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Katy's Doctorate of Ministry in Creative Writing

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Hello, for as long as I remember I've loved God & Books! I got my BA at Oberlin in  English and History (the Japanese prof told the best stories). I culminated my Senior thesis on the Power of Fairy Tales. Then in Seminary I completed a Masters in Divinity and Christian Formation. There I learned just how much Madeline L'engle formed my theology. This Doctorate is for working theologians--I'm the solo pastor of a fantastic Bigger on the Inside Church in Upstate New York--putting their work out in the public square.

Meanwhile I've been pastoring for the last 10 years and writing prayers and resources for Narrative Lectionary, and reading and rereading as much fantasy and historic romances as I can.

I also have had the opportunity to be a fellow in a Fantasy: Brainery Writers Workshop: Science Fiction Fairy Tales: A Hypoxic Style Writing Workshop.

I have worked out my theology through writing a lot of prayers throughout the  Pandemic--which have been shared and prayed by thousands of people. I have solidified my call to preach and write about God. The two things I love the most have become one! I have been accept to Pittsburgh Seminary's Brand New Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing for Public Theology. This degree is designed for "working theologians' so they expect me to be working in a church setting and to use my skills in partnership with that which I am already doing! More info about my story is here!

Being Xiennals my husband and I know all too well the danger of overextending financially to go to school. We always need to put our children first, and with three kids with varying disabilities, we have worked very hard to "feed the babies" and fulfill all of our financial obligations. After graduating during the first recession, we have been able to skirt bankruptcy and deal with our children's evolving needs for tutoring, therapies and supports. With ADD, severe autism and probable dyslexia all in the mix, we are doing all we can to support our kids in addition to working our jobs (which we love, and fit our family needs).  

With this all in mind, we are putting together funds from multiple sources, grants and seeking financial aid to help fund this degree (I've already put out a request for a special circumstances grant). I have started to share my extensive prayer resources and asking for donations from those who use them. Additionally, Anthony has encouraged me to set up a go fund me. We could use your support! If you can pray or send us good wishes (whatever your practice) we appreciate it. If you can give monetarily, we'd appreciate it, and if you can just share on your wall we'd appreciate it. If we can get $2,000 to start that is more than 1/4 of the tuition for a one year.

The semester starts June 2021.

I am so grateful to all the people who have supported me! Thank you, thank you for reading about my journey. I really appreciate it.
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $20 
    • 2 yrs
  • Emily Zeig
    • $25 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Bonnie Wilcox
    • $100 
    • 3 yrs
  • Barbara Hedges-Goettl
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
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Organizer

Katy Stenta
Organizer
Albany, NY

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