This summer I have had the incredible opportunity to serve in Metro Baptist and Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries (RMM) in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City. From my very first Sunday, I was warmly welcomed into the Metro Baptist congregation and have enjoyed becoming part of both the church and the surrounding neighborhood. As a summer intern at Metro, I have spent three weeks leading Urban Immersion, a week-long program where we host youth groups from churches around the country and invite them to experience urban ministry. We encourage them to ask challenging questions and explore their faith in a new environment. I’ve led groups to service projects and activities from beyond the Upper West Side to the center of Brooklyn. 

When we are not hosting a group for Urban Immersion, I have the opportunity to serve throughout the many organizations of RMM. I have helped lead the Hell’s Kitchen Farm Project Youth Internship, working alongside students on our rooftop garden, while facilitating curriculum about food injustice, safety, and production. I have gotten the chance to connect and spend time with the youth group in Metro Baptist through Teen Center, where we have had a cookout, gone bowling, and worked on another rooftop garden close by! One of my favorite parts of RMM is the bi-monthly food pantry we host, serving over 300 families! Every other Friday, we unload and sort 10-12,000lbs of food in preparation for Saturday’s distribution. It has been a privilege to meet the clients, volunteers, and see the work that RMM does for the community. 

When not working, I have enjoyed delicious food, amazing views, captivating Broadway shows, and very good company! I am looking forward to the remainder of my work here at Metro, and hold continued appreciation for the support from everyone back home.