Here are some pictures of my lovely new home.(Picture credit goes to Amanda P. and John R.)
I have been a PTS for 5 weeks. I'm sorry about the delay in updating, but for the first little while I was at seminary I could barely keep up with anything.
Seminary.
I am in love.
I LOVE it here. I feel like someone who was starving and who did not realize it until they were fed.
Here is a short list of things that are wonderful about seminary life:
1) Everyone is trying to follow Jesus as best as they know how, consequently most people try to be nice most of the time
2) We have chapel every day (Monday through Friday) and it is ALWAYS good. The sermon quality varies, the music varies, but there is always some part of the experience that I love
3) Princeton is a beautiful place (the town is pretty snobby and upscale, but the university looks like Hogwarts. . . and how could that not be cool??)
4) My classes are GREAT! My professors are some of the best in their fields, and all of the material is super interesting/ relevant to my interests. My classes are challenging, and I love it.
However, seminary is not without its challenges for me. I am currently the only Quaker student on campus, and honestly it gets a little lonely. I am getting very good at explaining my beliefs to people, but honestly, sometimes I get pretty tired of always having to explain myself.
Also I am politically and theologically more liberal then most of the rest of seminary. It doesn't generally bother me, but every once in a while, I wish I could have a conversation about salvation without having to defend what I believe to a table of people who think I am crazy (or heretical). I am beginning to realize how rare Christian universalism is. . .
I am also trying to decide where I want to worship on Sundays. I have visited the nearest Quaker meeting, and I have also been attending a Quaker meeting that is slightly farther away but it part of my Yearly meeting (keeping that connection strong seems important). I have also attended a Presbyterian church and an Episcopal church (won't be going back to the Presbyterians, but the Episcopal seemed pretty cool).
I am not going to lie. . .I love music. And I have a growing appreciation for liturgy. And I find taking communion to be a powerful experience.
If there was a Quaker church near by that would be one thing. . . but as it is, I am not sure where I belong.
I am required to do CPE and also a field education placement as an assistant pastor at a church. I spoke with my advisor and we have decided to place me at a UCC church. I think it will be a pretty good theological match, but part of me wishes I could be at a Quaker church (which wasn't possible).
I feel like an exploration of all of my feelings around my Quaker community would require a separate posting, so stay posted. :)
