On May 16th, I will officially graduate from Chicago Theological Seminary with my Doctor of Ministry degree. It was three years ago, in June of 2006, that I started making the trip out to Chicago for three weeks in the early summer for classes. In between the time I was in Chicago, I worked on projects here at home. And each year, a group of church members worked with me to provide input and feedback on my work. In this last year, I worked on developing and writing my thesis. In March, I flew out to Chicago for the oral defense of my thesis, and thankfully passed. I had a couple of revisions to make and in the last couple of weeks have gotten all the final copies of my thesis in to where they need to be. So I am officially done and ready to graduate. Hallelujah!

Although it is only my name that will appear on the degree, I feel that it should really be my name along with the Gilead Church, because I know that if it wasn't for your support, I wouldn't be receiving this degree. I am grateful for the time you allowed me to have to pursue this degree, and I am also grateful for the financial support which made it possible. I also am thankful for the response of the congregation on Sundays when my sermons were being video taped and evaluated. The number of inserts which were completed were amazing, and the feedback was thoughtful and insightful. I also want to extend a special thank you to those who have served on the Parish Project Group over the past three years and spent time meeting with me and helping me. Parish Project Group members have included: Jim Aldridge, Sarah Costa (Gasper), Diane and Harvey Desruisseaux, Jill MacLachlan, Michelle Martins, Cassidy Olio, David Olio, and Jane Tupper. Thank you!

On Sunday, May 24th, the week following graduation, as a small symbol of my thanks to all of you, there will be a special cake at coffee hour. I hope you will be able to be there to recognize that this is not only my accomplishment, but our accomplishment together.

P.S. Many have asked if they should start calling me "Dr. Denise". I hope not! I much prefer Denise or Pastor Denise.