Meet our
Summer Interns
In the face of an anything but usual summer, Abiding Presence has launched a new internship ministry. We’re bringing on board this amazing group of college age young adults for eight weeks this summer. These stipend internships will provide meaningful resume building work experience and the opportunity to engage in intentional vocational discernment. Interns will work approximately eight hours a week remotely in a specific ministry area. They will also spend one and a half hours a week as part of a “discernment cohort” with Pastor Keseley exploring vocational discernment through the lens of scripture, prayer and faith. We are excited to welcome these interns and we look forward to the ways they will share their gifts with the congregation and community.
Lillian Bleicken
Racial Justice
My name is Lillian Bleicken, and I am a senior at Virginia Tech studying Clinical Neuroscience. I am excited to be interning at Abiding Presence this summer to grow in my faith through fellowship and to advocate for racial justice.
Peter Bleicken
Church History
Hello, my name is Peter Bleicken and I will be a sophomore at Christopher Newport University majoring in History. I am excited to participate in this internship because it will give me an opportunity to help better the clarity of the church's history.
Peyton Davis
Children’s Ministry
My name is Peyton Davis and I am attending James Madison University in the fall. I am going to be majoring in marketing. I am super excited to be interning this summer because I love interacting with the youth and being involved in the church.
Lexy Echard
Mental Health Ministry
My name is Lexy Echard and am a senior at the University of Mary Washington. I will be graduating in the Spring of 2021 with a B.S in Psychology. I am a long time member of Abiding Presence and very excited to be a Mental Health intern this summer! After studying psychology and mental heath for the past 3 years at school, I am looking forward to gaining some real world experience.
Emma Glass
Pastoral Ministry
I'm Emma and I'll be a sophomore at Virginia Tech, majoring in Clinical Neuroscience. I'm excited to be a part of this internship program because I can be involved in the multiple ministries we have so that I may connect people closer to Christ.
Oliver Ignazzitto
Social Media & Graphic Design
My name is Oliver Ignazzitto and I am a sophomore at Carroll University majoring in health sciences with an emphasis on radiologic technology. I look forward to helping the church keep in touch with the congregation in new and not as new ways.
Scott Jensen
Worship & Music Ministry
Hi, my name is Scott Jensen. In the fall I will be attending the University of Maryland Baltimore County. I will be a freshman studying Computer Science. I’m super excited to be able to help out at the church. I will be learning all sorts of things to help me in my faith journey as I transition from High School into college. I love helping out at the church so this is just one more way for me to do that before I head out into the world.
Savannah Klassen
Newsletter Writing &
Children’s Ministry Relaunch Team
My name is Savannah Klassen, and I will attend Virginia Tech in the fall as a sophomore. I am studying Elementary Education, as well as minoring in Creative Writing. I am excited to intern at Abiding Presence because I would like to learn more about the fields I study all while connecting to my faith!
Erika Maaseide
Food Ministry
My name is Erika Maaseide, and I just finished my senior year of high school. After taking a gap year, I will attend Lehigh University to study history in the fall of 2021. I am excited to help and serve our community through the food ministry this summer!
Katie Powell
Mental Health Ministry
My name is Katie Powell and I will be a sophomore at Christopher Newport University this fall. I plan on double majoring in History and Philosophy, working towards attending graduate school for archaeology. I am very glad to have the opportunity to intern at Abiding Presence! I’m excited to be able to research and create resources for those struggling with mental illness or seeking to improve their mental health overall. I cannot wait to further grow my connection with God and the Abiding Presence congregation.
Ally Tingen
Children’ Ministry
I’m Ally Tingen and in the fall I will be a freshmen at Roanoke College studying either political science or elementary education. I’m excited to work in a ministry I’m passionate about while also gaining real experience for my future endeavors.