Sunny Notes: 04.15.26 - A Path to Ministry

I write to you from a little Airbnb in the East Rock neighborhood of New Haven, Connecticut where Chase and I have spent a whirlwind trip that culminated yesterday in my Ordination Service at the Unitarian Society of New Haven (the congregation where I completed my two-year ministerial internship from 2023-2025). Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship was well-represented at the festivities, with Lin Skavdahl and Steffany Raynes present and participating in the ceremony, and the BUF Board providing the beautiful flowers for the altar (see attached photo taken by Steffany). 

My path to ministry was long and winding. I did not enter divinity school until my mid-40s, and I experienced plenty of challenges and setbacks along the way. I often found comfort in Paulo Coehlo's book The Alchemist, reminding myself, as the book says, that "people are capable, at any time in their lives, of doing what they dream of." 

It has been such a joy and an honor to begin my ministry at a congregation like BUF—I was so excited to tell the folks in New Haven all about BUF and to proudly introduce Lin and Steffany to everyone. Thank you, BUF, for taking a chance on a brand-new minister last fall, and for supporting me on my journey toward preliminary fellowship and ordination. I look forward to celebrating this important milestone with you all at the special Sunday service on May 31 that Revs. Tessie Mandeville and Barbara Wells ten Hove are planning! 

Thank you, BUF, for helping me do what I dreamed of! 

— Rev. Sunny, minister