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April 29, 2015, a date that changed my life forever! That was the date I stepped into the journey to formal ministry! Hello! I’m Rhonda Thorne, and I’m on-track to be ordained!
This date started it all, as it was the time I received my formal invitation to attend a special conference just for those seeking ordination in my denomination, Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). Gathering in Austin, Texas, we spent nearly a week discerning our call, learning about what it means to be a minister in MCC, and so much more. Without a shadow of a doubt, I knew I had finally taken the first of many steps towards being formally ordained. I had taken the first step to answering the call to be light and love to the world.
You see, I couldn’t ignore the call to formal ministry any longer. The desire to love, lead, empower, and serve was so overwhelming it consumed my very soul. I’d waited thirty-seven years for this blessing! There was no respite for this restless soul until my heart gently whispered, “Here I am, Lord.”
As part of this journey to ordination, there have been quite a few requirements meant to prepare me to be the best minister possible. One of these requirements is learning to be a chaplain. In this process, I am required to complete at least Unit 1 of four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). In order to meet this, I am enrolled as a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) student at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in the Summer Intensive. However, this experience is not covered by financial aid, and I am raising funds to offset the various expenses involved with this part of the journey to formal ministry.
-Lodging is a dire necessity, and I anticipate this being at least $3,000. Since the seminary and main placement site are two hours away, I require at least three days’ a week lodging for twelve weeks. And, because there will be reading, journaling, research, and other required assignments, I will need a quiet place to stay where I might best focus on these tasks.
-Travel expenses to-and-from the seminary and main placement site are necessary. From gas to car maintenance, these expenses, $1,200, will help me travel safely and efficiently in my journey.
-Food will also need to be considered, as I will not be staying at home when present at the seminary and main placement site. Conservatively, I anticipate this cost at $1,000.
-Tuition , books, materials, and a required wardrobe round out the expenses. I anticipate this combined need being $2,100
Your contribution will allow me to continue the journey to ordination, answering the call to formal ministry by completing Unit 1 of Clinical Pastoral Education. I am incredibly excited about this journey as I continue to learn new ways to love all of God’s people, to be light and love, the heart, hands, feet, and voice of God to the world.
Your support is such an incredible answer to prayer! Your contribution gives me the opportunity to complete this first Unit of CPE and assures me that the challenge of various expenses truly can be overcome. YOUR HELP will allow me to learn what it means to be a chaplain; YOUR GIFT will help me answer the call with a much-needed peace of mind as my heart whispers, “Here I am, Lord.”
This date started it all, as it was the time I received my formal invitation to attend a special conference just for those seeking ordination in my denomination, Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). Gathering in Austin, Texas, we spent nearly a week discerning our call, learning about what it means to be a minister in MCC, and so much more. Without a shadow of a doubt, I knew I had finally taken the first of many steps towards being formally ordained. I had taken the first step to answering the call to be light and love to the world.
You see, I couldn’t ignore the call to formal ministry any longer. The desire to love, lead, empower, and serve was so overwhelming it consumed my very soul. I’d waited thirty-seven years for this blessing! There was no respite for this restless soul until my heart gently whispered, “Here I am, Lord.”
As part of this journey to ordination, there have been quite a few requirements meant to prepare me to be the best minister possible. One of these requirements is learning to be a chaplain. In this process, I am required to complete at least Unit 1 of four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). In order to meet this, I am enrolled as a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) student at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in the Summer Intensive. However, this experience is not covered by financial aid, and I am raising funds to offset the various expenses involved with this part of the journey to formal ministry.
-Lodging is a dire necessity, and I anticipate this being at least $3,000. Since the seminary and main placement site are two hours away, I require at least three days’ a week lodging for twelve weeks. And, because there will be reading, journaling, research, and other required assignments, I will need a quiet place to stay where I might best focus on these tasks.
-Travel expenses to-and-from the seminary and main placement site are necessary. From gas to car maintenance, these expenses, $1,200, will help me travel safely and efficiently in my journey.
-Food will also need to be considered, as I will not be staying at home when present at the seminary and main placement site. Conservatively, I anticipate this cost at $1,000.
-Tuition , books, materials, and a required wardrobe round out the expenses. I anticipate this combined need being $2,100
Your contribution will allow me to continue the journey to ordination, answering the call to formal ministry by completing Unit 1 of Clinical Pastoral Education. I am incredibly excited about this journey as I continue to learn new ways to love all of God’s people, to be light and love, the heart, hands, feet, and voice of God to the world.
Your support is such an incredible answer to prayer! Your contribution gives me the opportunity to complete this first Unit of CPE and assures me that the challenge of various expenses truly can be overcome. YOUR HELP will allow me to learn what it means to be a chaplain; YOUR GIFT will help me answer the call with a much-needed peace of mind as my heart whispers, “Here I am, Lord.”