The theme of this portfolio is Life Cycles.

This is a play on words: as a noun, the word lifecycle refers to the transformations an organism undergoes throughout its life; as a statement, the phrase “life cycles” reminds us that everything in life is cyclical. Both of these perspectives are foundational to my ministry and my work.

I ground my lifecycle in the motions of nature. Inspired by the cycles of life, I understand my ministry as moving through phases, a circular process that is never really complete.

I conceive of these phases as processes of plant germination and growth, but I also see them as connected to the seasons we experience: I start in a period of Seeding (Summer), move through Rooting (Fall), rest through a time of Quieting (Winter), and experience a phase of Blooming (Spring). This connection to the cycles of the world helps remind me that everything happens in its time and that my ministry will shift and evolve as I continue along my journey.

As you explore this portfolio, you will see me allude to this lifecycle to explain my journey at Starr King School for the Ministry.

I have broken out the portfolio into themes and the additional required pieces, but just like my lifecycle, please know that these are artificial distinctions; all of my work is intricately connected in an interdependent web.

Nonetheless, please feel free to peruse the pieces included as you feel called to do so, and don’t feel like you have to read everything in its entirety. This project aims to give you a sense of my journey and where I’ve landed at this moment.

I am incredibly grateful to each of you for reviewing my work and participating in my Mid-Degree Portfolio Review. My time at Starr King has truly been an experience of community and collaborative transformation, and this experience is a beautiful reflection of this communal support and love. I feel so blessed to be a part of this community and to have the opportunity to celebrate my ministry as I look toward the future.

This is presented with my deepest love, grace, and blessings for peace.