Dancing in the Ruach Elohim

A Message From The Moderator

2011-05-11T00:04:00.005-05:00

A New Day For The PCUSA

2011-05-10T23:11:00.007-05:00

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) had (finally) approved changes in ordination standards! We are another step closer to genuine equality in the church! Praise God!!!

Maybe now we will begin to truly believe that God's gift of grace that is made known to us in our baptism is truly sufficient...because, baby...we were born this way...

On The Threshold Of Equality

2011-05-09T21:40:00.029-05:00

In 2008, I served as a commissioner to the 218th General Assembly of the PC(USA). I worked with the Church Orders and Ministry Committee, which was the committee that considered amendments regarding G-6.0106b. That year, the General Assembly passed the amendment that became known as "Amendment 08-B". While it was being considered in committee, it was known as "Item 05-09". This proposed amendment would have changed the language of G-6.0106b in the PC(USA)'s Book of Order, moving us closer to real equality in the church.

I moved for its approval in committee (and voted for its approval on the floor of the Assembly), so I was really disappointed when it was not ratified by enough presbyteries to pass.

Many of us in the PC(USA) have been fighting to get the language of G-6.0106b either changed or removed from our Book of Order for years now -- ever since it was added to the Book of Order in the mid 1990s. Many of us wondered if/when that day would ever come.

Well...that day is finally here!!! Most are now saying that Tuesday, May 10, 2011, will be the day that the language of G-6.0106b is finally changed so that it will bring us one step closer to full equality in the PC(USA).

I will be reflecting on this action in the next several days and weeks. Many people will be excited and happy about the voting results (like me!) -- but, others will not... In the meantime, I share these words that I wrote back in 2008:

We are called to trust God in the process – really trusting that God is the one who is in charge. God calls us through scripture to live together, work together, pray together, worship together, and witness together.

I pray that we will seek to live out our calling to live as brothers and sisters in Christ, so that our willingness to look past our differences and declare together that Jesus Christ is Lord can bear witness to the amazing power of the love and grace of God!

Jesus said: "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 (NRSV)

When Does Love Win?

2011-05-01T22:29:00.019-05:00

I just finished watching President Obama tell the nation about the death of Osama bin Laden. I must admit that I have mixed emotions about this "achievement". On the one hand, I feel some relief knowing that a known murderer and terrorist has been eliminated. This is the guy who orchestrated the tragic events of 9-11. This is the guy who regularly celebrated the deaths of thousands of innocent people. Let's face it -- even if he had been captured alive, he would have faced the death penalty for his multitude of crimes. So, knowing that he has been brought to justice is welcome news.

On the other hand, I find myself somewhat uncomfortable with rejoicing over the death of someone -- even the death of such a sick, violent, twisted individual as Osama bin Laden. It doesn't sit well with me to cheer when there are acts of violence. While I understand many consider his death to be "justice", I can't help but see it more as vengeance. And as much as I wish that Osama's death would somehow mean that terrorism is now "done", I know that just isn't the case. So, I am hesitant to celebrate...

Now...before the President spoke, the news broke -- both online and on the various television news channels. There was a ridiculous amount of speculation on Twitter. But the speculation about what the President was going to talk about didn't bother me. The "leak" of the news that Osama bin Laden had been killed didn't really upset me all that much, either. What really bothered me was the words of hate and disdain that were being tossed about between political parties and their supporters...

Please. Someone help me understand how throwing insults is helpful. Someone help me understand how calling people or groups names adds anything positive. Someone help me understand how pointing fingers at people or groups we don't like or agree with is ever going to get us anywhere. Someone, please, help me understand how violent, hurtful words answer God's call to love one another.

Is This what peace looks like? Is THIS what unity looks like? When does love win? When do we dare to truly embrace the command to love our enemies? When do we finally decide to follow the command to bless those who curse us and pray for those who persecute us?

We aren't always going to agree on how things should be done. We aren't likely to agree on who should (or shouldn't) get the credit for things that happen in the world. And God knows that we aren't all going to agree on which people to vote for or which news channels to watch. But I pray that maybe -- just maybe -- we who call ourselves Christian might figure out a way to agree on the importance of showing respect to one another -- even when (and maybe, most importantly) we disagree so passionately about other things. If we can find that way... If we can dare to respect one another... If we can refrain from the temptations of violence and vengeance...then maybe...love can win...

Our Heyday Is Yet To Come

2011-04-24T21:53:00.006-05:00

One of the scripture lessons that is often read on Easter Sunday – part of the “Easter Vigil” liturgy – is a lengthy passage from Exodus (Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21). In this scripture, we read about the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. We all know this scene – Cecil B. DeMille and Charles Heston made it famous. With Pharaoh’s army close on their heels, the Israelites come to the banks of the Red Sea, where it looks as though they will surely be recaptured. But, God instructs Moses to stretch out his hand over the sea – and, when he does, the water is driven back by a heaven-sent wind so that the people can cross the sea on dry land.

It is a great story. But, we might wonder… why it is part of the liturgy for Easter Sunday? I think that – along with the Resurrection stories that we read in the Gospels – this passage from Exodus could possibly be one of the best scriptures to read on Easter Sunday. Like the accounts of Jesus’ Resurrection, the story of the crossing of the Red Sea is a salvation story. These scriptures tell us about God’s desire to save – even when doing so may appear to be impossible. These stories offer dynamic testimony of how God always makes a way when (it seems that) there is no way.

These stories about the Exodus and Jesus’ Resurrection invite us to make a dramatic shift in our thinking. Conventional thinking would suggest that huge bodies of water are always impossible to cross on foot. Conventional thinking would suggest that death is always the end of the story. But when we shift our thinking – when we put on new, Spirit-tinted glasses and we tune in to see what God sees – then we discover that there are more possibilities than we originally thought. Suddenly, there are dry paths made in the midst of the waves. Suddenly, stones are rolled away and new life springs forth where there once was only death.

Without the shift in our thinking – when we are reluctant to wear those Spirit-tinted glasses – we end up slipping into the murky land of “Should-a/Would-a/Could-a”. The Israelites were there for a while, asking Moses why they had left Egypt only to die in the wilderness – faced with the obstacle of crossing the Red Sea, they were quick to abandon hope and suggest that they were better off as slaves in captivity! “We should-a stayed in Egypt! We would-a never faced this kind of hardship there! We could-a been safe – even as slaves.”

Without Spirit-tinted glasses (offered to us through the promise of God-provided salvation), we – like the Israelites – slip into the belief that our heyday is behind us! We might be tempted to look back to the “Church of Yesteryear” and pine for “the good-ol’ days”. But, God (thankfully) didn’t finish working in and with the Church 30, 50, or 70 years ago – if God had finished back then, we’d still be dealing with issues of institutionalized segregation and sexism in the Church!

Thank the Lord that God is still acting! God is still moving! God is still at work! God – through the Word – encourages us to put on a new vision and recognize this fact: because God is at work, our heyday is yet to come.

Knowing the Mind of God

2011-04-03T22:40:00.011-05:00

As I was writing last week, I was reminded of an experience I had while I was searching for a new call. When I was being considered for a position at a particular church, I had the opportunity to interview with a Committee on Ministry of a Presbytery via email. (I will not disclose which church, COM, or Presbytery this was -- I will only say that it is NOT the church, COM, or Presbytery with whom I am affiliated now.)

Here's one of my "favorite" questions about what I had to say in my PIF (Personal Information Form) from a member of that COM:

Under the heading "Key Theological Issues" in Amy's PIF she states: "All Christians must recognize that whenever we claim to know the mind of God we are guilty of idolatry; it is God who calls us and claims us as members of the body of Christ, and not we who call upon or claim God as our own." I need some help in understanding what she is saying here. I would like to ask her: are you saying we cannot know the mind of God at all? Can you explain your statement a bit more, especially in relation to God’s work of revealing to us God's will, God's truth, God's mind so that we can come to know more about God and God's ways for right living? If God can make God’s will known to us, what do you mean when you say it is idolatrous to claim to know what God has revealed? I don’t think I understand what you are trying to say on this point. (see 1 Corinthians 2:9-16, esp. 10-11)

Here is how I answered the inquisitive (and, dare I say, seemingly anxious) individual:

God’s will and God’s truth are, indeed, revealed to us in the person of Jesus Christ by the Spirit of God, and through the Scriptures (again, only by the illumination of the Holy Spirit). Yet, while we (the Church) have received “the Spirit that is from God,” that does not mean that we now “know” the mind of God. Our finite, human minds cannot –- individually or in small groups -– ever fully contain or ever posses the mind of God. As Paul writes, “we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end…For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:9-12).”

It is the Church –- the full Body of Christ –- that has received the Spirit of God, and it is only together as a Body of Christ that we are able to begin to know the mind of God; and when God’s Kingdom is made complete, then our knowledge of God may also be complete. When we as individuals or groups (churches, denominations, affiliate groups, etc.) claim to “know” fully the mind of God, we are quick to forget that we are only a part of the Body of Christ; to claim that somehow one group or another is able to have the knowledge that God has is to once again fall prey to the lies of the Tempter.

In 1 Corinthians 2:12, Paul says that “Now we have received…the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God.” Later in his letter, Paul goes on to more fully explain these spiritual gifts, taking great care to remind us that we are members of a body; we cannot live without one another (1 Corinthians 12). In order to accomplish this -– in order to live together as one Body of Christ –- we must have love for one another (1 Corinthians 13). Therefore, this is why I say this in my PIF: “The Church is called to live out the truth of Christ’s command to 'Love one another as I have loved you'. As we are confronted by a barrage of political and social issues, it is vitally important that the Church find ways to be open to persons of all political, socio-economic, and theological standpoints –- we will only be whole when the Church is able to embrace persons of differing views.”

When will we dare to get over ourselves, admit that we don't have all the answers (and that we couldn't handle it even if we did), and just let God be God...?

The Cartoon Song: A Reflection

2011-03-28T16:59:00.021-05:00

In the late '90s, Christian radio stations were abuzz with the hidden track on the album Past the Edges by Chris Rice: Cartoons.

Without question, it is a catchy, fun little song. It presents us with a simple hypothetical to consider: What if cartoons "got saved"? And it is clever to imagine how those famous cartoons would say "hallelujah". And yet, as imaginative as this song is, the message that it sends leaves much to be desired...

