A Week in the Life

As a full-time seminarian, who still works his first career, my schedule is packed. My career funds my life, seminary forms me, and, for very good reasons, the formation process requires a close and active relationship between seminarian and home congregation. From what I can gather, the idea of learning-by-doing plays a central role in the formation process. Learning-by-doing often includes guest preaching (“pulpit fills”) at local congregations.

(Photo of a nun on a bike - not Joe but a pretty accurate representation)

My friends and family are generally either bemused or startled by my schedule; the idea of coordinating two separate vocations into one schedule doesn’t make sense. It’s intense and exhausting and possibly a little nutty, but leaning into my calling “fills my bucket.” There’s no way to measure - or accurately describe - the joy I feel when I connect with others and help people take one or two more steps toward their spiritual self-actualization.

Right now, I’m sitting at a diner in Ormond Beach, Florida. An open wi-fi connection and steady supply of Diet Coke have both become part of my routine, as I sneak in study/research and writing time whenever the schedule permits.

I just had the wonderful experience of preaching at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ormond Beach. I have a few hours to kill before the rest of the “to-dos” on my list for the day and I thought I might share a little of this past week. Here is a glimpse at a heavier week in the life of a UU seminarian.

Sunday - Guest preaching at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lake County; up before dawn to edit the sermon and drive an hour to the congregation

Monday - Work (8 hours), homework (4 hours), and I would ideally add in my home group AA meeting, but ducked out of if this week because of schedule pressure

Tuesday - Work (8 hours), homework (4 hours), and write an interfaith presentation for a local Lutheran congregation

Wednesday - Work (8 hours), homework (2 hours) and give the interfaith presentation

Thursday - Work (8 hours), homework (2 hours), Florida UU Ministers Association gathering/networking, and pack for trip to Denver

Friday - Fly to Denver (5 am), spend the flight editing a sermon and writing internship applications, quarterly in-person school intensive, and Iliff UU student meeting/dinner

Saturday - School, fly home (land 11:30pm), and spend the flight doing homework, editing sermon and internship applications

Sunday Morning - Guest preaching at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ormond Beach; up before dawn to edit sermon and drive to the coast, preach

Sunday Evening - Formal meeting with potential internship advisors and attend installation of Ormond Beach’s new minister, and drive home