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February 1, 2023
Grace and peace to you, friends. I am Rev. Dr. Kara Markell, a graduate of Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry’s Doctor of Ministry Program, with a research focus in adaptive change and ecclesiology. I’m an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), I am pastor of a Disciples Church in Kirkland, Washington, where I also serve as guide for the growing Evergreen Wild Church. I am honored serve on the Center’s Advisory Discernment Circle of STM Students and Alumni.
As February begins in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, we bear witness to the very first inklings of spring here in this corner of the world. On behalf of the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement at Seattle University, we invite you, wherever you are in the region, country and world, to listen to what might be taking root and emerging within you. We hope that you also find here – in this newsletter and in the web platform of opportunities we are offering – a place for exploration, nurture, challenge, and growth.
The Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement at Seattle University is rooted in a Jesuit, Catholic commitment to ecumenical and interreligious engagement, to spiritual and indigenous pathways, and to cultural wisdom. The seeds sown in those commitments take root and grow in a variety of ways, and in the legacy of faculty, staff, students, and communities who are, at best, like a mycelial network of collaboration – seeking to help one another to grow and thrive.
Our theme for February is the vital importance of harmony as a value that, like mycelia, connects the Center with university and society – and of course – connects us. In our ongoing well-attended Spiritual Direction Workshop Series, we seek deep connection with ourselves and the stories that define us, with each other and the relationships that shape us, and with the natural world that is our source of strength and health. You can still register for our Winter Workshop Series on our Center website at seattleu.edu/thecenter and join us for our next two dates on February 16 and March 16, 2023.
In the spirit of authentic harmony, we lift up and celebrate Black History Month, listening closely for when Justice, Equity and Inclusion bear harmonic resonance in the diverse voices of our world.
We also look ahead to Interfaith Harmony week, February 1 – 7, as a time to explore and celebrate the relationships that exist between and among those from unique faith traditions, many from within shared families, or long-time friends, colleagues, co-workers, and neighbors across the street. We, delight in the beautiful unity in diversity made known through interfaith and interreligious relationships.
I invite you to engage with additional offerings this month, including our Dharma Talks, that are part of our Interfaith Sharing Series for this academic year; these begin again on February 3rd, so sign up today! We are also highlighting our podcast with Dr. Steen Halling given his 40 year study on the nature of forgiveness, as well as brand new essays from our Winter Issue of the Interfaith Observer.
I invite you take some time to engage with our web platforms – including our Religica Theolab. Start by reading this month’s newsletter, view a webinar, listen to a podcast, and explore the harmonic resonances you find there.
On behalf of this extended group of people at the Center – I welcome your engagement, your insights and your questions. Please, reach out to the Center through our web presence. We delight that you are here, and that you participate with us as we serve, create, convene and explore together.
Thank You. Now go explore.
Rev. Dr. Kara Markell
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