Seminary Class 2015
It all began with a dream - a dream where all of creation stood gathered round an altar of sorts, where our lives seemed to be woven together, where our divine intentions came together as one. A dream in which voices went arising, much like incense in prayers sent upward, and upon us all came a Love all embracing, drawing us together one to the other and all into the One. In wonder and amazement it seemed our eyes began to widen, the beat of our hearts quickened as if all were one; our minds fell quiet and held in the moment of only now, our wills somehow surrendering, our souls seeking the Ultimate Source of all Completion as the Mysterious and Most Beloved One, ever so tenderly and sweetly was beginning to Emerge. In the Presence of the Creator, notes evolved into symphonies, awkward and clumsy steps and movements slowly, miraculously seemed transformed - an otherwise ordinary dancer was almost effortlessly gliding along the floor, caught up in a Waltz Divine. Earth and wind, fire and water, the underworld, the upperworld, the world in between - the Now, the yesterday, the days still yet to come all seemed to come together in one, glorious AH! The heavens fell open and the earth bowed her lovely head, the Collective hum of Creation entered this Glorious Dance until the dancers became the Dance Herself - and the dream was no longer a dream but The Invitation to Dance and to be Danced. "An ordinary life (truly & gloriously) transformed!" Stephanie, I have no words for these past two years - I have just begun to dance. I am not certain where or with whom I will dance, so for now I will simply enjoy the music and wait - As you entrust me to the Dance and the Dancer, I still with awkwardness, need to look into your heart and offer these words, "You, Stephanie, have been such a precious presence, mentor, teacher, lead dancer, and discerning heart, I wonder how I will ever thank you? I have decided this - I will dance as gracefully, as lovingly, as tenderly, as prayerfully as you have - ! May the Dance of Creation go on and on and may we all, in holy time, learn to dance this dance together, for it is truly, the dance of all - may the dancers become the Dance." Dear Beloved One, thank you for this Dance. Deb-Ellen Brown
These last two years sum up for me in one word - affirmation. Working through the seminary program with Rev. Stephanie served to reinforce many things that I had already come to realize on my own over the last few years. Studying many points of view brought together within me a deeper, more connected, fuller understanding of how to view all of creation and my place within it, allowing the sacred space within me to become more aware, more open, more bold, and more at the forefront of my life. This is the true space from which to live and be genuine. Bringing the sacred forward, however that happens, and living each moment from this space is our birthright. We are the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth, and as such it is our job to live our lives from that space of sacred light within our hearts, bringing that light to others in each and every moment, loving others as we wish to be loved. Most of us have just forgotten how to do this. There are many paths that help us find our way. Whatever path chooses us, we are to live it, fully aware in each moment, from a loving heart full of understanding and compassion for each other. My graduation marks the start of a new path, an affirmation that we are all connected, that there is a divine spark in all of us, and a deep understanding we all have the potential to remember this. My path going forward is, as it has always been - I had just forgotten, one of kindling other flames, and for remembering this, I am truly grateful. Karen Manchester
This Tree of Life journey is unshakably rooted in my body and soul. My ministry is seeded by God, nourished by mantra, prayer, study, and reflection. My calling is budding, sweetened into blossom by the light that beckons. Lovingly, I've been humbled and exalted, pruned and nourished. I know not what flowers may grow of my ministry, but I do know the loving hand of the Gardener. My wish is to share the riot of color, the laughter of flowers, the industry of bees, the solace of scent and silence with you, as we walk this verdant maze together. Cate Sementa
These last two years sum up for me in one word - affirmation. Working through the seminary program with Rev. Stephanie served to reinforce many things that I had already come to realize on my own over the last few years. Studying many points of view brought together within me a deeper, more connected, fuller understanding of how to view all of creation and my place within it, allowing the sacred space within me to become more aware, more open, more bold, and more at the forefront of my life. This is the true space from which to live and be genuine. Bringing the sacred forward, however that happens, and living each moment from this space is our birthright. We are the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth, and as such it is our job to live our lives from that space of sacred light within our hearts, bringing that light to others in each and every moment, loving others as we wish to be loved. Most of us have just forgotten how to do this. There are many paths that help us find our way. Whatever path chooses us, we are to live it, fully aware in each moment, from a loving heart full of understanding and compassion for each other. My graduation marks the start of a new path, an affirmation that we are all connected, that there is a divine spark in all of us, and a deep understanding we all have the potential to remember this. My path going forward is, as it has always been - I had just forgotten, one of kindling other flames, and for remembering this, I am truly grateful. Karen Manchester
This Tree of Life journey is unshakably rooted in my body and soul. My ministry is seeded by God, nourished by mantra, prayer, study, and reflection. My calling is budding, sweetened into blossom by the light that beckons. Lovingly, I've been humbled and exalted, pruned and nourished. I know not what flowers may grow of my ministry, but I do know the loving hand of the Gardener. My wish is to share the riot of color, the laughter of flowers, the industry of bees, the solace of scent and silence with you, as we walk this verdant maze together. Cate Sementa