Today I wake to the thoughts of final preparations to go to Unity for the Spring Intensive for the Field Licensing Program. This is one of the three licensing and ordination programs offered by Unity to become a Unity minister. I have completed all requirements to be a licensed minister. Now I embark on my final year of study to become an ordained Unity minister.
As I ponder this process the mental checklist rolls through my mind dog food, cat food, shoes, banquet clothes, cool weather clothes, shoes, warm weather clothes, shoes, and of course walking clothes. I feel the “excitement” build and continue the check list for Unity tasks to be completed. Utility payments approved, guest speaker check written, guest speaker details attended to, welcome notes to new comers, payroll, supplies ordered, all done.
I also ponder the idea of the first Unity ministers in Dallas that we have records and information of. Rev. Ruth Gillespie and Rev. Cora Crandall. These pioneers in ministry followed the same path to ordination that I follow. They both became licensed Unity teachers then continued on with what was the Correspondence Course of Unity to become ordained Unity ministers. How honoring it is that in 2017 I too follow the path that they followed in the early 1940s. How on point it is that I follow the path of the women who came before me at a time and in a place that women in ministry was an anomaly. I am inspired by their strength, their faith and their willingness to say “yes” to the call to ministry. It is because of the vision held by these two amazing women that the building we call Unity on Greenville exists.
I look forward to seeing my friends and classmates. It is always refreshing to spend times with my peers remunerating the many joys of ministry. I look forward to celebrating the 2017 graduating class and welcoming the new class. It is always enriching to attend the classes and to add to the mountain of learning. Spending time with Rev. Linda Taylor, my mentor, greatly enriches my understanding and knowledge.
As I prepare for this adventure excitement, aka stress, builds as I tend all the details or readying home, pets, and office for my time away. Oddly, I relish the drive and the process of mile by mile slowly disengaging from the daily routines of life and melding into the tranquility and peace that permeates Unity Village. I look forward to being on the sacred grounds of Unity Village and walking the trails in the evening and the golf course in the morning before golfers hit their stride. I look forward to sitting in the numerous chapels at Unity Village that offer quiet space for contemplation.
I thank you in advance for holding prayers as I travel and take in yet more inspiration and learning to better serve, you, my beloved spiritual community.
Sunday, you are in the capable hands of Jonathan Baer who will speak about Real Love at the 11:00 celebration service followed by a workshop at 1:30 in the Upper Room. Please support Jonathan at the workshop as he shares “The Healing Power of Real Love”. You may also want to check out the book “Real Love” written by Jonathan’s father Greg Baer.