Congregations

Worship

As an ordained Baptist minister, I am an experienced Christian worship leader. In addition, I was seminary-trained for worship leadership with Episcopalians and Lutherans. As a hospital chaplain, I led all-faith worship services in chapel. In my chaplaincy residency, we frequently incorporated “Godly Play” – a Montessori-style Holy Storytelling (for all ages) at Dallas Children’s Health in chapel. Their Pastoral Care Department is nationally known for their inclusive “Godly Play” program. 

I wrote and led Worship with Communion in hospitals and other settings, including: chapel, patient rooms, specialty floors, psychiatric units; an AIDS/HIV-positive group home, end-of-life settings and with transgender youth.

Preaching

My joys are preaching and teaching. I provide supply preaching for all faiths’ congregations who welcome a woman at the pulpit. My verbiage will target all: from grade schoolers to golden-year wise ones with every sermon. 

Typically, I provide a homily for sacred liturgies, weddings and funerals. A normal sermon (depends on denomination) is between 10-12 minutes (Episcopal norm) to 17+ minutes (Baptist norm). A homily is between 5-9 minutes. In the Texas heat of 104+ I completed a lovely 8-minute outdoor wedding, from procession outside to inside an air-conditioned venue. I will NOT make people suffer with a drawn-out service and will accommodate a “preference” for sermon, homily or eulogy.

Teaching

While flexible, my teaching preference is a combo: short lecture/small breakout/large group share/format that concludes with a blessing –between 45-55 minutes. I can also provide short-term themed Lenten or Advent, etc. programs. I am skilled in teaching Christian and spiritual education for all ages. I wrote and led a “Listen to the Music” multi-generational class to include music from: Ella Fitzgerald, Celine Dion and Usher. I also co-wrote and taught “Women of Ancient Times.” 

A favorite teaching experience was with a group of patients on a psychiatric wing who requested a Bible study. Over 20+ lively regulars blessed us all. Another favorite was as a chaplain at a group home whose residents had AIDS or were HIV positive. Women residents requested a weekly spiritual discussion to share how they were affected and treated differently than male counterparts as patients (medically), and residents (emotionally). A social worker and I facilitated these discussions that helped improve medical, emotional and spiritual care. 

My background includes pastoral care with specialized training in trauma, palliative and end-of-life care. I also taught life and survival skills in domestic violence situations.