Chaplaincy Studies

ULC Seminary

Master of Chaplaincy Studies

Rev. Nick Federspiel

You Have Only Just Begun… from lesson 20. No truer words; no matter when and where one is in a project, as the old saying goes this is the first day of the rest of your life, This day a new chapter in the project has just begun. Except that with Chaplaincy it is not just your life but others as well and "us" chaplain's, ministers, pastors, reverends and evangelists have volunteered for this responsibility and duty. In my opinion this course was full of simple practical information. Did it take?

About Lesson 5 – The Chapel – Where One Ministers: Hospitals, Hospice, Nursing Homes – Part II; I decided to call the local hospital and inquire about volunteering as a chaplain. The door was slammed shut, not interest, barriers, rules, etc. "They" said that ministers were only allowed in the hospital by INVITATION of the PATIENT – IF - the patient specifically requested of the staff to see their minister AND the patient was a REGISTERED member of the ESTABLISHED church's congregation! I kid you not. WOW! Was I deflated! I felt like I had just read a lesson and took a step towards becoming a public enemy. "They" said the rules were made by the legal department. The hospital's lawyers are now their patients' spiritual gate keepers and the patients and doctors answer to them. Generally speaking, it has been my observation that few professions are as void of training in spiritual inspiration and moral discipline as are lawyers and law schools. The local hospital is a tangible case in point.

Later, on Christmas Eve, I attended a special holiday Anglican service held at the college chapel that I pastor services at on Sunday Mornings. The priest has a very active and long standing mission chaplaincy program at "correctional institutions." His staff were all "corrected and enlightened." A Long story short; he invited me to accompany him on his mission to observe and become aware of the how his program operates. He felt that in the correctional facility one meets many types of personalities, some salvageable and some not, but all were once NOT YET incarcerated and some will be repatriated and those are certainly people any chaplain or minster might meet along the path of life and mission service any time any place. There it was; the chaplaincy door slammed shut and locked tight earlier was suddenly wide open. You Have Only Just Begun.

Chapter 9 – The Listener - My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak… (James 1:19, NIV). This is the hard one for me. I want to jump right in and help right now, impatient am I, and I have to restrain my offer until I fully understand the issue. THINKING one understands the issue is simply unprofessional and inadequate. One has to be very certain one understands the issue or the person being administered to might feel even more left out and not accept any offer of assistance from the chaplain, lord, or anyone else.

Lesson 13 – Traps to Avoid - When I am asked about an area that I have no training or experience in, I will be honest and say, "I'm sorry, I have no experience there. I can give you some ideas or tips from scripture that you can study but if your problem is serious like you say it is, I can refer you to a professional better equipped to…

I could not help but think of our local lawyer run hospital making care decisions by rule for the patients in an area in which they have no training or experience and worse yet appreciation for another's profession. Worse yet, spiritual assistance and the Holy Grace have produced spiritual medical miracles time and time again – look what they are denying their patients! It is tantamount to torture. In our small chapel I minister prayer requests between the reverent prayer and worship service and the sermon. No private prayer requests is my policy as the power of the congregation in prayer exceeds that of only me. Last November a new attendee with a long standing and diagnosed inoperable thus lethal brain tumor submitted to God and prayer. Today he is up and around and feeling fine and the doctors call it a miracle. Is that chaplaincy or ministry? I am not sure if there is a difference really, but it shows how the Lord listens and he provides "professional" Godly services to the worthy and open minded.

Appreciating the gifts other devoted and competent people can deliver to help one's spiritual patient is part of our duty as is bringing God closer to the bedside by bringing the patient closer to God.

Lesson 14 – Ceremonies - An application meeting: This is where you meet with both persons. Ask them why they want a "religious" wedding ceremony. I find this to be a wonderful time to learn more about what the couple believes and why. Often this leads to friendships long after the wedding where I mentor them spiritually. I explain my policies for weddings. If the institution has any policies (use of chapel and grounds) also provide them as well. I would also give the couple a "data collection" form that I use to review in preparation for pre-marital counseling. …

I performed my first wedding of mixed faith partners in December. Neither was really committed to 'their religion' but the parents demanded a "church wedding." So the question was to decline a church wedding or make it into an opportunity? Opportunity knocks is my business. When the lesson 14 like process above was undertaken, and the congregation chipped in to make it a better wedding than the budget allowed for, and the wedding completed – AFTERWARDS – in a chance encounter the couple was exuberant in praise and gracious and generous with appreciation. A light had been lit - I pray it stays so.

From lesson 1: The Need is Great - There are hurting people everywhere. … A chaplain can help come along side those who are hurting. This unique minister is still viewed as the "keeper of the sacred" by those who are unattached to a religious congregation. A prayer, a word of advice, a simple ritual, and a touch of a caring hand does much for people who seem alone, detached, or afraid. I am reminded of the teaching of Jesus Christ who taught the parable of the sheep and goats: (Matthew 25:34-40, New King James Version).

Matthew 10:1-18 NKJV "Jesus the Good Shepherd" Chaplains and ministers many times stand at the gate with the responsibility of inviting many in need IN and explaining to them, ministering to them, as to why IN is better and for them. The Mansions of God per John 14:1-5 ( … many mansions … and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.) The mansions have some fine doors (gates) and it is "our" duty to help as many as we can to have a place PREPARED ready and waiting and an Inviting Light On in the window for when that time comes.

My point is chapter by chapter this ULC Seminary Chaplaincy course is an excellent summary and brings forth real issues. Congratulations dpastordan@closecall.com.

