First week of Seminary

I returned last Sunday from my first seminary class, Introduction to Old Testament and Psalms.  The class was very interesting and the professor was very good.  The campus is beautiful and a great place to study and reflect on what you are learning.

Now the work begins as I have four papers to write before Thanksgiving. I m still waiting for my parish assignment and have been told it could come at any time, for that I am very anxious.

My next seminary classes will be January in Berkley and May in St. Paul, MN.  As I move further along on my path to ordained ministry, I pray God will continue to walk with me and give me patience and wisdom.

Seminary begins

On Sunday I leave for PLTS in Berkeley for my seminary orientation and first class. The first couple of days will be meeting with advisors and professors to lay out my course of study.  The rest of the week will be participating in the fall gathering for TEEM ending with my first class, an Introduction to Old Testament.  I am excited, anxious and ready for this leg of my journey to begin.

And it begins

Well, the next steps on my journey towards parish ministry begins today.  I have received my syllabus and reading list for my first seminary class and have begun my reading.  My first class, Introduction to the Old Testament, will be in October at the seminary in Berkeley, CA.

I am anxious to begin my study, but more anxious to learn my parish assignment.  I have been told it could be after my week at Berkeley before that information becomes available.  So, once again, I am 'patiently' waiting on God's time.

Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I move forward.  Blessings to you.

A year of patience pays off

Well, it has been some time since I have posted to this Blog. The news I have been waiting to announce has finally come  to fruition. Last Friday, I received word and will begin my studies in the TEEM Program this fall.

We don't have our parish assignment yet, but we should know that soon. So, still some anxiety. But God is indeed good and we are serving on his time. At least that is what I keep telling myself. Please keep us in your prayers.

A prayer for us

Susie shared this prayer with me on my Facebook wall.  It is from the ELCA and really speaks to where we are right now.

God of all wisdom, sometimes I want answers even when they can’t yet be known. Fill me with a deeper understanding so that I can rest in the knowledge of your love no matter what lies ahead. When I don’t know what may come, help me to trust that you will be there for me, prompting my words and actions. Amen.

Another "why" in the road

It has been a couple of weeks since my meeting with the candidacy committee and I am indeed faced with another test of my patience and of my ability to stay faithful to God's calling for me.  Due to a variety of circumstances the candidacy committee wants me to wait a year before being admitted to the program. 

First, I am entering this program from a different direction than most.  In most cases, a parish will have a vacancy and lift an individual from their congregation up for candidacy.   In my case I have been identified as a potential candidate without having a parish in need of someone from this program. There is currently no parish in our synod with a vacancy who is prepared to accept a TEEM candidate.

Secondly, they would like for me to spend this time in doing more spiritual discernment.  I have yet to receive the official entrance decision from the committee.  Once I have it I will have a better understanding of the next steps in the process.  I have been assigned a relator/accompanier who will assist me through the necessary steps for admission.

I would be lying if I didn't say I am somewhat disappointed but I have concluded that this is just another "why?" to be answered and that this further discernment will better prepare me for the life of ministry.  I am faithful to His call and look forward to the road ahead and all it has in store for not only me but for both Susie and I.  She has very much been my support and my encourager and I thank God for putting her in my life.  Please continue to pray for us and ask that we allow God to continue to be our leader on this journey.

Please pray for me

I am leaving today for Spokane and my final candidacy interview. The emotions of excited anticipation, nervous anxiety, and of extreme happiness are all flowing through me.

This is a huge step in fulfilling a call which began nearly forty years ago. Looking back, I can see the many forks on my path and the difficult decisions which I faced, and I realize they were all in preparation for the road ahead.

God has been with me every step of the way and I am confident he will continue along my side as I move forward. I look forward to the future with great anticipation and am anxious for God's plan for me to be more fully revealed in the weeks and months ahead. May God's blessings go with me and his presence surround me today, tomorrow, and always.