She and I were in classes together several years ago, working our way through the steps of course work to qualify to apply to the Unity Ministerial School. And, she did. I didn't, because I had small people in my life and other obligations, etc., as usual.
But, she wasn't accepted. So, the next thing we are talking about is what that means, and probably there is another path that's a better alternative, and she goes and finds The New Seminary on line. And signs up!
She started as a correspondence student, after going to NY and interviewing, but sometime between September and January she experienced a big shift, and boom, she packed up or sold everything and moved to New York to become a "totally immersed seminarian". Now, if you look up their web site, she is one of the folks in their graduation pictures.
She is an incredibly talented musician, and composer and teacher - I forgot to mention that she was my voice coach for a while - and has made a place for herself in Connecticut.
She is doing what we dreamed of so many years ago.
Which caused me to reflect on a conversation I had with my sister-in-law's sister at a large family gathering, talking about being afraid to speak in public. I was relaying the story of another friend, Racquel, who taught Sunday school with me when our children were little. We were so afraid to speak in public that we would hold hands and shake in front of our own congregation doing announcements. We decided that we could not go on that way and took steps to get past it.
She and her husband also took Unity ministerial classes together with Jan and I.
She and her husband also applied to Unity School, and were accepted, but at the last minute decided not to go. However, she continued with her studies through a field program and is now a Unity minister and has started her second church.
In thinking about it I find I still want to be a full practicing minister. It is all well and good to be able to marry people, but I also want to have a center with study groups, discussion sessions, worship services and musical celebrations.
Oh my God, what does that mean? As usual, I get myself tangled in the steps - how to proceed.
What about all the things I have to get done in my current everyday world?
Fixing the house or letting it go? Finding the funding to do the fixing. Spending the weeks to clean it up either way, and getting Himself to agree to each individual step, up to and including having people in and around our house creating chaos and such. It even looks chaotic written down.
Talking the classes, committing to a course that will take at least two years to complete, but does not involve living in Kansas City at all.
Getting credentials that are recognised by most churches.
Finding a place, or having a home that has a place to start out. Holding courses, speaking where they'll have me, building a foundation.
I am toying with the idea as a five year plan. Starting now.....?
Follow your heart!
ReplyDeleteWe are all ministers in a way, but you have presence.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Fran and Dave!
ReplyDelete