The Ministry Incubator at Iliff School of Theology

Sacred Depths LLC is an arts-based, entrepreneurial ministry co-founded by Iliff Ministry Incubator Associates Rev. Diana McLean (Iliff MDiv 2016) and Rev. Shay MacKay, who describe themselves as “a clergy couple called to a ministry of spirituality and the arts.” The mission of Sacred Depths is to deepen individuals' connection to the sacred through creativity and contemplation, including the spiritual practice of playfulness.

Shay was raised Catholic, and Diana Unitarian Universalist. They love to talk about their very different paths to becoming Unitarian Universalist ministers, partners in both ministry and life, and co-parents/zookeepers of college student Aidan, puppy Gus and cats Kingston and Maya. Their ministry is rooted in Unitarian Universalist values, intentionally open to all people regardless of faith background, and grounded in an anti-racist, anti-oppressive ethos.

Prior to professional ministry, Shay’s background includes being a pianist and composer, and Diana’s includes being a published poet and freelance writer in a variety of genres. They bring those artistic skills and passions to their ministry with Sacred Depths.

Shay and Diana offer workshops and retreats to individuals, congregations, and other organizations, as well as preaching and speaking engagements. Workshop and retreat topics offered by Sacred Depths include two curricula from The Center for Courage and Renewal (The Soul of Aging and Geography of Grace), as well as original programs on topics including writing as a spiritual practice, deep listening, mysticism, and the spirituality of sound.

All of Sacred Depths’ offerings are fully customizable to meet the needs of groups of various sizes, and can be combined to create programs lasting a day, a weekend, or a series of sessions spanning weeks or months. Shay and Diana are happy to have conversations about how Sacred Depths might meet your needs, whether you are an individual seeking spiritual nourishment, a minister or other religious professional looking for programming to offer your congregation, or a leader in another organization that values personal growth. They can be reached at [email protected] or www.sacreddepths.com.

Sacred Depths

Seeking Wholeness LLC was created in 2021 by Chaune Schafer in response to her Master in Theological Studies thesis: how do inclusive communities support individuals on their journeys toward integration of their sexuality and spirituality? The work stems from a desire to build spaces where folks can show up and be their full, authentic selves. Places where doubt and uncertainty are considered sacred and vulnerability and authenticity are honored. Based on Chaune’s research and lived experience, she deems living authentically in inclusive, affirming, and celebratory spaces with supportive community is an essential facet of whole living.

Chaune works to create spaces where individuals can explore the intersectionality of their identities and the multiple facets of their health - social, emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, and sexual - without shame or fear of rejection. She provides one-on-one peer support to folks who are looking to process struggles, receive encouragement and/or resources surrounding areas that they are seeking wholeness (relationships, sexuality, spirituality, mental health, career path, etc.). She also provides support to community leaders, allies, and parents looking to grow their understanding of inclusion and what it takes to create celebratory spaces for LGBTQIA2+ folks. Additionally, Chaune does Church inclusion consultations for affirming congregations looking to go beyond hospitality and towards a model of inclusion and celebration by examining beliefs, values, and practices regarding integration of spirituality and sexuality.

Seeking Wholeness fosters communities that are rooted in celebration, authenticity, abundance, and justice. Ultimately, the aim is to encourage self-reflection and self-compassionate growth; living authentically for ourselves, allows us to better show up, advocate, and fight for the rights of others as well. Our journeys are intertwined.

Need support along your journey? What to support the journey of others?
Contact Chaune at [email protected] and check out www.seeking-wholeness.com to find what you are seeking.

Find Chaune online...
Facebook: Chaune Schafer
Instagram:

Candace Woods (MDiv '19) has launched an entrepreneurial ministry called Woods + the Wild, a consulting firm focused on journeying with individuals, couples, communities, and institutions through the wild terrain of gender + sexuality justice and inclusion, comprehensive sexuality education, and bodily + relational wholeness. Candace is available as a consultant, guest preacher, ritual officiant, and educator. More information can be found at www.woodsandthewild.com.

Find Candace Woods on FB & Instagram

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This is Chaune Schafer--Iliff 2021 alum, Ministry Incubator Associate, and panelist for our April 21st Renewal Session "What's Theology got to do with Creativity?"

Register here: https://bit.ly/3D9Ml1s

with
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This is Kylie Riley--Iliff MTS 2020 alum, Editor of The Unmooring online journal, and panelist for our April Renewal session, "What's theology got to do with creativity?

