January 19, 2010

 

The first semester of my journey has come to a close.   Since September I have had to deal with many guilty pleasures. Having my time filled with biblical studies and being on the campus of a seminary has far exceeded any and all of my expectations. The most challenging part has been finding enough time to devote to the enjoyment of the material being introduced. The more I do, the more I want to do. If only everything in life was like this!

        The classes this semester ranged from a writing class to ministering the bereaved and dying. For those of us counting, I have completed 17 course hours towards the needed 92 for the Masters in Divinity. I will be returning to campus late in January to begin classes for the next semester. I have enrolled in seven classes and am excited about each one of them.

I had hoped to get into a 10 week Hospital Chaplaincy program during the summer, but it looks like I will be taking Biblical Greek for 6 weeks instead.  Thanks to my mathematics background and being in a sorority during my undergrad years, I am familiar with some of the symbols but otherwise will be building from a blank slate. I look forward to being able to read the Greek New Testament instead of a translation.

        The highlight of the second year is the International Cross-Cultural trip in January. I eagerly await the official announcement letting me know where my class will be going next January.   The trip is a requirement for graduation, but I would eagerly sign up either way. I will have a class in the Fall Semester that will involve making preparations for the trip.

        I was fortunate to be hired to work at the Seminary Library to work one day a week. I had considered going off campus for employment but was concerned with an employer’s willingness to work with my class schedule and semester breaks. I worked in the library while working on my undergraduate degree, but that was so many years ago, much has changed.

        I will be back on the Outer Banks for Spring Break at the end of March.

Cindy L Bovee

 

561 College Ave B203

Lancaster, PA 17603

cbovee3227@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 12, 2009

 

As I was informed on Friday in Orientation, I am now officially a Seminarian! Although a lifelong dream, I never thought it would become a reality. I made the final move to Lancaster on Wednesday the 9th after bringing most of my things the week before. I have a second level campus apartment with only stair access; I was blessed with several friends who made the trip from NC and VA to assist with moving in.

 

My plan is to make St James’ Episcopal Church my home while in Lancaster. They have a Saturday evening Eucharist service which, if I attend, will allow me to church hop on Sundays.  I am very much out of my comfort zone in Lancaster and the familiarity of the Episcopal service is much needed. Lancaster has a rich variety of churches in the city and I hope to visit them all to get a taste of what they are like. The Seminary also holds chapel Mon-Thurs following a variety of traditions which sounds promising. I understand I will be expected to participate in organizing and putting on such services, yikes!

 

I start classes Monday the 14th. I will be taking Intro to Old Testament, Biblical Interpretation, Theology and Ethics, and Ministry-Bereaved, Dying & Families. I have already started working on reading assignments for the first day of class. Tuesday is the only day I have a class before 1pm, now that is spoiled!

 

I want to thank each of you for your prayers as I begin this journey. Having you as part of my spiritual family has been a blessing.

 

Peace and Grace,

Cindy

561 College Ave B203

Lancaster, PA 17603