Becoming a minister, UU parenting, the impact of prayer, and more

Preparing for ministry

As John Pageless of "The Pageless Book" considers a career in ministry, he interviews the Rev. Kit Ketcham of "Ms. Kitty's Saloon and Road Show." They discuss her career path, her experiences as a blogger, and the differences between Unitarian Universalist congregations on the East and West coasts. When John expresses concern about the financial obstacles to becoming a minister, Ketcham advises him:

The journey into ministry often takes a long time. I would just recommend that you not be discouraged and that you recognize that every day you spend NOT a minister is preparation for becoming a minister. Use everything that happens to you as preparation. It’s the figurative money in the bank of life . . . Be involved as deeply as you can in your local congregation; start something new there; try your wings at something new. (March 5, 2008)

Unitarian Universalist parenting

Responding to William Doherty's UU World article on raising Unitarian Universalists (Spring 2008), Elizabeth Barrett at "ExUUberance" shares stories of the lifelong Unitarian Universalists that she admires. Barrett affirms Doherty's argument that the home life of Unitarian Universalist children, and the level of their parents' engagement with Unitarian Universalism, shapes their relationship to Unitarian Universalism throughout life. She writes:

The UUs I know who grew up in homes with strong links to our religious movement demonstrate a high level of commitment to our faith and can lead the way for the rest of us, if we pay attention. (March 4, 2008)

The Rev. Cynthia P. Cain strikes a similar note at "Isten Aldjon, Y'all":

Going to church on a regular basis, whether that is once a month or once a week, shouldn't be optional. It's not about whether your kid thinks Sunday is cool enough, entertaining enough, or stimulating enough to bother coming. Because the world needs you and your children, your gifted, courageous, phenomenal children, to be Unitarian Universalists. It's not about what you and they can get; it's about what they can give. (March 1, 2008)

And continuing the recent discussion about adult church attendance, Chalicechick at "The Chaliceblog" offers the list of reasons that she enjoys going to worship on Sundays. The list includes "Because I can sing and pray and talk to people who are making the same spiritual trip I am, though usually by a different route" and "Because the UUs I've known, even the annoying ones, have done so much for other people and the world, I like to keep an eye out for things I can do to help them and help UUism." (February 28, 2008).

Doubts about just war theory

R. Elena Tabachnick of "Wandering Monk, Relunctant Gyrovague" critiques Paul Rasor's UU World article on a Unitarian Universalist approach to nonviolence (Spring 2008). Rasor argues that "The restrictive just war model is . . . a valuable tool" for Unitarian Universalists, but Tabachnick argues that just war theory was actually developed to circumvent the peaceful orientation of early Christianity. She writes, "As the teachings of Jesus were abandoned, a Christian 'Just War theology' was born." (March 4, 2008).

Love and prayer

At "Reflections," the Rev. Marilyn Sewell recounts being approached by an acquaintance who asked her to pray for his ill friend. Sewell is moved by this man's love for his friend, even as she is unsure about the impact her prayers will have:

So, does prayer work? I don't know the answer, in all its dimensions. But prayer changes people. Love changes people. And that's enough miracle for me. (March 4, 2008)

Not to be missed

Elsewhere in the Unitarian Universalist blogosphere, the Rev. Christine Robinson evaluates models for contemporary worship, the Rev. James Ford reflects on "second acts," and Louis Merlin lifts up "the value of making and cultivating memories."