The song suggests that "Beavis and that other guy" won't be or can't be saved. The slight pause and one word dismissal of "nah" makes at least some people in the live audience laugh -- there are some who cheer, even -- but, I don't see the humor or joy in it. Why is it that we think that these two cartoon characters can be so easily tossed aside? Is it their choice of dress? Is it their choice of music? Maybe it is their presumed education level or their choice of language? Why is it so difficult to imagine Beavis and Butthead getting saved?

The answer really all depends on your understanding of salvation. Some people believe that salvation is totally dependent on our actions -- that is to say that we humans have a kind of authoritative role in whether or not we are saved. Some say -- either with their actual words or with their actions -- that salvation is based on our believing something or doing something or saying something, as though our being saved or not is dependent upon our "works".

I don't agree with this understanding. You see, I don't believe that we humans (or cartoons, for that matter) have any authoritative role in "being saved". Salvation has nothing to do with any choice that I could ever make. It has nothing to do with any magic words or special incantations. It is not something that comes about because of our "works". Salvation is not something that we do. God - and God alone - is the one who acts through Christ. If salvation is dependent on me and my actions/choices, then that would mean that God is bound by me...and that is a really weak God! Salvation is a gift from God -- pure and simple.

So, I have to wonder... why say "nah" when considering what it would be like if Beavis and Butthead were saved? Is God not capable of extending the gift of salvation to characters like them? God doesn't hesitate to save Fred Flinstone, a character who frequently mistreats his wife. God readily saves Scooby-doo and Shaggy, who are known trespassers (and long suspected drug users). God has no problem saving someone like Yogi Bear, who is an admitted thief. And yet, according to the song, God has no interest in saving two teenage boys who like to watch MTV.

Really?!? I'm just not buying it... I wholeheartedly believe that God is fully capable of saving Beavis and Butthead! Do I know that God would save them? No. I don't know that any more than I can know if God would save anyone else! I don't claim to know the mind of God. This is why I find it rather upsetting that there are "Christians" who dare to make judgement calls like Chris Rice has in his song "Cartoons". There is no good reason to suggest -- even in jest -- that God has no interest in or ability to save someone...

Jesus said -- without mincing words -- that we are not called to make these kinds of judgements. "Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get (Matthew 7:1-2)." It is pretty clear that none of us are in any position to decide whether or not God would save someone. If we're going to be judged according to the judgments that we make, then I am going to follow the rules of love and grace...

If There Is A Hell...

2011-03-17T23:12:00.011-05:00

The violent behavior of Fred Phelps that has recently been revealed by his estranged seventh-son, Nate, comes as no surprise. Any person whose entire "ministry" revolves around hate is bound to exhibit violent behavior. (I don't think that I have ever heard any reports of this "pastor" of the Westboro Baptist "Church" even saying the word love.)

At the end of the article, Nate Phelps (the son) says this: "So since the United States is taking steps to move in the direction of equality for gays in America, he says that has doomed America... So anyone who is connected to America, so anyone who is supporting America in any sense is subject to the wrath of God."

So... here's what I'm wondering... The Westboro Baptist "Church" benefited from the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in their favor. The court decided that they have the right to do what they do, right? So... doesn't that mean that they are "connected to America"? I mean, they live in America. They live under the rule of the U.S. government. They were just supported by the highest court in America.

So...according to their own claims regarding what happens to those who are connected to America...doesn't this mean that (due to their association) "God Hates Westboro Baptist Church"?

Just wondering...

Roll Away Your Stone...

2011-03-16T23:56:00.002-05:00

What stone could you roll away today?

Who Does This? Really?

2011-03-15T15:51:00.004-05:00

So...it seems that the gal in the video that I posted yesterday - the one thanking God for answering prayers to convert atheists by causing the earthquake in Japan - was making up the whole thing.

Now, on the one hand, I am incredibly happy to find out that the video wasn't legit. But, on the other hand... Who DOES this sort of thing??? I mean, is this meant to be entertaining? Is it meant to be a political statement of some sort? Is it designed to make other groups of people look bad by pretending to be the most rotten apple in the bunch?

Parody or not -- "troll" video or not -- what was posted was just plain wrong. And the "oops, my bad" pseudo-apology doesn't really cut it for me...

A Response to One Who is Thankful for the Tragedy in Japan

2011-03-14T22:25:00.014-05:00

I was wondering when we'd start seeing things like this. And, by "things", I mean "crap". I guess I was hoping and praying that the wackos would keep quiet about the horrific tragedies in Japan. Sadly, we're not that lucky. I simply do not understand how it is that people can say these kinds of things.

(I warn you that this video is, in my opinion, incredibly offensive. If you are one of those people who is prone to throwing things when you get angry or such like that...well...you've been warned.)

To say that I am disgusted by this person's words is, perhaps, the understatement of the century.

At first, I figured that this must be a prank video - intended to parody so-called Christians like Pat Robertson and John Piper. But, alas, I don't think that is actually the case. I looked at her profile on YouTube, and I'm fairly certain that she attends (or is at the least greatly influenced by) the Chalcedon Presbyterian Church in Cumming, Georgia. I saw the word "Presbyterian" and nearly came unglued. I quickly checked to see what particular "flavor" of Presbyterian this church claims, and I discovered that they identify with the Reformed Presbyterian Church in the United States. I have a few friends who attend RPCUS churches -- and the RPCUS is quite different from the PCUSA -- but I don't think that this person in the video is a good spokesperson for that denomination.

The real Christians that I know aren't cruel, hate-filled people who think that we should celebrate when tragedy strikes -- they are kind, love-filled people who reach out to friends and enemies alike in the name of Christ. The real Christians that I know don't believe that God is all about separation -- they believe that God is all about reconciliation. The real Christians that I know leave pronouncements of judgement and damnation COMPLETELY up to God -- they don't pretend that they can make those kinds of pronouncements themselves.

The creator of the video posted above calls Christians to prayer. And I say, let's do it. Let's pray fervently throughout this Lenten season. But, I would encourage us all to pray in ways that don't put words into God's mouth. Instead of praying for things like destruction and vengeance, let's dare to pray for those things for which Christ suggested we pray: pray for your own ability to forgive (Mark 11:25); and pray for your enemies and those who persecute you, so that you might demonstrate your love for them as God demonstrates love for you (Matthew 5:43-48). May we learn to pray in ways that answer God's call for us to love as Christ so loved us...

A Lenten Fast Suggestion

2011-03-11T21:33:00.007-06:00

The season of Lent officially began on March 9th (Ash Wednesday), and it will continue for forty days until Easter Sunday. Beginning in the days of the early church, the season of Lent has developed into a time for learning and preparation – particularly for those preparing to be baptized. For all of us, Lent is a time to renew our faith, reaffirm our baptismal identities, and to learn more about what it means to be a follower of Christ.

Many Christians “give something up” for Lent. Have you ever done that? Many people will fast from something during Lent – giving up meat, chocolate, television, or something like that. Fasting is a common Christian practice – especially during this season. By choosing to refrain from enjoying something that we otherwise enjoy on a regular basis, it gives us an opportunity to appreciate those things that much more when we break our fast. Fasting during Lent also invites us to refocus our lives, to repent from our sins, and to renew our commitment to God and God’s Church.

Over the last several years, I have opted to "take on something" during Lent instead of "giving up something". And this year, I am wanting to do both -- take on something AND give up something. Once again, I will be striving to "take on" blogging on a more regular basis. (Hopefully, I will have better success this year!) And I will be "giving up" the oh so tasty trips to Dunkin Donuts... I plan to use the money I would have spent buying donuts and coffee to support one of our church's missions.

Now... all this is well and good and all that... but, let me share what I PRAY we will ALL consider giving up for Lent this year... It is my prayer that we will give up saying things like "But, we've never done it that way before," and "We tried that once and it didn't work." Seriously. I REALLY want us all to give up these useless phrases! I especially pray that those of us who believe Scripture when it says "Behold, I am about to do a new thing" and "Nothing will be impossible with God" will give up saying things that express hopelessness, reluctance, and fear. Instead of "But, we've never done it that way before," I hope that we will say "Let's give it a try!" Instead of "We tried that once and it didn't word," I hope that we will say "Let's see what happens this time!"

As we begin our Lenten journeys, may we dare to look forward - not backward. May we celebrate the gifts God has given - not whine about what we wish we had...

They Will Know...

2011-02-07T20:06:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite hymns is “They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love”. In it, we sing of how we will walk with each other, and we will work with each other. Most importantly, perhaps, is its declaration in the first verse that “we are one in the Spirit” and “we are one in the Lord”. Indeed, as members of the Body of Christ (the Church), we are made one in Christ Jesus. And, as members of the one Body of Christ, we are called to love – to love God, and to love our neighbors.

In John 13:34-35, Jesus gives us the foundation for the well-known hymn. He says to his disciples: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” It is by our showing love for one another that everyone will be able to tell that we are Christ-followers. It isn’t because of the crosses we wear around our necks. It isn’t because of the bumper stickers we have on our cars. It isn’t even because people see us walking into a church building from time to time. Plain and simple – from Jesus’ own lips – it is by our love that people will know that we are Christians.

So, perhaps it is not a big surprise that I – along with (thankfully) a multitude of other Christians – am so disgusted with “pastors” like Fred Phelps (the leader of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas). I am (to put it mildly) frustrated and deeply troubled every time I see these people on television or I read about them in the news. I fail to understand how it can possibly be a demonstration of God’s love to protest people’s funerals or picket various school or military events. I struggle to understand how a group of self-proclaimed Christians can even consider parading around the country with signs proclaiming that “God hates”. God hates? I dare say that isn’t what we find in scripture!

Again and again, the scriptures tell us about God’s love – not God’s hate. The scriptures tell us that God shows “steadfast love to the thousandth generation” (Deuteronomy 5:10). Through the prophet Isaiah, God declares, “In overflowing wrath for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says the Lord, your Redeemer (Isaiah 54:8).” Even when God is angry, God doesn’t stay angry – instead, God showers us with a love that never ends! And that shouldn’t surprise us – after all, God is love (1 John 4:8).

Echoing the words of Christ, the author of 1 John tells us: “Those who say, ‘I love God,’ and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also (1 John 4:20-21).” We show love because we have been shown real love – never ending love – in Christ. And so, we are called to love one another in the same way.

