by Eva Kortekaas, Netherlands Fellowship
Mid December 2024, I was once again lucky enough to travel to England to continue my ministry studies at Unitarian College. Honestly, it was hard to believe this was already my third time going, marking the halfway point in the residentials. I arrived in Manchester the night before the Residential began and took the time to wander around the city a bit, exploring the Christmas markets scattered all over the city center, but I also took a brief look inside Manchester Cathedral, Manchester Central Library and even popped into a shop or two.
I really enjoy the connection with my group of fellow students and arriving felt a little bit like returning to a little piece of home away from home. I often feel the same when I attend one of our EUU retreats. We were in Great Hucklow at the Nightingale Centre, about an hour from Manchester. It’s a significant place in UK Unitarian history and it is seen as a symbol of Unitarian values and community spirit, both past and present. Though started out as a convalescent home for ex-servicemen in the 1930’s, it now serves as a retreat center. Many Unitarian groups have hosted activities here, both for adults and children. It was pretty funny… everyone was very surprised that I had not been there before. Maybe because I am simply a part of the group and they all had been there before? I don’t know, but it definitely gave me a good giggle. I will say, one of the biggest blessings of the past year has been being part of this group of fellow students and learning together.
Like with the other two Residentials, the days were filled with a lot of material. Most of it focused on leadership in ministry. During one session we spoke for example about what the role of a minister is within a community. We talked about topics like vision and purpose and how they guide the decisions you make and actions you take. Another session was quite practical, as we explored the role volunteers play in communities, challenges that come with this and how to best support volunteers. Another session explored intergenerational dynamics within a community and what might work to draw in certain groups, especially children and young adults. Other sessions covered topics like Unitarian ethics and how they play a role in one’s ministry. We also had two fun, but challenging sessions on working with children. What are their needs and how do we meet these, both in and outside the service.
It’s also a beginning tradition for the students of Unitarian College to lead a Christmas Carol Service on Friday evening in the Unitarian Old Chapel in the village. This year it was also live streamed for the first time. The Chapel was built in 1696 and has been in use ever since. We had started our preparation during the September Residential with a division of roles, selecting the carols and brainstorming other parts. My part was the opening prayer, which I chose to write myself. During the service we lit the chalice, sang songs like Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, Ding Dong Merrily on High, It Came Up A Midnight Clear and Joy to the World. The readings and reflection explored the many ways to look at and to experience Christmas. Afterwards we shared hot drinks and minced pie with the community.
Being at the halfway point with the Residentials has also made me reflect: How has this year at Unitarian College changed me and how have I grown? In some things, I gained a lot of new knowledge, like Unitarian theology and leadership skills. In other areas, it was more of a consolidation of bits and pieces of knowledge and skills I have learned before, like with group facilitation. Perhaps one of the most valuable things has been being able to gauge how far along I am with some of my skills and knowledge. When you try to find your own path and do a lot of self-study, that can be very challenging. And so far I’d say I have been doing pretty well. I am still not sure how I will give my calling shape and form in the end, but I do feel I have grown more secure in my calling and certainly found confirmation that I am on the right path.
Eva Kortekaas