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A little
bit about me and my understanding of this ministry
This is my 6th year coordinating the JHYM Retreat program. I have been involved in youth ministry work within Friends for over 20 years, serving on staff for JYM Retreats and JYM Sessions, as well as for Junior Gathering at FGC. I have served as the Friend in Residence for Junior Gathering, co-coordinated the Jr Hi Program at Sessions, written curriculum for our Meeting’s First Day School class, and been a teacher in every First Day School class from preschool through high school.
I went through the School of the Spirit program, out of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, On Being a Spiritual Nurturer in 2002-2003.
I have a degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, an extensive background in education and literature, and have been the children’s program coordinator for a local independent bookstore for the past 8 years. I have also done numerous folktale, art, and bread baking workshops in our community. Life is generally full to overflowing around me, with coveted times of being on my bicycle, in my garden, in my kitchen, at the beach, and with friends and family.
My husband Buddy and I have 3 young adult children – Ben, Katey, and Jeremy – who have taught me volumes about life, humility, gratitude, and being a nurturer. They grew up within Friends and thrived in NEYM’s youth programs. They have always been some of my best supporters and advisors in this work. Buddy is a fabulous Jr Hi Staffer, and I love having him on retreats. I am grateful to all four of them for their patience and generosity in sharing our lives and time.
I believe that I am Called to be a spiritual nurturer of children, teens, and the adults around them how ever Way opens, seeing ‘what love can do.’ What follows is my credo in ministry:
I believe that God is present every moment of our days and that adults and children alike can and do know this Loving Presence. My role in ministry is as a baker is to bread. The Holy Spirit provides the miraculous leavening as Grace in our midst. I am asked to tend the rising by being fully present, by listening deeply, and by offering simple sustenance for the journey. Gentleness, intentionality, patience, clarity of heart and mind, constant prayer, and humble trust in the Spirit are essential when nurturing the tender hearts and souls of God’s Children. Laughter and joy are as necessary as Silence.
At every age, we can know each other as brothers and sisters in the Stillness of our covered Worship and in safe and loving faith communities. Rooted in this blessed Communion, we can find support for new growth and sheltered rest from the world’s challenges. Creativity and beauty, whether in music, art, words, movement, or nature, all help to nourish and stretch our relationships with God. Appropriate, loving touch and simple acts of kindness and compassion are Love in Motion.
Programs,
themes, song lists and supplies are wonderful, but all we really
need is God’s registration and attendance. The essence of our
ministry is to pay attention and be fully present to the tender
hearts of those before us as we go about our work and play in
holy fellowship. What an incredible joy and honor it is to be
here in God’s Kitchen, witnessing grace and love growing within
and amongst us all.