Friends, in a world where “churches” make headlines by preaching hatred, let us strive to be bold in our proclamation of love. May we embody the love of Christ and bring the words of the hymn to life, so that all in our community – and even in all the world – will indeed know we are Christians by our love.

Advent Re-Post

2010-11-29T22:52:00.004-06:00

Advent is here! And followers of my blog may already be aware of the fact that I have a fun habit of having all kinds of crazy things happen to me during the Advent season. I am, apparently, a kind of magnet for these sorts of things.

Well, so far this Advent has yet to present anything too crazy... But, there are still 3 weeks to go. In the meantime, I thought I would provide you all with links to my favorite Advent-ures from years gone by: And That's When I Set Myself On Fire (Part 1) & And That's When I Set Myself On Fire (Part 2).

Enjoy, my friends!!

God, the Finder (a sermon)

2010-09-14T12:24:00.005-05:00

The following was preached at the First Presbyterian Church of Washingtonville, NY on Sunday, September 12, 2010. The primary scripture lesson was Luke 15:1-10.

When we meet up with Jesus in our Gospel lesson this morning, he has gathered quite the variety of people around him. Townspeople, ordinary folks, religious leaders, Pharisees and scribes, and sinners and tax collectors. Of course, we're used to seeing Jesus with that latter bunch of folks - the sinners and tax collectors. But, the Pharisees and scribes are apparently a little taken aback by the company that Jesus keeps. And so we hear the Pharisees and scribes "grumbling". (They just never seem to be in a good mood, do they?)

"This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them!" The religious leaders are disgusted. And, they are full of themselves... You can hear the disdain and contempt just dripping from every word. "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them!" These "sinners" aren't worth it, they think. These "creatures" are hopeless. Why would anyone worth anything - which Jesus claims to be, saying that he is the very Son of God - why would he waste his time with those kinds of people?

Of course, Jesus hears what they have to say. Most likely, everyone hears what they have to say. Rather like hot-headed people threatening to burn religious texts... or like loud-mouthed, hateful protesters at a military funeral... Everyone hears what the Pharisees and scribes have to say - they make sure of that. And Jesus responds. Not by chastising them. Not by yelling or reprimanding or turning over tables. Jesus responds by telling a story - a parable. He tells 3 parables, actually - though our scripture lesson today only includes 2 of the 3.

Jesus asks all of the people who are present: "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the 99 in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?...And what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?..."

Who among us is like that? Which one of us would do these things? Jesus asks these questions in such a way that they seem to beg us to respond "Well duh...we would," as if it is obvious that all of us would do those things without a thought. But, of course, it really isn't that obvious - it really isn't that way at all! Most likely, if we are honest with ourselves, none of us would do those things. Instead, we would cut our losses. We'd be crazy to risk the safety of 99 sheep - leaving them in the wilderness - to search for just one that is lost! It would be foolish to lose an entire day's work - or longer - to search for one list coin, when there are 9 other coins safely tucked away in our wallet already.

But Jesus, the asker of the questions and the teller of the stories, says: "Just what makes you think that these stories are about you? These aren't stories about how you behave - these are about how God behaves!"

If the Pharisees and scribes were grumbling before Jesus told these stories, they must have been fuming afterward. You see, the Pharisees believed that they had God all figured out. God was safe. God was predictable. God looked after the righteous and God damned the unrighteous. Everything was black and white. God had created us, given us rules to follow, and was now out there in the great beyond, waiting for us to obey. And only then - if we obeyed - would God welcome us. Anyone who dared to step off the path that they Pharisees knew and guarded so carefully were cursed. That was how God worked, they thought. And so, religion was all about separating the good from the bad. It was all about being righteous and staying as far away as possible from anything thought to be sinful, lest the righteous be "tainted" in any way...

Does anyone get the feeling that the Pharisees would have gotten along with Fred Phelps and Terry Jones?

Jesus tells a very different story. He paints a very different picture of God. Jesus describes God as a devoted, seeking shepherd. Jesus describes God as a persistent, searching woman. As Jesus describes, God is not some distant, hands-off rule-maker or taskmaster. God is closer than we think. God is relentlessly pursuing us! God values the "lost" just as much (and perhaps, even more so) as the not-so-lost. So, there is never even a question of God's simply cutting any losses and just shrugging off the lost - that sort of behaviour isn't even on God's radar. Regardless of any risks, God searches for us until we are found. It isn't a matter of "if" - it is always a "when".

Now, it is common to hear people say that they are "looking for something" when they come to church. Likely, we have all said it or thought it at some point ourselves. And, I suppose that the lost sheep in the parable was "looking for something", too. Yes, we like to think that we are here because we are looking for something - that we're searching for answers - that we're looking for God. And that's fine. There isn't really anything all that wrong with our thinking that. But, our scriptures describes something else. Time and time again, our scriptures describe sheep - people just like you and me. But we don't read about how these sheep go searching for and find a shepherd. We don't read about coins who search for and find an owner. No! We read and learn about a shepherd who searches non-stop for the sheep until they are found. We read and learn about a woman who turns the whole house upside-down for one coin until it is found.

Jesus tells these parables while he is sitting with sinners, and the Pharisees grumble about it. And, in effect, Jesus demonstrates with his actions - by his dining with the outcasts - the same amazing grace and love that God shows through the actions of the seeking shepherd and the searching woman. Jesus says to the Pharisees and scribes - to all those who want to put up walls and make distinctions between "us" and "them" - that he is exactly where he needs to be. Jesus says to those who grumble about his actions, "I came to seek and save the lost...why are you here?"

Father Robert Capon - an Episcopalian priest and scholar - said this of these parables in Luke's gospel: "The point is that what these two parables put together says is that what governs God's behavior to us is not our sins. It's not our problems. It's his need to find us. These parables go by the need of the finder to find, not about the need of the lost to be found... the universe is driven by the need of the finder to find all of us in our lostness."

God, the Finder, needs to find us - all of us. Now that is good news! No matter who we are, no matter where we are, no matter what we've done, no matter what we'll do, no matter what kind of "lostness" we are wrapped up in, and no matter whether we even realize that we're lost or not - God the Finder is searching non-stop for each of us. And God won't stop searching for us until we are found. And, when we get lost again... God will search again...

And every time we are found...scriptures tell us that the heavens will rejoice! There's a party like we can't even imagine every time we are found...

May God, the Almighty and Eternal Finder, find each of us - again and again. And may we all take a lesson from Christ, learning to dine in peace with our fellow "lost", resting in the knowledge that God will never give up on searching for each and every one of us...

Taking It All to Heart...

2010-07-15T16:24:00.010-05:00

Sometimes I wonder why I bother to read the news or check out online opinion articles from certain affinity groups that associate themselves with the PCUSA. In my attempts to stay informed about what is going on in the world around me, as well as my commitment to do my best to listen to voices on all sides of the issues that face the church, I find that there are easy days and hard days. Today is NOT one of the easy days. It seems that - with the exception of the news that BP may have finally capped the oil leak in the Gulf - most everything that I have read today has been written to throw daggers at, well, folks like me. It isn't easy to NOT take it all to heart...

First, I read about the latest revision to the Vatican's in-house rules. The revision of these rules came about to address the various "sex scandal" issues that the Roman Catholic Church has struggled with in recent months/years. But, the Vatican - in all its "wisdom" - also made a rather startling addition to their in-house rules regarding the attempted ordination of women. Any attempt to ordain a woman is now considered to be a "grave crime", which happens to have the same set of punishments as those named for sex abuse! A "grave crime"??? Any woman who feels God's call to share the Good News of the Gospel and offer the Sacraments in the name of Christ is guilty of a "grave crime"? The Devil must be having a wonderful laugh with this one, as the Church continues to deny the movement of the Spirit in the name of "holiness"! I was ordained almost 5 years ago as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PCUSA, and I must admit that it is difficult not to take this announcement from the Vatican to heart. I was called to this ministry - it isn't a game, it isn't "just a job", and it isn't some sort of political statement. I wonder what this pronouncement by the Vatican is going to do to inter-faith and inter-denominational relations. The church that is directly next door to the church I serve is a Roman Catholic Church. I pray that this latest bit of "goodness" from Rome will not hinder our ability to do ministry together.

Second, I read some of the opinion pieces and letters to the editor that were posted on The Layman Online. The vast majority of them were all commenting on the 219th General Assembly of the PCUSA. Now, I could go into how much I disagree with their assessment of the Assembly's decisions on various issues, but I will save that for another time. What really struck me today was the ever-present assumption that folks like me (people who don't agree with The Layman or PFR and the like) don't study Scripture, don't value the Lordship of Christ, and don't practice prayerful discernment of the will of God.

Hmm...how can I put this...? THAT COULDN'T BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!!! (Phew! I feel a little better. Sorry for yelling.)

I DO study the Scriptures. And I don't just read one English translation and then claim full and complete knowledge of what God is speaking in a particular text. I do my utmost to read Scripture in ways that are faithful to our denomination's statements from 1982 & 1983: Presbyterian Understanding and Use of Holy Scripture and Biblical Authority and Interpretation.

I DO value the Lordship of Jesus the Christ. In fact, I depend on it. Jesus Christ is Head of the Church and Lord of all. Not the Scriptures. Not the Church. Not my understanding of God - and not the understanding of God belonging to anyone else, either... Only Christ.

I DO practice prayerful discernment. I find it fascinating that people on all sides of the many issues that we wrestle with as a Church seem so ready, willing, and able to point at "them" and claim that "they" aren't praying or seeking to discern the will of God. What is the basis for these claims - the fact that we don't agree? Considering that NONE of us have God's vision (to claim that we do is idolatrous and delusional, at best), what on earth makes us think that we can rightly judge who is in conversation with God or not? Personally, I am getting very tired of my fellows in the Church who claim (whenever a decision doesn't go their way) that clearly God's will is being ignored or denied. Could it be that maybe - just maybe - God is trying to tell you something when you don't get your way? I seem to recall there being a prayer that asks God "Thy will be done", not "My will be done"...

I am wrestling with trying to not take these things to heart....

Time for a Facelift (for the blog, that is)

2010-06-22T13:46:00.002-05:00

I'm trying out a new look for the blog... What do you think?

