This week's visit to Sewanee again surfaced the three-legged stool of support that SIM brings to its seminarians-financial, pastoral and advocacy.   When SIM comes to town, our seminarians rarely miss their appointments. One reason for such consistency is, of course, that we are bringing to them their checks-described this way by one seminarian: how does one spell relief? G-R-A-N-T.   

Beyond the relief checks lies the validity of Woody Allen's statement that 95% of life is just showing up.  The personal connection is vital to SIM's ministry.  One seminarian said, "Of the three grants I receive, you are the only one for whom I have a face, a voice, a sense of the sincerity of their caring support."   The Sewanee seminarians acknowledged the value of SIM's pastoral presence.
 
The meeting table in Hamilton Hall was set for an exchange of experiences which melded into an exchange of confidences. What a gift the seminarians issued...SIM's support is far more than monetary. Aid is guidance; counsel; coaching; and all the more when undergirded by SIM's discipline of daily prayer by name for its grantees.
 
Asked how else SIM could help, one seminarian responded, "We need help with making wise decisions in this journey through seminary."  Another said, while discerning his call, his bishop asked "Do you know the cost of seminary?"  To which he thought, "You're asking me? Shouldn't you be telling me?"  Who's a safe listener for these breathless anxieties in the midst of the difficult demands of seminary?
 
The seminarians expressed excitement about the possibilities offered in growing SIMnet, the new and burgeoning network community of SIM alumni and seminarians.  SIMnet is an avenue to SIM BOLDLY: to share, to explore, to connect, to pay back and pay forward.  
 
One seminarian wrote, "It certainly was reassuring to hear your energy towards supporting us and the journey we are on. Thank you for the gift of your time and gifts!  The church, and us, are lucky to have you!"  

It's a delight to observe the e-Call and SIMnet as growing markets for community, consultation, and call...for seminarians, rectors, bishops and the Church they lovingly serve. SIM is showing up for its seminarians, donors, and the Church...as a friend and companion for the seminarian journey.

Faithfully,

Tom Moore
Executive Director
SIM

PS. Please remember that Theological Education Sunday is February 7, 2010.  Please give to support an Episcopal seminary, or if not a seminary, please invest in our future ordained leaders by giving to SIM, whose ministry for over 150 years has been to "find suitable persons for the Episcopal ministry and aid them in acquiring a thorough education."  
Of course, donations to ERD - Episcopal Relief & Development
(https://www.er-d.org/index.php.) for relief in Haiti demands our focus and attention.  Please also realize that our ordained leaders are often found in the forefront of missionary efforts addressing where the world is hurting.  Contributing to theological education is another avenue of addressing the world's needs of the future.