Announcing the Ordination of 

Dr. Katy E. Valentine

(soon to be Rev. Dr. Katy E. Valentine)

The ordination of Katy E. Valentine will take place at 1:00 p.m. on June 4, 2016 at First Christian Church of Chico (295 E. Washington Ave., Chico, CA).  

You are warmly invited. 

The theme for the day is "Celebrating Unconditional Love" that God has for us and invites us to share with the world. The service will be full of joy, laughter, music and prayers. The Rev. Dr. LaTaunya "Toni" Bynum will be preaching. Diana Rowan will be present on solo harp and the Chico Harp Circle will also be providing service music. 

The sponsoring churches are First Christian Church of Chico and The Table of Berkeley.  

Some details you may want to know!

• Your prayers, meditations, good thoughts and warm wishes are desired in preparation for this day. Katy thanks you in advance.
• Interfaith guests welcome! No doctrinal statements required by participants -- just support and love.
• Participants in the service will meet earlier with Rev. Mary Kearns to go over the order of service (exact time TBA).
• Reception provided afterward at the church (and believe me, Chico does it right!!).
• An all gender bathroom will be available.
• Clergy are invited to robe in Pentecost or other suitable colors (your choice!)
• Offering will be taken -- the recipients will be announced shortly.
• No Gifts please! Your presence IS the gift, and I am delighted that you can attend. Please save any gifts and make an offering on the day instead -- it will go to worthy ministries. 
• Infants and Children are welcome in the service.  If they make noise...so what?!  It's fine.  A nursing room is available.
• If you're wondering if you can come, then yes, you can!  See you there. 

What to expect in the service

• It will be upbeat and joyful
• Lot of music!
• Some readings of poetry and Scripture
• Words from people who have been instrumental in Katy's journey
• Preaching by The Rev. Dr. LaTaunya Bynum
• A Laying on of Hands will be the cornerstone of the service

About the Art

Above, you'll see a beautiful piece of art designed especially for this day. The art has two important companions on this ordination journey: A St. Brigid's cross and a Celtic Harp.  St. Brigid's feast day and Katy's birthday are on the same date; she is the patron saint of poets and healers, and her cross emblem is made of grass or wheat every year on Feb. 1.  The harp occupies a special place in Katy's life and is an instrument found in nearly every culture in the world.  Its healing music will be usher in the worship service on June 4.  The circle surrounding the two is representative of the Divine -- and the enduring, unconditional love that surrounds us all the time. (Artwork done by Sinziana Romanescu at sparklingshoesgirl.com.  Thank you, Sinziana!)

Nuts and Bolts

• Chico is about three hours from the Bay area (depending on where in the Bay area you're coming from). GIve yourself three and a half to be comfortable or more if you want to stop and eat beforehand.
• Some church people will be opening their doors to guests in need.  If you need a place to stay, please contact Katy (katyvalentine@me.com) and she will put you in touch with someone who can house you.
• If you prefer a hotel, here are a few recommendations.  (No matter where you stay, you're 10-15 minutes from anywhere, including the church. They're all good choices.) 
• Oxford Suites (http://www.oxfordsuiteschico.com/) -- Clean, serviceable, free breakfast, across the street from an IHOP and In & Out
• Hotel Diamond (https://hoteldiamondchico.com/) -- the fancier, schmancier hotel downtown. Super cute and surrounded by the quaint and lovely downtown Chico (lots to eat, walk around, see, etc.)
• Ramada Plaza (http://www.ramada.com/hotels/california/chico/ramada-plaza-chico/hotel-overview) -- no personal recommendations but it's a standard Ramada with a 3.0 out of 5.0 on hotels.com 

Travel Suggestions
The nearest airport is Sacramento (90 minutes or so away).  San Francisco and Oakland are about three hours away --- but do not, under any circumstances, attempt to drive from either of these airports during rush hour (4 - 6:30 or so).  Just find a cafe and sit tight until it's easy to drive.

Recommended Airline -- Southwest.  If you're coming from the Shreveport area, drive to Love Field for Southwest. It's easy.

Special Note for Family and out of town Friends Visiting

On Saturday after the service, we'll all take a rest!  Then gather together for dinner (Location TBD) and to relax and enjoy each other.  On Sunday, everyone is invited to attend services at First Christian Church at 11.  On Sunday afternoon (Time TBD) everyone is invited to the New Clairvaux winery (kid friendly). See details at http://www.newclairvauxvineyard.com/visit 

More details forthcoming as they are available.