February 18, 2020
If anyone close to me would have asked me if this was my desired path, I would have given a resounding “No Way.” I recall when sharing my story a couple of years ago at the synod assembly about being reluctant to try new things. Well, this felt much like that. I listened to those who encourage me and I listened to what God was saying to and I took that leap of faith.
I have come to embrace this role as DEM and opportunity to serve. The role of DEM is so diverse and covers so many areas of ministry that it can seem a bit overwhelming. However the beauty of it is the complexity and different nuances that keep it intriguing. I’m beginning to settle in and have enjoyed the people that I’ve met. I have enjoyed hearing the many stories and ideas they have about doing God’s work as they serve God’s people. It is my faith in God that empowers me and stirs up ideas on how best to serve congregations and support the Church.
What new “Dance” would you like to try or new “Song” you would like to sing? Are you reluctant at times to say “Yes” when asked to do something different? To take a new job, serve on a committee or even chair that committee?
It is clear that putting a focus on your faith in Christ and not on what you think you can or cannot do will be required as you “Dance to the Music.”
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21
Melissa Fuller Sims
Melissa Fuller Sims
Ms. Melissa Fuller Sims has served on the Southeastern Synod staff since July 2018 as the Interim Administrative Liaison for Candidacy. For the ten years prior, she served as a member of the Candidacy Committee. Her support of the synod includes serving on the synod council for one year representing the Trinity Conference; chairing the Kessler Scholarship committee; serving as a volunteer for the ELCA Youth Gathering and several synod assemblies. Currently, she serves as a member of the Umoyo Steering Committee and the Advisory Board for Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University.
As a 15-year employee, Ms. Fuller Sims retired from McKesson Corporation as Director of Quality Assurance, where she led a team of managers and a staff of 50 contributors in the development of clinical applications. She received her education at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL and DeVry Institute in Decatur, GA. She is a member of Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Atlanta, GA, where she has held various roles including president, vice president, and treasurer.
Melissa is the proud mom of an adult daughter, Charlisa, who resides in Decatur, GA.
As a 15-year employee, Ms. Fuller Sims retired from McKesson Corporation as Director of Quality Assurance, where she led a team of managers and a staff of 50 contributors in the development of clinical applications. She received her education at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL and DeVry Institute in Decatur, GA. She is a member of Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Atlanta, GA, where she has held various roles including president, vice president, and treasurer.
Melissa is the proud mom of an adult daughter, Charlisa, who resides in Decatur, GA.