St. Paul United Church of Christ

Installation, September 28, 2011

Rev. Torigian (center) Assn. Minister, Rev. Brandon (left)

Rev. Michelle Torigian introduces herself

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

     How excited I am to be writing this letter to all of you! I feel blessed that God has called me to become an ordained pastor and to minister to and alongside so many wonderful people!

     I grew up in Belleville, Illinois, and I am the older of two children. My parents still live in Belleville, and my sister currently lives in Champaign, Illinois. I am honored to be the aunt of two beautiful children: Jack (4 ½ years old) and Ellie (6 months old).

     I received my Bachelor of Arts in English (with concentrations in professional writing and public relations) from Fontbonne University in St. Louis. A few months after graduation, I moved to Florida. During most of my eleven years in the Tampa Bay area, I worked in non-profits, public relations and fundraising. I believe that God uses our experiences from the past to nurture and grow the church. My previous career in fundraising and marketing for non-profits will help in my future endeavors in the church.

     My faith journey has molded the person I am today. I grew up in a very ecumenical situation. My mother’s family was Anglican, and I was baptized in that particular denomination. My father’s family was Armenian Apostolic Christians, and I was sacramentally administered Holy Oil as a baby. Our family attended an Episcopal church (where I was confirmed), and my parents enrolled me in a Catholic grade school. As an adult I attended a Presbyterian church for a number of years before becoming a member at Faith United Church of Christ in Clearwater, Florida. My ecumenical experiences have made me a person open to many other views. Furthermore, I’ve seen the importance of working together for and with members of the Body of Christ, despite differences in beliefs.

     Looking back, I believe God has been calling me to ministry throughout my entire life. As a child, I wanted to visit people in the hospital. In fact, I was disappointed when I was told I couldn’t because I was too young. In my youth, I attended visitations at funeral homes of friends and relatives. This lifelong call can be summed up like this: instead of running away from the hurt of those around me, I run towards it. When giving pastoral care, I feel like I am "home," or exactly where I need to be.

     I first felt called to ordained ministry in spring 2001. I took a few years to further discern, looking at a few seminaries and switching denominations to the United Church of Christ. I realized that Eden Theological Seminary was where I was called, and I returned back to the St. Louis area. During my time at Eden, I was chair of the Social Justice Council, served on the student cabinet as third year representative, sung in the seminary’s choir, and helped with various worship activities on campus. My primary passions that I nurtured in seminary were social justice issues and writing liturgy.

     Part of the program at Eden is ministering in contextual education, or field work placements. My first year of seminary, I worked at Lydia’s House. This organization, founded by ministers in the United Church of Christ, gives shelter to abused women and their children for up to two years. Between my first and second year of seminary, I was a chaplain in a clinical pastoral education program at Lutheran Senior Services. During my second year of seminary, I served as the student pastor at St. Philip’s United Church of Christ in St. Louis. My experience at St. Philip’s was very formative in helping me discern what type of church I would be called to serve. During my final year of seminary, I was the student pastor at Zion United Church of Christ in Union, Missouri.

     I was blessed to continue on at Zion United Church of Christ after graduation. During the past few months, I have been ministering as the Ministry Consultant of Parish Care. The primary focus of this ministry is visitations to congregants in hospitals, nursing homes, etc. I have had the privilege to minister to the sick and dying, comfort their grieving families, lead and plan worship, work with the confirmands during their time of preparation, as well as celebrate and laugh in fellowship with members of the church. I especially have enjoyed preaching monthly. Preparing the sermon is a spiritual experience for me. During my sermon preparation time, I see God’s hand at work as the sermon takes form.

     Through my time at Zion, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on my ministry and the church. I enjoy looking at ways that we can reach out to all congregants, providing pastoral care and education, whether they are in elementary school, young adulthood or post-retirement. How do we make all people feel inclusive in the church, regardless of their stage in life? God is with all of us and loving us, no matter what stage or life situation.

     Furthermore, I believe each and every person is made in the image of God and has amazing gifts. What gifts do you have? As a church, it is our privilege to help each other in discerning our gifts and where God is calling us in our lives, both within the church and in the community. I look forward to be a source of encouragement in the lives of this congregation as people discover new gifts and talents!

     I enjoy reflecting on some of these questions and situations as I continue my pursuit of knowledge. One of my life goals is to continue my education, whether it is reading books and articles, attending seminars, participating in online video conferencing or even returning to school at some point in the distant future to receive my Doctor of Ministry. We will see where God leads me in my future educational endeavors! I have also enjoyed participating in United Church of Christ activities; I have attended association and conference meetings as well as General Synod in 2009. I look forward to General Synod in Tampa in 2011 as it is a great opportunity for education and fellowship! Since graduation, I have taken part in "2030 Clergy Network" activities for young clergy in their 20’s and 30’s.

     In terms of my hobbies, I enjoy the arts. I have been wood burning since the eighth grade and enjoy various other arts and crafts. I have been playing piano since I was seven. I also enjoy writing poetry. One of the hobbies I most enjoy is relating Scripture and theology to pop culture, especially movies and television shows. I include many movie and music references in my sermons as I think they are great illustrations! Maybe I should think about writing a book at some point…

     Now, I understand that many of you are Reds fans. I hope you don’t hold it against me that I am a lifelong Cardinals fan. This means that when the Cardinals play the Reds in Cincinnati, and I’m at the game, I may be wearing Cardinals gear. Do not worry - - I will cheer on the Reds in the National League playoffs, unless they are playing the Cardinals, of course!

     I am looking forward to meeting all of you at the social on January 8 and getting to know each one of you in the future!

Many blessings for the New Year!

Michelle Torigian