WHY MCCORMICK? The details are di昀昀erent, but the answer is the same, students choose McCormick because they feel welcomed here. “I returned to McCormick “McCormick is intentional, “I 昀椀rst heard about for my M.Div. because but engagement happens McCormick from some it had proven to be an quite organically. It could pastors who are alumni. inspiring, challenging, be a trip to a store with They said I’d 昀椀nd and nurturing haven international students, wonderful professors, for me. The radical helping a colleague’s good colleagues, and it hospitality practiced by daughter 昀椀gure out would be an opportunity the faculty and sta昀昀 at some college preparation for spiritual transformation, McCormick was unique. questions, or pulling not only for me, but also The Language Resource a group together to grab some food at an for the women in the Korean Presbyterian and Writing Center (LRWC) was a place of openness, conversation, research, innovation, Ethiopian restaurant. I’ve been pleasantly church where I serve with my husband. I had and togetherness for international students surprised by all the di昀昀erent experiences that felt a call for some time to be an ordained like me. The seminary provided me with McCormick has brought together. I wanted to minister. In some cultures, it takes courage for the opportunity to explore and embrace be in classrooms with di昀昀erent voices…diversity a woman to have a public voice…to think and my Christian vocational dreams that were of people, diversity of thought. Beautiful speak critically and theologically and question deeply buried within. The global nature of the di昀昀erences have shown up. Especially in the what others say. In just this my 昀椀rst semester, pedagogy and inclusive learning practices gave worship services. I’m one of the assistants I’m discovering who I am, what is my own me tremendous con昀椀dence to critically re昀氀ect who helps to create the worship space each voice on issues in my community, church, and on my own contexts and lived experiences week. Molding together di昀昀erent traditions my own beliefs. I have found three things at as a woman from South Asia. At McCormick, into one 30-minute service that welcomes all McCormick: freedom, acceptance, and diversity. my identity, voice, and bodily experiences has been an incredible exercise. But it’s been God’s freedom means I can be who I am, that I matter. McCormick helped me to harness my a joy. It’s a ministry that continuously provides am accepted by others as I am, and I can learn gifts of deep listening, leadership qualities, and pastoral care sensibilities. I use them in opportunities for personal growth as we step from the diversity that is around me to accept both the classroom and my 昀椀eld education up to the challenge of creating a worship others as they are. I can see that happening as site. At St. James Episcopal Cathedral, I space that’s inviting to online and in-person we learn to listen deeply with our hearts... to o昀昀er leadership in worship and facilitate worshippers…a multi-generational gathering. listen without judgment and to be authentic faith formation classes for the children and We look to 昀椀nd the common ground we hold— when we speak. The kinds of discussions I’m the congregation. Theological training at the love of God and the love of people. Coming having here are bringing me closer to people. McCormick shaped my worldview and my call to seminary for me was not about earning The McCormick experience is giving me a to social justice. I am being transformed and a credential, but more an understanding of better understanding of my colleagues and the equipped for my ministry at every level of my religion itself…of my faith…of the Bible and its contexts of their lives. I can see how all of this life. Because of McCormick, I have come to history. I cherish the tradition of Christianity, will be helpful to me as I serve in my church realize that I am continuously becoming and and I also critique it quite a bit. My questions and explore chaplaincy as a possible vocation.” unfolding, just like any other human being in have been welcomed here.” this world.” Jiseon Jo Ste昀椀 Baiju Kelli Manning First-year M.Div. student MAM’19 First-year M.Div. student Third-year M.Div. student 2023 ANNUAL REPORT 9