Holy Week According to Facebook

2010-03-26T12:09:00.003-05:00

I admit that I am a Facebook junkie. So, when I saw this posted on one of my friend's pages, I had to share it. Basically, it is meant to look like Jesus' Facebook page during Holy Week.

Enjoy!

Check It Out Here

I'm Not Keen On Shaving My Head, So...

2010-03-03T16:24:00.003-06:00

Ok...so, I'm looking for ideas. Have you ever participated in a fundraiser or some sort of challenge for a club or group where the leaders name their goal and say that "if you reach this goal, then Bob (or whoever drew the short straw) is going to have his head shaved (or something like that)"? Know what I'm talking about? Usually, it is some school group that is challenged to raise several thousand dollars. If they go above and beyond, then the principle or that goofy science teacher that everybody likes finds that they have a date with some hair clippers.

For whatever reason, the only ones that I can recall always involve someone ending up bald.

So, here's what I'm wondering... Besides the tried-and-true "shaving of the head" bit, what other "rewards" could there be? I'm thinking about this, since I would like to issue a challenge to the congregation that I serve - and I would like to add a fun twist to the challenge. But, I don't really think that folks will actually WANT me to shave my head, so I'm guessing that THAT isn't the best "prize" to suggest.

Anyone have any ideas?

E-Z Answer Squirrel

2010-02-23T22:03:00.001-06:00

If only...

We Interrupt This Blog for a Mini-Rant...

2010-02-23T20:34:00.005-06:00

I'm just wondering... When did it become okay to lay on your car horn while waiting for the car in front of you to make a turn into traffic?

In order to get to Zumba, I need to make a right-hand turn onto a busy street. It is a pretty standard, run-of-the-mill kind of intersection -- you stop at the stop sign, and turn when the way is clear (since the other cars do not have to stop). So, when I made my way to Zumba last night - while the freezing rain came down - I stopped at the stop sign, and waited for the cars to either slide through the intersection or turn before I made my turn.

There were several cars zipping through the intersection. And, of course, there were a bunch of cars that decided to turn that didn't use their turning signals. Mind you, if the cars had actually used their turning signals, letting me know that they were going to turn, then I would have gone ahead and turned. But, since their right-hand turning signals were all broken (clearly that is what the problem was), I waited to turn. I guess I am just the kind of person that doesn't want to pull out in front of people -- especially when the roads are slick.

And... I guess that the guy behind me is the kind of person who wants to pull out in front of people -- even when the roads are slick. Seriously... This guy laid on his car horn when I didn't turn -- all the while, there were about a half-dozen cars skidding down the road in the lane into which I would be turning! Much to his dismay, all of his honking did nothing to make me want to throw caution to the wind, rev up the engine, and pull out into oncoming traffic. I waited until it was safe, and then I made my turn.

When did we all get to be in such a hurry that even waiting for the car in front of you to execute a turn safely became an inconvenience?

Ashes

2010-02-18T14:10:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday - the first of the 40 days of Lent. And, like many of my fellow Christians, I attended a special service of worship which included the imposition of ashes. I have participated in Ash Wednesday services since I was very little. Then, I was the one walking up to the pastor... Now I am the pastor. (It is still a bit of a mind-trip, really.)

The church I am now serving held its Ash Wednesday service last night. I called the service "A Service of Confession and Forgiveness". Throughout the service, we read scripture and prayed together, confessing the sins of idolatry, violence, and selfishness. And together, we heard God's clear promise of forgiveness. We heard that Good News. We let the cleansing fire of the Holy Spirit burn away those valueless sins, purifying our hearts so that we might have a new space present within us for the new life offered us in Christ. Then the mark of the ashes was offered as a sign of our forgiveness and new life.

Now, I must admit... I typically have every element of these services planned out to the letter. But, I struggled with one element this year: what to say while I was marking my fellow travelers with the ashes. Traditionally, the pastor will refer to God's words to Adam in Genesis 3:19: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." I've used those words before - and they are certainly appropriate - but, they just didn't seem to fit the full context of the service that I had put together. For whatever reason, I just couldn't decide what I needed to say... So, I stepped out in faith and decided to let the Spirit give me the words in the moment. Seriously. I walked down, opened the earthenware container that held the ashes, and waited for the people to come forward...all the while, having no idea what I would say as I made the sign of the cross on their foreheads with palm ashes.

Well, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Spirit showed up just in time. As I marked the first person with ashes, I found myself saying, "The gift of God's grace, given to you." It certainly fit. Each and every one of us...marked with grace.

Anyone who has ever received the mark of ashes -- as well as, and perhaps more especially those who have ever done the marking -- will tell you that the ash just seems to get everywhere. Sure, you may have started with it only on your forehead, but somehow you will find that you get smudges of it on your hand, your bulletin has ashy fingerprints on it, or your glasses get a few flecks of ash on them. And if you are the one who is offering the mark of ashes...well... it is practically impossible not to get smudges of ash all over everything -- your robe, your cheeks, your Bible, the hymnal... I can't explain it. No matter how careful I am each year, I always end up with ashy smudges on things. Sometimes I discover them weeks later, only to wonder how on earth it got smudged with palm ashes.

So, with my index finger coated in ashes, as I tried to avoid getting ash marks all over the hymnal, I thought back to the words that the Spirit had given me as I made the sign of the cross on the foreheads of my fellow Lenten-travelers. "The gift of God's grace, given to you." And I had an epiphany, of sorts... God's grace is a lot like the ashes of Ash Wednesday. God's grace is a free gift. God's grace is pure. And God's grace gets all over everything...and there isn't anything any of us can do about it. Oh, sure... we try to stop God's grace from touching things (or people, or groups) that we don't think it is supposed to touch. But there really isn't anything we can do to stop it -- or, more specifically, there's nothing we can do to stop God from marking whatever or whomever God wants with smudges of grace.

Like the ashes of Ash Wednesday, the grace of God ends up all over the place...even the unexpected places... And -- when it comes to God's grace -- that is how it should be. Thanks be to God.

The Lenten Journey Begins...

2010-02-17T15:23:00.005-06:00

For several years now, I have opted out of the whole "give something up for Lent" thing. Instead, I have chosen to dare to "take something on for Lent". This year, I am challenging myself to take on 2 things:

Zumba
Actually posting to my blog on a regular basis

Yes, I am beginning Zumba classes. For those who aren't familiar with Zumba, it is a workout program/class that feels more like a Latin dance fiesta than your average exercise program. I've been to one class so far, and I loved it! In many respects, this one is all about the practice of Honoring the Body. As one who was created in the image of God, I need to remember that my body is worthy of care - it is, after all, "a temple of the Holy Spirit within [me]" (1 Corinthians 6:19).

My second challenge...well... I know that I have tried to post on a more regular basis in the past. I've even managed to succeed on occasion! But I really do want to work on this one. I find that I am forever thinking about things to post - things to write about, talk about, ask you all about...but then I don't bother to sit down and actually blog about it! This has got to change. So, considering another Christian practice - Saying Yes and Saying No - I am determined to do better.

You may be curious about this "Saying Yes and Saying No" business. Good. I hope you are curious! Once again, as I have done in the past, I am leading a study on several Christian practices during this season of Lent. I am a huge fan of the book Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People (edited by Dorothy C. Bass) - it is a wonderful resource, and it provides for a fantastic book study. In conjunction with the book study, I am also going to be preaching on Christian practices during the entire season of Lent (and likely into the Easter season, as well). I plan to invite you all into the conversation here on my blog, too!

So...that's what I'm looking forward to as I begin this Lenten journey once again. How about you?

Ring Them Bells!

2009-12-18T23:23:00.005-06:00

In honor of my love of the Muppets, and in celebration of the Christmas and Holiday Season...

Blogging Again, For The First Time

2009-12-15T14:25:00.002-06:00

Peace and greetings, my fellow dancers! It has been FOREVER since I have posted (clearly), and for that I do apologize. I had high hopes of blogging on a more regular basis this last year, and then life got the best of me.

As many of you already know, I have recently accepted and been installed into a new call. Yes, I have bid a sad farewell to the Midwest, and I am now learning my way around the lovely state of New York. No, I am not living in the city, but I am only about an hour away. It it absolutely beautiful over here by the Hudson River, and - while the Winter is lovely - I can't wait to see this place in the Spring!

I really am hoping to be more faithful about posting - especially in the new year. Really! There are lots of things that will be going on this year, and I am excited to be able to share with this community. I may even do some lectionary-related blogging this year -- we'll see how the Spirit decides to inspire the dance...

The Great Flood of 2008... in Rhyme

2009-06-09T14:58:00.005-05:00

'Twas the week before Christmas,
and in Macomb, Illinois,
not a person was driving -
neither a girl, nor a boy.
The ice storm had come,
and much power was down.
The ice coated EVERYTHING
in this Midwestern town.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
was only 2 days away,
and the pastor at First Pres
found she needed to pray.
A parishioner called
and needed some help.
"The church building's flooded,"
he said with a yelp!
The ice, it would seem,
had coated the church,
clogging all of the drain spouts,
forcing the water to search
for the easiest path
to escape from the roof.
So the water flowed inside,
where things aren't so rustproof.
The pastor's left eye, well,
it started to twitch;
she feared driving to church
she'd end up in a ditch.
But she managed to get there
with the help of a friend
(who's own church then flooded
before the month's end)!

It had flooded the Chapel's
newly carpeted floor,
and it dripped from the speakers
and was soaked up by the door!
It flooded the pastor's old office -
and how!
She was ever so thankful
to not be in there now!
The water flowed into
the Conference Room,
and the pastor wondered when
the adult class could resume.
Down in the basement
the water dripped, too,
causing ceilings to crash
and tiles to unglue.
They gathered up waste cans
from each nook and cranny -
the number of leaks
and the drips was uncanny!
And up on the roof
they caused quite a clatter;
as they chipped at the ice,
my teeth started to chatter.
The work to clean up
went on through the night,
as the pastor, sexton, and others
worked with all of their might.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent -
it came and it went,
for the ice storm made it too hard
to attend any event.
But the Christmas Eve service
went according to plan,
and we all celebrated the birth
of the Son of Man.

I Need a Laugh... Don't You?

2008-12-23T22:43:00.005-06:00

This has turned out to be quite the interesting Advent and Christmas Season... There will be a blog posting after Christmas with all of the crazy, wacky details. I may not have set myself on fire this year (at least not yet), but this is definitely one for the record books.

