Since a month has passed since my last update (see Seeking Ordination – Update #7), I figured it was time for another post.
During the last month, I
- Preached at Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas (see Preaching Abundant Life)
- Completed boundary training
- Published a devotional through the Center of Congregational Ethics (see Holy Ground Ahead)
- Started a second year as Board Chair of the Texas Association of Charitable Clinics
- Participated in a clergy retreat
- Attended the 42nd Annual National Day of Prayer Luncheon hosted by the Thanks-Giving Foundation and Interfaith Council
- Read some great books (see Great New Books – May 2023)
- Attended the Annual Meeting of the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ
- Provided support and coaching for a dozen small group leaders at Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas (for more on my experience in this parish, check out The Church of Hope) and concluded another season of life together with the group I host and facilitate
- Attended worship at Naples United Church of Christ in Naples, Florida – a congregation I served in the early and mid-2010s (for more on my experience in this parish, check out The Church of Unsticking)
In other words, I’ve spent quite a bit of my discretionary time making progress on my journey toward ordination in the United Church of Christ. And, I’ve done so while devoting most of my time and energy to the ministry of White Rock Center of Hope.
So What?
I believe I have now completed everything but one item that the North Texas Area of the South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ requested. My lone remaining task is to write what is known as an ordination paper.
Thank you for reading this update. Your prayerful support is a tremendous blessing as I continue on this journey.
