Pearls?

"Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw

your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample

them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces."

-Matthew 7:6

I could go about a thousand different ways with this verse but every way I look at it I am left wondering one thing: what are the pearls?  What are these holy things? That's the theme of this blog. Over the next three years Matthew and I will embark on a journey that provides an opportunity to answer this question in ways unimaginable.  We both are excited, nervous and anxious to see how God leads us on this journey.

This past week we were invited to take a trip to Austin, Texas and gain a glimpse into seminary life at the Seminary of the Southwest.  We were welcomed like long lost cousins who hadn't been around in a while but everyone was happy to see them.  We both knew by mid-Monday morning that we were in the middle of something special.  Even though it was a campus visit and there were four of us that were trying to find a home for our formation, everyone from students to faculty were authentic.  They talked about their common life, expressing the positive and the challenges.  

I had the privilege of sitting on three classes while we were there and immediately knew that they weren't just about equipping you with random factoids and useless platitudes, but made real effort to connect what was being taught to real life. I walked away hungry for more.

Worship life while we were there was thoughtful and deep.  We had the opportunity to pray morning prayer, evening prayer and celebrate Holy Eucharist.  Some in English and some in Spanish.  Southwest likes to expose those who worship there to every liturgical possibility that they can.  Rite one, Rite two and even the Enriching our Worship resources, they bring it all out. They even had incense and chanted the Eucharistic prayer. :) 

We met so many wonderful people who amazed Matthew and I.  Their stories encouraged us that we weren't alone in this process and that others too have felt the same mix of emotions that we are.  We even had a chance to connect with some fellow Arkansans, Caden and Jennifer.  Caden is in his junior year.

Below are some pictures from our visit.  Over the next couple of weeks we will be finalizing the admission process to see if Southwest will have us as part of their community. Pray that God will provide clarity for both us and the seminary as we discern and work through next steps. 

The Open Garden Area

The Cross-Instead of having a crucifix inside on or behind the altar, Southwest has a large cross sculpture that can be seen through the chapel window.  This is a reminder that we are called to be the church outside of the building.

Christ Chapel- When the building was constructed they wanted a space that could be fluid, thus no fixed altar.  The furniture in the chapel is moved around throughout the year, season to season.  It is a great opportunity to see what one can do with space.  The large stone wall, we were told, was an effort to mimic the Western Wall in Jerusalem.  

Cafeteria and Auditorium