In
addition to being a talented songwriter and performer, Jody Kessler
is an ordained Interfaith Minister. She received her training
at The New Seminary in New York City and is a staff member of
the Interfaith Temple in Manhattan. Her ministry weaves together
her gifts as a spiritual leader, motivational speaker, teacher,
and troubadour.
What is Interfaith?
Interfaith is a spiritual ideology that respects all faiths and
honors all paths. It is not a religion per se, but rather an approach
to spirituality that celebrates both the diversity and the common
ground among all religions. The Interfaith perspective aims to
extract the jewels of wisdom and truth that shine at the heart
of each faith and recognizes that there are many ways to experience
connection with the Divine.
In this modern age and culture, in which so many paths and practices
are freely available to us, Interfaith Ministry speaks especially
to people who are spiritually eclectic and choose not to put themselves
in one religious "box." The Interfaith approach allows
families and communities of mixed faiths and backgrounds to celebrate
holidays and significant life transitions together. Interfaith
Ministry also serves those who consider themselves to be spiritual
but non-religious, and meaningful ceremonies can be created that
have no references to any particular doctrine.
In addition, Interfaith Ministry values all beings, blending a
focus on the Divine with the very down-to-earth concerns of peace,
social justice, and the environment.
From East to West, from Monotheism to Pantheism, and from ancient
to contemporary, Interfaith Ministry recognizes and celebrates
all the beautiful faiths and practices that grace the human spiritual
garden.
Jody's
Music Ministry
Jody has written many songs that speak to connection with Spirit,
mindful living, compassion, recovery, and personal growth. Through
her music, she also shares inspiring and uplifting stories about
remarkable people and events. Because her own spiritual practice
is eclectic and draws upon many different traditions, her songs
are non-denominational. Rather than espousing one particular faith,
her songs aim to touch the place in each of us that transcends
religious affiliation and connects us through our Common Heart.
Jody frequently performs as a guest soloist for congregations
of various denominations, for Sunday services and special concert
events. In addition, she has had the honor of being a guest minister
in many churches. Her presentation weaves together both participatory
and reflective songs, inspirational speaking, storytelling for
children, simple ceremony, and guided meditation as she takes
the congregation on an unforgettable journey that opens the heart
and lifts the spirit. Service themes include:
•
Ten Thousand Joys and Ten Thousand Sorrows: Opening
to Life with Equanimity and Acceptance
• Honoring our Divinity, Celebrating our Humanity
• The Only Constant is Change
• Thank You For Everything: Cultivating
an Attitude of Gratitude
• Interbeing: We Are All Connected
Jody works in conjunction with the worship committee or pastor
to come up with a presentation that meets the needs of the congregation.
Please see below for a list of churches and spiritual centers
where Jody has shared her music and message.
Common Heart Interfaith Fellowship
In addition to her work as a visiting minister, Jody is the founder
and director of the Common
Heart Interfaith Fellowship, an interfaith spiritual
community located in Ithaca, NY. Her monthly Second
Sunday Celebration Circles are a unique and uplifting
experience and are open to all. For more information about the
Fellowship and monthly celebrations, visit www.commonheart.org
Other Interfaith Services
Jody is available to officiate at weddings and commitment ceremonies,
same-sex unions, baby blessings, memorial services, seasonal rituals
and other celebrations. These ceremonies can take place in your
home, at your place of worship, or in a natural setting. Your
ritual can be customized to reflect your own traditions and beliefs.
Jody will put her creativity, knowledge and energy to work to
design a personalized ritual that expresses who you are and how
you choose to honor Spirit.
Jody is also available for one-on-one spiritual counseling sessions.
Her counseling approach aims to help the client deepen his/her
connection with Spirit and have easier access to inner wisdom,
guidance, and peace.
Workshops
Jody is also a skilled facilitator of workshops for all ages.
As a former schoolteacher with a Master’s degree in Elementary
Education, she finds teaching to be a natural and joyful expression
of her many gifts. Her workshop topics range from music to spirituality,
and usually combine both. Workshop themes include:
• Opening to Spirit Though Song (for adults)
click for more info
• Creative music making (for children of
all ages)
• Celebrating our Lives Through Songwriting
(all ages)
• Cultivating Inner Beauty: A Workshop
for Women in their Prime
• Joyful Noise: An Interfaith Devotional
Chanting Experience click for more
info
"Let me say that as Program Chair I get a lot of feedback
about programs, and I have NEVER received so much positive feedback
about any program as I did about yours. It was truly special,
and appreciated across the broad spectrum of our congregation."
– Pat Lammana, Program Chair, UU Fellowship
of Poughkeepsie, NY
"Soulful, emotionally-penetrating, and wondrously
beautiful music.."
– Scott Kalechstein, songwriter, minister,
and inspirational speaker
"Jody Kessler's music is truly delightful. Her
songs are thoughtful and rich in meaning, her voice touches your
heart and her guitar playing is masterful."
– Ben Tousley, M.Div., minister, and award-winning
folksinger
"Thank you for sharing your light and love with
our congregation... Your music has a universal message for us
all."
– Mary Lou Wilson, Worship Committee Chair,
Unity Church of Lehigh Valley, PA
Click
here for a list of churches and other spiritually focused venues
where Jody has appeared
For
more information about services, ceremonies, counseling, or workshops,
please contact Jody at revjody@jodykessler.com.
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