[Why I Became Ordained By The Ulc]

Three years ago my wife and I lost a teen aged son-he was beaten up and left for dead. During my grieving process, I met a gentleman that had began a outreach ministry. At this time of my life I was the President of a district football league and my son had played for league for several years. The Minister was a Football Referee and after a day of football we began to talk. Some how the conversation turned to the death of my son and the anger and emptiness that I was feeling. Normally, I don't show my emotions in front of others, let alone strangers, but tears were streaming down my face. This man took my hands in his and prayed to our Lord and Saviour and lifted me up. I always felt that I was strong in my religion, but such an overwhelming peace came over my being that I have never felt before.

Since that time, I have found myself drawn to others in their time of need. I have prayed for them; prayed with them and talked (really just listened) to them. Six months ago while serving the needs of another, I was asked if I was an ordained minister, when I replied that I was not, I was told by that person that others were missing out on what I could bring to their lives. Since that time I've been told by several others that I was was missing my calling in life by not becoming an Ordained Minister.

I've given a lot of prayerful thought as to what I should do and then last week I came across the site for ULC. An inner prompting within me told me "I have provided the means, now act". Last week, I took the few minutes needed to request ordination.

I'm looking forward to this new facet of my life.

May God's blessing be upon you.

Rev. Earl

What an inspirational story, Rev. Earl.

[Why I Became Ordained By The Ulc]

I became an ordained minister because I've known for many years that I have a calling on my life. I ran from that calling many years ago. A large part of the problem was the fact that the church body I was affiliated with, did not allow women to become ordained. A woman was not even allowed on the pulpit at the time except under extraordinary circumstances. When I told the pastor that I was called, he basically dismissed me in a nice way, of course. I had so much difficulty getting my music ministry off of the ground, that I eventually abandoned it. Now I am studying my music again, as I have never studied it before. I'm enjoying it more each day. I can't bring back the time I've lost, but I can certainly pick up from where I left off.

If I had known about the ULC back then, there's no telling where I would be today. I don't expect the people I have known all of my life to accept the fact that I am now an ordained minister. I have to believe in myself and my ministry. I also believe in the ULC and the philosophy that is espoused by the church.

I look forward to serving others as their spiritual leader.