In the meantime, I need a good laugh. So... Enjoy!

Java, Others, and You...?

2008-12-17T11:42:00.005-06:00

So, my friend Gary shared this link with folks in my Presbytery the other day. I highly recommend that you check out the website, as it has some pretty interesting things to say about marketing your church. Seriously, folks, we need to wake up and smell the coffee...

Advent Musings

2008-12-17T00:36:00.009-06:00

So, clearly I have not been able to blog in a while... It has been a bit crazy these last several weeks, so I appreciate any and all prayers that are being aimed in my general direction.

It seems that there is at least one thing that happens every Advent that is, well... unexpected. All you have to do is take a brief stroll down memory lane and read some of my blog entries from last year to see what I mean. While nothing has come crashing down so far, and I have (to this point) been able to avoid setting myself on fire again, there have been a few moments during this Advent season when I have found myself asking, "Really? This is what is going to happen this Sunday?" Since there is still one Sunday left in this Advent season, I will delay in writing about those adventures... at least for today. We'll see what this Sunday brings...

Oh -- if you haven't checked out the joy that is Wordle.net, you really need to wander over to see it! Check out this nifty creation (based on the stroll down memory lane that I mentioned above...)!

Thank You, Brother Leon...

2008-10-22T00:19:00.005-05:00

This blog post by a fellow Presbymergent pastor, Leon Bloder, was a real gift from God to me tonight... I hope that it can be a blessing to others.

The Offering: An Emergent Theology Tale

Pastoral Letter

2008-09-19T13:49:00.004-05:00

Bruce, Gradye, and Linda have written a pastoral letter to the PCUSA. In particular, it responds to the various natural disasters we all have faced during the last several weeks and months. You can read it on Bruce's Moderator Blog.

Poll Results -- What Language I Should Learn Next (according to you)

2008-09-09T14:09:00.003-05:00

I wanted to write a quick note about the results of the last poll that I had posted regarding what language you fine people thought that I should study next. I thought that the results were rather interesting, with 60% of you voting for me to study Spanish. I should say that I have studied Spanish before, but I could certainly use a refresher course or two.

Really, I had imagined that more of you would have voted for me to study Korean, but that only received one vote! I am increasingly interested in learning Korean -- especially since there are so many Presbyterian brothers and sisters who speak Korean that I would like to be able to communicate with more easily at presbytery meetings and the like. Although, I would like to brush up on my Spanish for the same reason...

I have not yet ordered the materials to begin my study, but I hope to be able to do that before the end of this year. At this point, I am feeling especially drawn to brushing up my Spanish skills; but, I imagine that I will be taking on a study of Korean before too long, as well. I am likely going to use Rosetta Stone, so I would be very interested to hear from people who have used these materials in the past (or present).

Further Reflections on the 218th General Assembly

2008-09-08T22:41:00.004-05:00

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35 (NRSV)

Almost three months have gone by since the 218th General Assembly of the PC(USA) met in San Jose, California, and I find that I am still reflecting on the many things that happened there – as well as the many responses and reactions to what happened (or what is rumored to have happened) there.

The committee that I worked with was the Church Orders and Ministry Committee. I must admit that I was both very excited and somewhat anxious about working on that committee, as it was the committee that would discuss issues surrounding the topic of ordination. Prior to going out to San Jose, I spent hours upon hours reading, re-reading, researching, listening, studying, reflecting, consulting, and reading some more. I poured over the overtures, all of the supplemental material, the Bible, the Book of Order, and the Book of Confessions. It all made for interesting conversations with the staff at the local Buffalo Wild Wings, which is where I did much of my pre-GA prep – boneless buffalo wings, free cola refills, and Presbyterian polity… yum!

I think that I expected more division and, well, “fighting” in my committee. But, thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised. The majority of the committee was ready and wanting to truly listen to – and maybe even learn from – one another. Certainly, there were those who arrived in San Jose with their minds closed to any ideas or opinions different from their own, but it was my experience that the majority of folks were there to honestly discern and listen with patience and respect to the voices of all who had been called to serve the Assembly. We worked hard as a committee, and it was not easy work for any of us. And when all of the debates were closed and the voting ended, we wrapped up our time together in a time of worship. With the exception of about 3 people who were upset by the results of the last vote that we cast, the entire committee – as well as those who were gathered to observe our committee – shared in the Lord’s Supper together.

Yes, there had been moments of finger-pointing, name-calling, derogatory statements, or assumptions made on all sides. Some of the presentations and debates that took place were not what I would consider to be nice or (occasionally) civilized. The Church is not perfect – it is made up of people. (I recall Paul saying something about everyone falling short of the glory of God…) Neither the conservatives nor the liberals have it all right. But I believe that there is hope. There is dialogue that is happening between those who disagree. There are places where faithful Presbyterians are reaching out to each other from across the theological divide. I know that it is happening, because I’ve been a part of it. I have had the opportunity to stay in contact with a fellow member of the Church Orders and Ministry Committee who lives on the other end of the country – as well as on the other end of the theological spectrum. She and I did not agree on many of the things that were decided in our committee, but we are both committed to staying connected. We may not agree on some theological issues, but we both confess with glad and joyful hearts that Jesus Christ is Lord. We both have come to realize that if there is to be any real hope for the Church, we must be willing to honestly listen to one another – recognizing and acknowledging one another as fellow children of God and sisters/brothers in Christ.

On July 1, 2008, I wrote the following reflection on my blog:
I just got back from General Assembly... and my head is still spinning! I am amazed at what we were able to accomplish as a Church! Wow! I'm sure that there are a few who are reading this blog who aren't as thrilled as I am, but that's okay... It is our diversity which can make us strong.Now that GA is over, the real work begins. We re-affirmed our commitment to the recommendations made by the Peace, Unity, and Purity Task Force in 2006, which challenges us to be in conversation and communion with one another. While there are certainly some churches who will want to leave the denomination, I fervently hope that most churches will seek ways to be in dialogue with each other. The words of Psalm 133 continue to echo in my head. How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity…

I had one response to that post. He wrote: “I hate to burst your bubble, Amy, but the 218 GA has created more divisions across the denomination than any other.”

Really? I guess I have a very different take on things – and it isn’t because I agree with what all happened at the 218th General Assembly. I don’t agree with every decision that was made by the Assembly. But I have come to understand that God is so much bigger than all of our squabbling and differences. It is very true that my perception of what God desires for the PC(USA) is different from my neighbors’, but it is my firm belief that God is able to work through and speak through the voices of both people with whom I agree and people with whom I fervently disagree. We are called to trust God in the process – really trusting that God is the one who is in charge. God calls us through scripture to live together, work together, pray together, worship together, and witness together.

I pray that we will seek to live out our calling to live as brothers and sisters in Christ, so that our willingness to look past our differences and declare together that Jesus Christ is Lord can bear witness to the amazing power of the love and grace of God!

Presbymeme II -- My Response

2008-08-21T17:49:00.004-05:00

Ok... time for me to dive into Presbymeme II. (I know that I wrote more than 25 words on number 5, but I shortened it as best I could...)

1. What is your favorite faith-based hymn, song or chorus.

It is a tie, I think, between How Great Thou Art and This Is My Father's World.

2. What was the context, content and/or topic of the last sermon that truly touched, convicted, inspired, challenged, comforted and/or otherwise moved you?

Using Galatians 1:6-10 and 3:19-29, my colleague challenged us to recognize that labels we place on one another are all erased in Christ.

3. If you could have all Presbyterians read just one of your previous posts, what would it be and why?

I would have to choose And That's When I Set Myself on Fire... Part 1.

4. What are three PC(USA) flavored blogs you read on a regular basis?

In no particular order: Good News from PGR, Presbyterian Bloggers, and reyes-chow::MODERATOR

5. If the PC(USA) were a movie, what would it be and why?

My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Some of our "families" within this family seem to be very different from one another - apples and oranges, even. But, as the father says in the movie: "We all different, but in the end, we all fruit."

Tagged: Pastor Julie, David Parker, David Esche, Joel Adams, and Landon Whitsitt.

Presbymeme II

2008-08-20T00:16:00.004-05:00

Ok... so, for those who are unfamiliar with memes, you may want to read this (or this) first.

Our techno-savvy Moderator has blessed us with another meme - Presbymeme II! (Apparently, he initiated one a few months ago that he called Presbymeme 5... And, apparently I missed that one. I will be posting my thoughts on that one later.)

Today, I will post the rules and questions. Soon, I will post my response.

The Rules // Presbymeme II

in about 25 words each, answer the following five questions;
tag five presbyterian bloggers and send them a note to let them know they were tagged;
be sure to link to this original post, leave a comment or send a trackback to this post so others can find you;

The Questions // Presbymeme II

What is your favorite faith-based hymn, song or chorus.
What was the context, content and/or topic of the last sermon that truly touched, convicted, inspired, challenged, comforted and/or otherwise moved you?
If you could have all Presbyterians read just one of your previous posts, what would it be and why?
What are three PC(USA) flavored blogs you read on a regular basis?
If the PC(USA) were a movie, what would it be and why?

You Just Can't Trust People in Disney Costumes Anymore

2008-08-15T22:28:00.004-05:00

No, my friends, you just cannot make up news like this. It was the headline of "Beware the Preying Pooh" that caught my attention...

Say What?

2008-08-05T23:19:00.005-05:00

So, I have always been pretty good at learning languages. It has been a while since I have taken a language course -- if we don't count Hebrew and Greek (since I don't speak in those languages all that much), it has been about 10 years.

So, the time has come for me to start learning a language again! And I am welcoming you into my discernment process on this as I try to decide which language I am going to learn (or re-learn). Just vote for the language that you think I should try to learn next (using the poll in the column to the right). Voting will be open until August 25th.

I may or may not go with the majority on this, but I assure you that I do not already have my mind made up right now -- I really want your input! So, help a sister out and vote, please!

A Call to Prayer

2008-07-30T11:28:00.003-05:00

Let us remember our brothers and sisters in prayer.

O, that the we would hear God's call to be a people of peace...

