Rev. Vanessa Titang

Tag: formation

  • Post MFC Meeting Reflection

    Post MFC Meeting Reflection

    Hello dear ones,

    Much has come to pass since I have updated on my ministerial journey here– I realize now I never updated on the decision of the MFC after my meeting!
    So I was “continued in candidacy”, with some contingencies to complete. Upon completion I can be granted preliminary fellowship. Some ministers I know who previously saw the MFC tell me the MFC used to call this “passing with contingencies”. So I passed. But, it was hard to feel that way after the decision was made. It was definitely a mix of emotions and hence probably why I never got around to posting here.

    Since then I have completed a number of my contingencies, with 2 remaining (UUA Renaissance Modules). I will take the modules this summer.
    Of the contingencies I completed I was asked to view the UU Trauma Response Ministry website, educate myself more on “Safe Congregations”, and to read My Grandmother’s Hands, by Resmaa Menakem.
    My Grandmother’s Hands was a challenge, but a necessary one. I had already had a copy of the book, but never got around to reading it until now. I HIGHLY recommend it, but also to be sure to have a support system in the process; it brings up a lot of difficult topics that can further be difficult based on your own personal story.

    After doing these things, and having time to process I am appreciative of the pause and discernment time the MFC enabled me, with their decision. I don’t think I could have written this well to inform immediately after their decision. Some things take time, and I have a habit of “taking the long way around.”

    Blessings,
    Vanessa

  • This is Your Life

    This is Your Life

    Welcome to this moment
    Welcome to this now
    Welcome to your only
    In hours, minutes,  seconds
    Welcome to the never to be again,
    As time passes
    By
    This is your now,
    This is your life.

    ***

    Reflection:
    In formation I am learning to be vigilant to what I feel,  think,  and experience in a way I never have before. I regularly take consult in a therapist (something I think everyone should do). In a recent session I confided that I’m done letting fear and what could possibly happen dominate my life  and the associated decision making in the process. If I had let fear take the wheel entirely I would not be in seminary right now; for fear over student loans. This is my one known life. It would be a sin not to live it to the fullest.

  • How Far I’ve Come

    How Far I’ve Come

    Intern ministry is going well, and I’m relieved by the completion of the winter holiday season of December. I got a real taste of what excitement and stressor this season creates.

    I’m getting a clearer picture of what I want to do with my career after I graduate and later ordained. More details coming upon further fleshing them out.

    I have an appointment to see the MFC in September. I graduate in May. All these real dates of completion in the soon to be future are unbelievable– have I really come that far!?

    I’m so lucky to have the supportive community of 3 congregations both growing and cheering me on. My biggest hurtle left ni believe n is the stack of books left to tackle before seeing the MFC. That’s what summer will be devoted to after graduation and internship completion (which will run into June).

    I am seeing the minister in myself now. How far I’ve come, and how much I’ve grown in ministerial formation!

  • The Stream

    The Stream

    Spirit,
    A stream, a river,  a flowing body,
    That is what you are,
    And we each are droplets,
    In the course,
    Are bubbling,  babbling,  over the path forward,
    No awareness of our destination,
    Or how we’ll make it
    Through,
    But we are here,
    And flowing,
    In and of,
    Made of,
    Because of
    You
    This our path,
    Destination unknown,
    Are safe and secure by unseen borders,
    Flowing,
    Splashing,
    Going,
    Always moving forward,
    On,
    Marked by shifts,
    Waves,  torrents,
    Boulders,  rocks,
    And
    On we flow

  • To Grow a Minister

    To Grow a Minister

    So far,
    In such a short duration,
    Growth measured in moments not meters
    Who will I be
    When I reach this my formation,
    I’ll learn in the words and faces,
    Nods of encouragement from the congregation,
    Ministerial poise,
    I am learning
    Growing the muscle of a human heart
    In ways I never knew possible,
    Stretching and strengthening the tissue and sinew
    To engulf the needs of others,
    The tears and fears,
    Joys and triumphs,
    Bittersweet memories

  • Formation

    Formation

    Formation is being the adult you always admired, but never thought you could be .

    It is developing figurative muscles you didn’t know lay under your skin.

    It is grasping a colleagues hand in solidarity,  knowing you are both invested in this same,  shared process.

    It is singing Woyaya and understanding the meaning,  despite not knowing the language. 

    Formation is bringing the you,  that was always meant to be into fruition.

    Baby steps that climb you up the mountain.

    One foot at a time.

    This is Formation,  left, right left.

  • Coastal Wedding Bliss

    Coastal Wedding Bliss

    I conducted my 1st wedding!

    The wedding was held at the Wilson Museum, Castine, ME, on July 10th, 2021.

    It went wonderfully! The rehearsal was a bit chaotic with the downpour on Friday, July 9th,  but we completed a run-through without sound tech.  Fortunately the wedding planner was there,  and between the two of us we were able to coordinate everyone.


    For the wedding, I arrived 30 minutes early to the ceremony on Saturday,   in regular dress clothes. I spoke with and coordinated with the wedding planner and sound crew. Fortunately the weather was perfect, and only the damp lawn was of any concern (they used sawdust/ wood shavings to soak up the grounds). 


    I robed, and we were lined up by 3:55pm and began proceeding once the “bride” was present a little after 4pm.
    I was confident in my presentation, and honestly not anxious at all! I think I missed a word twice, but effectively reworded so it was not obvious.The audience was receptive to the ceremony,  and some laughs were included. The “groom” teared up (maybe allergies?). There was much “cheering and whooping” at the end. 

    Afterward I spoke with the musicians and complimented them on a beautiful accompaniment. I was approached by a few attendees; and I spoke with the mother of the bride and father of the groom afterward–all had only positive things to say about the ceremony,  and seemed very happy.


    I must say I felt very comfortable and confident in my ministerial role. This has been an affirming event in my formation. 

    In ministry I am sure I am where I was meant to be.