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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Master of Religion

Master of Religion Course Final Essay I appreciated this course very much and found it most interesting and varied in the number of subjects included, all of which are necessary for a Christian Minister of whatever persuasion. There are many points that a keen student can learn from a close study of the lessons. The content was of much value particularly in the lesson on women in the ministry of the Church because they should be fully included  in that vocation as they have much to offer in service to the Christian Church and can bring a different and distinct outlook to any denomination.  To deny them the right to serve in a full capacity is to lose much authority and opportunity. The lessons on church history followed by the contribution by Bishop Pat was very appropriate as St Paul was, with St Peter, the foremost leader of the early church, spreading the good news around the Mediterranean coasts to the centre of Rome. His epistles show his caring love for the new Christians even though they were falling aside from the truth.  It was helpful too, in the early lessons to have a good summary of bible basics for both the Old and New Testaments, and the subject of Bible Study, with the emphasis on having a good guide when doing so, was necessary to ensure that one was getting the true meaning of God's word. It was also good to have some firm views on subjects like Marriage, Family, Divorce and also some comment on some of the social evils of our time with guidance on Counseling. This is a very tricky subject for the inexperienced and needs more in-depth study for those undertaking this hard but very valuable contribution to our society. Overall. I found that I enjoyed working through the course and can honestly say that I looked forward to each lesson, and found valuable help and guidance throughout. Rev. Derek Kemp ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirituality

Master of Spiritualism/Defining Spiritualism

Final Essay

By Dennis Zerull

Conceivably defining spiritualism could be a bit like defining the Universe. The possibilities are endless and the definitions in form or language could fill volumes of texts in the largest of libraries around the world. When one thinks for a moment of each and every individual's experiences both positive and negative just upon this planet alone, not to mention the experiences in different dimensions not yet understood, it brings me back to a simple thought from Carl Jung. Jung said "the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being".

This course touches upon that light buy the author's own experiences as well as using examples of some of the worlds best known philosophers works recorded to date. While some of these philosophers had made attempts and what is seen by some as great strides in trying to explain the human condition, they were somewhat successful in developing a course by which man can achieve great goals and others have failed miserably. Such is the case with Marxism to suggest one example. The "one system" that works for all in the utopian way of thought can only lead to the undoing of this illusion at some point. The author does a fine job in pointing out this fact. But when taking this course the student must ultimately decide when it comes to philosophy what course lies ahead and which one they will follow. Yet this course does a good job in taking a look at some of the more popular routes throughout history.

I do find it a bit odd that the author in his last lesson would say that: "I have decided that any philosopher who has never been married (and who if married has not made it through at least ten or more years of marriage) is a philosophy that is less than worthless". I beg to defer. The Dalia Lama has never been married and has proven not only to be one of the great philosophers or our time but a great spiritual leader, author of over 25 books and mentor to millions of people on this planet. It may be because of the great suffering that the author experienced in his life on the road to enlightenment or spiritual experience that this perception is made in his statement. But ultimately I think the point he makes in this course is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The course one takes is entirely up to the individual.

Some humans are born into a great spiritual condition while others must struggle to find what it is that brings them closer to the God of there understanding or consciousness. Perhaps it is maternal love, empathy, and other positive mental states or unpleasantness that eventually triggered a deep state of calmness, clarity and compassion. Some humans will never find any spiritualism in this life at all.

As humans, simply coping with the internal and eternal challenges that present themselves on a daily basis leaves little time for reflection to evaluate our habitual responses to day–to-day events and consider that perhaps there may be other options. Over time as the author mentioned in his lesson, a deadening sense of suffering can occur and our egos play it out in endless scenarios of pain and misery to were it finally becomes a sense of, this is the way it is and the way I am and there is nothing I can do to change it. In most cases people suffer horribly or aren't even aware of this way of seeing themselves and the world around them. This basic attitude of hopelessness sits in a layer of sludge on the bottom of a lake, present but unseen. Robert Frost once said: "the best way out is always through". Some people can't grasp such a radical alternative right away so we start to suffer from our own thoughts. We may start to avoid people, turn to drugs or alcohol, loose sleep, hide in our homes, or fight with our loved ones until all you can think about is figuring out how to escape. Unfortunately there is no escape because we can't hide from our own minds. Eventually if we are fortunate we finally figure out that the problem is the solution and we begin to understand what the particular situation is. We begin to seek something greater than ourselves. In the Christian tradition it may be the teachings of Jesus or for a Buddhist the first teachings the Buddha gave after he attained enlightenment.

Spirituality or enlightenment is a term that can sound a bit grandiose or unattainable by most people. It is actually quite simple. In terms of thinking it can be as simple as habitually walking through a dark room, bumping into the chairs or a coffee table. One day by luck or accident we brush up against the light switch or a button that turns on the lights. Now suddenly we see the room and all of the furniture in it, the walls, the rugs and perhaps with a deep sense of wondering we actually see it for the first time. We realize the light switch was always there. We just didn't know it or maybe we just didn't think about the possibility that the room could be anything but dark. We have spent our lives navigating in the dark that we've forgotten how to turn on the light.

