Dear UCC Community,
Thanks to the generosity of this congregation, I was able to begin my studies in the Doctor of Ministry program at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in January 2024. When I shared with the Personnel Committee about my acceptance to the program back in September, I also shared with them some of the reasons I have for pursuing this additional education.
Primarily, I am hoping to strengthen my ministry and benefit UCC in its mission to “actively live out the love of Jesus through thoughtful worship, compassionate service, and spiritual growth.” I’m enrolled in the study track called Leadership for Wonder: Re-Enchanting the Christian Life, but I hope to combine my work with some aspects of the Leadership for Public Theology concentration. As someone who has often felt depleted and drained by the grim state of the world, I am personally invested in helping further the work related to contemplative, Spirit-fueled activism. Through the course of this program, I will explore and develop practices, resources, and connections that will replenish and sustain the spirits of socially-aware justice seekers – whether they are committed Christians, spiritual-but-not-religious folks, or people who are not interested in Church or faith at all. As a church just down the street from our state’s Capitol, we have the opportunity to offer spiritual support to God’s people (who are all people) as they advocate for causes of love and justice.
Classes are week-long intensives; every January and June, I will be in class for one week, Monday through Friday, learning and discussing, and then for the couple of months following, I will work on and submit assignments. The class I took in January was Wonder and the Soul: Living before God -- Models of Prayer from Antiquity to Modernity. Each of the students that week had to do a presentation about prayer in the context in which we are currently serving. I have to tell you, it was fun to share about the approaches, understandings, and practices of prayer here at UCC! I’m a proud pastor and feel blessed to serve this deeply faithful and loving congregation. UCC, I give thanks for you and the ways you make a difference in this world that is so hungry for God’s love!
Peace,
Megan