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Discerning the Voice of Vocation

Discerning the Voice of Vocation

Luther Sem and LVC 2015This year, LVC is partnering with Luther Seminary to offer Volunteers, alumni and other Lutheran service year programs  two classes and seminary credit at full scholarship! All online courses, our community is delving into Vocational Formation with Dr. Michael Chan and Serving in Context with Dr. Gary Simpson. Read more from Dr. Michael Chan on the content of the classes and current Omaha Volunteer, Deborah Metcalf, on the impact of taking classes during her LVC year!

Dr. Michael Chan: The class I teach is titled, Vocational Formation. Vocation is not exclusively about a career, a job, or a title– it is about life, all of life. Vocation refers to the various places in our lives where responsibility, suffering, joy, and passion converge and demand our attention. At any and every point in our lives, vocation is both withering and flourishing. It is found in embrace, and in differentiation, in longing, and fulfillment. This class was designed to create a learning community in which students can explore their own sense of vocation, and cultivate a set of reflective practices that allow one to listen deeply to the voice of vocation.

LVC: What is the value to LVC of offering your class to LVC’rs? What is the value to Luther Seminary to offer your class to LVC’rs?

Dr. Chan: These two questions must be taken together. Vocational Formation represents a partnership in vocational discovery, for Luther Seminary, LVC, and all involved. In this class, I don’t see myself in the role of “professor,” but rather of “host.” I set the table, provide the raw ingredients, but the creativity is in how both professor and student, host and guest, create a meal out of what is placed before us. Unlike most hosts, I want the students in the kitchen along with me. We’re making a meal together. We’re helping one another discern the voice of vocation.

Dr. Michael J. Chan (pictured above, right) is Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary.

LVC: What is the value for you of taking the Luther Seminary classes during your LVC year?

Deborah Metcalf: Taking these classes really helps me put my year of service into context for my life, and put deep and thoughtful meaning into what I am doing and why. Vocational Formation, especially is helping to shape my idea of vocation and how I am living it out right here, right now. It helps me be more present because I know what I am doing now is making a difference. One thing I’ve learned is that vocation is a path, you don’t stumble across your vocation and start living it one day, or maybe you do, but everything you do can be a part of it as it leads you forward in your service towards others.

I am so glad I am taking these classes during my year of service. I think it supplements the rest of the LVC’s program material nicely. In addition to JIC discussion nights, spirituality nights, and living in intentional community, I also get a group of people wanting to take their education one step further, and really explore what it means to be doing a year of service from the standpoint of vocation and serving in context. Having great readings from many different theologians that we can incorporate into our thoughts about a year of service really adds to the depth of the program.

It has helped to have people in my house in the class with me and not entirely online. We can bring up what we’re learning in the classes and have discussions around the dinner table.

Deborah Metcalf (pictured below, left) is a 2015-2016 Volunteer in Omaha, serving at Hospice House

This story originally written for the October 2015 Leader Letter. 

2015-10-30
By: Martin Luther
On: October 30, 2015
In: Leader Letter, Volunteer Profile
Tagged: 2015, Class, Deborah Metcalf, luther Seminary, Michael Chan, Serving in Context, Vocation Formation, Volunteer
Previous Post: LVC’s Fall Newsletter, The Esprit de Corps
Next Post: A Recipe for Intentional Community

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This spring, Halima delivered a powerful and deeply personal speech in front of hundreds of guests at the Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington’s “Next Step” Annual Breakfast. Halima reflected. “It was a reminder that stories change lives, and mine is still being written. It was an incredible opportunity that will stay with me for years.”The Next Step Breakfast is a fundraiser that celebrates transformation. Hosted annually by Samaritan Ministry, it brings together community leaders, supporters, and changemakers to hear life stories of hope and resilience from those impacted by the organization’s work.For Halima, sharing her journey in that space was deeply meaningful. Standing at that podium was more than public speaking; it was a testimony of growth, of courage, and of the collective power of support, community, and second chances.#NextStepBreakfast #samaritanministryofgreaterwashington #FaithInAction #ServiceAndJustice #BlackVoicesMatter #GeorgetownLaw Georgetown Law ... See MoreSee Less

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As a Lutheran Volunteer Corps fellow in Washington, DC, your weekends and evenings are filled with opportunity, creativity, and joy. A year in the nation’s capital can be a fulfilling and eye-opening experience. On the weekends, you can spend you're afternoons wandering the Smithsonian Museums, from the National Museum of African American History and Culture to the Hirshhorn and the National Gallery of Art for free.During Embassy Month in May, dozens of embassies open their doors for Passport DC a month long cultural journey full of food, fashion, music, and history from across the globe.The National Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the most iconic spring events in the country. Parades, kite-flying, and peaceful walks around the Tidal Basin await.Enjoy live music, global cuisine, and a community that thrives on celebration at the DC Jazz Festival.Fall brings crisp air and cozy events like Night at the Museums, farmers markets, and open-air movie nights. DC is alive with activism, arts, and new perspectives.You’ll meet people who challenge and uplift you, engage in justice work that matters, and build lifelong community in your LVC house.Apply now to become an LVC Fellow!#LutheranVolunteerCorps #DCVolunteerYear #JusticeInAction #PassportDC #DCFestivals #SmithsonianSaturdays #CherryBlossomFestival ... See MoreSee Less

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