As humans we also suffer from not getting what we want and not keeping what we have. Whether it is marriage, our jobs, or in some cases our faith in God or your concept of a God or Spirit. Life doesn't stay in place for a moment. All living beings and the contents of this world are impermanent so therefore we should not suffer from attachment to a set of beliefs or perceptions. Change your perception and your experience will change. We all experience a profound desire to survive, to live and maybe experience some moments of peace. Finding peace in silence or meditation helps us to comprehend that thoughts, emotions, judgments and sensations come and go and helps us realize that attachment to our perceptions of who we are or what we are, what we want, what we need or what we don't want are common to all living creatures. Acknowledging that all conditions are bound to change, we can approach each moment with a bit more clarity and allow new avenues in our life to flourish and grow.

The desire for everyone to achieve happiness in this life and the effort we put forth to achieve that goal is done through loving kindness. Buddha knew this and Jesus knew this. Both gave us direction and instruction to practice. Spirituality may come and be perceived in many forms. A thought, an experience, a moment of profound clarity. When you choose to be happy, you can't avoid seeing the same desire in others. When you clearly look at your own fear, anger, or aversion, you can't help but see that everyone around you feels the same fear, anger and aversion. This is wisdom. The awakening of the heart, the recognition of our connection to others is spirituality.

Each morning when I wake up I try to shape my thinking in beneficial ways before I begin my day. I have to watch my own thought process and try to observe my mind so I do not get immersed in it. It helps to extend human values outward, extending from a single person to your family and from your family to their friends. In this way we can not only transform our family but our communities and hopefully our nations and our world. If we cultivate our minds in the way of the spiritual leaders that came before us and we practice what they taught us, it will lead and spread to a better world. Practice the profound. "May my body, my speech, and my mind be used in a more compassionate way so that they become a service to others".

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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Religious Philosophy

Master of Religious Philosophy ~ Lesson 23 ~ Religion and Science - Partners or Competitors Rev.Fr. Andrew R. M. Manley Q.1.) What is your view? Which relationship do you usually accept? Even if you have not previously used these terms, which is your view of scientific and religious knowledge? A.) I personally would agree more with the Religious Philosophers and open minded scientists. Q.2.) Numerous religions recount stories of miracles (events or actions which appear to defy the so-called 'laws of nature'). What are your thoughts on these miracles. A.) Mark Ch. 4 Ver. 9 thru 12; vers.9) And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 10) And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. 11) And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12) That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; This is just one of many examples within the Holy Bible that give some credit to what I believe to be true of Natural Science and Religious acceptance. There are other books,chapters and verses with in the Holy Bible that reinforce my belief that there are intersection between both throughout history. Most of it has to do with acceptance of something new, challenged or perceived as factual until proven other wise. until that time all knowledge is in Gods time to reveal to mankind, and for mankind to except, or not. Q.3.) Do you believe that these miracles are true, but the natural sciences are simply incapable of understanding them (because they are outside their 'field of expertise')? A.) Yes, by the knowledge of the doctrine of the Holy Bible which is by faith, it is so. Science can not prove faith nor can it prove spirituality and God. Q.4.) Do you tend to believe that there is a scientific explanation for these miracles that we just have yet to discover? A.) All things are possible, when we are ready to hear and believe than and only then will we except what is revealed. Q.5.) Do you believe that God (or gods) intervened and set aside these natural laws? A.) I believe in what I know, I also believe in faith and things not yet revealed. So yes, In my thought, my heart, and my knowledge God did and does intervene with natural law as we know it. I emphasize as "we know it". Q.6.) Do you think that the miracles are religiously exaggerated to make a religious point, and that the actual event would be harmonious with the natural laws if this exaggeration had not occurred? A.) I can not tell for sure because I was not present at the time of the accuracies. However, throughout the Holy Bible parables are used to help people to understand and relate to what message is being conveyed at the time. We do the same thing today it is just that our technology and our ability to communicate has advanced far beyond what was understood decades ago. Q.7.) Or, do you think that anyone who believes in miracles should be confined to a facility where they can't hurt themselves? A.) No, absolutely not. There are many things that have happened throughout history that can not be explained and if two or more experience a situation than it, with a small degree of doubt and faith should be accredited to the possibilities of account. ******************** The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Comparative Religion

This course reaffirmed for me many long-held beliefs in the commonality of man, as well as helped me discover new connections across traditions and times that I had never known of before but always felt must exist.  I am much more confident in discussing various traditions with others than I was before taking this course, as I was at a loss for the words to describe my ideas. We are all wrapped in God's everlasting grace, though in our limited human vision we can only seem to embrace one of God's infinite versions at a time.  Imagine my surprise, learning in my 40's what I suspected to be true since I was a child: we are all children of God, by whatever names and forms we envision for our Higher Power.  Newly empowered with the right terms and a thirst to learn about my human brothers and sisters, I have reached out to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and atheists.  My rewards are immeasurable, and the friendships I've made are strong and true and based on shared love of the spirit of God that lives within us all.  In the case of my atheist friend, it is the love of humanity that we share. I found nothing in the Comparative Religion course that needed improvement.  I'm pleased with the content and I refer to my printed discourses often for information and refreshers.  Occasionally I would run into a broken or outdated link, but not to be dismayed, I'd google my way to alternate sites for related information and allow the journey to circle me back to Kythera Ann's material for the week.  Her writing style and presentation is exceptionally beautiful, professional, and of the quality that one finds in a hard bound book.  My expectations were not only met but exceeded and made me want to delve further into each subject when I was finished reading the discourse.  I'm definitely going to continue learning with ULC courses as the format is perfect for me.  Living with MS (multiple sclerosis) means having to be flexible and always be prepared to go with Plan B should my true ambitions fall through for the day.  The unpredictable nature of the disease means rigid classroom schedules are an insurmountable obstacle.  ULC gives me back my Plan A and allows me to read and research on my time as my situation allows.  That translates for me into a fuller learning experience and not just an exercise in stressful deadlines and commutes.  My gratitude is immeasurable.  Finishing this course, my first course at ULC and the first class I've been able to finish since MS, means something incredibly special to me.  I am looking forward to working my way through another course and then another.  Thank you for your time and consideration.  Peace be yours! Joy Lynn Zen Rosenberg ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Shamanism

