Last week we introduced you to Stephen Bittner who has been leading worship in this interim period. Today, we’re introducing you to his wife, Natalie, who has just recently joined the staff as the Children’s Ministry Assistant. There are several other ways Natalie is serving and leading at All Saints’ Church, and we found out a little more about her!
What brought you to All Saints’ Church and what drew you to continue to plug in and serve?
We found All Saints’ on Google when we looked up Anglican churches nearby. Stephen and I found the Anglican church shortly after we started dating and needed a church that spoke to both of us being brought up Christians in completely different ways. It was the perfect middle ground for both of us!
This is the first time that I have felt a true community and family within a church, and I have wanted to serve in so many ways. With two toddlers at home, it's hard to give my time in all the ways I would like! But MOPS and the Children's Ministry have been perfect fits!
How has your experience been in the Membership Course?
The membership course is fantastic! If you haven't done it, you should! I was confirmed as a Catholic when I was about 13 years old. Was I old enough to truly do that? Probably not. Was I paying attention to what was being taught? Also, probably not. So this course has really helped me refocus and understand my faith! Plus, you really get to know the other people in the class, so it's a fun gathering. Our class really is excited to meet each week and we even scheduled get-togethers for fellowship during the summer break!
What about Anglicanism are you drawn to?
That it is the middle way. It kept the traditions of Catholicism that I hold dear, but has helped me foster a deeper and more personal relationship with God. It's also very important to me that all baptized Christians can receive the Eucharist!
Tell us about your new role as Children's Ministry Assistant. How did you come into this position at the church?
I am basically Tara's assistant! She does SO much and I am glad that I can start to alleviate that workload, even a little bit. I am helping with the nursery volunteer schedules, setting up for Children's Church/Sunday School, and helping greet and put wristbands on the children as they enter the children's wing! I inquired about the job back in the Spring, when it was first posted, but it wasn't the right fit at that time. But it came back around when I told Tara to let me know how I could help more, and here I am!
What do you with MOPS?
I coordinate our MOPS group here at the church! MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers and is for moms with kids preschool-aged and under. I helped out last year, but I am running it this year with the help of some wonderful moms (Tara included, because she does everything!). We meet a few Monday's a month from 9:45am-11:45 a.m. so let me know if you are interested!
What is your favorite part about working with Children's Ministry?
Getting to know the children, the parents, and the volunteers! It also gets me excited to see what Kiera and Isabella will be stepping into once they are old enough!
How can we pray for you?
I am always asking God to fill my heart with grace, comfort, and peace, so those prayers are ALWAYS welcome!
Fun facts?
I have a Master's Degree in Public Health
I worked with the homeless population in Colorado Springs for a few years
I am conversationally fluent in Spanish
My favorite job ever was manual labor at a horse barn!
