A Week That Felt Like a Month, Tied To Her for Years
At the Unitarian Universalist Association Summer Seminary 2014, yes, students learned about what it’s like to be a religious professional, but they also learned about navigating in and appreciating the city of Chicago. They also created deep bonds with one another to find the Spirit of Life within and all around them. Rhea Brown-Bright, from the progressive oasis of the First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City, recounts her experience. –Ed.
SUMMER SEMINARY WAS MUCH MORE THAN…
By Rhea Brown-Bright
When the plane left the ground of Chicago
When it left all the friends I had made behind
I knew my life had changed
Summer Seminary wasn’t just a place to be for a week
It was a week that felt like a month, that will be tied to my brain for years
It was exploration
Was friendships
Was sharing
Was a place made safe by all of those around us
It was learning how to use public transport, and being on trains
It was learning about ministry, talking, and finding out what the call was about
It was (for some of us) figuring out our call
It wasn’t just learning what ministry is
It was learning how to get involved in ministry
How to do ministry
How we all do ministry every day
Summer Seminary was more than just a week
It was beauty
Not just beauty of the architecture around us
The beauty of the souls around us
The ideas around us
The strength of the voices around us
It was the confidence that we saw grew in the shyest of us
Summer Seminary for anyone will never be just a week
It becomes the Spirit of Life
Touching everyone
While strengthening the roots upon us
Now, watch Rhea Preach-Off !
Rhea Brown-Bright is a 16 year old girl, who lives in Oklahoma City and is a Red Dirt Poet. She likes to play the guitar, play characters in school plays, and play on playgrounds. She enjoys everything pumpkin spice and everything plaid. She aspires to be tall and hilarious. She is currently working on both.
I love the lines “How we all do ministry every day” and “Not just beauty of the architecture around us / The beauty of the souls around us.” Thanks for the beautiful reflection!