An Upside Down Perspective Our culture, environment, and social constructs dictate who we become, writing messages on memory neurons that weave the web of what becomes our worldview. Maturing is the art of making sense of this network of information, applying aspects to our characters while discarding others. The journey of life, being, and the sense of self is a discovery into the soul, manifesting itself in the who of what we portray ourselves, outwardly. Without inward reflection, integration, and contemplation, we are simply puppets of our environment, our culture, and our society. Birth implies a journey into being human from a spiritual existence somewhere outside of learning to live in a machine that functions differently from what we know as spiritual beings. Once human, we must conform to the limitations of this machine, or risk being labeled mentally ill. Mental illness is the Western world's descriptive for what the machine can not understand. It provides the necessary distance from the fear that this unknown territory manifests and it provides justification to remain apart. To embrace the unknown is to gain understanding, acceptance, and connectivity. My journey in being human has been the challenge of standing between these two world views. One foot is standing on my near-death experience as a child where a calling to embrace the spiritual conflicts with the other foot that stands in rational thought and reason. Having a Native American Great Grandmother who served as the Shaman for her tribe compounds this world view and challenges my decisions. Topping off this ancestral role is my educational background in psychology, specifically, mental health. At midlife, this dual conflict must be resolved. Through this series of lessons I have been able to sort through this decision. From different world perspectives, these lessons have shown me how to make sense of why this decision is needed. I find it ironic that the last lesson was supported by Saybrook, the graduate school of choice when 9/11 hit home on the east coast. My flight to California that week had been canceled due to a false diagnosis that I had a brain tumor, which turned out to be a wake up call. I did not understand why I felt doom and gloom for two weeks, prior to 9/11. I also heard the cries of souls two weeks before the tsunami and again with hurricane Katrina. Through another 28 events that altered my world view, I fled to Australia, where an upside down life changed me forever. I returned with a greater understanding and appreciation for the connectivity of life. I embraced my gifts as part of who I was and I embraced my non-Western worldview. I know we are heading into major change and I know, it is important to hold on for the ride. These lessons have given me a greater respect for my heritage and roots, where rare gifts were once hard to live with. We deep gratitude, I end this course. Rev. Eileen Tapper ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Religious Philosophy

Religious Philosophy Rev.Fr. Andrew R. M. Manley Q.1.) What does "dominion" mean to you? Does it entitle you to kill anything you want? For food? For sport? What about non-living natural resources? Does dominion give you the right to take whatever you want or need, and not worry about the long term impact? A.) Dominion, is the essence of productivity and creativity. It means the ability to feed the human race, to cloth the human race and to sustain the human race. With out the ability of dominion we as the human race would not exist. But along with dominion comes responsibility for with out responsibility we again would cease to exist by exhausting the worlds resources. Q.2.) The Chinese invented paper, gun powder, wine, and numerous other things that we now take for granted. And yet, it was the West that developed the "scientific method", and the West that created the entire "field" of science. Since China was clearly capable of brilliant individual inventions, why do you suppose the organic development of science happened in the West rather than in China? A.) The answer to me is some what simple and that being, education and the ability to acquire and advance the resources needed to expand on the experimentation and exploitation of curiosity. The advancements of technology surpassed the Orientals  means of distribution and communication. Being intellectual in the Orient took prestige and influence to prosper but, the ability to produce institutions of higher educated individuals was made effective to the masses of all economic society in Europe. ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirituality

Spiritualism for me materialized as though a bucket of ice water had been tossed onto my soul.  The younger years of my life were relatively placid:  I did all the things that my family and society expected of me but there was always an emptiness and questioning inside.  I felt lost, no, bereft of spirit and knew I needed to reclaim it. Physical ministering to those who need it is the easy part.  Food, clothing, shelter:  these are the most basic needs and thus the easiest to give.  Nourishment of the spirit?  You have to dig down deeply within yourself to find that answer.  For me it was like an epiphany because I would lay awake at night and literally watch my life play before me as if on a movie screen.  And I realized that while I had a soul, I had no spirit. Materialism played a part in the old Rita:  getting out there, working, earning money, and that was it.  There was no fulfillment because my soul and spirit were getting nothing from it.  My rude awakening came in 1987.  I hadn't been feeling well for a while; I'd put off doctors' visits and tests because I couldn't bear to miss a day of work.  And then I had no choice.  I had my fourth miscarriage and needed emergency treatment.  While performing the procedure, my doctor noticed an irregular formation indicative of State I cervical cancer.  I was 32 years old and came to in the recovery room effectively neutered - he had performed a total hysterectomy.  Then I was told that the deformities and Stage I development noted was a unique one:  usually found in the daughters of women who had been treated with DES during difficult pregnancies.  I was 32 and unable to bear any more children.  I was a failure and stereotypically, worthless as a woman. When I asked my mother she cried bitterly and I believe she blamed herself.  At that moment I hit rock bottom and knew I had to pull not only myself up, but also my mother.  God had spared me - but why?  That was when I realized that perhaps it was for a higher purpose.  It took a long, long time for me to gather the strength to look within myself and to confront the Rita I had become over the years.  I didn't like her very much and told her to get with the program.  I needed to heal my soul and that has been my life's journey ever since.  I understand that we are not meant to know all Divine intentions, but that we accept them gladly, no matter how difficult they are, because they are part of the purpose God has for us. I faced a lot of personal demons and there were times I could not look into the mirror of my soul without shielding my eyes.  God's love for us is whole because it embodies our spirits and we cannot separate the two. My ULC courses have made me more aware than ever of the spirit and I see the Divine Hand in every thing, every day.  We are all children of the Spirit and I feel that these courses put me into a unique position - to help others find and heal their wounded spirits and to understand that a rich soul can benefit you far more than a thick wallet.  The ULC has helped me find purpose which is why I am seeking chaplaincy. Rita S. Milo ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.   Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

