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10/29/13 News Release

New Divinity Students emerge from the United Congregational Church of Tolland What draws a person back to college for a Masters Degree in Divinity? It is very arduous intellectual work and it is a three year full time degree program. This academic degree is the standard prerequisite for ordination to profession ministry. So some say youd need a calling to be a spiritual guide, or shepherd a church or congregation. Or maybe your purpose could be working with a non-profit organization. The United Congregational Church of Tolland (UCCT) has two of its members pursuing their M.Div. right now: Ms. Amie Giguere and Ms. Laura Johnson.

Left to Right: Laura Johnson, Rev Judy Medeiros, Amie Giguere

Amie Giguere is attending Andover Newton Theological School outside of Boston, MA. She has a BS degree in Physical Education from ECSU and an MA from UConn in Adapted Physical Education. Amie joined UCCT in 1994, and has actively served the church since. Her many roles include Director of Christian Education, Co-President of Womens Fellowship, teaching Sunday School, hosting the scrapbooking fundraiser for nine years, volunteering in the Nursery for seven years, as well as small group book/study leader. Amie felt a clear calling to attend seminary when she was teaching at ECSU as an adjunct faculty member. While it was a surprise to her to see this direction so clearly, others in her life wondered why it took so long for her to figure it out. There will be a steep learning curve for me and for my family (Amies three girls are in middle school and high school) as we make this transition of me going back to school. I expect I will be on the eternity plan, as my fellow classmates have referred to it for those that are going part time, as I am. Amie plans to complete the degree in seven years. Whenever she does, Amie is considering the following options: Continuing in the field of Faith Formation, serving a congregation as an Ordained Pastor, becoming a Chaplain, Outdoor Ministry, Mission work, or anything else that pops up on her radar between now and then. Laura Johnson has chosen to go back to school full time at Duke Divinity School in Durham, NC. She knew she wanted to be a minister since sixth grade. Her goal of achieving a M.Div. formed about ten years ago. Laura is a recent graduate of the College of Charleston with a BS in Psychology and Minor in Religious Studies (May, 2013). She has been a member of UCCT since 2005. When asked what inspired her to go back to college for the M.Div. Laura responded, I deeply feel God has called me to ministry. People and events in her life made the direction clearer to her, as well. Inspired by Rev. Howe and Rev. Wright, deeply touched by the death of a teammate on my swim team, and affected by the television show following a minister and his family called 7th HeavenI decided I wanted to be a minister when I grew up. Since then, I have had many wonderful and challenging experiences that have led me to where I am today. Laura has contributed to the UCCT as a Sunday School participant and high school helper, the Pilgrim Fellowship youth groups, Joyful Voices choir, and attended two church mission trips, one in Texas and the other in Tijuana, Mexico. Asked about her long term goals, Laura said, My first goal is to survive and thrive during these academically rigorous and spiritually transforming three years! Furthermore, I feel very passionate about pastoral care and counseling and I would love to work in that fieldI can imagine myself a preacher or chaplain, or doing some kind of work in the church, or possibly a non-profit. My ultimate goal is to serve God and Gods people in the best way I can. After the first few weeks of school both women relayed their enthusiasm for their chosen field, a feeling of humbleness mixed with awe of the professors teaching their courses, and said they had met amazing people. Though the work is difficult and the pace challenging, they both feel like they are where they need to be. During these interviews it was apparent that motivation and commitment have drawn Amielia Guigere and Laura Johnson back to college in pursuit of their M.Div. The UCCT community is very proud of them!

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