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Rev. Dr. Stephanie A. Ford, "The Essential Call to See the Light in Each Other"

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  The Essential Call to See the Light in Each Other ---Rev. Dr. Stephanie A. Ford                              At the heart of ministry is an insight perhaps named most clearly by our Quaker sisters and brothers – it is this, that there is “something of God” to be found in every soul, a “spark of divinity” in every heart, often referred to by the Friends as the “Inner Light.” Rabbi Jen Feldman also named this precious spark in a blog: “[it is] Judaism’s understanding that we are born with inviolable, pure souls – the inner life spark from God that unites us with the One.” ( Journey of Mourning, 1/13/22) I have experienced the power of this truth. Once when I was struggling with my own mental health difficulties, a woman I had never met before came over to me, looked me straight in the eyes, and said, “The light is strong in you.” This stranger gave me an incredible gi...
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Rev. Chris Furr, Covenant Christian Church, "What We Need Is Here: Friendship and the Epidemic of Loneliness"

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  What We Need Is Here: Friendship and the Epidemic of Loneliness   --- Rev. Chris Furr     There are so many wonderful gifts that come with being a clergyperson, especially one that works in a congregational setting. I recently crossed the ten-year mark in my current ministry setting, and I am seeing the fruits of deep relationships with people, formed over time. I have watched children grow up, watched loving couples grow old together, seen people make important life changes, and most importantly, seen people grow in their faith and step into their callings. We pastors are invited into some of the most sacred moments of people’s lives: when they are grieving loved ones, navigating a sudden career change, welcoming children into the world. It is a profound privilege, and I experience the blessings of it often. For many of us, this is what keeps us going in ministry and what drew us to it in the first place. Of course, being a pastor can also be an extremel...
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