{"id":27488,"date":"2016-03-24T12:04:25","date_gmt":"2016-03-24T16:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/?p=27488"},"modified":"2016-03-31T11:38:19","modified_gmt":"2016-03-31T15:38:19","slug":"celebrating-service-linda-alley-plans-to-move-more-fully-into-callings-as-spiritual-director-retreat-leader-and-writer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2016\/celebrating-service-linda-alley-plans-to-move-more-fully-into-callings-as-spiritual-director-retreat-leader-and-writer\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating Service: Linda Alley plans to move ‘more fully’ into callings as spiritual director, retreat leader and writer"},"content":{"rendered":"

This year, several 91大神 faculty and staff, among them Linda Lefever Alley, are moving into retirement after many years of service. To acknowledge their service and deep commitment to our community, we\u2019ve offered the opportunity for them to share favorite memories of their time here, as well as advice for those of us still laboring onwards. <\/em><\/p>\n

We\u2019re delighted that Linda will be our first feature. <\/em><\/p>\n

Please stay tuned as we continue to feature retiring faculty (at least those were responsive to our idea) in the coming weeks. A complete list of 2016 retirees concludes each article. <\/em><\/p>\n

The comment box is open below for readers who wish to share greetings and memories with Linda, who can also be reached at alleyl@emu.edu<\/a> or (540) 432-4698.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cThe very best thing about working at 91大神 is the people with whom I\u2019ve worked,\u201d says Linda Alley, who concludes 27 years of service with 91大神 in June. \u201cSome have mentored me; some have called me mentor. Some have taught me important life lessons or listened\/laughed with me. It is always a good day when I meet a former co-worker as I\u2019m out and about; those connections are a precious part of my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Linda juggles three different positions at Eastern Mennonite Seminary (EMS), where she is currently administrative assistant for events, director of the Summer Institute for Spiritual Formation, and director of the Congregational Resource Center.<\/p>\n

\"linda<\/a>
Linda Alley greets participants in the School for Leadership Training. (Photo by Michael Sheeler)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ordained with the Church of the Brethren in 2010, Linda says her goal \u201cin the next season of my life is to live more fully into the calling to be a spiritual director, retreat leader, and inspirational writer.\u201d<\/p>\n

She plans to visit EMS four-five days a month to meet with \u201congoing and new spiritual directees,\u201d as well as offer hospitality at her home, named Tranquility, which was built as a retreat space.<\/p>\n

In September 2016, she will go on a pilgrimage in Galway, Ireland; the event, which includes walking and discernment with 12 others, is called \u201cThe Soul\u2019s Slow Ripening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Linda has worked in a variety of 91大神 positions, beginning as an undergraduate work-study student with fellow student (and also retiring president) Loren Swartzendruber. She worked in the financial aid office after graduation for one year, then married Pastor Robert Alley. In the following years, Linda raised three children while living in West Virginia and Pennsylvania; \u201chome engineer\u201d was her title during this phase of life, she jokes.<\/p>\n

Linda returned to 91大神 in 1991 to positions in the registrar\u2019s office and student life, before joining the seminary staff in 2005.<\/p>\n

Favorite memories at 91大神 (in her own words)<\/strong><\/h3>\n