Gloria Carr
My Name is Gloria Carr. I am an African American woman, a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and a nurse who is a Spirit-led, compassionate child of God. I serve as Elder in my church and have held leadership positions within my regional church. Currently, I am journeying toward the goal of matriculating with a Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology, focusing on Chaplaincy and Spiritual Formation and Renewal.
God has certainly blessed me with a wonderful life. He has allowed his permissive will throughout my life—I have experienced and accomplished much success from a “human’s” perspective. However, I currently desire, and thus seek, His perfect will. I’ve been bartering with God for a few years now about seminary, practicing Gideon’s confirmation and affirmation strategies. I have asked God to show me, this way or that, what he wants me to do—what his perfect will is for me in this season in life.
In 2019, God brought the idea of chaplaincy full circle for me. While making a hospital visit to a long-time neighbor and friend facing terminal illness, a Chaplain who I worked with when I was an ICU nurse came to pray with my friend. Afterward, I spoke with him about his chaplaincy work. I remembered his great heart for people and his simple, yet powerful prayers. I felt a sense of peace as I talked with him, and it led me to again consider chaplaincy and seminary in my next season.
In my spirit, heart, and mind, I believe God is calling me to chaplaincy. Therefore, I have moved forward in faith, accepting the call to seminary. Further, I trust that God will continue to shape me as I move along the journey. I’m anticipating that God, the True Potter, will mold and shape me into who He has purposed for such a time as this.
Sarah Gershon
I have lived in a Catholic Worker for most of my adult life, offering hospitality in our guest room to people without secure housing. I currently work at First Christian Church Bloomington as the associate pastor overseeing Faith Formation and Outreach. I volunteer with New Leaf New Life, teaching re-entry classes in the local jail. I love Sacred Harp singing, helping to start a singing in Indianapolis, and regularly singing with a group in Bloomington. I am interested in pursuing a PhD related to theology and transformative justice after I complete my MDiv/MTS degree. I hope to continue to pastor at least part time in a church that seeks to embody Christ’s transformative work of accountability, repair, reconciliation, and restoration in community.
Olivia Gray
I am a ministry partner at The Gathering, A Womanist Church in Dallas, Texas. I sing with The Voices of The Gathering. This year I am beginning my second year of work toward a Master of Divinity at Brite Seminary. School has been both challenging and rewarding, but every year I am given evidence that I am meant to be doing this work.
My call as I understand it now is to focus on all elderly seniors, but especially the LGBTQIA+ community, making sure that our rights to services and fair housing are provided. I also see myself visiting the sick and shut-ins bringing communion and a snippet-of-a-sermon to them. The Gathering has an outreach ministry to the homeless that I work with, delivering hot meals every second Sunday of the month.
Finding The Gathering in 2017 saved my life, gave me purpose, and confirmed the belief that I could say “YES” to my call while being a woman. Being there makes me feel safe, welcomed, and seen. Not many churches can say that about LGBTQIA+ folks, but at The Gathering we have a visible seat at the table including and especially on Sunday mornings. The co-Pastors lead by example, being at rallies and marches in our Capitol, and supporting our programs brought before them. This is the kind of church I want to foster and see more and more churches emulate.
Chris Owens
Chris is a second-year student at the Lexington Theological Seminary where he is in the Master of Divinity program. He is currently the Interim Pastor at Murray First Christian Church in Kentucky. Chris lives in Paducah, Kentucky with his wife, Jean. They have five children and were recently blessed with their first grandchild. After seminary Chris hopes to be a congregational minister.
Erma A. Sinclair
Erma A. Sinclair is a Los Angeles, California native pursuing her Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Erma’s ministry focus is at the intersection of Black church studies, trauma-informed ministry, gender, and sexuality. As an organizer and advocate for spiritual healing, health care access, and communal flourishing, Erma is committed to holding space for sacred stories and leading life-giving ministries.
Brenda Velazquez
My name is Brenda Alicia Velázquez-Morales. I am 61 years old and have been married to Chaplain Rev. Dr. Fernando Morales for 26 years. I have three brothers: Miguel Angel, Héctor Luis, and Damaris, and my father lives with me. My mom is waiting for her Savior, resting in peace for 5 years. I am originally from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, but I was raised in Ceiba, the most beautiful East Coast site on the Island.
I am an Executive Secretary and worked at Nevarez & Villavicencio Construction Co. for about 28 years until I was married. For six years I was a Secretary for our Disciples of Christ Hispanic Convention in the Florida Region and was also involved with the DOC Hispanic Women’s Ministry as a secretary and activities’ planner, which I continue to support today. Several times I served as a volunteer for Assembles of our National Disciples Christian Church. I also love to read, sing, decorate, do makeovers, cook and bake, sew, and travel. I also love to teach and preach the Word of God. I do not have my own, but I love kids. I also love nature, and one of my passions is gardening (my favorite hobby).
I received my call to ministry in 1994 at a United Church of Christ Assembly Saturday night youth service. For many years I thought being a Pastor’s wife was enough, but the Lord had something more for me. God called me to Asbury Theological Seminary! During 2021-22 I studied at Lexington Theological Seminary, and have returned to ATS to finish my MDiv.
My lovely church is First Christian Church in Deland, FL where I serve as Ordained Chair of the Elder’s Ministry. With great joy I represent my church as a missionary for Garden of Eden Health Center in Jayuya, Puerto Rico where, once a year, I do administrative and organizational office work.
Today I am under care of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) COM (Commission on Ministry) of the Florida Region. My goal is to continue serving the body of Christ and community with all the talents and gifts the Lord has given me.