19 July 21

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 NRSV

Hello, Friends!

Let me start with an announcement of sorts. If we speak in any manner, you may know that I put myself deliberately into the process of discernment of calling almost two years ago. Even as I am still in prayer over a path to ordination, I realize that the timing is not yet appropriate for such a commitment.

My diocese – The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York – has opened up the application process for the next class of Lay Preachers. It is for many reasons relating to my daily logistics that I feel the Lay Preacher program is a good solution to my inability to attend Seminary at this stage of life.

I hope that I will find the words to heal people the way that our parish has restored me. I see the people close to me in such a state of angst. While prior incarnations of me would have been disheartened, I find myself now wanting to find ways to bridge divides and open communication, to heal misunderstandings and coexist peacefully in our humanhood.

Part of me feels so naive to wish for it, but a bigger part knows that Jesus would do exactly what I know to do — drink, tell stories & be merry with the outcasts, the unclean & the unworthy, and have them know that they are none of those things at all.

If a misfit like me can sit among the Holy and feel peace, then any of us born of women are just as able.

If you feel so moved, I would be so very open to accepting your prayers for my discernment and progression in this process.

Ad occursum futurum,