Moira's Musings
Reflections by Moira Guertin Merrill, Student In Care

I talk in order to understand;
I teach in order to learn.
-Robert Frost

It was just a few years ago that I began to discern my calling to ministry.  I have come to realize that a call to ministry may or may not first be recognized in one moment; but it always is a culmination of experience, openness to the spirit, and commitment to a lifelong process of discernment. 

A calling is a journey; and I believe that I am meant to share my journey with you. 

Below you'll find some random thoughts (it might evolve into an actual "blog"!), and to the right you will find links to everything from seminary term papers to Sunday school curriculum pieces and some of my first sermons. I hope you find some value in this as I share my journey with you.

God Bless! — Moira Guertin Merrill

August 19, 2006 — What is a "Student in Care"?

I'm frequently asked just what I am. Here's how my new role was introduced in the February '06 newsletter:

STUDENT IN CARE OF THE ASSOCIATION

Many of us know and love Moira Merrill, and we’re getting used to the idea that she’s going to seminary. But the language of “Student in Care of the Association” isn’t as familiar; many probably have little to no idea what it means. We decided now is a good time to try and introduce the idea and the language, as well as giving Moira an opportunity to introduce herself to those who don’t know her.

The official language of the Constitution of the United Church of Christ is that “A Student in Care of the Association is a member of the UCC who has been called by God and who, under the care of the member’s Association, is preparing for the ordained Christian ministry.” Less formally, In Care is the relationship between a student preparing for ordination, her local church and her Association (in our case, the UCC churches in Rockingham County). Moira has been interviewed, voted on and welcomed as a Student in Care of Rockingham Association, and she has been assigned a mentor who will work closely with her throughout her years of study and preparation.

As her local church, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to walk with Moira as she journeys, offering support, challenge and encouragement. We can provide her with experiences of ministry, such as occasional preaching, working with youth, and joining our planning conversation. She has met with the Diaconate and will continue to do so on an annual basis, in order that we might offer her a place to explore her growing sense of ministry, as well as an awareness of our prayers and support for her journey. Feel free to ask her what she’s learning and how she’s growing!

And here's my own piece from the same newsletter issue:

I bought a new t-shirt recently.  It’s comfortable; but that’s not why I bought it.  It says “WADE” across the front. 

Adam Wade (a Manchester native and a personal acquaintance) moved to New York City right after college to pursue a career as a comedian.  He had $300 in his pocket and no place to stay.  He spent years getting coffee and running errands for famous comedians who couldn’t even remember his name. 

So, one day he emblazoned “WADE” on a t-shirt and wore it to work.  No one forgot his name again.  As his own comedy career took off, Adam wore his “WADE” t-shirt on stage one night.  Instantly, fans were requesting their own “WADE” shirts.  Www.adamwade.com says: “WADE” t-shirts represent the journey of a young man pursuing his dream in NYC…Bless the good people who wear the WADE shirts.” 

Right back at ya, Adam!

Like Adam, I am on a journey. My “WADE” t-shirt seems to be an apt metaphor.  I am ‘wading’ in the waters of authorized ministry.   I am currently pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree at Andover Newton Theological School.   I have taken classes in theology, New Testament, and administration.  I have been accepted as a student in care of the United Church of Christ; and yet…I am wading.  I have made the commitment to get my feet wet and I am enjoying my stroll in the water.  Want to join me?

The In Care relationship between a seminary student and a congregation is just that- a relationship.   Whether we dive right in, or if wading is more your style; we won’t be treading water.

I want to invite each and every one of you into the water with me.  Talk to me, ask me questions, and share your thoughts with me.  I have much to learn and much to share.  So do you. 

Our spiritual journey won’t always resemble a walk on the beach; but remember the poem “Footprints”?  When Jesus isn’t walking beside us, it is because he is carrying us.

So, let’s walk, talk, wade, swim, laugh, and cry together.  But, whatever we do, let’s be intentional. Let us seek Jesus Christ together.  
Come on in, the water is fine.

It has now been almost a year since I was voted In Care of the Rockingham Association.  For now, I continue to take four classes a year at Andover Newton and to work mostly online until both of my children are in school (my oldest starts first grade this year).

I have continued to be involved in various projects at First Parish, and recently I have begun to do some supply preaching (that is sort of the minister’s equivalent of substitute teaching).  I spent this past Sunday morning leading worship in the Chester Congregational Baptist Church (see my sermon).  That opportunity, and the time I spent with the congregation was truly a blessing.