Susan Oakes' Seminary Adventure
Donation protected
After many years of discernment, I am heading to Seminary of the Southwest to begin my formation as a priest in the Episcopal Church! This new adventure will take me to Austin, Texas in August. Being a strong believer in life-long learning and that God works through us throughout life, I am pleased that at the age of 51 years old, God and I still have some pretty incredible work to do together.
Our family’s home in Birmingham has been our anchor and our sanctuary. Because we still have a lot of transition happening in our family at this time with our almost-grown-up children and my mother who has late stage cancer, we decided it is important for Steve to stay in Birmingham to work and maintain our home while I move to Austin by myself. We believe this is the right path for now. Being geographically single will also present challenges, including financial stress.
Will you please consider investing in my formation as I prepare to serve the Church? As we have been preparing for this next big step, I am grateful that I have received a 100% tuition grant from the seminary for this year, as well as financial support from the Diocese of Alabama and my home parish, St. Stephen's. I have made grant requests and will be participating in work study. There is still more than $15,000 in expenses that I am requesting from family and friends, and I am hoping to receive enough donations by July 15 before I am scheduled to move on August 2. Of course any amount, big or small, will be helpful and welcome!
$10, $25, $50, $75 or any amount you feel comfortable in contributing can go towards room and board, books and supplies, transportation and miscellaneous (food, gas, insurance, etc.) or any of these specific expenses:
$100/month - apartment utilities
Austin is predicted to stay warm till October!
$200/one person or $50/four people- sponsor books and supplies for one class
I will take 5 classes my first semester: History, Bible, Music, Liturgy and Craft of Ministry
$500/month - studio apartment
Thankfully, internet is included in the monthly cost
$872/year - student lunch plan
The seminary employs a local chef to provide lunch Monday through Wednesday each week
$500/trip - geographically single travel
Steve and I have carefully mapped out times for traveling so we can stay connected
I am so eager to begin this formation process for serving the Church as a pastor, teacher, and preacher, and I am full of gratitude for your financial support, love and prayers during my seminary adventure!
Love,
Susan
Our family’s home in Birmingham has been our anchor and our sanctuary. Because we still have a lot of transition happening in our family at this time with our almost-grown-up children and my mother who has late stage cancer, we decided it is important for Steve to stay in Birmingham to work and maintain our home while I move to Austin by myself. We believe this is the right path for now. Being geographically single will also present challenges, including financial stress.
Will you please consider investing in my formation as I prepare to serve the Church? As we have been preparing for this next big step, I am grateful that I have received a 100% tuition grant from the seminary for this year, as well as financial support from the Diocese of Alabama and my home parish, St. Stephen's. I have made grant requests and will be participating in work study. There is still more than $15,000 in expenses that I am requesting from family and friends, and I am hoping to receive enough donations by July 15 before I am scheduled to move on August 2. Of course any amount, big or small, will be helpful and welcome!
$10, $25, $50, $75 or any amount you feel comfortable in contributing can go towards room and board, books and supplies, transportation and miscellaneous (food, gas, insurance, etc.) or any of these specific expenses:
$100/month - apartment utilities
Austin is predicted to stay warm till October!
$200/one person or $50/four people- sponsor books and supplies for one class
I will take 5 classes my first semester: History, Bible, Music, Liturgy and Craft of Ministry
$500/month - studio apartment
Thankfully, internet is included in the monthly cost
$872/year - student lunch plan
The seminary employs a local chef to provide lunch Monday through Wednesday each week
$500/trip - geographically single travel
Steve and I have carefully mapped out times for traveling so we can stay connected
I am so eager to begin this formation process for serving the Church as a pastor, teacher, and preacher, and I am full of gratitude for your financial support, love and prayers during my seminary adventure!
Love,
Susan
Organizer
Susan Lott Oakes
Organizer
Birmingham, AL