Let Them Grow Together

2008-07-22T17:15:00.001-05:00

On Sunday, I dared to preach on the parable that is commonly referred to as “The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Weeds)”. You know the one – a guy plants wheat, someone else plants weeds (that look exactly like the wheat) in the same field, and the two types of plants are allowed to grow together until the harvest… at which point, the weeds are gathered up to be used as fuel for the fire, and the wheat finds sanctuary in the barn. Yep… I think a lot of us like to read the parable that way – with the emphasis being on how the “nasty weeds” are going to “get it” in the end. We tend to read it as if it is one of Aesop’s Fables with some moral to be grasped by the time we reach the last sentence. That’s how I learned it decades ago at VBS: “Remember kids… don’t be a weed!”

But is that what Jesus is trying to say in this parable? I don’t think it is. It is a shame that we so often read parables as if they are Biblical Aesop’s Fables, with characters who represent certain kinds of people and a clear “moral to the story” to be learned with each. When we read parables in this way, I believe that we miss most of the point of parables. Parables – if we really read them, instead of reading into them – don’t give clear answers. Parables usually leave us with more questions than answers – and I think that is exactly why Jesus used parables to talk about things like the Kingdom of God. Why? Because by his using parables to teach, Jesus invites us into an ongoing conversation with him (as opposed to just giving us the answers – which we probably couldn’t handle anyway – and letting us live our lives without needing to be dependent on Jesus).

I believe that Jesus wants us to join him in wrestling with the scriptures instead of constantly wrestling with each other. Wrestling with each other isn’t going to get us anywhere. But, wrestling with Scripture as we remain in conversation with Christ gets us closer to the Word of God.

One of the questions that I have wrestled with as I read this parable is, “what are we supposed to do with the Wheat and the Weeds?” (We always want to know what to do, right?) The response to that given in the parable is “Let them both grow together.” For those who are fans of Greek, check out the word that is translated here as “let them”… it is also used in the Lord’s Prayer, but it is translated there as “forgive”. Forgive and grow together…? Oh, if we would dare to take this to heart and live this way as Christians! The world expects Christians to point fingers and place blame (check out chapter 8 of UnChristian). I hope and pray that we will dare to take the world by surprise and live as people characterized by forgiveness instead of judgment!

Growing Christ's Church Deep and Wide

2008-07-15T22:22:00.003-05:00

Another letter has been sent to PCUSA congregations from GA Moderator Bruce Reyes-Chow, GA Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons, and GAC Executive Director Linda Bryant Valentine. The letter highlights some of the actions taken by the 218th General Assembly that haven't made headlines as much as others (if at all).

Check it out!

Thoughts About the Heidelberg Catechism

2008-07-13T19:21:00.009-05:00

"Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence,
but a false witness speaks deceitfully."
-- Proverbs 12:17

The 218th General Assembly decided to begin the process of revising the Heidelberg Catechism. The Theological Issues and Institutions Committee presented the overture from the Presbytery of Newark, asking the Assembly “to correct translation problems in five responses of the Heidelberg Catechism as found in The Book of Confessions and to add the original Scripture texts of the German Heidelberg Catechism.”

Translation problems. Sounds simple enough. But, of course, not everyone is happy about this desire to revise the Heidelberg Catechism. There are claims by some that this call to revise this catechism is purely a political move spearheaded by those seeking the full inclusion of GLBT church members. This is because one of the translation problems involves the answer to Question 87, which (in the current translation) includes the phrase "homosexual perversion". However, that phrase (as well as the phrase "Surely you know that the unjust will never come into possession of the kingdom of God. Make no mistake:") is nowhere to be found in either the Latin or German texts of the Heidelberg Catechism. As it turns out, the gentlemen who did the English translation of the text in 1962 later admitted that they had inserted these words.

Apparently, I'm not the only one thinking about this issue.

Whether you agree with the text as it stands now or not is - in my opinion - immaterial. Mistranslation is mistranslation. When you translate something, you don't add materials that you want to see included. Otherwise, it is a false witness. And I don't know about you, but my mama raised me different than that...

My New Favorite Book... And The Book I'll Be Reading Soon...

2008-07-11T23:16:00.005-05:00

Ok... just a quick post to comment on my new favorite book, A Generous Orthodoxy.

I'm still reading, but so far I am really impressed with what Brian McLaren has to say. It is easy to read, yes... but that doesn't mean that it is an "easy read". It is actually pretty challenging. McLaren doesn't hold back. And it is rather refreshing, I think.

Now, this isn't the only book that I'm reading. I'm a true book lover, and I tend to read at least 4 or 5 books at a time. But one of the books that is on my list to read this summer is one that I got while I was at GA. It is not a book that I would have bought (EVER), but since folks were nice enough to give me a copy, I do plan on reading it. The book is Broken Covenant by Parker T. Williamson, the editor emeritus and senior correspondent of The Layman. Yes... The Layman. Not a publication that I endorse (at all). But... I am interested in what he has to say.

Maybe I will end up writing my own book in response... Who knows!

“Get into the boat. Go across the lake. There will be a storm. You will not die.”

2008-07-01T21:25:00.004-05:00

Three key leaders representing the 218th General Assembly have sent a letter to the 11,000 congregations of the PCUSA. You can read the letter here.

Back from GA

2008-07-01T15:21:00.004-05:00

I just got back from General Assembly... and my head is still spinning! I am amazed at what we were able to accomplish as a Church! Wow! I'm sure that there are a few who are reading this blog who aren't as thrilled as I am, but that's okay... It is our diversity which can make us strong.

Now that GA is over, the real work begins. We re-affirmed our commitment to the recommendations made by the Peace, Unity, and Purity Task Force in 2006, which challenges us to be in conversation and communion with one another. While there are certainly some churches who will want to leave the denomination, I fervently hope that most churches will seek ways to be in dialogue with each other. The words of Psalm 133 continue to echo in my head. How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity. Maybe I will post the sermon I preached about a year ago that used that text...

Days Three and Four = Tired Commissioners

2008-06-25T01:42:00.005-05:00

The last two days have been spent working in our various committees. For me, it has been a very good and meaningful experience. I hope to write more about it later, but for now... I need to sleep... You can check out what overtures will be presented to the assembly by checking out http://pc-biz.org/. Thank you for your continued prayers for me and the whole of the assembly!

Day Two

2008-06-23T01:08:00.004-05:00

Alas, I still seem to be having issues with my mobile blogger, which means that I will not be able to post as often as I had hoped. But, I will post updates as often as I am able to gain access to one of the email kiosks or a WiFi hotspot.

Worship was held this morning, and it was a wonderful service! They posted a link to view a replay of the worship service on-line at the PCUSA website. I think that it was done in streaming video, so it may not be available still... But, if it is still available, I encourage you to check it out. (If you did see it online, I invite you to share your thoughts by commenting to this post.)

One of the most moving parts of the service for me was hearing the choir sing an anthem entitled "Offertory" by John Ness Beck. It is a beautiful setting of the words of Micah 6:6-8 (the text of Micah 6:8 is the theme of GA this year). This particular anthem has a very special place in my heart, as I sang it when I was a camper at the Jr. Music Camp at Kirkmont (a Presbyterian camp in Ohio). It was a true blessing to me.

I was also truly touched by the communion service. We served each other, passing the bread and the cup down each row. To see the people of God serving one another -- all of us coming from places near and far, representing a wide spectrum of theological standpoints, and even speaking different languages -- was certainly a glimpse of the Kingdom coming to life. It was a time for the Church to truly be church. I purchased one of the chalices that was used in worship today, and I look forward to using it in continued service and witness to what the Church is called to do and to be.

In other news, the committees began meeting tonight. Most of the activity tonight on my committee (Church Orders and Ministry) involved getting to know the members of the committee and approving the docket. Our really official business begins in the morning (and continues for most of the day). If I am able to post anything before tomorrow evening, I will. And, hopefully we will conclude our business tomorrow evening on time so I am able to post something...

I believe that I can speak for all of the commissioners from our presbytery in that we deeply appreciate your prayers -- both for us as commissioners and for the General Assembly as a whole. I believe that the Spirit is alive and at work here, strengthening and challenging the Presbyterian Church as we work together to discern God's call to us in this time!

We Seem to be Experiencing Some Technical Problems...

2008-06-22T11:25:00.006-05:00

Clearly, there are some technical issues with my mobile blogger... arg! I will try to get those last 2 posts fixed this afternoon or evening.

Congrats to the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, the new moderator of the 218th GA!

Day One...

2008-06-21T13:22:00.003-05:00

Pc-biz is back up and running... We are a connected church once more! Indeed, we started with some technical related bugs this morning, but we seem to have those fixed. Opening worship was very nice, but I am really looking forward to what worship will be like tomorrow (Sunday). I'm guessing that it will feature more than responsive readings and a few hymns...

The afternoon session is about to start, so I must get back to my seat. If/when there are posts without titles, those have been posted via mobile blogger (using my cell phone). Hopefully the technology gremlins will stay far, far away from my phone!!!

My Eyes Are Going to Fall Out...

2008-06-16T14:46:00.004-05:00

I've just spent the last 3 hours reading through a handful of the overtures to General Assembly that will be coming before my committee (Church Orders and Ministry)... and I think that my eyes are about to fall out! Seriously. Page after page of "stuff" from this Presbytery and that Presbytery...

The overtures that I've been looking at all have to do with either upholding the recommendations from the PUP Task Force that were approved at the 217th GA in 2006 or doing away with those recommendations. Frankly, the ones that seek to do away with them are laughable -- well, laughable or cry-able, I suppose. Let me list the first 4 of the 5 recommendations for you to see... The Task Force on Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church recommends that the 217th General Assembly (2006):

strongly encourage (a.) every member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to witness to the church's visible oneness, to avoid division into separate denominations that obscure our community in Christ, and to live in harmony with other members of this denomination, so that we may with one voice together glorify God in Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit; and (b.) all sessions, congregations, presbyteries, and synods to renew and strengthen their covenanted partnership with one another and with the General Assembly.
urge governing bodies, congregations, and other groups of Presbyterians to follow the example of the task force and other groups that, in the face of difficult issues, have engaged in processes of intensive discernment through worship, community building, study, and collaborative work.
commend for study the Theological Reflection that heads the task force report.
direct the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly, and urge those who plan and moderate other governing bodies, to explore the use of alternative forms of discernment and decision-making as a complement to parliamentary procedure, especially in dealing with potentially divisive issues.

I have to say that these all make a good deal of sense to me. I cannot imagine a time when the practice of discernment could be a bad thing. And I think I remember there being several places in scripture where we are called to treat each other -- even our enemies -- with honor and respect. And I certainly am in support of anything which calls us to study our theological understandings of things.

