Ordination of
Greta Jo Seidohl

by the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington

❂ Saturday, March 20th, 2021 ❂
1pm PT / 2pm MT / 3pm CT / 4pm ET

 

Recording

religious professionals, lay leaders, friends, family,

Unitarian Universalists, and beyond came together to celebrate as

the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington 

ordained Greta Jo Seidohl into UU ministry.

All details on the service and participants can be found here

Please support these important ministries in honor of this day:

Sign the guestbook
with blessing 

RSVP & share the event on Facebook

A Quilted Blessing

Traditionally,  part of the ordination ritual is a “laying on of hands” blessing. Given the virtual format of this event, we had to get creative here! 

Members of UUFH have been sent a piece of cloth – to write/draw/mark on – to hold, pray over, or bless in their own way. These will be sent to Greta Jo’s family friend to created a quilted prayer shawl. 

This prayer shawl will be placed over Greta Jo’s shoulders during the ordination – as an embodied blessing of the community near and far.

If you received a piece of fabric, please mail it out as soon as possible or by January 31st, 2021 using the enclosed addressed envelope.

If you are not a member of UUFH and would like to receive a cloth to bless, please reach out to Greta Jo had she’ll be happy to send you one! (greta @ seidohl . com)

 

Photo Processional

Part of an ordination is honoring the great community that brought the ordinand to this point.

In person, religious professionals would process in at the beginning of the service to mark the sacred and special space of the occasion.

For this virtual event, all relgious professionals are invited to send in a photo – as a visual sign of your support and the presence of your spirit at this ordination. 

 

Robing Room

Prior to the ordination ceremony clergy, seminarians, religious educators, youth coordinators, music directors, administrators, and any other religious professionals are invited to join for our virtual robing room. 

This is a space to connect with colleagues, welcome each other to this occasion, center our spirits, and pray together before joining the gathered congregation for the ordination.

Join us on Zoom from:
12pm PT/1pm MT/2pm CT/3:00pm ET

 

What is Ordination?

If you are unfamiliar with the ritual of ordination or what it looks like for Unitarian Universalists, here is some more info:

Learn more

Ordination is one of the most important traditions of our faith. A congregation’s
decision to ordain someone represents the congregation’s faith in, and support
for, the ordinand’s ministry.

Ordination Manual

UUA

After years of study, formation, internship – both in a congregation & a hospital, I graduated from seminary. Then I studied more & went before the Ministrial Fellowship Committee, who welcomed me into ministerial fellowship. Now Huntington, affirms my call & bestows the mantle of ministry – and the honorific of Rev.

Greta Jo

Ordinand

Sometimes, the phrase “ministry” means “important work you’re called to do,” and we believe everyone is called to do important work.

Everyone. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Liz James

Ordination Participants

Scroll through to meet the wonderful colleagues & friends who will be a part of this Ordination service

Rev. Tandi Rogers

Rev. Tandi Rogers will offer the Homily.

She is a Learning Strategist at the Unitarian Universalist Association and a professor Meadville Lombard Theological School.

Rev. Rodgers was a professor of Greta Jo’s at Meadville Lombard – most notably for Religious Education for a Changing World. Greta Jo continues to be inspired by Tandi’s passion for making our shared covenantal faith tangible and for finding the beauty of transformation in the midst of conflicts, large and small.

Joe Jencks

Joe Jencks will offer much of the music for the ordination. 

He is an international touring musician, award-winning songwriter & celebrated vocalist. 

Joe is a personal friend of Greta Jo’s. Both he and his music remind Greta Jo to keep her heart open and my connections deep. 

He writes and sings the best ear worms around!

Rev. Kelly Dignan

Rev. Kelly Dignan will offer the Call to Worship and Chalice Lighting.

She is a Spiritual Director & Justice Chaplain based in Denver, CO.

Rev. Kelly was Greta Jo’s minister when she lived in CO and a key mentor to the development of her UU identity, theology, and during her formation.

Rev. Darrick Jackson

Rev. Darrick Jackson will extend the Invitation to the Circle of Colleagues.

