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This blog originally began in 2009 as I started my journey www.reconcilingjourney.blogspot.com. It is an honest and vulnerable account of my life from my vantage point as I prepared to begin seminary. Mind you, I've traversed a very long way since 2009.
As life would have it, many changes followed and I was forced to step away for awhile. In the summer of 2015, as I prepared to re-enter Iliff School of Theology, I reinvented my blog here
www.reconcilingjourneypart2.com. As you can see, it's difficult to find the time to
blog when you have so many other commitments. However, as I look to the future, a blog is a place to communicate, foster ideas, instill creativity, and so forth, so I stay committed to using it as a form of communication.
Update: I have completed one year of my Master of Divinity program and the second year begins in a matter of days. As part of my MDiv requirements I am working a full year internship at Sixth Avenue United Church of Christ, exploring my interest in church ministry. This time will be an exceptional opportunity to explore and discern the future of my ministry. I will be speaking on Sunday, October 9, 2016, so please join us. I will also try to continue to make audio recordings available online. In addition to this, I am taking 14 credit hours, continuing my very part time role as a Student Ambassador, taking on the Iliff Student Senate Chair for the UCC (United Church of Christ) as well as serving on the President's Strategic Planning Committee with other members of the faculty, administration, Board of Trustees, President's Cabinet and Iliff community.
My course work this fall includes: Financial Mangement of Non-Profits, Congregations, African American Preaching and MDiv Internship Seminar. As I look ahead toward next summer I will be applying for a full time CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) at a local hospital. This is not a requirement for ordination however, I have a strong level of interest also, in Hospital and Hospice Chaplaincy so this is an opportunity to explore that as well. Following my third year at Iliff (2017-18) I am planning to obtain a full year, full time residency as a Chaplain to complete the requirements to become a Board Certified Chaplain in addition to the requirements of Ordination.
Here's where it gets exciting .....
I am also very interested in coaching/mentoring others; teaching; facilitating; empowering; creating sacred spaces; instilling healthy balances; and on and on ... So I will spend this next year doing ALL of that in some form or another. I will try to continue to communicate and use the blog to announce upcoming events I am involved with. Keep an eye out for future gatherings coined "Spiritually Uncorked" - the creation of an intentional space to explore spiritual, emotional and physical balance in a safe, inclusive and affirming space,
I would love your thoughts and ideas about this Spiritually Uncorked concept. The idea is to promote physical, emotional and spiritual wellness in a variety of forms - both one to one, online and in person. My hope it that eventually we will be meeting in a variety of locations: pubs, homes, meeting halls, in nature, wine cellars, small business spaces, etc. We would spend equal amount of time on those topics that span the areas of spiritual, physical and emotional well being including guest speakers, studies, literature, discussions, small groups, etc. Warning: Yes you might be asked to strap on your tennis shoes, try a new wine, share a special recipe, be vulnerable ... But always, you will asked to be present or work with that which is blocking you from being so. Please let me know your thoughts ...
As always, peace with you. Until we meet again!
Cheryl