So, I am disappointed, to say the least, when I read overtures from presbyteries that want to do away with these recommendations. Their reasoning tends to be based on the notion that "peace" (aka - no disagreements) has not been made manifest in the last 2 years. People are still disagreeing with one another, so we want to run away from each other? That seems a bit reactive to me...

I'll keep you posted on my other musings as I am able... This is going to be interesting...

New Links and Blog List

2008-06-15T23:48:00.004-05:00

I've changed my Top 5 Links again -- two of them are the same, but I added three new ones that I hope you will enjoy. Check them out and let me know what you think!

Also, I have listed some of the blogs that I like to read. Most of them are written by friends of mine! I hope that you take some time to give them a look. Enjoy!

Blogging On the Go!

2008-06-11T18:32:00.003-05:00

I'm blogging on the go with mobile blogger! Yay! Let's hope this works...

Franken-Phone (It's Alive!)

2008-06-05T22:32:00.005-05:00

So, my cell phone decided to come to life the other day. Really.

About a month ago, my cell phone started acting all crazy-like whenever I tried to use my bluetooth headset. All of a sudden, it wouldn't connect properly. So, I took it to the Verizon store and they gave me a replacement phone. The new one seemed to work okay. All seemed well.

But last week, my "new" phone started acting of its own free will. It started by hanging up on people while I was still trying to have conversations. These were not your typical "dropped call" situations. It stopped connecting to my bluetooth headset again. The "recent calls" menu would pop up without my even touching the phone.

I started to wonder if I needed to get in touch with a young priest and and old priest...

But this last Tuesday, my cell phone officially stepped out on its own. I was leading a training session on the new Presbyterian Women Bible Study. My cell phone was in my purse. Apparently, it got bored... so it called my dad. It was a flip phone. No way to "pocket dial". My bluetooth headset was in my car. And yet, according to my recent calls menu, I had called my dad a few times in the middle of my training session. I had even answered a few of his calls (since he called me back, wondering why I was calling and then not saying anything when he answered).

Maybe the young priest and old priest would have been a good idea...

Needless to say, I have a completely different phone now. And really, I couldn't be happier. How I survived this long without a phone that has a full keyboard, I'll never know. Plus, this phone doesn't seem to have a life of its own...

Time Keeps Ticking Away...

2008-06-02T16:42:00.003-05:00

Well, I had hoped to blog while I was away at the Festival of Homiletics, but the hotel where I was staying thought that it was cool to charge $9.95 per day if you used the Internet access in your room. And as much as I wanted to post updates... I was too tired to drag my behind down to the lobby after a long day of sermons and lectures to use the free WiFi -- not to mention that I didn't feel really safe doing that as a single female at 11:00 at night or later. (Mini-Rant: Seriously! You spend almost $200 per night for the room, and they can't provide free Internet access in their rooms? Really? I get free WiFi every time I go to a Holiday Inn Express, and their rooms are usually less than $100 a night! Note to self: try to find a Holiday Inn Express when I go back to Minneapolis in November...)

Anyway... I doubt that I will be posting any pictures from the Festival, since I just don't think I'm going to have time to do it. If it turns out that I do, then I will... but I don't want to make any promises that I can't keep.

Preparations for going to General Assembly are going full steam. I feel as if I am in a race against time to get all of my reading and studying done before I go!

Buffalo Wild Wings

2008-05-13T22:10:00.012-05:00

So, I had a great time at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Urbana (technically, I think it is in Savoy) on May 2nd. My friend Ruth and I, along with my new friend Jon, played trivia (of course). We actually did quite well, too -- first, second, and third place in this round (with yours truly coming in third)! Yes, my nickname on Buzztime Trivia is "Pasta"... It is all thanks to my young friend Grace, who (when she was 2 years old) couldn't quite pronounce "Pastor"... thus I became known as "Pasta Amy". As an Italian, I don't think that the nickname is all that far off, really...

Our server, Sam, was the greatest! He had a bunch of tables of not-so-greatful kids and parents that didn't know how to tip... but he was the best to us! Yay for Sam! I think we tipped him about 50% that night -- and not just to help make up for the jerks at the other tables who were treating him like crap. Alas, Sam is moving to Chicago. I wish him the best of luck. Sam, let me know if you want any contacts in the Windy City, and I'll try to get you hooked up!

So...more about the trivia... If you have never played Buzztime Trivia at a Buffalo Wild Wings, you are missing out! It is serious fun! Plus, if you sign up for a free account, you can earn points that could result in your winning prizes (and not just bragging rights)! I'm officially signed up now, so the points are slowly adding up. My working lunches now tend to involve some theological reading material and trivia... Asian Zing Boneless Wings, fresh celery with ranch or blue cheese dressing, a good book, and a Playmaker... Nice!

Grandma

2008-05-11T20:22:00.003-05:00

My grandmother passed away last Thursday (May 1st). She had lived a long and full life, and she was blessed to go peacefully. The Monday before she died, my dad was able to visit with her. She was so clearly at peace about it all, that it truly helped us to be more at peace with it, too.

The process of grief has been interesting for me. I mean, I have had to deal with the death of grandparents before -- all of them have now passed -- but, this is the first death of a relative since my becoming a pastor. I deal with funerals and I work with people in grief as a pastor, but it is a very different thing to go through that process myself. It has not been easy to put my role of "pastor" aside and simply be.

To all who have expressed their sympathy to me and my family, I thank you. Your words of comfort have been true blessings to me during this time.

A Flood of Posts is Coming Soon...

2008-05-07T22:57:00.004-05:00

So, I have been doing a lot of blogging lately... but (unfortunately for you), the posts have all only made it as far as my paper journal. With the death of my grandmother and some odd scheduling these last few days, I just have not been able to get online like I usually can. I have a busy day planned for Thursday, and I need to write a sermon for Sunday... but I will be posting (if all goes well)!

Practicing Our Faith

2008-05-01T13:45:00.004-05:00

So I started leading a new book study at church this week. We are studying the book, Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People, edited by Dorothy C. Bass. The book explores 12 different Christian practices - "shared activities that address fundamental human needs and that, woven together, form a way of life."

The group that met today talked a bit about things that people yearn for today. That is, what are we all out there hoping and wishing to find? The first thing that was mentioned today was "belonging" -- we all want to feel like we belong (and maybe even fit in). Another person mentioned "rest". (How sad that we have bought into the culture's belief that we can't rest until we retire!) There was also some talk about play -- not a practice that is explored in the book, but definitely something that we all need to practice!

I'll be posting things from time to time about the book study. If you aren't a member of the church -- or you just aren't able to come to the study -- I invite you to join us all here!

Drumming on the Side of the Road

2008-04-25T17:23:00.003-05:00

So, I saw something the other day that was quite possibly the most random and bazaar thing that I have ever seen in my life while driving. As I was driving along, I noticed a car that had pulled over and parked on the right side of the highway. Then I noticed that the driver was no longer sitting in his car. No... he had gotten out of the car. He had crossed the ditch on the side of the road, and he was now in the midst of the weeds and tall grass... where he had set up a full drum set - snare, bass, crash cymbals, and the whole nine yards! Indeed, there he was (wearing only his boxer shorts) banging on the drums as loud as he could - all on the side of the highway! I don't know if it was some strange form of protest or what, but it was - by far - one of the strangest things that I have ever seen in my life so far!

Amazing Grace

2008-04-18T18:02:00.003-05:00

A friend sent this to me, and I had to share. A powerful voice, a powerful song... and a powerful message of hope and reconciliation.

Do You Know the Way to San Jose?

2008-04-16T15:39:00.005-05:00

Well... it is official: I am now a delegate representing the Presbytery of Great Rivers at this year's General Assembly! (I'll sign autographs later...er...something...) So, I get to fly out to San Jose, CA this summer. Groovy!

This is an amazing honor, and I am both excited and nervous about it. To be sure, I will be blogging during that week (June 21-28). It should be an interesting GA, as there are a lot of issues that will be coming to the floor -- some old, some new... never a dull moment! Of course, I am a little bit bummed that I won't be able to do any lobbying for some of the things that I am passionate about, but I will certainly be supporting those folks while I am there! Perhaps I will just lobby for my blog... hmm....

And the Favorite M&M Color is....

2008-04-07T10:36:00.003-05:00

You voted, and the results were... well... a mixed bag. The only really clear result was that no one seems to like brown. Apparently Matthew McConaughey's character from The Wedding Planner is not reading my blog.

Another random poll will be coming soon!

My Prayer for the Day

2008-04-02T17:04:00.003-05:00

Dear God, you are the creator of all things.
You create things that I understand.
You create things that I hope to one day understand.
And you create things that completely baffle me.
I pray that you help me to celebrate your creation
whether I understand it or not.
Strengthen me to see what I need to see,
hear what I need to hear,
and understand what I need to understand.
Encourage me and those around me
by the power and grace of your Spirit
so that we may be reflections
of your grace, love, hope, and peace
to all of your creation.
Amen.

Star Wars Geek-a-tude Knows No Age...

2008-03-31T21:28:00.004-05:00

This is quite possibly the "cutest" explaination of Star Wars: Episode IV that I have ever seen...

Wonder If They'd Do Liturgical Dance...?

2008-03-28T00:02:00.003-05:00

Have you seen these guys? I am just amazed by their talent!

Big Butter Jesus

2008-03-25T18:28:00.004-05:00

Ok... so I'm sure that some of you out there are not going to like this... but I think that even Jesus himself would think this is funny stuff. I used to drive past the "Big Butter Jesus" whenever I went home when I was in seminary. I called him the "Touchdown Jesus" then, but this song... well... it has a special place in my heart! "For everything there is a season... a time to weep, and a time to laugh..."

Happy Holy Week, Batman!

2008-03-20T00:16:00.003-05:00

Due to my schedule during this Holy Week, I have not been blogging. Sorry, friends! I hope to be posting some new things soon.

In the meantime, be sure to pop some virtual bubble wrap... What a great way to de-stress! (Thanks for sharing this one, Josh!)

Congrats, Sue!

2008-03-16T23:24:00.005-05:00

Congratulations, Sue!

You wrote the winning caption for this photo from the NYMC!

I will be sending you details about your prize soon...