Join her April 21st! Register: https://bit.ly/3D9Ml1s

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This is Rev. Diana McLean: Co-Founder of Sacred Depths, Ministry Incubator Associate, and panelist for our April Renewal session on the 21st at noon!

Register: https://bit.ly/3D9Ml1s

We are ready to shut the door on 2021 and see what's in store in 2022. Watch the Ministry Incubator page to learn about the new Associates and their new ministries. It's a great time to do good!

Today is the day! Check your inboxes for your Ministry Incubator 2.0 acceptance letter.

Application reviews are underway! And, the team needs a bit more time than initially planned.

So, if you're sitting on pins and needles, find a more comfy chair. We'll be announcing acceptance to Ministry Incubator 2.0 at Iliff School of Theology on December 21, 2021.

Thank you in advance for your understanding. Please reach out if you have any questions.

What happens next? Watch the Ministry Incubator page to learn about the new Associates and their creative ministries. We can't wait to show you in 2022.

7 days left to complete and submit your application for the Ministry Incubator 2.0.

If daydreaming about ministry gets your creative juices flowing, it's time to complete your application for the Ministry Incubator 2.0. Applications will be accepted through November 24.

Your medium is as personal as your call. If you're looking for resources, networking, and support as you explore creative ministry, complete an application today for the Ministry Incubator 2.0!

Do you think outside the box? If so, get yourself over to the application for the Ministry Incubator 2.0! Apps are due on November 24th.

Something new is on the horizon. Apply today to join the Ministry Incubator 2.0!

Scan the QR code to go straight to the application now!

If you know someone who might be great for the Ministry Incubator 2.0, share this image with them, and they'll only be a scan away from applying.

Gather your tools. Applications open today for the Min

https://tinyurl.com/4usn6yhv

Coming soon...Ministry Incubator 2.0

Applications open on Wednesday, November 3rd.

Plan on taking your ministry to the next level in 2022. Applications open November 3, 2021.

Check out our website! If you don't see your question on the FAQ page, use the form at the bottom to shoot us your question.

https://www.iliff.edu/ministryincubator

The Ministry Incubator 2.0 The Ministry Incubator at Iliff School of Theology is a gathering of ministry creatives with the purpose to give safe space for robust learning, networking, and growth with intimate teachings from a cultivated group of experts. Our goal is to provide unique lessons to those with unique calls along w...

Mark your calendar! Applications open November 3, 2021. Will you be a part of the Ministry Incubator at Iliff School of Theology?

If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try. - Seth Godin

Remember, trying comes with mistakes. Mistakes come with learning. And, we've learned that we wanted these graphics in the reverse order; which is why you're seeing this quote for a second time.

Looking for a group of people where it's safe to make mistakes and you're encouraged to learn as you try new things? Applications for The Ministry Incubator 2.0 open on November 3rd. We hope you'll join us!

And then there is the most dangerous risk of all - the risk of spending your life not doing what you want, on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later. - Randy Komisar

We are gathering a cohort of Associates passionate about answering their call into creative ministry. If this makes you ask yourself if we're talking about you, we are! Mark your calendar for November 3rd when applications to The Ministry Incubator 2.0 open up. We look forward to learning about your passion.

You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong. - Sue Fitzmaurice

Answering a call into creative ministry? Apply for The Ministry Incubator 2.0 on November 3, to join others with a passion for answered God's call into proverbial uncharted waters. Or, into literal uncharted waters if a boating ministry is your unique call. To each their own.

The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience. - Eleanor Roosevelt

Applications open for The Ministry Incubator 2.0 on November 3. Mark your calendars and prepare your #2 pencils. Scratch the #2 pencils; it'll be an online application.

Help us celebrate The Ministry Incubator 2.0 starting January 2021 with a Like or Share! Tag your friends and family in the comments who may be interested in applying for this next round.

Applications open on November 3, 2021, and the cohorts will begin meeting in January! We hope to see you there.

If happiness is the goal - and it should be, then adventures should be top priority. - Richard Branson

Seeking adventure? Tomorrow exciting news will be announced here. Maybe it'll be a part of your next adventure.

Then I realized that to be more alive, I had to be less afraid. So I did it. I lost my fear and gained my whole life. - Anonymous

Watch this page for exciting news at the end of the week!

If you don't get out of the box you've been raised in, you won't understand how much bigger the world is. - Angelina Jolie

If you think outside of the box, check back here later this week for exciting news!