| Question 2: Tell a time you felt formed and supported by the church to live out your Christian identity in daily life. | |
| C1 | Lunch on us — serve people once a week who are down on their luck — immediately follows Sunday liturgy |
| C2 | in giving pastoral care to others — the act of doing ministry — forms me and affirms me as a parent — ministry grounds me in my identity — celebrating the Eucharist and providing pastoral care |
| C3 | When I heard my wife say to my niece "we're Christians, we don't do those things" (ref. Personal relationship) — a racial incident — wanted to punch them, but was taught differently |
| C4 | I started my process in Hoboken — urban — found a small church that had a commitment to outreach — don't turn anyone away — opened our doors to the homeless, gay and lesbian community — we were like Christ in the city. I crossed its boundary when I did my seminary work in city, Newark. I felt welcome by all — the church allows me to go leave — I am trying to bring a sense of mission to my urban parish. |
| C5 | Deacon formation program — support from the parish and fellow students |
| C6 | Parish in which he grew—up — worship 2 rectors at which they grew—up — gave him sense of priestly formation 2 rectors at which they grew—up — financial support for seminary |
| C7 | Discord formational program: helped to find identity (Susie and Keith) |
| C8 | As chaplain in Episcopal Boarding school for pastoral care — a challenge to be authentically who I am — teens don't pull punches — tried to resent self as unthreatening and compassionate listener. After 6 cos., supervision said how did you do it so fast? Reply — I tried to love the students unconditionally w/out judgment — the way Christ loves me — I was entrusted with their care and needed to remember God. |
| C9 | In the same church — no youth growth/Sunday school encouraged by the adults for the youth group for me and my sister. |
| C10 | After many years without parish 1993— St. Wilfred church (team ministry) Vision — empowering them to be self—sufficient, lack of serious commitments by many parishioners — vision not fulfilled |
| C11 | Great Lutheran house — formed by a Lutheran Sunday school support received from her own parish in her discernment process. She felt incredibly upheld |
| C12 | As a seminarian, working with a priest. |
| C13 | About five years ago after Eucharist while having coffee, I was informed by my wife that a friend's child had died and been found in her bed after being perfectly healthy the night before. This group of fellow Christians supported me over the next few days with love. |
| C14 | During the process of study in the seminary. I switched from Presbyterian to Episcopal church, and I felt the support of this church. |
| C15 | When transition from Roman Catholic Church to Episcopal — Bishop opening arms. Went to GTS, diocese said for GTS and for whole family. That kind of whole-hearted welcoming by the diocese as struggled with decision — very supportive. |
| C16 | During a contentious, painful search process, the support of rector enabled him to engage in a process of reconciliation which was his to engage. Experience has formed his ministry significantly since. |
| C17 | |
| C18 | Seeking ordination, in Maine opened up in loving and non judgmental way took me in as family. Different socio-economic background — provided food which included white bread and mac & cheese. Two worlds came together in the homes of Christians. |
| C19 | In church she has been loving, forgiving, and affirming — I am made more whole. |
| C20 | In the interaction between people I have found special ways to give and to receive my Christian Identity |
| C21 | Being with peers to learn to be together and being apart. Togetherness encouraged involvement |
| C22 | Out of conflict, knowing that one has an identity. God provides in the midst of struggle. Understanding hopefulness |
| C23 | Bishop Van Duzer opened himself to advice from me as a lay person and entrusted the prevention of a parish schism from diocese to our shared effects |
| C24 | Combination of 2 parishes — taking the risk to move forward — leap of faith — receiving help from Diocesan entities |
| C25 | Have felt indulged and encouraged by each of parish I've been in. |
| C26 | When I was going through the ordination process at a time when "my type" was not so welcomed by many. |
| C27 | At church in Miami, wanted to be involved but awaited an "invitation" — offered herself openly to God's service — ministry and acceptance followed. Allowed her to speak out with her whole being. |
| C28 | this action caused me to be held together thru this time — though in my life were dying — I found that God was revealing to me new life to grow become a new creature in Him |
| C29 | |
| C30 | |
| C31 | When announced parish that I was getting divorced. Everyone supportive in parish. |
| C32 | When a parishioner dying of cancer — found by walking thru that experience with that person — feeling the support of community |
| C33 | My college roommates were Christians, and that was first glimpse of bringing faith into everyday life — firs time I ever saw it lived out daily |
| C34 | Off campus church, conversations about how to live out faith; assumption that faith and life go together; was a 6 year period, social life revolved around the church; friends were in church |
| C35 | she worked at parish in Staten Island which had Latino congregation which needed Spanish-speaking priest. As she served them, she gained unexpected insight into their needs and faith, and unexpected welcome as priest amount them this helped her reclaim the gift of fluency in Spanish and opened her mind and heart to a new way of worship and new way of seeing Christian community |
| C36 | Training in Pastoral Psychotherapy, a bringing together of spirituality and everyday living. Relationships that were supportive. |
| C37 | EFM — was pushed to take it on by Helen Orlando. Has experienced renovation vocationally and spiritually. 5 in group and more joining |
| C38 | Rector for about 8 years — senior warden came and said that things were going to change and this transformed everything |
