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🕊️ Transylvania, Week 1, Part 2 🐍 On Wednesday we loaded into busses & hit the road! First we stopped in Torda, home of the Edict that changed the course of religious freedom, here & in the rest of the world. We travelled back in time as the leads reenacted the debate in the local Unitarian Church. Then visited a museum that included the famous painting of the Edict and David Frances. It was humbling to be in the place where so much history unfolded while standing right next to the future of the faith. Next we headed to Torocko - a gorgeous UNESCO heritage site and a Unitarians village. We worship in the church & soaked up the natural beauty. From there we drove further south and off road to a village tucked into the mountains with a camp, home for the next two days. Between the sporadic showers, we took in the views, sang & sang & sang. I helped some small groups of the youth create nature mandalas as a spiritual practice in seeing unexpected beauty & focus on cooperation. The results were beautiful! And perhaps the best lesson/reminder of the day - sometimes the rain will come, and you will think it's time to call it a day, or you could crank up the music and dance instead! #uufaith #uu #transylvania #transilvania #meadvillelombard #unitarius #travel #history #torda450 #seminarylife #unitarianism

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There is great Love in my life, & I am ever grateful for that. From and to the beautiful souls I'm blessed to share this adventure with and the abiding spirit that calls me on towards a better tomorrow. This Valentine's Day, really in this era, I've been challenged to expand the power of Love. And so I pass on that challenge, in the words of a friend: What about "the idea of love not as a noun, but a verb. Action. And about love as something that isn't just about romance, but about our core beliefs in people and their worth, dignity, capability, and place in this world"? "How [might love] manifest itself in your community, or neighborhood? Are there ways that you or your family could embody love among friends and neighbors in pursuit of something more than romance, but perhaps justice?" I LOVE YOU & YOU ARE LOVED #valentinesday #revolutionaryLove #lovethehelloutoftheworld #lovewins #answeringthecalloflove #leapingfaith (💡: Kaitlin Abbitt 📸s: Elizabeth Meister. There are so many more candy hearts that could be here. So, I'll add some of them as hashtags) #nojusticenopeace #translivesmatter #allbodiesaregoodbodies #shepersisted #factsmatter #buildbridgesnotwalls #immigrantlivesmatter #nodapl #mniwiconi #istandwithplannedparenthood #thisiswhatdemocracylookslike #mybodymychoice #illnevergetthemall #commentwithwhatyouthinkimissed #nodirtypipeline #blacklivesmatter #nohumanisillegal #indivisible #resist #uniteobstructeresist #nowallnoban #refugeeswelcome #nastywoman

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LIFE UPDATE: tl;dr - It's been a long couple months, y'all - full of transitions, good-byes, hellos, and endless thank yous. We said goodbye to Boulder, CO & our church home there - I will be forever grateful to UU Church of Boulder, and especially Rev. K, for loving me into ministry. Saying goodbye to you was so hard... I also finished a summer unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at UC Health in Aurora. I was blessed with a wonderful cohort & supervisor - plus amazing units to serve. While I might still be emotionally exhausted from the process, I'm sure the lesson of our time together will continue to unfold. Then I got to spend some time with family in the U.P. - Celebrating upcoming nuptials and connecting with new/old family. It was a whirlwind week followed by Ingathering at Meadville. Now, we are back in the Big Apple! While we are still unpacking at our new home in Queens, Erty is working at a software engineer in SoHo. And I have started my ministerial internship at the UU Fellowship of Huntington! I am excited about all the possibilities the next two years will hold! Phew! Life certainly keeps us on our toes and we are embracing this new adventure with curious hearts! #busy #bouldercolorado #newyork #longisland #wemoved #seminarylife #lifeupdate #lifeisanadventure