To all fellow ULC course members~~ I have worked on FORGIVENESS with family and others for years in different situations. I never really hit quite the Bulls Eye with those letters as I did with this round of writings. I chose to write a form of 3 letters. When I did the assignment, I just let it all flow or, I would never get to it to start with or get this part of the assignment completed. I was amazed at how rigorously honest I could get with each one, my Creator and Medicine Helpers came to help me as I chose to focus and DO THE ASSIGNMENT! They assisted to keep things at bay and helped me to not get to distracted. I was surprised at what came out on the paper in each step of this process in this discourse. I found; it was Honest, Non-Judgmental and straight to the point in each step of the way which helped me tremendously to stay focused and walk through it as best as possible. I have assisted in FAMILY CONSTELLATIONS healing work for others. Now I know you receive the healing in your issues that are similar however, I have not been the one speaking of the family dynamics. When I finished, I noticed a lightness and an understanding of others in a deeper way that I have in a long time. As I visualized my grounding cord for this weeks work in seminary to ready self with greater protection tools. I find these are gifted to us, a chosen few~~ as we CHOOSE to LOOK for them and HONE, REFINE them, to assist with arming self with tools to destroy the buttons that others seem to push and this in turn allows in pain that harm self in all facets of one's embodiment, no matter how it enter the body. I learned about the grounding cord and the Golden Sun with a little tweak to it. I never understood the importance of collecting and burning off the energies.  this is very helpful key. I understand now, these tools are to re-mind us of what we are here to do, you re-member? our our mission our purpose? and how to weave through life carrying out our Divine contract or agreement, with less things attached to us well... Rev. Amy's discourses are to assist each of us to purify ourselves and Burnish us so we will do our jobs with; Clarity, Courage, Streangh and Love.  I loved this one as I was able to incorporate the assistance of Sister Sun and have her help me collect those parts of my self I have spread out in and throughout my daily events.  Collecting this back up and bringing it back into me if I choose or sending it into Sister sun to transmute... great one, Rev. Amy! I especially love the part of ...        **RE-member to ground out energies that don't belong to you*** Before this course I learned to ground to the center of Mother Earth by descending on a Silver/Golden/White cord and tie it around a large crystal shard in the center of a cluster at the center of the Mother in the center of liquified Crystal. Anything that was not for your highest and best and/or  based in a negative not positive would be transmuted in the liquidation that is of Crystalan structure.  Only Divine unconditional love could live/exist there in this environment. With this discourse I can now feel the movement to the crystalan base and I'm there. much quicker.... I have done this during meetings to stay focused and not be scattered, used while supporting clients in overwhealming situations emotionally, and have used this to gather more energy into self when I was needing a nap and no time allowed for this in my schedule. Thank you Rev. Amy. Blessings from our Sacred Medicine Circle, Rev. Ayanvli Rick ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Chaplaincy Studies

