How is a Seminarian Embracing Possibility?

Greetings!

I began my journey with People's back in 2015. At that time, I was heavily involved with religious education and CUUPs, and my family attended services regularly. COVID (and all the other complexities of life) reduced our attendance and participation with the congregation, but this is where I always find myself returning when I'm craving community and spiritual depth.

I began considering ministry in those early days at the church, but it never felt like the right time. After years of contemplation, consideration, and exploration, I applied to seminary at Meadville Lombard last fall. I was beyond excited and so grateful to be accepted into their program and began my studies this spring. I am most interested in teaching religion at Kirkwood or other community colleges, but I am also pursuing my potential to enter into chaplaincy, particularly hospice work.

Becoming a UU chaplain requires fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association and the first step is to achieve aspirant status. As part of that process, I am seeking congregational sponsorship from my home church, you! Congregational sponsorship simply means that the congregation has confidence in my potential for UU ministry, in this case as a hospice chaplain.

I can’t wait to further explore this path as I continue to learn and grow. I am already learning so much as I enter into this new time in my life. I can whole-heartedly say that I am “embracing possibility” as I begin my seminary training.

Thank you,

Amber "Ori" Todd