Greetings From Seminary!

Greetings all!

 No I have not fallen through a rabbit hole and morphed to another dimension (though at times it feels that way). Moving took much more out of me than I anticipated. But we are settled, I have started work and most importantly I have now attended each of my classes!

I am taking Old Testament studies, Introduction to Christian Education and Formation, Theological Foundations for Youth Ministry and a speech class. There is a tremendous amount of reading (and remembering), but it is all exciting and fascinating. Since I am a dual degree student – Master’s of Divinity and M. A. in Youth Ministry – I am starting out by diving into many of the courses that focus on my passion.

Most of the students are younger than me (surprise, surprise) but there is a god core of us second and third career students. We met as a group during orientation and their journeys are all different and inspiring.  I feel fortunate that this year the seminary is starting some new advising and affinity group programs.

One of the best things about being at seminary is the opportunity to worship DAILY. We have prayer services in the morning before class and Chapel Monday through Friday mid-day. There is not set style of worship for Chapel so I will get exposure to all types and styles. One thing they have had in common is excellence.  Corey gave me a gift by introducing us to Global music and that has been a large part of the worship here, so I feel more at home.

My husband has really settled in having found a sports bar that televised the Bears on Sunday. Our apartment is wonderful, a three block walk to school and four blocks from downtown Princeton. I am having no trouble walking the recommended 10,000 steps a day (hopefully you will see less of me in November). I think the kids are adjusting to us being here, but if you run into them please give them a hug for me (as well as your own kids).

This has so far exceeded my expectations. I miss you all but find myself thinking of you throughout the day as we study the church and scripture and I reflect on how you have impacted my faith as well as my life.  I pray that you are continuing to “practice your faith” as I am practicing mine here.

 I promise to not fall behind in my blogging (it was much easier when I knew Donna would edit me).

Peace and love,

Kristie

Greetings to First Church

With the desire to stay in touch with my First Church family I am taking the leap into blogging! The primary reason for this first blog is to thank you all for the love and support you have shown me during my ministry with you, not just during these final months in anticipation of my departure, but throughout my time here……..if I were able to thank each of you individually I would not even get to seminary until I was 60!!!

I am incredibly grateful for the many times you answered the call and agreed to be a part of our young people’s lives, even when you lived in fear of teenagers! And to those teenagers – many of whom are now adults - thank you for embracing those adults and welcoming them into your lives. I am honored…..by the trust you placed in me whenever I asked you do something a little outside your comfort zone.

I will always be in debt to the parents I have met on this journey - those with lots of experience and those just beginning. The insight I have gained continues to fuel my passion for parenting…..we are all in this together and need the support of the community.

I take a part of each of you with me to Princeton because you have impacted my faith journey in ways that I keep discovering fresh every day. You have all helped me to see God’s call in my life - and your love and prayers allow me to make this leap of faith without fear or doubt. I feel BLESSED to be in your care and my prayer is that you continue to share the love and acceptance you have shown me with each person you encounter.

Christ calls us to be in community with each other and I thank you for allowing me to be in yours. By now you know my keyboard is soaking with tears so I had better sign off for now and I look forward to reading your comments.