Welcome to Two Elk Ministries!
Offering you courage, comfort and meaning for your journey.
My Spiritual Path, Beliefs and Offerings
My Path
I grew up at a place and time where it was safe for children to idly roan the beaches and forests on their hometowns This allowed me the privilege of spending my free time studying tidepools, climbing trees or looking up at the night sky. In this way, my spirituality is deeply rooted in nature because that is where I first pondered the sacred and interconnected nature of existence.
I was and always have been a Seeker. I enrolled myself in Sunday School when I was only 10 years old. Since that time, I have have studied Christianity, the Mystics, World Religions, Humanism, and the spiritual practices of several North American Indigenous nations.
I have spent the past 20+ years serving Unitarian Universalist congregations in the Pacific Northwest. I have published several essays and am currently working on a book about the dangers of unchecked individualism in a time of ideological dischord. I have been married to my husband of 15 years, Gary Obermeyer. Together we have four children, five grandchildren, and two dogs. They are our heart's delight.
My Beliefs
When asked what I believe, I have a short answer and a longer one. I offer my short one first: I believe that while we are alive on this planet, we have the spiritual assignment to learn, to grow, to love, and to care for one another and all of Creation.
And now my longer version:
- I believe in the teachings of Jesus and draw insight from non-Christian traditions as well.
- I believe that within us is the Soul of the Whole, the Eternal One, and it dwells within us, among us, and beyond us;
- I experience the Eternal One as a all-wise yet largely silent Creator who guides us through our intuition, our dreams, our prayer life, and the creative impulse.
- We cannot wait for God to intervene and remedy life's problems. It is up to us to be God's hands in the world.
- There is no "us" and "them", nor "damned" and "saved." We are all One, all connected in ways both visible and invisible.
- It is up to each of us to develop a personal theology that, if we examine, may deepen and change over time.
- I believe that doubt is natural, and that your conscience, your curiosity, and your relationships with others offer your best window to the Sacred--not a single church, set of scriptures, or religious tradition.
Offerings Price List
- Personal Counselling on Zoom -- $50-$100 (sliding scale)
- Couples Counseling on Zoom --$75-$125 (sliding scale)
- Live Wedding -- $300-$500 (sliding scale) plus mileage
- Online Wedding--$200
- Create Your Own Wedding Ceremony Booklet -- $50
- Live Memorial Services -- $300-$500 (sliding scale) plus mileage
- Zoom Memorial Service --$200
- Create Your Own Memorial Service Booklet --$50
- Live 20-minute Sermon, Presentation or Dharma Talk --$350 plus mileage
- Sermon from my own library of previously written sermons for your use--$100 (rights and credits retained by Rev. Lore).
- Live Spiritual Retreats -- $100/hour plus mileage
- Online Spiritual Retreats --Price negotiable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-- WEDDINGS --
Question: Is Rev. Lore able to conduct legal wedding ceremonies? Answer: Yes. She is an ordained minister who can legally officiate weddings in the U.S. and Canada.
Question: Does Rev. Lore officiate same-sex marriages?
Answer: Absolutely.
Question: Can I get a traditional Christian wedding service?
Answer: As a Unitarian Universalist minister, Rev. Lore is empowered to draw from all the faith traditions, including Christianity.
Question: What if I don't want any religion included?
Answer: Rev. Lore is experienced and comfortable with officiating secular services.
Question: Is pre-marriage counseling required?
Answer: It is available but not required.
Question: What if I want to include my dog in our wedding? Can that happen?
Answer: Yes.
Question: How long do your wedding services last?
Answer: All services are personalized to fit your needs. They can be as short as 10 minutes or as long an as hour. Rev. Lore has a wedding planning booklet to help you.
-- MEMORIAL SERVICES --
Question: Can Rev. Lore conduct online memorial services?
Answer: Yes. She can conduct services on Zoom.
Question: Would she be willing to conduct a service that is located out-of-doors, in someone's home, or in a business establishment?
Answer: Almost certainly--as long as people's voices can be heard.
Question: I have never organized a memorial service and don't know where to begin. Where do I start?
Answer: Rev. Lore has led memorial services over two decades so can help you figure it out during a planning session. She also has a memorial planning booklet to help you.
Question: How long does a Memorial Service last?
Answer: Generally 45-60 minutes, depending on how many people want to speak
--SERMONS--
Question: What type of sermons can I expect from Rev. Lore?
Answer: Rev. Lore can speak about a wide range of topics: from Spiritual Growth, World Religions, Social Justice, Human RIghts, and the Natural World. She can provide Traditional services, Music and Poetry services, or Dramatic services (taking on the persona of a famous thinker or theologian).
Question: Does she offer live sermons or pre-corded ones?
Answer: Rev. Lore can do either.
Question: How far will she travel?
Answer: Rev. Lore is willing to drive across Washington State, or to Northern Oregon and Southern British Columbia to deliver in-person services.