Our Chaplain-Julia Messer

Hey!

My name is Julia Messer and I am so excited to be back at Camp Kanuga for my 9th summer! I've been a camper, Trailblazer, junior counselor, counselor and now I am so blessed to come back as Chaplain!

I am a senior at Mary Baldwin College, where I major in Religion and minor in Asian Studies. I am the chairwoman of my campus Habitat for Humanity, am an active member of the campus Social Committee and Quest and was just inducted into the Carpenter Society. I am in my sixth year as a FIFA soccer referee and love participating in sports ranging from soccer to hiking to skiing.

For the last few years, I have worked towards being an Episcopal priest. I have interned at two Episcopal churches where I was trained to be a Lay Eucharistic Minister, conducted Wednesday morning services, wrote an acolyte manual and trained acolytes, worked in the soup kitchen and planned and led Vacation Bible School activities. I finished my home parish discernment in December. In January, I was approved to enter the Southern Virginia Episcopal Diocese Ordination Exploration Program. That process will take at least a year, so hopefully by next January I will apply to seminary.

I can't wait to return to Camp Kanuga to see old faces and meet so many new ones!

Best wishes and blessings,
Julia