A Closer Look: A Theology of the Ordinary

by Minnietta Millard


Formats

Softcover
£13.49
Softcover
£13.49

Book Details

Language : English
Publication Date : 26/05/2006

Format : Softcover
Dimensions : 6x9
Page Count : 352
ISBN : 9781425934545

About the Book

"Compelling spiritual autobiographies require rare gifts of introspection, intellect, perspective and sensitivity that only an extraordinary artist and author like Minnietta Millard could create. In A Closer Look: A Theology of the Ordinary, readers are invited to re-think their own histories and hopes." Dr. Donald E. Messer, President emeritus, The Iliff School of Theology "Minnietta Millard opens us to the possibility of new discoveries and joy in our own lives as she skillfully blends her mainstream theological education with mystical views, transpersonal theorists, and quantum physicists." Dr. Jane Park Cutler, Licensed Clinical Social Worker "Skilled artist, effective Christian Educator, faithful spouse, devoted mother, brilliant teacher are simple descriptions of this profound life well lived and recorded here. Minnietta Millard offers challenge, direction, hope and inspiration to all." Bishop Rueben Job, Bishop of the United Methodist Church "Minnietta has so gracefully and intimately shared her life, which flows like the mightiest of rivers, that her words will touch and heal the lives of many." Lori Desautels, Special Education Teacher "This book contains wonderful stories which are so often our stories too. We are blessed to be given such a treasure." The Reverend Susan Ruach, General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church


About the Author

  

Born and raised on the prairies of South Dakota, Minnietta Millard absorbed early on the sense of Spirit in all things.  The Christian faith became the chosen vehicle for deepening her relationship with that Spirit and her relationship with service in the world.

 

Along that path of service she became a Director of Christian Education (Dakota Wesleyan University, B.A.; Boston University School of Theology, M.R.E), was Chairperson of the Committee on the Status and Role of Women for the SD United Methodist Church, directed summer Junior High camps, taught confirmation classes for 19 years, and led adult classes and workshops in several states.  At one point she was recognized as the Outstanding Young Religious Leader in her community.

 

After moving to Indiana, she was President of the Board of Directors of the Vivian Smith Teen Parenting Program, which was recognized as a leading force in educating, supporting, and nurturing teen mothers and their babies so the mothers could graduate from high school.  She was Director of a Three Year Covenant Community for Spiritual Formation and is presently on the Board of Bridge Builders, the purpose of which is to create a satellite university of the University of Indianapolis at Mar Elias School in Ibilin, Israel, where Christian, Jews, Druids, and Muslims study together in peace.

 

Minnietta was on the ground level of bringing a training called Beyond Your Best to Indianapolis because it so powerfully enables participants to bring forth within themselves that sense of Spirit in all being and in all becoming.

 

What she became during these various activities found expression in her second career as a stained glass artist.  It was in being an artist for 25 years that she learned to trust in a Spirit flowing through her in the creative process, including creating her own life.

 

Married for over 42 years to Dr. Kent Millard, pastor of St Luke’s United Methodist Church, a mega church in Indianapolis, Indiana, she has two adult children, who with their spouses have blessed her with seven grandchildren.