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
Rev. Vanessa Titang 