Does Not Wisdom Call?

 My first immersion experience reflection on Christ the King Wilbraham's website:

After only four days at Christ the King, the following passage from Proverbs strikes me as particularly relevant:

Does not wisdom call, and does not understanding raise her voice?  On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; besides the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries out: “To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to all that live.  O simple ones, learn prudence; acquire intelligence, you who lack it.  Hear, for I will speak noble thing, and from my lips will come what is right…” (Prov. 8: 1-6)

For much of my life, but particularly over this past year, I’ve been actively, and (I hope) prudently discerning my call to ordained ministry.  While my discernment process has already helped to affirm my sense of call, I know there’s still so much learning to do!  Much like the passage above illustrates, wisdom and opportunities to learn abound… and they’re certainly here at Christ the King.

As I start my immersion experience at CTK, I’m at a crossroads in life: after two years out of school, I plan on attending seminary this fall and I’ll also return to work at Camp Calumet this summer.  At this point I’m trying to discern what strengths I’ll bring to ministry and what areas need some work.  Learning opportunities have constantly presented themselves over the past few days: I found the care taken in music & worship planning this past Sunday afternoon truly inspirational, and hearing how many of you have uniquely contributed to God’s work at CTK has been an amazing experience as well.

While I find great opportunity for my own learning at CTK, I’ve also seen great opportunity for your congregation.  Working through the upcoming construction project will be a great time to be even more out connecting with the community for instance, and Lent is always an excellent opportunity for stewardship and spiritual growth.  Many thanks for all of your warm welcomes this past Sunday, and I look forward to spending more time with you over the next couple months.
God’s peace,
Dustin