He is the Director of Ministries for Lifelong Learning at Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association.

Rev. Darrick was a professor, mentor, confidant, and friend through Greta Jo’s formation experience. With a listening heart and a commitment to supporting life long formation, he was instrumental helping Greta Jo thrive in seminary and beyond.

They also share a mutual love of Star Trek!

 

Rev. Molly Brewer

Rev. Molly Brewer will share the Offering Invitation.

Fae is the Youth Ministry Coordinator at First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY.

Rev. Molly is a colleague and friend of Greta Jo’s from their time together at Meadville Lombard. Rev. Molly challenges Greta to expand her work for liberation & understanding of self.

And fae will always remind Greta Jo’s when her extroversion is on high!

Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt

Rev. Sofia Betancourt will offer the Charge to the People.

She is the Associate Professor of UU Theologies and Ethics at Starr King School for the Ministry – as well as the Former Co-President of the UUA.

Rev. Sofia has inspired many in our faith community, including Greta Jo, to give concrete language to our share and individual theology, while also putting into action our faith’s commitment to liberation

Greta Jo’s is also inspired by her amazing fiber art skills!

Rev. Beckett Coppola

Rev. Beckett Coppola will lead the Quilted Blessings & Prayer.

She is the minister at Kingston Unitarian Fellowship, Ontario.

Rev. Beckett is a personal friend of Greta Jo’s. Her thirst for continued growth and devotion to companioning others towards the beloved community is a beautiful reminder of the deeply personal impact of ministry.

Not to mention she is a fantastic foodie!

Rev. Kimberlee Tomczak Carlson

Rev. Kimberlee Tomczak Carlson will offer the Charge to the Minister.

She is the Minister of Religious Education at First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee.

Rev. Kimberlee has devoted her life to nurturing all ages and aspects of our faith. She has encouraged Greta Jo’s to hold history and possibility with care and curiosity. She has also been an needed conversation partner in both joy and sorrow.

The Revs. Kimberlee,, Kim Mason, and Greta Jo are the Meadville triad that never was – a sandwich of support and sisterhood!

Rev. Jude Geiger

Rev. Jude Geiger will explain the Meaning of Ordination.

He is the minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington.

Rev. Jude was Greta Jo’s internship supervisor and mentor. His example of multigenerational ministry, commitment to shared ministry, and denominational involvement continues to inspire Greta Jo’s own work.

She will also always treasure their geekery filled conversations!

Rev. Kim Mason

Rev. Kim Mason will offer the Charge to the Minister.

She is the Minister at First Unitarian Church of St. Loui.

Rev. Kim’s commitment to living our faith (& our best selves) out loud and proud is an inspiration to Greta Jo. Her friendship is both a comfort and a challenge.

The Revs. Kim,, Kimberlee Tomczak Carlson, and Greta Jo are the Meadville triad that never was – a sandwich of support and sisterhood!

Rev. Emily Conger

 Rev. Emily Conger is the Tech Chaplain & Virtual Mashal.

She is a minister for Longmont UU Presence & Nourish: UU Dinner Church Consultants.

Greta Jo met Rev. Conger when they were both attending the UU Church of Boulder CO. Rev. Emily supported Greta Jo’s discernment to enter seminary and convinced her to check out Meadville – for which Greta Jo is ever grateful!.

Now, grateful to share the giggles and reality checks that is parenthood!

 

Fountain Street Church

Greta Jo is honored to serve at Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids MI – as their Minister of Belonging and Community Engagement. 

FSC has been an independent, liberal, non-profit institution in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for over a century. Striving to be a vibrant church community that challenges individuals to craft their own spiritual journeys and engage in creative and responsible action in the world. 

FSC Vision Statement: We strive to be a vibrant church community that challenges individuals to craft their own spiritual journeys and to engage in creative and responsive action in the world.

​FSC Mission Statement: We support the creative tension between intellect and spirit, science and faith, individual and community, tradition and change, challenging us to honor our legacy by embracing the future.​