Master of Chaplaincy Studies  Rev. Terry G. Rempel                                                                               What a wonderful and interesting course. Rev. Dan Moore is an amazing person. Not only is he very knowledgeable with matters dealing with the chaplaincy but I also found him very spiritual. A lot of times it wasn't what he said but the way in which he said it. If he writes any more courses I'm certainly going to be taking them. I learned a lot from taking this course.  What I really like about the chaplaincy is its ecumenical approach. Although I'm a Christian I've always considered myself a very tolerant and ecumenical Christian. When I first considered taking the Master of Chaplaincy Studies course I had always thought that Chaplains were mostly all Christian and were all Pastors and Ministers of some sort. I was surprised to find that there are many Chaplains that embrace other faiths besides Christianity and I think that's just great. In this intolerant world that we live in today I think that what the world needs today is more Chaplains.  A Chaplain is certainly a Unique Minister as Rev. Dan suggests. People today are always on the go (some would say going nowhere fast). People change careers, move to different cities, go to war, go on vacation etc.,etc. A Chaplain has to be a very creative type of Minister. Not only does He have to serve people that seem to be always moving, but He has to serve people that are of a different faith than his own. This requires a level of tolerance and creativity that a normal Minister in a Church setting might never face. A Chaplain is basically a servant of God. There will always be hurting people and where there is hurting people that is where the Unique Ministry of the Chaplaincy should be.  Chaplains are people that are called to this unique type of Ministry. They have come to a stage in their lives when they want more than just the material or the face value so to speak. This usually happens even before the person is born, although we might not realize it until much later in life.The Bible speaks of God calling you even while in the womb. Rev. Dan calls this the Mark of the Divine, which is basically a hunger for something more, something bigger than physical life. Basically it is a desire or hunger for God as you understand Him or Her at your stage in your spiritual journey.  The Chaplain has to be a good listener, an objective listener. A Chaplain should have a thirst for knowledge not only spiritual knowledge but also worldly knowledge. He or She should have a child like curiosity about everything in life, being a life long student should be one of their goals. Also reading 1 Timothy and Titus (Bible) periodically to remind us that Chaplains,Ministers, etc., should be faithful, have good character, be of good testimony, practice sound doctrine (must know his scriptures) and be able to teach (good communication skills). Finally, as Rev. Dan says the Chaplaincy is a Ministry of presence, it is as if God is present when the Chaplain is present.  In this course I learned that trustworthiness, confidentiality, and compassion are a must. Chaplains/Ministers are called to a higher standard. Society also calls Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers etc., to a higher standard, but since Chaplains deal with the moral and God issue there higher standard is truly unique. Being a Chaplain is not for the faint of heart. It can sometimes be a very demanding profession as I've learned. A Chaplain deals with people when their at there worst. A Chaplain might receive a call at 3AM in the morning to accompany police officers to an accident scene. Or be asked to let family know that a child has been killed in an accident. Chaplains also have to be trustworthy, people have to be able to trust you, this will come only with time as you develop relationships and a good foundation of trust is built. Trust is built mostly by mouth control, knowing what to say and what to keep private. Quite simply Chaplains don,t gossip period. In the course it makes mention that information given to you belongs to the person giving the information. There are some legal Exceptions of course, but if you want to share information get permission first.  The Chaplain Ministry I believe and I've learned should also be a ministry of healing. Human beings are social creatures and as social creatures touch is important for health and well being. This is also a scientific fact. There have been studies done with infant children that prove this. Newly born infant babies that are handled and touched fare a lot better than those that aren't. The healing touch is truly a miracle and I believe we all have this ability.Its all a matter of the intent behind the touch. Before leaving this paragraph on healing, I can't forget to mention the healing power of prayer. When the average person thinks of a Chaplain/Minister they think that here is an individual that has God with them more so than a non Chaplain/Minister. With this belief system in effect this puts the Chaplain in a unique situation where prayer can often be very effective. The power of belief is an awesome thing. Prayer should always be used in A Chaplains Ministry of healing. Don't forget though when healing occurs, God gets all the glory.  I learned a lot in this course, but one thing I've learned is to know your physical limitations." Know thy self" is the old axiom. Chaplains I've learned can sometimes be very driven. This of course is very understandable, and a Chaplain should be motivated they are answering a very important call after all. The gist I got from one of the lessons in this course is that the spirit is willing but the flesh can sometime be weak. So with this in mind its important to always remember to take a rest from time to time. Take a day off, make sure to plan for and take vacations, also taking and occasional sabbatical might be a good idea. What it all boils down to is to "beware of burn out" as Rev. Dan says. You can't help others unless you help your self as well.  I think what helped me most about this course was the way in which it was written. This not to say that there wasn't a lot of knowledgeable facts because there was. What I'm trying to say is that I could discern information spiritually more than just knowledgeably. This certainly made the course interesting. And to be honest I always anticipated my next lesson.  This was an excellent course that I really enjoyed taking. The only thing that would improve on this otherwise excellent course I think would be more on counseling. Maybe an entire course alone could be written on this very important topic. I for one would certainly enjoy taking that course.  I was asked at the end of this course what I hope to accomplish as a result of taking this course. The most obvious answer of course is I want to become a Chaplain. I'm a 50 year old Christian man who's experienced a lot in life (lots of ups and downs) and feel I have a lot to offer experience wise. I understand that as a Chaplain/Minister one has to be very knowledgeable about matters relating to life, but I also think that life experience is also critical. When you've been there and done that so to speak I believe its easier to relate to people and council and help them more efficiently. One of the reasons of me wanting to become a Chaplain at this stage in my life is because I've made a lot of mistakes through the years. If I could just help one person avoid some of the mistakes that I've made this would bring me great joy. To see peoples lives being changed for the better and on track again gives me a spiritual high and all I can say is praise God!  Anyway as a way of ending this essay, I would just like to say, that whoever happens to read this would wish me good luck and pray for me. Terry G. Rempel ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

These 30 weeks of spirit-quest was an amazing adventure of spiritual discovery and it has enriched me in terms of knowledge, meditation techniques and self-transformation. It was my first course in Metaphysics and I have found the lessons so entertaining and useful that each week I enjoyed going through them just like I use to read one of my favourite books. Something else that I appreciated and shared with Amy was her personal life experiences which I often found similar to mine.   Lesson 2, about forgiveness, triggered an extraordinary change in myself. It usually took me some time to think over peoples' rash words or feelings. I used to be perturbed when, for instance, my boss started to shout over the phone or someone just turns his back on me. I did not have the awareness of how not to feel hurt. I have learnt since then about how to get rid of the pain and how to forgive myself and others in the process. To err is human, to forgive is divine.   Lessons 3 to 7 were also fantastic for me. I wasn't really down to earth and I spent most of my time at the office working hard on computations. My place of work was always crowded and not well ventilated. The tools helped me ground myself, free my space, bring in positive energy and made me happier and more enthusiastic and improve my performance at work as well.   I found the lessons on mock-ups, chakras and about amusement invaluable. I had stuck energy which I did not how to remove. I found it hard to get what I want or balance my energy when I was in a place with lots of foreign energy. I feel more balanced now as I know how to open and clean my chakras and I feel more confident to go around as I use protection roses. I create mock-ups and destroy roses and get things done more easily. I try to see the funny side of a situation and it's magical as it brings faster and better results and it even makes people perplex sometimes.   I also enjoyed the lesson 25 about dreams. I learned about how to use my astral body. I may have developed certain pre-cognition aptitude as some of my dreams have occurred later during the week. Lesson 26 about reincarnation deals with an interesting topic such as soul age. Michael's teaching goes into more details about this and I also experienced having past lives while doing akashic records meditation.   This course is definitely the cornerstone in my metaphysical advancement. Thank you again Amy for the great course.     P.S: "Helm, take us out of orbit. And Dishen?" "Yes Madam?" "Step on it." Rev. Dishen Mawven ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Religious Philosophy

