Dear Metro New York In Care and Covenant Members!
It's hard to believe that it's March already, but for most of us I'm sure, the prospect of spring (and spring break for you lucky students) is a welcome one. I am beginning a blog to help keep track of the many wonderful In Care In Covenant events happening each month in the Metro New York District, and to communicate about issues relevant to ministerial formation and support. Hopefully it will serve as a useful tool for this group going forward, and we can continue to expand our use of media to better serve you.
To reflect a little bit about our February meetings, we met at Union twice, once on February 3rd for a discernment workshop with me, and once with the Rev. Jude Geiger on February 24th to talk about lifespan and multigenerational models of ministry. These meetings were wonderful opportunities to connect with one another and with Rev. Jude. I heard some feedback about having more opportunities for discernment as a group. We will definitely make more opportunities available in the coming months. This work can also continue on your own or with a partner.
I also had the chance to connect with many of you throughout the month, and really enjoy these opportunities to connect with you and learn more about you. While all are required to fulfill the same requirements, each person has a unique path to ministry. These meetings allow me to support your ministerial development in ways that are tailored to your individual needs.
I have a joy that many In Care In Covenant candidates for UU ministry have found a match for a ministerial internship site for next year. This is no small feat, and for many this process has been extremely difficult and required creativity, patience and faith. We will all look forward to hearing your reports from "the field" next year, and are grateful you have found a congregation to serve with mentorship that will nurture and challenge you in your next year of preparation for ministry. While holding this joy, I continue to hold in support those candidates who still searching for the right fit. I know the right opportunity will emerge that serves your needs and a congregation's.
Finally, this weekend we hold in our thoughts and prayers the members of our In Care In Covenant group who present themselves to the Regional Sub-Committee on Candidacy. To reach this stage of the process requires commitment, theological depth and breadth, self-awareness and spiritual maturity. We know that our members have all of these qualities and more, and give thanks for your decision to answer your calls to ministry and serve our Unitarian Universalist faith!
Keep your eye on this blog for upcoming posts and relevant information. I look forward to seeing you all soon at our upcoming events this month and for our meetings.
Many Blessings,
Lissa Gundlach
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