Nope.
No, thank you.
Actually, no, I'm really not. But thank you anyway.
These are my new responses to the question, "Laura! When are you going to seminary?"
Honestly, I have wrestled, analyzed, discerned, prayed, and tried every which way to make myself fit into a box that really and truly looked like it had my name on it.
Do you have any idea how liberating it is to recognize that it really is NOT a call? Others might be horribly disappointed. I'm not. Really. It hasn't happened yet because it really isn't going to. And that feels very good.
Yes, I can read well from the lectern. I like to write and I'm not bad at leading worship. I enjoy doing it. I LOVE church and I am the biggest non-clergy UCC polity nerd you will ever find. Dare ya.
This doesn't mean I won't continue working on my Center/Learn studies but do I need to be licensed? I dunno...maybe.
God knows. And that's enough.
3 comments:
PLtB, I remember when we first met, and you reminded me very clearly how important it was to have dedicated and knowledgeable laypeople in the pews.
So as often as I tease or cajole you with this question, part of me is deep-down relieved that you stay with this conviction that your call is to the front pew. So count me as one "there with bells on" who celebrates this wise discernment on your part!
(And, should you become licensed or ordained at some point in the future, I'll be there with bells on, too.)
I know that you have not come to this decision lightly and I applaud you for it and for making it clear to others. It is most impportant that we have dedicated, knowledgable faithful lay persons. Your passion for the UCC and its polity is great, there need to be those who keep a theo - logical (God centered logic my made up word)eye and heart on the way we do church. Enjoy your stay in the pew and continue to keep we clergy types on our toes. If the Call comes later the path will be clear>
Laura,
Thanks so much for your honesty here. It's incredibly helpful, and I share your sense of relief in realizing, "Hmmm, yep, there's something, but it's not that 'need to be ordained' call." Have you read Nora Gallagher's book Practicing Resurrection? If not, I'd highly recommend it...for the very reasons you mention here.
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