Master of Religious Philosophy - Lesson 17 - Globalization Rev.Fr.Andrew Manley Q.1) Can you think of a Christian denomination that exemplifies the general Christian attitude about globalization? A denomination that is so convinced that they have the Truth the whole world needs that they will go to nearly any length to share it? A.) Jehovah Witnesses Q.2) Can you think of a Christian denomination that goes against the general Christian attitude about globalization? A denomination that is convinced that the Truth they believe they have is not necessarily the "way to go" for everyone? A.) The Mormons or rather Latter-day Saints Q.3) Where would you classify Hasidic Judaism (the strict sect of Judaism that arose in Ukraine, and which is best known for their beards, long curled payoth, fedora hats, and black clothing)? A.) A little of both.... Regionally speaking they are a strict orthodox sect. That would appeal to folks of the same belief. But there religious tolerance would not appeal to say someone that was Southern Baptist or even say Islamic. Master of Religious Philosophy - Lesson 18 - Definition Rev.Fr.Andrew Manley Q.1) If you belonged to a millenarian faith, how would that alter your behavior? If you have lived a life that makes it unlikely that you'll be one of the "chosen few to rule with Christ", would you spend your remaining days "living it up"? Would you repent, and spend your remaining days preaching and trying to lead others to make the "right decision"? Or, would you sit in the corner of your room all depressed, and fret over what was going to happen? A.) I personally would not put much faith into the millenarian concept do to the interpretation as stated in the last part of verse 9, that being: "But fire from heaven came down on the attacking armies and consumed them."  Altering my behavior would not matter much for I would continue to believe that the second coming of Christ Jesus will be the final factor to the end of time, so my faith and beliefs would not alter my action to any great transitional prelude. I except there to be chaos and devastation abound. I would render calm and control as order would need to be exuded and I would gather my flock and proceed in what ways my faith lead me at that time. Q.2) If you belonged to an eschatological faith, how would that alter the way you live your life? Expecting the world (or age) to soon end, would it depress you, free you to do whatever you want, or make little difference to you? How would you expect the end to come? In a sudden global catastrophe? As an instantaneous "act of God"? Or, in a slow, gradual decline (i.e. will the world end with a cosmic whimper)? A.) This question poses a bit more difficulty and thought. I already except the end to come in my life time or after. Either way it poses it's own reaction, but that reaction would still be rooted in my core belief that chaos will abound. If for some reason God imposed his will to make the event a global catastrophe then it would not matter what I was doing, because I had best be ready for the call to my judgement at anytime. However if it where to come slowly over a long period, than I would hope that my actions and faith in my belief would not falter with the chaos that would be all around. Again I would hope and pray and offer clam and assistance if possible. That is if I have that opportunity, Christ states several times that we will not know the day nor the hour. Q.3) Finally, what is your view of apocalyptic faiths? Do you believe in prophecy? If you believe there were prophets in some distant past, why are there not any today? Or, are there? If there are, how can you tell a "real prophet of God" from an insane, deluded, mad man? In other words, how could you distinguish between a Moses and a Rasputin (remember, artists conceptions say they both had beards and even looked somewhat alike)? A.) I do believe in the old prophecies, I also believe that God use's common human beings to pass instruction and enlightenment onto others. God says that many will come in his name. So one would have to have a certain level of faith that would be able to see truth or cunning in ones words. We know as Christian believers that the Anti-Christ will have all the same powers as Christ himself except for one major difference, that being the power over death, thought I'm sure Satan will use every form of deception and trickery to try to pull his deceit over as many people as he can and will. But a true, faith driven, learner ed believer of the scriptures would be hard pressed to fall for the trap and by what I hope would be divine intervention would lead those that God called to his side down the path towards the true Christ in those days. But again faith would be the pivotal sticking point for me personally. ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Chaplaincy Studies

