Rev. Debra Garfinkel
Rev. Debra Garfinkel comes to All Souls Unitarian Church with a deep and abiding appreciation and compassion for people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. She has been a member of the All Souls Ministerial staff since 2006 with her focus being Pastoral Care. When asked how she came to be a minister at All Souls Tulsa, Debra says, “I feel that my entire life of experiences, former careers, and education prepared me for and led me to this dynamic and vibrant worshipping community. All Souls is a place that makes room for a variety of spiritual and intellectual expression. It is a deeply caring community where the people strive to walk their talk of justice and equity for all human beings – for all souls. What a privilege to listen to and be part of all these living stories!”
It’s fair to say that Debra loves stories. She was a professional storyteller for more than 15 years. She believes that there is a great need for people to tell their stories and to feel that they have been heard. Her theology of compassion and mutuality in care move her to help people reframe and retell their own stories in order to reclaim a sense of wonder, joy, self-assurance, and peace.
A large part of Debra’s story includes a life-long passion for learning. As a child, she was interested in a variety of subjects that spanned the arts and sciences. She studied piano and voice and continues to sing in a women’s community chorus. Believing that language contains the soul of a person’s culture, she continues her study of Spanish and hopes to study other languages, as well. Her continuing education includes courses and workshops covering various aspects of ministry, including preaching, the art and practice of parish ministry, interfaith work, social justice issues, and many aspects within the field of pastoral care. Debra is completing her three year training to become a professional spiritual director.
Debra’s personal spiritual journey began in the Methodist church. She was baptized and became a confirmed member of the church when she was eleven years old – a significant day in her life. At the age of eighteen, she determined that many of her questions required a broader search. Eventually, this led her to Unitarian Universalism. It was her involvement with Church of the Restoration UU that allowed her to hear her call to Unitarian Universalist ministry. In May 2006, Debra received her Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was ordained by All Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa, in January 2007.
Debra has lived in the beautiful city of Tulsa since 1961. She and her husband have been married for twenty-two wonderful years. They have three incredible children and two amazing grandchildren. Living in community, living in family: right relationship is at the heart of Debra’s ministry. Debra shares the belief with many that human beings only know themselves by their relationships. Therefore, her faith and practice can be expressed by these words attributed to Mother Teresa:
Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service. Whatever form we are, able or disabled, rich or poor, it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing; a lifelong sharing of love with others.