Brite Divinity School, Ft. Worth

Kara Markell (Queen Anne Christian Church, Seattle): After working many years as a Music Educator I began to feel a call to ministry in 2004.  I spent that summer serving as a DHM intern at the Yakama Christian Mission in White Swan.  It was there that my call became clear and I enrolled at Seattle University's School of Theology and Ministry (STM) in the fall of 2005.  I began my studies at STM in the Spiritual Direction program, but moved into the Masters of Divinity program in my second year there.  I transferred to Brite Divinity School in the fall of 2008 in order to be closer to my family and have enjoyed this new environment.  I currently serve Alliance United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, Texas as their Director of Music Ministries.  I look forward to graduating this coming May and the possibilities for ministry that lie ahead.

Laura Jennison Reed (North Hill Christian Church, Spokane): I am entering my first year at the Divinity School at the University of Chicago. During the last few years my involvement in the regional transformation process and as a teacher of the adult Sunday School class at North Hill I have discovered a love of teaching and an even deeper love of all the possibilities that everyone brings to the table when we talk about the future of church and I hope to be able to further that in my studies.

Ruth Jewell (Edmonds Christian Church, Edmonds): I am beginning my third year at Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry in the Masters of Divinity degree program. Since retiring from professional life I volunteer with in my faith community of Edmonds Christian Church where I have discovered a love of prayerful silence and worship. It is with great hope that I will be able to pass on the gift of contemplation to others.

Sharon Nichols (All Pilgrims Christian Church, Seattle): I transferred in to Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry in September of 2008 from part-time attendance at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC since 2004. In February 2008 I retired from 31 years as a computer programmer and analyst civilian for the US Air Force. Singing in the All Pilgrims' choir is such a joy and inspiration for me and I love the open and affirming spirit that I witness there. Currently I discern my call to be as a Chaplain for hospitals, hospice, or elder care homes.

Justin Umbright (All Pilgrims Christian Church, Seattle): My most recent work experience has been in business as a financial analyst at Boeing, however I now plan to immerse myself in full time ministry and study at Seattle University.  A major contributor leading me to ministry has been the people and their stories at my church and community. I currently serve as a member of the Transition Team of the Regional Church which will seek ways to live into our new five year mission plan.