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Table of Contents
Fall
Leadership Conference
District
President’s Column
Qiyamah’s
Corner
Ministerial
Matters
Lifespan
REflections
Accepting Allies
Chalice Lighters
General Assembly
TJD Board
Retreat
Don't Sleep on
the Dream
District
Calendar
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Qiyamah’s Corner
Ministerial Formation
Since the tragedy of 911, many people have reflected on their lives and subsequently made some adjustments. For some of us, pre-911 was characterized by task driven professional lives. Like others, I grappled with some challenging and uncomfortable questions to discern what my life was missing and what I wasn't doing that would cause me to look back on my life with regret. I have loved my work as District Executive and have felt it was my ministry. However, 911 gave me a higher calling to a ministry that includes not only my District work but extends beyond the Thomas Jefferson District. This is a calling to use my institutional building skills to create authentic connections between myself and others to do some healing of myself and others.
I have made the decision to formally pursue fellowship as a UU minister. And the rest is history. As some of you know, in 2002 I had my career assessment, one of the first significant steps to prepare for ministry. This extensive testing assures the Regional Subcommittee on Candidacy (RSCC) that an aspirant is psychologically fit to pursue ministry. It also identifies any shadow areas that the aspirant may need to work on before assuming ministry. In April, I went before the Mid-Atlantic RSCC for an interview for candidacy. Every aspirant seeking candidacy must deliver a 10 minute sermon and participate in a 40-45 minute interview with a committee, oftentimes comprised of six to ten individuals. The interview questions focus on the aspirant's call and future ministry, theological reflections, spiritual practices and self care, heritage and values and questions about their personal life. I am happy to report I survived this intense process and was granted a green light that allowed me to advance to candidacy.
January 2003 was my first semester at Meadville Lombard Theological Center in Chicago. While I know it is not about "grades," receipt of three A's in my classes was a confirmation of my learning abilities. I attended classes during the day and did class work and District work in the evenings and weekends.
I have recently registered for my next three classes for the January 2004 Intensive: Community Ministry; Process Theology; and Losing Bodies, Saving Souls: Foundations & Critical Study of Liberal Theology I.
The District Executive position is normally an eight- year contract. July marked the beginning of my fifth year. I feel fortunate that I have been able to integrate my role as District Executive with my call to ministry. I invite you to walk this journey with me. You may have skills that can promote UUism and the mission and vision of the District and the UUA. You may see places where we can improve our services and relationships with congregations, lay leaders and ministers that could ultimately benefit all of us. If so, please let us know. Life is short and the times are complex ones. These times call for enhanced team work and communications. It calls for healthy congregations with self differentiated leaders. Our possibilities are endless. I believe in the goodness of human kind and I assume best intentions. I invite you to do the same with me, the District, UUA and others in your life.
I believe UUism is a way of life and a set of principles that I can apply to be a better person and to help make the world a better place. I know each of you feels the same. Most of the time I believe my role as DE is a healing force and creates vital links to our congregations and the UUA. When this is not the case, then please let me know. I am embarking on a plan to reach out to ministers and lay leaders. Some of you have heard from me already. You will continue
to hear from me as I seek to build connections.
Won't you renew your yes to UUism today? Won't you proclaim this great faith tradition of ours as the precious blessing that it is? Won't you join us in the work to be a beacon of hope in our part of the world - here in the Thomas Jefferson District? I invite you today to consider this question? How are you preparing for the next generation of UUs?
Blessed Be!
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