Seminary class of 2011

Seminary was a journey of reconnecting with the Divine by sifting through the layers of resistance and discovering the gem in each experience along the way. I found the treasure itself to be the Sacred Space within my heart, the space which holds the Divine presence and my connection to all beings. I can't think of a better way to be of service than to live from this space.  

Andrea Carta, Class of 2012

Seminary retreat 2011

Ilona and Carrie, Class of 2013

 Ilona Kwiecien, Class of 2013

Experiencing the Tree of Life interfaith seminary class with Rev. Stephanie and my classmates for the past two years has truly transformed for me. I've learned how to cultivate the courage to share my writing in the world - "putting my gift on the table while remaining detached from the outcome." We've also had the privilege of studying the ancient Hindu sacred text the Bhagavad Gita, with Rev. Stephanie's luminous book An Ordinary Life Transformed: Lessons for Everyone from the Bhagavad Gita. I feel so blessed to have shared this journey with Rev. Stephanie and my classmates, and it's with a tinge of sadness that I feel this chapter ending, but also a heart full of joy, excitement, and curiosity in anticipation of our next chapter's unfolding.  

Camilla Sanderson, Class of 2014

Peggy and Laurie, Class of 2014

Cathy and Barbara

This Tree of Life journey is unshakably rooted in my body and soul. My ministry is seeded by God, nourished by mantra, prayer, study, and reflection. My calling is budding, sweetened into blossom by the light that beckons. Lovingly, I've been humbled and exalted, pruned and nourished. I know not what flowers may grow of my ministry, but I do know the loving hand of the Gardener. My wish is to share the riot of color, the laughter of flowers, the industry of bees, the solace of scent and silence with you, as we walk this verdant maze together.  

Cate Sementa, Class of 2015

The fire of Divine Love flows through the uniquely cut crystal that is my soul, out into the world. My studies at Tree of Life Interfaith Seminary have taught me to honor that unique cut rather than hide it. Rev. Stephanie has helped me to hone the tools that will keep the facets of that crystal polished and bright, creating warm and colorful patterns of light. Twelfth century Saint Hildegard of Bingen said, "The marvels of God are not brought forth from one's self. Rather, it is more like a chord, a sound that is played. The tone does not come out of the chord itself, but rather, through the touch of the musician. I am, of course, the lyre and harp of God's kindness." I don't know what tune God plans to play through me, but I know my training will allow me to keep the "lyre and harp of God's kindness" tuned so that the chords played can fulfill the intention of the Musician. 

Linda Goodman, Class of 2017

Seminary retreat 2019

Seminary retreat 2019

This is not just an academic program where I am learning about God, although I have learned a great deal from many spiritual masters. It is rather an inner journey to discover who God, my Beloved, is in my life and how He is tuning me to become an instrument of divine Love. The treasure that stands out for me as the most fulfilling and enriching part of the seminary is the personal spiritual practice. This included mantra, meditation, prayer, reading and writing, but perhaps most importantly a willingness to surrender to the mystical Presence on a daily basis. Creating the conditions of silence and stillness help me to find God everywhere. The texts assigned for the journey were like helping spirits on my path. Each book led me deeper and deeper. Stephanie's writing infused with Love and courage, helping each of us to risk the pain and transformations of becoming whole. The mantras from Stephanie's book filled me with the sound, the Love, of the One who loves us into birth. Her reflections on the Bhagavad Gita taught me to rise up and stand in my truth. The shamanic journeys took me to places unknown and blessings unimagined. The community of the Tree of Life nurtured me in sacred circles and blessed me with friendships. Through these two years of study and practice I have come to know to whom I belong, to live with gratitude and purpose and to express my ecstatic cry in three words: YES, THANK YOU! 

Carol LaChance, Class of 2018

I embarked on the Tree Of Life Interfaith Seminary journey expecting to uncover a source of information about a wide variety of religions. I wanted a program that would systematically help me to understand the many faith traditions to discover, to delve into, and to experience. Little did I know what adventure awaited me! Through this program I only had to meet the challenge of the lessons, embrace the learnings, surrender to the divine spirit, and allow my heart, my head, and my eyes to find my personal sacredness. I am forever changed. 

Jim Curley, Class of 2020

Stephanie and DeAnne, ordination 2020

An Invitation

The Program