This course has been most interesting in so many ways. We've learned about actions, confidentiality, most certainly flexibility in our being able to roll with the situations given us as a Chaplain. I can not imagine an ordained Minister of a specific Faith may have any less curves thrown at his/her self however perhaps they might not be expected to be quite as flexible as their Parishioners will most likely be seeking knowledge withing their own Genre'. I've learned that there are a plethora of peoples available as well as reference sources available to use for the situations that may have arisen during a visit or volunteer duty. I recently ordered and began reading a "Life situation" study Bible which has notes in it for many avenues of things that may arise, for instance if someone asks about why Prayer doesn't seem to work sometimes it has Chapters and verses for that as well as some simple modernly worded readings that are helpful for answering questions. I have begun rebuilding my "kit" by getting one of those little cloth bags but am thinking of ordering a briefcase so it may look and seem a bit more professional. This is of course not to put on any airs however it may be a bit easier than having to dig through a bag for an item, everything will be in a place in a briefcase. I have been Blessed to have a Great instructor and many very knowledgeable fellow students within the taking of this course and I myself hope it survives and becomes a Seminary staple for those that may be seeking knowledge and extra works without going all the way on to a full Seminary graduation due to personal beliefs or monetary situations etc. This course does in my opinion give an avenue of learning and inner realization to ones within its' program. I have enhanced my ableness of speak with my minions around the World and opened my mind to a better understanding of what may be happening in someone else's personal life. Stop and think before you "presume" to know what someone is thinking or why they may react to a situation of wording differently than others. I heard on a Paul Harvey program once about the benefit of the doubt, if someone passes you when you are doing the speed limit or perhaps a bit more and this person really takes off and is gone down the road in a clip, perhaps they had to use the restroom. MR Harvey also explained there were obviously other reasons for gaining the benefit of the doubt but wanted to use that as a point so folks would have a laugh. This course in it's own way has taught us to be more open within our own areas of professionalism weather Mainline religion or an avenue fringed on a slightly differing practice that may utilize other methodology with the same basic premise in mind. I myself am proud to have been a student of this area and look forward to the many more areas of courses I shall undertake in my quest for knowledge and ultimately graduation. Thank You and of course as ever, Take Care and Be Well. Blessings, Pastor Leo Merchant ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Shamanism

Master of Shamanism Final Essay By Dennis Zerull As always I thank the ULC Seminary for offering this very insightful course and thank Bishop Pat for his passion and obvious extensive research on the subject of Shamanism. It is a very resource intensive course and even after completing it, I cannot truly claim that I am a master of Shamanism even if the course title states so. I humbly defer that title to the courses author. With that being said, I will attempt to add whatever insight I have gained by taking this course in hopes that it may benefit others who may read this essay. Based on my limited experience on the subject, I can confidently say that the teachings and instructions on Shamanism continue to be relevant and useful today as they have been for thousands of years. As a young man growing up in the four corners area of the United States I spent many hours and even days in the area that is now known as Mesa Verde National Park. I had the opportunity to work with professionals who were involved with discovering the mysteries of the Pueblo or Anasazi people and why they vanished from the face of the earth without leaving any clues whatsoever. To this day Anthropologists and Archeologists have barely scratched the surface of this mystery, however Holy Men or Medicine Men have kept many of the ancient traditions alive passing them from ancestor to ancestor in practice and lore. How they acquired this knowledge may be the secret of Holy Men long gone from this existence. I often wonder as I walk through the ruins of ancient cliff dwellings and Kivas and look at the walls decorated with petroglyphs what secrets they hold. I do so in reverence at this sacred place. Certainly Shamanistic practices are claimed to predate all organized religions back to the Paleolithic, and Neolithic period.  As recently as November 2008 the discovery of a 12,000 year old site in Israel is regarded as one of the earliest known Shaman burials. An elderly woman was found arranged on her side with her knees open and tucked buried with unusual grave goods that included 50 complete tortoise shells, a human foot and certain body parts from various animals. It would suggest that she had a connection with her spirit animals. This grave is just one of at least 28 at this site located in a cave in lower Galillee belonging the Natufian culture. In this course the author makes reference to the Shaman as being the intermediary between the human and spirit worlds. Certainly the Shaman is a person who is an expert in keeping together the multiple codes through which a complex belief system appears, and has a comprehensive view on it in their mind with certainty of knowledge. The Shaman knows the culture of his or hers community well and acts accordingly. Further given the required degree of self awareness one would ascertain that it would come as no surprise that the Shaman should refer to the minutiae of everyday behavior, all the things that we overlook habitually excusing ourselves with the thought that they are too insignificant to bother about. I would suspect then that in this practice as in Buddhism, it is precisely the small, often subliminal impulses and behavior patterns that require the closet attention. Because some of us are not educated in the ways of the Shaman, myself included, we often tend to make judgments based on ignorance. There are those individuals who are attempting to pass themselves off as Shamans. They are referred to as "Plastic Shamans" in the southwestern United States. They are "Holy people" or self appointed "traditional spiritual leaders". They have no connection to the traditions or cultures they claim to represent. They are seen as exploiters of some knowledge to attain ego, power or money. They will sell fake artifacts or fake traditional spiritual ceremonies to the legitimate curiosity of sincere seekers for personal gain. They come as fraudulent spiritual advisors, seers, healers, psychics or other practitioners of non-traditional modalities of spirituality. They pose a danger to seekers who place their trust in such individuals and harm the reputations of the cultures and communities they claim to represent. As I have written in past essays, I believe that there is good in all spiritual traditions and religion's because they generally promote love, kindness, compassion and altruism. But we must approach in the way of the intelligent person who approaches all matters including faith and devotion with the highest spirit of critical inquiry and do so without falling into traps of fixed ideas or extreme views. In about the year 368 BCE Plato wrote in the Phaedrus that the "first prophecies were the words of an oak and that everyone who lived at that time found it rewarding enough to listen to an oak or stone, so long as it was telling the truth". So I think it wise in my particular circumstance that when it comes to Shamanism I obtain genuine confidence in the nature of mind and reality, grounded in understanding and reasoning. After taking this course I still have skeptical curiosity which may lead me to more inquiry. I am grateful that this course was offered. It gave me a greater insight to the history, beliefs and traditions of Shamanism. "We need a curious mind, drawn toward all possibilities; and when we cultivate that, the desire to deeply investigate naturally arises". The Dalai Lama. ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use. The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.   Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar