This is so encouraging to read and to share in joyful anticipation with you. Even while you experience all the other emotions.
My journey of ambivalence and exile, return and healing resulted in (re)ordination last week with The Order of Saint Hildegard. I didn't need her to, but my Bishop from the UMC who originally ordained me there sent her blessing and acknowledgment of the pain that the denomination had caused me.
I pray that with the recognition of your gifts and "fitness" for the responsibility also comes some of that genuine reconciling love. Thank you for sharing this. Firey gladiolas showed up on the edge of our property around Easter here in FL heralding a major transition.
Jeff you are the second most courageous person I no. The first most courageous person I know is Madeline my granddaughter. For different reasons than your own but non the less courageous. May all go well for your ordination dear brother. I belong to the CRC. My church is in Hudsonville, Michigan. Women can not be ordained in my church. I hope to be a part of the change for women to become ordained. Wilma rabidoux
No way! It just arrived out of the blue in the mail?!? This is wild! I’m so happy for you, and also sad that it took so long and cost so much. You are priceless and you shouldn’t have had to wait forever for this. Also, I’m grateful you share the gems of waiting with us, because your long and rocky road is relatable to so many and it gives us a grounded, hefty hope.
I really enjoyed reading this. What a journey toward ordination. I’m glad you are still here in the church and using your God-given gifts. You are a blessing. May God continue to empower you and guide you as you shepherd the flock.
Thank you for the ways you lean into the complicated tangle of nuance in your own journey, and for the way it opens space for me to hold tensions about the both/and of gratitude and pain of my own experiences! Both can be true and felt at the same time.
I’m excited for where your call will continue to lead you, and also glad for the “yes” you received after waiting for so long.
And also it’s a gift to hear Thielicke’s little book referenced, since it holds a special place for me from my own seminary journey.
Thank you again for the sacred gift of your story!
As one whose ordination journey took almost 20 years, I know that odd mixture of grief and joy! May grace and peace and gratitude follow you as you join the spirit’s dance!
Starting off my day to read your newsletter has long been a gift ... But to read the news that you have FINALLY been approved for ordination was a gift of great joy! I am so happy for you and for the church. Most of all, I am so appreciative and in awe of your faithful persistence in pursuing your ordination. I will continue to hold you in my prayers and I know in my heart and soul that the day of your ordination will be a VERY GOOD day for the church! God bless you!
I went through a few of those emotions just reading this, so I can only imagine what it has been like to live. At the end, I’m joyful for the recognition of your gifts and calling.
So grateful you have had just the right support you’ve needed to persist. Despite all the obstacles, the support of those you referred to has made all the difference. God speed Mr. (Soon Reverend!) Chu.
Bless you Jeff. I’m available for any further letter writing or targeted advocacy you need ; but I suspect you’re farther along. Thank you for sticking with this denomination and helping us find our way. So grateful for you. Just think: Wordle didn't even exist when you launched this process! Spelling Bee was a tiny baby. Changes comes slow then fast!
I’ll add to the others my, “Thanks be to God!” Jeff, you are a treasure, a gift of God to so very many of us. You’ve taught me much just be being you in our encounters.
This is so encouraging to read and to share in joyful anticipation with you. Even while you experience all the other emotions.
My journey of ambivalence and exile, return and healing resulted in (re)ordination last week with The Order of Saint Hildegard. I didn't need her to, but my Bishop from the UMC who originally ordained me there sent her blessing and acknowledgment of the pain that the denomination had caused me.
I pray that with the recognition of your gifts and "fitness" for the responsibility also comes some of that genuine reconciling love. Thank you for sharing this. Firey gladiolas showed up on the edge of our property around Easter here in FL heralding a major transition.
Jeff you are the second most courageous person I no. The first most courageous person I know is Madeline my granddaughter. For different reasons than your own but non the less courageous. May all go well for your ordination dear brother. I belong to the CRC. My church is in Hudsonville, Michigan. Women can not be ordained in my church. I hope to be a part of the change for women to become ordained. Wilma rabidoux
So happy and thankful for your yes! You certainly deserve it.
No way! It just arrived out of the blue in the mail?!? This is wild! I’m so happy for you, and also sad that it took so long and cost so much. You are priceless and you shouldn’t have had to wait forever for this. Also, I’m grateful you share the gems of waiting with us, because your long and rocky road is relatable to so many and it gives us a grounded, hefty hope.
I’m so happy for you! So happy.
I really enjoyed reading this. What a journey toward ordination. I’m glad you are still here in the church and using your God-given gifts. You are a blessing. May God continue to empower you and guide you as you shepherd the flock.
Thank you for the ways you lean into the complicated tangle of nuance in your own journey, and for the way it opens space for me to hold tensions about the both/and of gratitude and pain of my own experiences! Both can be true and felt at the same time.
I’m excited for where your call will continue to lead you, and also glad for the “yes” you received after waiting for so long.
And also it’s a gift to hear Thielicke’s little book referenced, since it holds a special place for me from my own seminary journey.
Thank you again for the sacred gift of your story!
As one whose ordination journey took almost 20 years, I know that odd mixture of grief and joy! May grace and peace and gratitude follow you as you join the spirit’s dance!
Jeff,
Starting off my day to read your newsletter has long been a gift ... But to read the news that you have FINALLY been approved for ordination was a gift of great joy! I am so happy for you and for the church. Most of all, I am so appreciative and in awe of your faithful persistence in pursuing your ordination. I will continue to hold you in my prayers and I know in my heart and soul that the day of your ordination will be a VERY GOOD day for the church! God bless you!
Stephen Smith-Cobbs
Pastor, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Herndon, VA
Thanks be to God.
I went through a few of those emotions just reading this, so I can only imagine what it has been like to live. At the end, I’m joyful for the recognition of your gifts and calling.
So grateful you have had just the right support you’ve needed to persist. Despite all the obstacles, the support of those you referred to has made all the difference. God speed Mr. (Soon Reverend!) Chu.
Bless you Jeff. I’m available for any further letter writing or targeted advocacy you need ; but I suspect you’re farther along. Thank you for sticking with this denomination and helping us find our way. So grateful for you. Just think: Wordle didn't even exist when you launched this process! Spelling Bee was a tiny baby. Changes comes slow then fast!
Anne Poorman
Finally. Thanks be to God. Congratulations. Enjoy the champagne.
Jeff, Way to go! D
Standing ovation! So much encouragement, hope, and honesty in your story of faithful waiting.
I’ll add to the others my, “Thanks be to God!” Jeff, you are a treasure, a gift of God to so very many of us. You’ve taught me much just be being you in our encounters.