Dear Ones,
I am excited to share some news with you.
From the time I began as the Music Director at UUCV, it has been my passion and love to find places that music and ministry intersect. Through worship, working with Rev. Dana, collaboration with musicians and working with the choir, I have had the opportunity to explore how music deepens our faith, worship. and community.
In particular, I have been blessed to learn about what it means to be a UU Music Director through the 3 years of study in the Music Leader Crendentialing Program. With the congregation’s support, I was able to complete this program and then integrate my learning into our music program. During Covid, I was able to take two sessions of Beloved Conversations which helped my understanding of racial justice and deepened my commitment to keeping it in the forefront of my work. Finally, and very significantly, I was able to participate in and facilitate a UU Wellspring course of spiritual deepening for our congregation with Rev. Dana. Practicing deep listening, learning about UU Sources, and being in covenant with this group has changed the way I will approach all of my work.
This growth and study has given me direction, understanding, confidence and has led me to explore my calling as a UU more deeply. I have been considering seminary for a few years and I have been inspired by the ministry of Rev. Dana and Rev. Carolyn. I may not have gone forward with the idea if it hadn’t been for this year of study and isolation during Covid. Rev. Dana has listened, encouraged and helped guide me. With her support, I was accepted into 3 theological schools and chose United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities where I will start in the Fall in online courses. My goal is Chaplaincy, not Parish Ministry.
I am excited about how this learning will support and deepen my work at the church. I am particularly interested how music enriches our faith, intersects with Chaplaincy and how I can support musicians in their journey and calling.
As I head down this path, I look forward to sharing my commitment to spiritual growth, racial and social justice in new and richer ways with UUCV and especially within our music program.
With love,
Carolyn