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Some mornings you know in advance you'll never forget... At 5:30am, we walked past the Reflecting Pools that honor the lives lost on 9/11 - the pools were silent and unattended, but as stoic and imposing as ever. It made my heart pause, as it always does. Remembering not just the names engraved on that memorial, but the names that continue to be added to our collective mental memorial to all those lost through the failure of compassion. Just the latest of which still rings in our news cycles - Christchurch, NZ. We then made our way to the 102nd floor of the One World Tower - where we were greeted by a rainbow of colors, music to awaken the soul, smiles to warm the last of winter's cold, and a view of NYC like no other. It was... GLORIOUS! The contrast was stark and the both/and of the human experience was in full view. But the power of connection and the resilience of the human spirit were forefront and palpable. My body is tired (yoga and dancing for 3hrs at 6+months pregnant is no small feat), yet my heart is full! So grateful for all the beautiful people to helped make it happen - and the lessons of life this incredible city brings each day. #daybreaker #daybreakernyc @dybrkr #lgusa @lgusa #projecthappiness #experiencehappiness #oneworldobservatory #oneworldtradecenter #nyc #ilovenyc #dance #yoga #morning

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For days since leaving, words to describe my time at Camp Oceti Sakowin have escaped me, the ones I find now still feel inadequate... Some things I know for sure: This power of collaborative justice is immeasurable. The work is real, messy, complicated, and hard - and intensely beautiful, connecting, and restorative. We arrived as faith leaders (for the Interfaith Day of Prayer) at the same time busses filled with veterans did. The mix of stoles, collars, & camo was paradoxical, yet inspiring. The strength and vision of the indigenous leaders is what called so many of us to solidarity. Along with our recognition that "Till all of us are free, none are free". For the Interfaith Day of Prayer, the elders called us to surround the whole of camp in a prayer circle. This took time and some minor frustrations. But eventually we were joined - hand in hand, vets, clergy, allies, elders, native peoples - surrounding the camp in our prayer.... ....That was when we hear the Army Corps of Engineers had denied the permit.... At the moment, our cheers were reserved - unsure if it was true or what it meant. Only later did the absolute wonder of that moment sink in... That is how victory happens - united, across arbitrary divisions, following the leadership of the marginalized. I am still unsure fully how this time will impact me, my misitry, or the larger work of justice in our world. But I know the truth of this time will continue to be revealed & I hope we are more awake and ready to learn when it does. #standingrock #ocetisakowin #waterislife #mniwicon #nodapl #interfaith #prayer #justice #solidarity TL:DR - There are no words beautiful & sacred enough...

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Today I was honored to join with interfaith clergy to witnessing the 5th Anniversary of Sandy Hook in front of the NRA. We prayed, and we sang. And we prayed that they would hear our holy song: "We want our children back. We want our children back. There are too many gone too soon" May our voices be heard by those in power and echo into our home communities until they throb in the heart of the nation. We must find a way forward; to a future built on peace, compassion, and love; to a time where hate, greed, and intolerance are unwelcome. Humble gratitude for the amazing speakers and organizers today. "and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." #humanityovergreed #wewantourchildrenback #nra @nationalrifleassociation_

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🕊️ Transylvania, Week 1, Part 3 🐍 As we made our way to the southern boarder of Transylvania (our final stop for two night), we visited some fortified churches; Szekely Derzs (with 15th century frescos!), St Marton, & Nagyajta (our destination). Imagine... an impressive walled square with a watch/bell tower presiding over one corner. A low arched tunnel beckons only those who know the way to enter. Inside the green grass & flower beds blanket the lawn between the wall and the church - which stands proudly in the center. As you enter, in contrast to the two-toned/stone functionality of the exteriors, inside the churches color brings light & life to the sacred space. Somewhat unexpectedly, portions of this trip have functioned as a silent meditation for me. As the leads wrangle the youth into pews to hear the history, I am free to wander the churches & grounds at my own pace - feeling my surroundings, rather than hearing about them. The rhythm of the cobblestone, the texture of the plaster, the tone of paint pallettes, the path of light, the impact of shadows... All this and more is present in every house of worship, or buildings in general. But so often are forgotten as a means to an end. This trip has reminded me that they are so much more - they are a container, built to hold our bodies with care, so that our spirits & minds can soar beyond their walls. So, as I reflect on yesterday, I am grateful for the ancestors who build these beautiful structures not knowing - but maybe hoping - that they would still proudly hold my body and our prayers. #transylvania #transilvania #unitarius #unitarianism #uu #uufaith #church #history #architecture #seminarylife #meadvillelombard #torda450