| C39 | In his 20's — belonged to a young adult group, Diocese of Mass. — the first church he had found with special young adult ministry. Without this community and fellowship, support he would never have sought ordination, never have heard his call |
| C40 | In word with others who really want to share a reciprocal conversation. |
| C41 | Ability to give others responsibilities when needed — fire alarm problem at church and school — she called vestry and all came centrality of the human person when called for help (a parishioner did and she had to leave). Another parishioner son going blind needed help driving him to doctor |
| C42 | In school for deacons keen awareness of importance of church — all the time. Help in maintaining balance, to set clear priorities a release unnecessary tasked. Bridge between church and presence of Christ |
| C43 | Deacon feels a tremendous sense of support. Members of the community joined in to help the youth with massive painting project — shared fellowship and pride in job well done |
| C44 | In early 20's, had a "periodical sore" experience in Bible study small group |
| C45 | It happened in a weekly meeting of a small clergy group. Group spiritual direction. We encouraged one another when we were struggling. Mutual respect of young and old. I was a unified small group experience |
| C46 | Own congregation — willingness to be open, their faith and experience formed and informed his priesthood, more accepting for self, opposite also true— marriage separation a step son's addiction — congregation respectful, surprised, felt loved |
| C47 | trinity, Princeton women' group cared for her in transition. Ministry went full circle as priest minister to group in transition. Rectors are working with new priest |
| C48 | Small group, Sunday night meetings through parish |
| C49 | meeting one week year with 5 other persons from seminary for prayer and study. |
| C50 | At Christ Church in Greenwich, Conn. the Tuesday prayer bible study group; group with interim rector discerned cares of priesthood for her, led into ordained ministry, suspended Bible study for 3 weeks ... very supportive |
| C51 | |
| C52 | While in fraternity in college and out of a pursuit for relationship w/ Jesus in bible study group — also — support in smaller groups at parish bible and reflection weekly |
| C53 | People — family roots — priest — kind father in High School — Prayer Book — certainty faith journey |
| C54 | After being angry about burden of 24—hour ministry, reaffirmed acceptance of ordination vows. By their process, church was forming and supporting his life as pries. Community formed and informed his commitment. |
| C55 | Chrism mass in (or before) Holy Week. Supportive, challenging, collegial being with Bishop and clergy renewal of vows |
| C56 | Catechismal process of full year. Lay led teaching and small group and prayer, sharing. Being leader and participant |
| C57 | the above congregation helped me be a better priest. The seminary formation of prayer and God — centered life |
| C58 | Coming to St. Peter's and beginning health ministry. Help in seeing people struggle with issues of wholeness of life. People taught me that I had a lot of assumptions — slow process of seeing how to find wholeness and health in life. |
| C59 | First parish — vestry coming and supportive in newness of parish life |
| C60 | |
| C61 | Accessibility to clergy, mentors, lay mentors — importance of clergy mentors — including the Bishop — these 2 items continue to be important — clergy, lay mentors — their examples are important |
| C62 | When husband ministered to youth group. Parish affirmed this work and how you were able to take that back to work as adolescent nurse practioner |
| C63 | Contrast between RC and Episcopal Experience as woman: accepted as professional, valued single woman |
| C64 | The above reminded me that all people some not just "me" as deacon. Having support with others working together serving. |
| C65 | it was growing up in Roman Catholic church in my parish |
| C66 | 1. church school as young boy 2. seminary as young man 3. older clergy as young priest |
| C67 | When interviewing for clergy position, there was woman that was opposed to job description. So, she sat at meeting angry staring at me. She knew I did not decide the in the job description, but she directed at me. It reminds me to watch for that type of behavior in myself |
| C68 | Come up against a brick wall readjusting the journey (course) and doing it again. Also at altar when celebrates Eucharist things get clarified |
| C69 | A yr. post ordination, a retired clergy person pulled me aside and said, "God called you to be a priest the church affirmed it and ordained you, now you need to believe it." Difficult to hear, but important. |
| C70 | I am amazed that church did not give up on me in my immature and rebellious phase. Mystery of sacramental life and gift of our Common Prayer tradition upholding us and embraces us. I give thanks for their patience, wisdom that ultimately embraced me beyond myself into my priesthood. Images, symbols surrounding sustain and shape us |
| C71 | |
| C72 | Personal formation cause in seminary … growing stress — not too long later, she was able to appreciate the support of the community. |
| C73 | time of ordination while studying in home parish |
| C74 | felt called to full-time educational ministry — Bishop Banyard said no — disagreed with Bishop — released go into education (Christian). Felt the Bp. launched me into new life and supported my decision. |
| C75 | spiritual difference via work shop with person |
| C76 | At church near where I went to college; I was 7300 miles away from everything I know; it formed me as an adult Christianity. The rector left my Junior year and that put off my call to Priesthood. |
| C77 | Sat morning men's group — similar age, demographics=cs, for 14 yrs. Weekly grappling with issues of faith, implications for daily living. |
| C78 | as a new ordained person — parishioners offered support — help her to grow into identify — can not minister by self |
