5 Things you need to know about me

by Shane Russo 

Anytime someone new enters a community, there is always speculation about who they are. What makes them tick? Why are they here? Is he single? I am happy to say that the answer to the last question is an emphatic and thankful NO! As I get to know all of you here at Girard First UMC more, I think it is a good idea to give you some insight into who I am.

My name is Shane Russo, and I am the Connections Coordinator at Girard First UMC. I am married to a spectacular woman named Angela. If you are reading this before June ’16, then we have two boys: Carmen (3) and Emmett (1). We have another boy on the way. I am seeking a Masters of Divinity From  Ashland Theological Seminary. I am also a Certified Candidate in the United Methodist Church

What is a Connection Coordinator you ask? Simply put, I get to know the people in the church and get them connected with the ministries and other people of the church.
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At this point, I’ll bet many of you are wondering where the juicy bits are. Without further adieu, here are five things you need to know about me:
 
1. I am not nearly as young as I look.
I’m not going to tell you exactly how old I am. There are resources out there to find such information. But, suffice it to say that my boyish good looks hide the fact that I have seen some stuff in my day! What that means for many of you is that I can probably relate to you better than you might expect a “youngster” to be able to do. Having two toddlers and a child on the way help me hide my true age too. J
 
2. I like to have fun and joke around.
One of the first things my friends and family wondered when I entered seminary was if I would have to tone down my sense of humor. For some reason, people think that if you are religious, then you must be boring. Spend more than 5 minutes with me and you’ll probably put that notion to bed. Either that, or you’ll wonder what the screening process really is to get into seminary.
 
3. I am a big nerd and a little geek.
Science Fiction? Love it. High Fantasy? Love it. Star Trek, Star Wars, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, X-Files, Marvel, DC, video games? Love them all. I’m a Playstation guy (sorry Xbox peeps!). I have a collection of nerd gear that expands with every passing month. I also love technology, but I am not as geeky as I’d like to be. I used to be able to get inside the tech and alter it. Now, I just like to use it.
 
4. I am a follower of Christ who thinks love is the way.
I have seen the power of love rescue a boy from the brink of suicide. I have seen love repair relationships that seemed broken beyond reckoning. I have seen love cast out fear. I have seen love give courage when it was needed most. I have seen what love can accomplish. Love may put us in harm’s way from time to time, but collective love is still longer lasting and stronger than fear and hate. I believe this with every ounce of my fiber.
 
5. I am a questioner.
When it comes to asking questions, nothing is off limits with me. How else are we ever going to know anything unless we ask the tough questions? Does that mean I have everything figured out? Heck no! But, I am willing to seek answers even as I know that there are a great many things that I will not know. As a questioner, I tend to make people uncomfortable sometimes. Don’t worry, my questions don’t have to rub off on you!!