I'd like to thank the academy...

The award for "Best Melodramatic Stumbling Toward Postulancy" in an Ordination Drama goes to ...

I had intended to write to you every day about my experiences at the Ministry Discernment Weekend, but things being what they are (busy), it didn't happen. The next entry was going to be titled "thank you," with a list of everyone who was part of this wild ride called the ordination process, but that gets too close to saccharine sentimentality, and you know my policy on giving out names on my blog. Several people however, bear mentioning with much gratitude, especially in this Oscar season:

Kathryn
The Dahills
The Latterells
Trinity Melrose
Members of SWTS classes of 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, as well as the faculty and staff
My several Discernment Committies
My many writers of letters of recommendation -- God forgive us for depleating the rainforests with all that paper
St. Matthew's
The various makers of Cabernet Sauvignon
and all the inspiring people I've encountered along the way whose names would be too many to list here -- you know who you are

I will refrain from quoting Sally Field.

POSTULANT!

I've been waiting to title a blog entry this way for a long time.

The weekend went well -- obviously. But beyond the outcome, I thought it was good and fair. The questions I was asked were good. Most of the time it was a conversation style and not an interrogation. They did ask about Massachusetts. And they acknowledged that it was a bizare, irrational, unfair, and cruel thing that I went through. They just wanted some general impressions. They didn't delve into it. One of the other high points was that they did not make the six of us Aspirants do a role play game. Thanks be to God! That may be out of their system now. Chicago has been revising their discernment/application/ordination process, and this year's group of incoming postulants is the first to benefit from the changes. There was a little more paper work and leg work to do before the Ministry Discernment Weekend, but they told me that now that I am a Postulant, there would be no more "hoops" to jump through, and no more threats that I could be removed from the process "at any time." I did well, and theirs was a unanimous decision to recommend me for postulancy. They said that unless I royally screw up, or fall out of touch with the diocese, it's pretty much a fast track to the laying on of hands. The rest of the Commission on Ordained Ministry will meet again in March to give their recommendations to the Bishop. They said I could expect to get my formal letter in March.

I came home with some new insights on myself. 1) I have to temper my enthusiasm for the work I do. I need to let other people do stuff too. It's not that I don't trust that others will do the jobs well, it's that I like doing them. I will work on maturing my leadership role. 2) Because I am really good at what I do, it's easy for me to fly by the seat of my pants. If I apply a little more discipline to the way I approach what I do, I can go from good to great -- just like the book.

I shared these things with my Listener Team and they nodded their approval. I also said that I would like to spend my Postulancy year in the Master of Theological Studies program at Seabury, and focus on Congregational Development. They said they looked forward to watching me develop into a strong and effective clergy leader.

I said to them, and I say to you:

I'll do my best.

I promise.

s.n.a.f.u.

Schedule Normal All Filled Up

I'm anticipating a very busy schedule for the next couple weeks, even as I tick off one event for the "done" column. Kathryn's brother was in town for a conference and spent the last night as our guest here at the seminary. It was good to see him. Her cousin and his mother came over for brunch and the five of us had an enjoyable day. Then, just like that, they all left. Brother went back to O'Hare, cousin and mom back to the South Side, Kathryn off to work, and Roz and the cats and I are left staring at each other.

Tomorrow I've got to do something with the Youth Group that will attract their attention more than the Super Bowl. I think I have an idea. Then there's the SuperBowl party at St. Matt's in the afternoon. The early part of the week is the usual business. I spent a good chunk of last week tryingto read up. I'm almost a week ahead now. Then the later part of the week things get exciting. Thursday morning I meet with the liturgical sub-committee for the upcoming Leadership & Ministry Fair, to continue to develop what the worship will look like at the event. Later that evening, I'm beginning a discussion series on Evangelism for the Canturbury Northwestern community. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I'm at the Ministry Discernment Weekend in Chicago. When I get back on Sunday I have to meet with Jane to talk about the weekend. Then I have to preach to Canturbury Northwestern, tying in the Evangelism we talked about on Thursday - which is sure to feel like a lifetime back - and whatever the lectionary is. Then pack for a trip to New England, where I'll try to set eyes on all friends and family there. *whew* I'm tired just thinking about it.

About the Weekend: You know I'm feeling very strong going into it. But considering my past experience, I have to admit... uh,... yeah.

So anyways, I've also got a bunch of presentations to rough out in the next couple weeks also. I think I have to write a mid-term paper for the Dean too. Maybe he'll forget. At some point I have to register for next quarter's classes.

Almost another typical day(s)-in-the-life here at Seabury. Really kind of a boring blog entry. I can't believe you've read this far.