| C79 | The deep pastoral care of the bishop and canon to the ordain as a clergy person — a very difficult parish. This opened up lines of trust in the people that supported me and in God. |
| C80 | Gathering of community — find support —challenge the a priest by the congregation |
| C81 | daily worship in seminary |
| C82 | Seminary experience of fellowship and regularity of worship |
| C83 | being called and inspired to take care of a French stranger in church and bringing the whole church into her care, being supported by many nuclear family and with this woman on a daily basis until she died |
| C84 | A woman approached him, said she was committed to pray for him and for God's guidance in leading the church |
| Beginning discernment process — St. Bart's, Ho—Ho—Kus NJ supported no matter what! Congregation and friends affirming you | |
| C86 | Gay blessing 2005 — issue of justice/injustice — supported and encouraged by Bishop. Received many gifts — new parishioner, parents acknowledged gay children, young teen came out |
| C87 | morning prayer from the prayer book |
| C88 | Listening to the rector at vestry meetings talking about how Jesus helps us form our lives. He had very deep spirituality about him. Deeply in Jesus whole approach to people — what Jesus did. I tried to be a kinder, more loving person because of his example |
| C89 | When I was supported by home parish when I became an as priest. A member of the congregation said we would be lucky to have you as a priest |
| C90 | |
| C91 | In 1970's running an inner-city parish in New Brunswick. |
| C92 | Years ago — Cursillo reunion group that met regularly — intention on helping each other on living daily life — accepting of each other —able to support each other deeply — went on for a couple of years — huge experience. |
| C93 | Changed form Newark to Bethlehem to support the process leading to ordination. Ten plus years, sometimes very active — a place to come from and go home to. In Newark doors closed, in Bethlehem they opened. |
| C94 | Teachers of the reaffirmation process (small group), facilitation hones struggles in discussion with each other. |
| C95 | Small groups — appreciate, ic, men's groups where we are real about our lives/struggles: all about authenticity — need to facilitate ways of doing that together. |
| C96 | Formation through pastoral function. Able through own disability to reach out to those on margins. Church has supported that ministry and mission. Team also has allowed her to see her leadership and has been recognized. Personal life also about those on margins. |
| C97 | Support through education process, recognize your gifts and affirmed. Present parish has had difficult times — but have not got trust in Holy Spirit — great support for spiritual development leading to support of each other. |
| C98 | I went to seminary clueless. I got there and it just came to me what it was all about. In living out my daily life. I was clear that this is how I do it, we depending on Jesus — the acceptance of a love that's freely given. |
| C99 | Start of spiritual direction 23 yrs. Ago. I found myself being found,, supported and challenged in deep and powerful ways and continue as active lay female than as active female priest. Without support of other women who walk with me and went before me and own those who look for mentoring from me I could not do this, my Xian identity as a woman has been hidden, obfuscated by the tending of the church for centuries. |
| C100 | during period of discernment — supported by committee, stood behind him when he doubted, went to school planning to dropout spoke to Eric for along time. At end of time he became certain that he belonged. |
| C101 | Late 60's being in a parish primarily black and the priest bringing the two congregations together to become. All are equal in the sight of God. |
| C102 | Bernardsville, very wealthy community, preconceived notions, touched by one woman — put on jeans and said need companion with grace, Plainfield, outreach ministry, lived gospel, value — relationship. |
| C103 | The credo conference. First the church really cared about him and his ministry. To be asked how can I help you? — In all areas of ministry. To brewing clarity into a cloudy life were people want something form him.. A time when someone gave something to him |
| C104 | When he was a kid, when reeking the church's teaching serves as a teenager. Felt invited to the table with the adults. |
| C105 | Bible studies in assemblies of God. Sundays started with bible study. Mandated to take class. Reviewed what we studied. Which class had highest number for people got banner. More commitment attendance. Rewarded evangelism. |
| C106 | Seminary and each congregation formed and supported me in variety of ways; having a Bishop that accepted and supported me including my lifestyle. |
| C107 | During Diaconal studies — when I wanted to quit my church kept pushing me — supported my bigness in compassion |
| C108 | Sophomore in college confessed calling to chaplain to priesthood — long before women in priesthood. Reply — everyone has vocation. You need to find out what God needs you to do now. Stayed with church, irregularly, could have dropped out, involved with stewardship, outreach — was welcomed to be involved at that level. |
| C109 | Two simultaneous experiences — seminary and worshiping community at seminary helped me to find myself as a Christian person: Holy comforter, Chicago a saintly priest, process took about 18 months |
| C110 | At my ordination to the priesthood |
| C111 | On being asked that our parish host a community soup kitchen, and presenting that request to our vestry, no objection and the vast acceptance occurred within from minister. |
| C112 | Early years of Civil Rights Movement — PB and other church people — stood up for what is right |
| C113 | Sometimes problems in the church can be the opinions of Christian. The church gives things to do that give ownership of church, but sometimes it is too much. |
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