by Elizabeth Terney
Sometimes, I take a second glance at my life out of surprise. How did an unprogrammed Quaker deliver two Advent sermons this year, not just as a guest preacher but as a pastor? It’s a long story, but I’ll shorten it for you: I followed God’s guidance.
In 2019, I received an invitation from Christopher Sammond to attend his Participating in God’s Power program. I wasn’t sure I was right for the program. I’d only been a Quaker for a few years and wasn’t sure of my “spiritual maturity.” I started researching the School of the Spirit on the Internet and ended up on the Earlham School of Religion website, where I had the second life-changing spiritual experience of my life. I knew in mind, spirit, and body – to a cellular level – that I was to attend ESR. I had no idea why, but there it was – my path. During the next two weeks, I met several chaplains when I had never met a chaplain before. The nudge was loud. It needed to be, for I was not yet adept at following Spirit’s guidance.
I made attending Participating in God’s Power my experiment. I desired to know whether I could fit in in seminary. I didn’t know much about the Bible, Church history, or really anything. More than confirming my leading to attending ESR, Participating in God’s Power was a life-altering experience for me. Christopher and Angie taught me how to find Spirit even in dark moments. My relationship with Spirit, whom I lovingly refer to as God, flourished in ways I had never anticipated, blossoming into a deep and abiding connection.
I ultimately completed my studies at ESR in May with a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Pastoral Care. I am a part-time co-pastor at a lovely Meeting in West Elkton, Ohio. I’m working on my third unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (chaplaincy training) at a retirement home and at Dayton’s Hospice House. I’ve applied for my dream chaplain job and hope to hear something soon. (Hold me in the Light, please).
For Advent this year, my copastors and I chose the theme of “Light in the Dark”. My experiences in Participating in God’s Power were inspirational as I used poetry to discuss how the Light shines even in the depths of our struggles, revealing that God’s presence is often most profoundly felt in our moments of despair.
I am where I am in life because of God and the School of the Spirit, and I’m so fulfilled to be here.
