So You Think You Can… Dance?

by Kate Smanik Moyes I am not fond of reality television. In fact, that statement puts my sentiments quite mildly. In truth I am repulsed by the modern television programs that claim to be “reality”. Any program that exploits the young adult population that I serve brings up feelings of anger and frustration for me. […]

The Call to Create: An Interview with Mary Allison Cates

We continue our intermittent series of interviews with YCWs who blend art and ministry in ways that are nourishing and inspiring. The Rev. Mary Allison Cates is our subject this month. First, give us some general info about the kind of art you do, and when you got started with it, and what your ministry […]

Being a Foster Parent

by Patricia Watson A little over a year ago, my husband and I made the decision to open our home to foster children.  It had been something I always wanted to do, and it seemed the right time in our lives: we had no biological children, so we didn’t have to worry about this decision […]

Where There is Love, There is Family

In my ministry and personal life, I have noticed that there are three basic questions new (adult) acquaintances ask either to get to know me better or to kill time in polite conversation: 1. “Where are you from?” This inquiry is straightforward enough. 2. “What exactly do you do?” This is the question many clergy […]

Cuss Words and Cocktails

Name Withheld I cried…I cannot believe I cried. I absolutely cannot believe I did that. A month ago I met a cute guy. He was with a few of his buddies and someone apparently said to them/him that I was a priest. So they began to ask me questions. (Ladies, you know the questions, I […]

The Church Needs More Dance Parties

by Lucky Fresh Today in church, I was thinking about fear. For the most part, I think of myself as a courageous person. I don't really have phobias, in what I would call a psychological sense. I'm not afraid of heights or flying or speaking in public or mice or spiders or the dark or […]

Reviewing An Old Favorite

On the days when I feel “nobody understands” I remind myself of one of my favorite books about spiritual journeys, Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd. This book reminds me of what I loved about seminary – the imaginative and “out of the box” experiences of God. In the six years of […]

Mixing Religion and Politics

by Mihee Kim-Kort As many young clergy women begin to navigate the sometimes rough waters of the local congregation, we also realize that even rougher waters can be found in the politics and polity of our national denominations. How should a YCW handle these issues? Some of us feel strongly that we should keep our […]

Conferences & Events

OUR FIRST CONFERENCES In 2007 & 2008 TYCWP and the Cathedral College of Preachers in Washington, DC, offered young clergy women the opportunity to fellowship with one another and hone their homiletical skills.  Both conferences were times of great encouragement and intensive learning. To read reflections on and see pictures of the 2007 “Preaching As Testimony” […]

The Young Clergy Women Project Board Updates: Because You’re Not The Only One

by Ann Bonner-Stewart The Young Clergy Women Project has achieved a lot in the past twelve months…  …Membership continues to grow, drawing from more denominations and more places. …Fidelia's Sisters continues to publish thought-provoking pieces and is now seeking a new column editor! …We have a new logo, pictured here, created by Suzanne Stovall Vinson, […]