Updates
EQUIPPING LYDIA
We would like to congratulate all the ATS alumni who have participated in the Ministry of Spiritual Direction program the past 2 years. This experience has cultivated a rich environment for folks to deepen their spiritual formation journey and gain skills in the art of spiritual direction. Each month, participants gathered for retreats that encompassed liturgical worship, prayer, and dynamic discussions surrounding topics that delve into relevant matters of formative practices. Those who have journeyed together through this program have built lasting friendships and experienced personal growth that has brought witness to the redemptive work of Christ. We invite you to read these testimonies from a couple of participants in this program…
“I had been hoping to be a part of such a program for nearly 10 years and was thankful that Asbury had the foresight and vision to provide a certificate program in the Ministry of Spiritual Direction. I believe it has and will equip me to better serve God, my church, and community.”
“Before hearing that this program would be offered, I had never heard of spiritual direction before. I did not grow up with a church background that included spiritual direction. I was intrigued when I read the description of this program and was excited to dive into something new that God was pulling me toward. Something that has impacted me the most has been the invitation to meet with a spiritual director. Since I was not familiar with it before, this was a whole new journey for me and has brought a lot of growth and healing. I can’t imagine not having a spiritual director now. By becoming more of who God desires me to be through meeting with my director, I am also being better prepared to offer direction if the Lord puts that in my path one day.”
If you are interested in more information on finding a spiritual director or on how you could participate in the Ministry of Spiritual Direction program, email info@equippinglydia.org , or go to EL’s webpage to read more about the MSD program.
WEDDINGS
Asbury alum David Nonnenmacher, M.Div. 2015, got married to Sarah Bottoroff on June 22 in Missouri. David is currently studying at Trinity in Chicago where he met his beautiful bride.
Two current Asbury students, C. J. Brown and Chelsey Jones, got married in on campus in Estes Chapel on June 24. They have moved into Kalas Village, the family housing on campus
SUMMERTIME BLUES & EXCITEMENT
Summer in Wilmore, Kentucky, is a sad time for our community as many families and students are packing up and moving out of our community. Many have graduated and others have taken jobs while continuing to study online. Though we are happy for these ministers going out in the world, our community grieves as transition occurs.
There is also incredible excitement as many new families are moving in already this summer! The Office of Community Formation has been doing an incredible job of welcoming these families as they offer them help with moving in and a delicious meal.
Our transitional community is certainly in limbo now, and we covet your prayers as we enjoy this summer of transition and move toward a fresh, new year in the Fall!
We have just completed our move to Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada. Downsizing is difficult. Great to be closer to family.
I am celebrating my 5th Year Anniversary as Pastor of Adult Ministries at Church of the Open Door in Elyria, Ohio. (Our senior pastor, Jim Mindling, is a D.Min. ATS grad). We now have two satellite campuses in Vermilion and Avon Lake, as well as one in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I am looking forward to attending the President’s Retreat.