Church Blog

During morning services a couple Sundays ago, we were pleased to welcome the new class of Fourth Fellows as they embark upon their nine months of “whole-life discipleship done by the whole church.” Fourth Fellows is a Christian formation and leadership program for young adults that have recently completed college or graduate school. The program establishes foundational rhythms so that young adults can start their professional lives well—equipped to both embrace the church and engage the world.

In their first few weeks at Fourth, the fellows have enjoyed a retreat on the Chesapeake Bay, started Reformed Theological Seminary classes, settled in with their host families, started volunteering at Cornerstone School and with the Fourth Youth Ministry, begun their employment, and met with their mentors. The fellows have also been enjoying weekly roundtable dinners where they cook a meal for each other, eat together, and finish the night with prayer and praise. Read about the fellows here and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself if you see them around church! If you would like to receive regular updates from the Fellows Ministry, you can subscribe here.

Alex Blum

As a ‘military brat’, Alex has grown up all around the world, but calls Sumter, S.C., home. He attended the College of William & Mary, where he double-majored in Government (with a focus on international security) and Hispanic Studies. In college, he was very involved with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), and served on the Leadership/Ministry Team. He is also passionate about working with Christian missions and charities, including co-founding a charity in Sumter, S.C., called Backpack Blessings. In his free time, Alex enjoys traveling, participating in Star Wars trivia (he is proudly undefeated), and working on his juggling skills. This year, Alex will be working on Capitol Hill for Congressman Michael Guest.

James Cermack

James was born in New York City and grew up in Richmond, Va. He is a recent graduate of James Madison University where he received a B.S. in Computer Science. While at JMU, James played a role in getting the ESports program started on campus and was the captain of the JMU Valorant Team. In his free time, James loves watching football and hanging out with friends and family. This year, James will be working at Capitol Hill Christian Academy and with Integrency IT Services, with the ultimate goal of working in the software development field.

Robin Dixon

Robin was born and raised in Charlotte, N.C. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Communication Studies and a minor in Digital Marketing.
During her time at Appalachian State Robin was heavily involved with the ministry of Young Life, where she mentored local high school girls and served on student staff. In her free time Robin loves traveling, cooking, baking, or sitting on a porch with a good book! This year Robin will be working for the Trinity Forum where she is excited to help cultivate Christian thinking for the common good.

Duncan Goodman

Duncan grew up in Phoenix, Ariz., and then moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., to attend the University of Michigan, where he studied Economics and Entrepreneurship. Throughout his time at Michigan, he had the opportunity to participate in several study abroad programs, including a semester sailing across the Atlantic Ocean and another spent studying in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Duncan was also involved with Reformed University Fellowship and served as its cross-cultural liaison his senior year. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Duncan one day hopes to purchase a yogurt factory and start his own business. Outside of work, Duncan loves to cook and host dinner parties or enjoy live music and beautiful outdoor weather. This year, Duncan will be working for Maximus doing data analytics.

Nathan Lee

Nathan is from Howell, Mich., and graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science. Throughout his time at Michigan, Nathan was involved with the ministry of Young Life, where he mentored local high school boys. In his free time, Nathan enjoys reading, playing games with others, and golfing. This year, Nathan will be working on Capitol Hill interning with the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Serene Lu

Serene Lu is originally from the Northern Virginia area, and is a recent graduate of the University of Virginia, where she studied statistics and data science. This year, her technical skills and passion to reach vulnerable populations will intersect at The Network, a nonprofit committed to using data intelligence and analysis to combat human trafficking in the United States. She hopes to continue leveraging data science to share the stories of other overlooked people groups. In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar, watching TV shows, or thrifting in the local area!

Charlotte Peete

Charlotte was born and raised in Richmond, Va. She recently graduated from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va., with a B.S. in Mathematics. During college, she served on the RUF leadership team, volunteered with Campus Kitchen, and participated in the W&L Repertory Dance Company. In her free time, Charlotte enjoys taking long walks, baking, going to farmers’ markets, and watching the sunset. She is excited to learn more about the field of medicine as a Clinical Associate with MedStar this year.

Olivia Seal

Olivia is originally from Ridgefield, Conn., and recently graduated from Furman University, where she studied International Affairs and Religion with a minor in Poverty Studies. In college, Olivia was an active participant in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team, serving as the community outreach coordinator and as Co-President during her senior year. In her free time, Olivia enjoys traveling, baking chocolate chip cookies, spending time with friends, and going on adventures. This year, she is working on Capitol Hill for Congressman Mark Green.

Caroline Stole

Caroline was born and raised in Baltimore, Md., and recently graduated from Amherst College where she double majored in Biology and Sociology. In college, she was heavily involved in InterVarsity, was a goalie on the women’s lacrosse team, and served as an EMT on campus. During her fellows year, she is working as a medical assistant at IntimMedicine. She hopes to go to medical school in the years following the fellows program. Caroline loves quality conversation, sunrises, playing lacrosse, baking, running, and is a huge Taylor Swift fan.