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✨ "From this house to the world, we will go. Hand in hand." ✨ Greta Josephine Seidohl, M.Div. Meadville Lombard Theological School Class of (May 19th) 2019 It has been a wild journey these last three years and the words to adequately describe it escape me. There have been trials, celebrations, transformation, big questions, and many small yet glorious moments of joy. Yesterday so much of it came to together. Gathered with friends, colleagues, and family. It was an honor to give the Charge to the Graduates with Viola Abbitt. And a beautiful surprise to be awarded the Faculty Award for Religious Leadership. But more so it is an honor to have journeyed alongside all these wonderful people, in the house of wisdom and spirit that is Meadville, and I am so grateful to know that our time together doesn't end here - but merely takes a new path, out in the world, where we continue, hand in hand.

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Dear World - I'm elated to start down a new path & finally be able to tell you about it! I will be attending Meadville Lombard Theological School full time starting this fall, on the path towards becoming a Unitarian Universalist minister. While it will be a challenging & alltogether new road, I know it will also be beautiful, transforming, & full of love. I am humbly grateful to the people who have supported me so far in my discernment (Kelly, Beckett, Emily, Erty & my whole family) and would appreciate prayers, good vibes, love, hugs, or any means of support as I embark on this journey. (That goes for Erty too - he's gonna need it!) #blessed #uu #careerchange #mypath #followyourdreams #gradschool #ministry #unitarianuniversalist @ertyseidohl @danceintherainuu

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On Monday, we visited the Hilma af Klint exhibit "Painting for the Future" at the Guggenheim. The first room held a series of eight paintings. Ranging from Childhood to Old Age, the large canvases depict Life's strange journey in bold colors and curious shapes. This picture was taken in front on the first of the series, the first of the Childhood set. This process of pregnancy feel not to far removed from an artistic process and I found profound relation in af Klint's spiritually inspired creations. Bold colors fill my imagination, as I imagine a future (with healthy doses of worry). Meanwhile, curious shapes dance within my belly, as a life beyond my imagining grows. At times, I am filled with the awareness that my body is not my own, but instead a sacred shared space with another I hardly and entirely know. I am (only and thankfully) co-creator and co-artistic director. Other moments, I'm overwhelmed with the knowledge that my body is living into itself in a new, yet ancient way - fulfilling a purpose written into it's DNA millennia ago. My body knows the tools and has been taught the technique - it is my job to listen and learn. 24 weeks along tomorrow. 💗

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🕊️ Transylvania, Week 1, Part 1: 🐍 The Details - As some may or may not know, I am spending two weeks with the Unitarian Church and people in Transylvania. This first week I am accompanying a traveling confirmation camp of over 100 youth (~14yrs old) from all over Transylvania, Hungary, & Romania - all who finished confirmation in the last year. Along with 8 courageous loving clergy, they spend the week learning about Unitarian history, the history of religious freedom, and traveling to important sites around Transylvania. Our first few days were based in Kolosvar. We had a walking tour of sites around the city & a presentation on the 450th anniversary of the Edict of Torda and the Unitarian Church. We also did good old fashion camp things! Like play card games till it was too dark to see, sing till our voices cracked, and play catch till our arms hurt. I even lead two groups through a Zentangles meditation and reflection time - little English/Hungarian required! As you might expect at a camp, even among the adults, things got silly; selfies, games, songs,...and staying up too late chatting! The Feels - An important note, I do not speak Hungarian - I'm up to maybe four words. Yet, I continued to be amazing by the magnitude of connection that is possible simply by being present. Present to the way attention flows, how the energy changes, how reactions differ. Present to smile and shrugs, tone and tension in a way that is It is wonderful how much you can learn about each other by playing catch across a courtyard (with others running about) with not much more than your toss, catch, & a few exclamations to express yourself. Or the bonds forged over a fast paced card game full of giggles, cheers, and a little healthy competition. I've been captivated by hours of worship music of which I couldn't read a word, but could feel every ounce of enthusiasm, for being with each other and the message the songs brought. I am so grateful for the leaders who have translated for me, literally & figuratively, & welcomed me with open hearts & curious minds.♥️ #transylvania #transilvania #kolosvar #torda450 #unitarius #seminarylife #meadvillelombard #uu #uufaith

