The UU Society of Greater Springfield celebrates the oridnation of former member Samhna Erin Scott! Here is a note from her, to you...
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Dear UU Springfield members and friends,
By now, some of you have heard the happy news that I was welcomed into Preliminary Ministerial Fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in December. My interview with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) was a truly beautiful, affirming, and even enjoyable experience!
Your congregation served a crucial role in my ministerial formation process. I don't think I could have gotten to where I am today without you. I came to your meeting house seeking a solution to an internal conflict: I had felt the call to ministry for some time, but I also felt deeply disappointed by churches in general. And yet the call persisted.
The first time I attended worship at UUSGS, I cried. I felt relief, hope, and a deep sense of coming home. The authenticity I witnessed here-- the way you truly lived your values and were in genuine relationship with the rest of the Greater Springfield community-- that kept me coming back. You were open and inviting, and at the same time you didn't smother me with welcome. I had some healing (and more crying) to do before I was ready to engage. You gave me the space I needed, and welcomed me into your lives when I was ready. I am still "a cry-er." But now I cry because I overflow with gratitude and love for this extended chosen family. Thank you for created the place where I could accept my call to ministry.
In Unitarian Universalist tradition-- and our theology-- only congregations have the power to ordain ministers. So while Preliminary Fellowship allows me to "enter the workforce" as a UU minister, I am not yet a Reverend Minister until I have an Ordination Ceremony. That ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 11th. It would mean the world to me to see your faces there.
I am honored that two congregations have chosen to ordain me in a joint ceremony. They are the UU Church of Nashua, NH where I served as Ministerial Intern for two years, and the First Parish Church of Groton, MA where I currently serve as Assistant Minister. The Ceremony will be held at the Nashua church, followed by an all-vegetarian lunch.
Please, please join us! And please RSVP using the link provided. That will help us estimate how much food we need, and be aware of any allergies. The ceremony will also be live-streamed, if you are unable to make the two-hour drive to Nashua that morning.
The celebration will also include a Name-Change ritual. My decision to change my name has been a long time in the making, and is in-part based in my decision to commit myself to peace in all areas of my life as I officially take up the role of Minister. There is a link on the RSVP website where you can learn more about my new name.
This will be a deeply meaningful ceremony and a joyful event. I look forward to celebrating with many of you in April!
With love,
~Sámhna Erin Scott
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