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🕊️ Transylvania, Week 1, Part 4: 🐍 Leaving this camp was so much harder than I expected... I expected to learn, to experience new things, to make some new friends, to be grateful for my time - all of that proved more than true! I was also blessed to make deep connections, experience profound self-discovery, and to be so truly blessed by this amazing group of youth & adults. We laugh and cried together, sang at the top of our lungs, and yearned for silence together. The youth present chose not to see me as a stranger, but as a member of the community from which to learn and share. We didn't allow a language difference to be a barrier to connection - and that was perhaps the biggest blessing. I will miss them dearly! ♥️ On our final evening together, we had an epic bonfire - warmed not just by the fire, but by the music that touched our hearts as we sang together one more time. To close our time together, we shared communion by candle light in the temple. We were brought together to a common table, not because we were chosen, but because we chose each other. Because we chose to love the community we'd made together & strive to carry it's lessons & possibilities beyond our time together. May it be so. Blessed be. Amen. And thank you. #transylvania #transilvania #unitarius #unitarianism #uufaith #uu #seminarylife #meadvillelombard

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Dearest Denny - words are too few and time too short to express the profound light you brought to the world and our faith. The first time I saw you, you sat on the GA stage speaking truth - I soon learned that was a role you embodied. I found you later to thank you for your words and before I could finish my sentence, you knew who I was & you welcomed me to the @meadvillelombard family. I was amazed and that feeling only grew as you continued to be a source of inspiration as we shared time at Meadville. Now, my feed is filled with photos, memories, and thank yous from the countless lives you've touched. So, as it could never be said enough, thank you, Denny. For everything. ----- a prayer ----- May the Love you emboldened in all of us - for our faith, for our world, for our work - surround you and hold you safely onward. May you know your shining light sent sparks into the hearts of everyone you met - some now flame with power, others flicker with hope, some sparks wait for the chance to catch. And so may your light always shine, as together we go forward, always connected - knowing that the light you brought to us will continue to challenge, comfort, inspire and call us on.

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Dear UUFH - My time as your intern ends this Sunday. Over the last two years, it has been an honor to learn and lead with this community. My formation as a minister has been touched by each of the souls who welcomed me, talked with me, questioned with me along the way. For that, you have my immense gratitude. With this chapter's end, comes a shift in our relationship. I won't be unfriending you on Facebook or blocking you on Instagram, and we needn't ignore each other if we meet by chance. Yet, for the continued health of both our journeys, communication after this Sunday should be minimal. Rather than reaching out to me by phone/email/etc, please direct any questions or needs to Rev. Jude. Know that even as our paths diverge, I carry the gifts of learning and growth, as well as the caring and support from my time with you always. May you continue to bless each other with the hope and power of deep community. May you continue to listen and learn from each other and beyond with the same fervor I have witnessed. And may you keep your hearts open wide to the receive and love whatever the Spirit brings you next. Blessings abound - Greta Jo

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As a mother. As a person of faith. As a United States citizen. As a human being. I cannot be idle as cruelty and dehumanization attempt to masquerade as security and patriotism. 🕯️ Children belong with their loved ones. Period. 🕯️ Borders do not determine someone's worth. Full stop. 🕯️ Due to a postpartum complication, I was separated from my baby for about 12 hours. It was horrible, and it was nothing compared to what our government is doing so many families. No matter the justification or rationalization, the seperation of families is immoral and cruel. 🕯️ Our baby is so privileged already, simply because she was born in the US. But that doesn't make her any more worthy of love and care and affection than any other child. No child should be put in a cage. 🕯️ One of the speakers tonight at Lights for Liberty NYC said "The future will ask - where were you when children were being ripped from their mothers and put in cages? - make sure you can say - I showed up & added my voice" 🕯️ So we showed up. Because we know our baby will ask. And we want to be able to answer that we sided with Love. 🕯️ #lightsforliberty #neveragain #neveragainisnow #closethecamps #lovehasnoborders #immigrantrights #vigil #nyc

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