There once were three piggies of York

Who said "God said don't eat pork"

The man reminded them

That Jesus commanded them

To follow the New Commandment, you dork

So the piggies hung their head in shame

They feared their destiny was lame

However the man

Was a vegetarian

And they praised the Lord, even the dame

Notes From This Week

2008-03-14T23:47:00.006-05:00

This was a rather interesting week. I started things off by preaching on Sunday. I found myself identifying with the prophet, Ezekiel, far more than I ever thought I would. There is so much more to the "dry bones" story than we usually give it credit for having.

Monday, I drove to Urbana so that my friend Ruth and I could drive to Indianapolis to attend a funeral. There is nothing in this world more heartbreaking than seeing a mother and father have to bury a child. The mother in this case was a colleague of ours, and we had all gathered to remember her 24 year old son. Only 24 years young and taken by cancer... I believe that God was weeping right alongside of Charlie's family and friends.

On our way home, Ruth and I stopped at a Chili's restaurant. Our server, Rysta, was awesome! She got bonus points for growing up in Ohio, but the real deal was her super attitude and great service. Rysta, I hope you check this out -- you really helped us have a happy night on a day that was otherwise melancholy. We closed down the place, and then got back on the road to Urbana. I should mention that Ruth and I share a weakness for what I like to call "shopping therapy". I think we left a few CDs at the Best Buy... (I'll be reviewing a few of my new music pics soon.)

When I got back to the office on Wednesday and Thursday, there were meetings, meetings, and more meetings! Just one of those weeks, I guess. But... the best thing... I actually had a day off on Friday! Nice!

And the Contest Winner Is....

2008-03-14T01:39:00.002-05:00

There were 5 brave (and creative) souls who entered the Caption Contest! Great job, y'all! The contest winner will be announced this weekend, so be sure to check back to see who won!

Porter Ellett for President!

2008-03-12T12:01:00.004-05:00

It is practically impossible to watch television or listen to the radio without hearing a political ad or hearing somebody telling you who you should vote for and why. And I'm sure that there are lots of good reasons to vote for each of the candidates that are out there trying to win our support. They all tell us about how they have overcome adversity. They talk about how they have faced challenges head-on. They try to come across as people who have really inspired others.

Yeah... I think I want to vote for this guy -- a high school student named Porter Ellett.

Don't Forget to Enter the Contest!!!

2008-03-09T21:11:00.003-05:00

Two brave souls have entered the Caption Contest in the hopes of winning a FREE copy of Life Hurts God Heals. And while I'm sure that those two gals would like to keep the number of entries low to increase their chances of winning... I want to hear from ALL of you out there! Maybe you are intimidated by the limerick-writing skills that have been demonstrated so far...? Perhaps you are reading this and thinking that you would rather write a haiku or perform and interpretive dance...? (Seriously, if I get a video of anyone doing an interpretive dance as your caption to the picture... yeah.... wow!)

The whole point of the contest -- be creative, and you could win! Just click on the links in this post, check out the picture, write a caption (um... or dance it, or something), and post it as a comment! The contest will be ending this week, so don't wait -- you don't want to miss it!

Um... Yeah...

2008-03-09T21:04:00.003-05:00

I know I've been sharing a lot of videos, but this one was too fun to pass up. Besides, I do love kung fu...

The Overnighter Video

2008-03-06T21:14:00.004-06:00

This was one of my favorite things at the NYMC was the premier of "Overnighter". Seriously, Jake - the guy singing/rapping in the video - is some kind of creative genius! To all of you who have ever been roped into working a Lock-In... this video is for you!

The Limericks are Rolling In...

2008-03-06T17:25:00.004-06:00

So far, there seem to be a few creative folks out there who are trying out the contest! Yay! Who knew I had such poetic friends in the blogosphere? :-)

Keep those Caption Contest entries coming, y'all!

The Global Soles Project

2008-03-05T22:46:00.002-06:00

Josh posted this today, and I had to share. Maybe there is a way that our youth (or the entire church, for that matter) could do this or something like it. It really makes you think...

The Contest Begins!

2008-03-05T21:42:00.006-06:00

Ok... so here's what's cookin' with the contest...

It is a Caption Contest!

Here's a picture from the National Youth Ministry Conference.

Your challenge: come up with the most creative caption to go with the photo.

(Bonus points will be awarded to captions written in the form of a limerick.)

The contest will run until Thursday, March 13th.

Good Luck Everybody!!!

The Contest Is Coming!!! The Contest Is Coming!!!

2008-03-05T11:29:00.006-06:00

I will be launching a contest tonight, so I thought that I would tell you a little bit about what it is that you can win. (That's right -- there's a prize!)

Josh has given me the opportunity to giveaway a digital copy of Life Hurts God Heals. It is one of the many resources for youth ministry put out by Group. Here's what they have to say about Life Hurts God Heals on their website:

"Right now, there are students in your youth ministry who are desperately hurting from the pain of a broken home, struggles with depression, abusive relationships, and more. Life Hurts God Heals is a completely comprehensive resource you can use to launch and run a ministry specifically to bring healing to these students. It includes all the curriculum you will need for leaders and participants, as well as all the behind the scenes stuff to help with everything from recognizing danger signs in teens to how to get this program up and running in your church."

Sounds interesting, doesn't it? I sure think so. Too bad for me, I can't win my own contest! But... that means that it is lucky for YOU!

Check back tonight... the contest is coming!

Busy Week

2008-03-02T23:21:00.003-06:00

It turned out to be quite the busy week once I got back from the conference... so I haven't been blogging like I had hoped.
This week (hopefully) will be better! I will be posting the contest where you could win a free item from Group Publishing. I'm planning to post some extra pictures from the NYMC. And I'll hopefully be able to post some video of the performance of "You Give Love A Bad Name" that was so skillfully performed at the conference, too!
God bless, y'all!

National Youth Ministry Conference - Day Four / Wrap-up

2008-02-26T22:07:00.002-06:00

The NYMC drew to a close on Monday. What a weekend! I have to admit that my brain was officially stuffed with information and ideas over the course of the last several days, but it has all been worth it. The highlight of the day for me was lunch. Yes, lunch. We didn't even have lunch at the convention center or the hotel. My friend Ruth and I had lunch at a Cracker Barrel restaurant just outside of Cincinnati off of I-74 W. Not only was our service wonderful (if you are ever at that restaurant, ask to be seated in Stephanie's section), but the company turned out to be pretty cool, too.

As we were sitting there munching on hashbrown casserole and country ham, three guys and a seahorse were seated at the table behind us. Yes, you read that correctly... three men and a seahorse. And, as it turns out, they had been at the NYMC, too! We didn't recognize them at first without their yellow name tags... I think it was when I heard one of them tell their server that "We're actually a lot older than we act," that I realized that they were probably youth workers...

Alan, David, Tim, and Nessie came to the NYMC from Wisconsin. (In case you're wondering, Nessie is the adorable seahorse.) These guys were super fun! So to my new Wisconsinite friends, God bless you and your ministries!

Ruth and I made it back to Urbana, IL, but I had to stay over an extra night instead of coming back to my home. Snow and ice is nice to look at, but it isn't such a joy to drive in (especially at night). So, we met up with John and Joan for some shopping and dinner at the Olive Garden. We had the BEST server: Laurie! You know you rocked, Laurie!

And now, the Top Five for Day Four (a Wrap-Up of the NYMC):

Seriously, I will never forget hearing (and seeing) Tony Dungy on the first night of the conference! It was an amazing message from and amazing man of faith.
I loved all of the videos -- the announcements, the road trip with Couch, Overnighter... they all ROCKED! Great job, y'all!
Mark DeVries and his crew were fantastic! I learned a ton! Now, if I can just keep managing my monkeys...
I must give some e-props to all of my Presbyterian friends that I met at the conference. God bless each and every one of you for all of your work in your churches. Jenna, if you read this, please be sure to send me some pics of your purses and jewelry - and I'll be seeing you this summer at GA! Remember, don't ever let anyone tell you that you are too young... (I think there's a scripture about that someplace...)
Finally, I must give thanks to the behind the scenes folks that made the conference possible. God bless the people running the sound boards and all of the AV equipment!

Blogging with Josh -- A Story in Pictures and a Few Words

2008-02-26T21:40:00.007-06:00

On Sunday night, I went to a late night session led by Josh Griffin to learn about blogging. It was scheduled to begin at 10:00 PM.
By 10:18 PM, we were all wondering where Josh was. We were all hoping that he was off getting us all a ton of free stuff... Some of us decided that we would just start the session without Josh. Here's what happens when you give youth leaders a podium and a working mic...
We shared a lot of great ideas about blogging and podcasts. We invited those with blogs to share their web addresses on the board we labeled: Got Blog?
And then Josh showed up! Hooray! And he brought some free stuff, too! Double hooray! And all of the free stuff went to people who had showed up after we had texted Josh suggesting that he bring free stuff... Yay for those who won free stuff!
It was really cool to meet Josh - a fellow Star Wars geek and goofball extraordinaire! I'm sure that my blog will never be the same! God bless you, brother!

My Friend Kurt and His Adventure with Rocky Vance

2008-02-25T23:04:00.001-06:00

Demonstrating that the resourcefulness of a good youth worker knows no bounds, my new friend Kurt went dumpster diving at the NYMC.

The wacky Presbys from Mark DeVries' learning track decided we would all go to lunch together on Sunday. We got together and agreed that we would see if the Chinese restaurant was open across the street, so we all started walking down the halls of the convention center to make our way to the Skywalk. Kurt was walking just ahead of me, so I saw him when he did this. While waking past one of the trash barrels, Kurt - in one fluid movement - reached in and pulled out a yardstick! "It's a perfectly good yardstick," he said in his defence. The Chinese restaurant was closed; so we went to Champs. The yardstick came along. No, it didn't have its own chair.

After we ordered, Kurt noticed that there was a name on the yardstick: Rocky Vance. And there was also a phone number -- Rocky Vance's phone number.

So Kurt decided to call Mr. Rocky Vance. Rocky didn't answer, so Kurt left a voicemail that went something like this:

"Rocky...hey! This is Kurt. I found something of yours at the convention center, and I think it is pretty important. I'd like to get it back to you today if I can. It looks pretty important. You can reach me at XXX-XXX-XXXX. I'm betting that you really need to get this back. It appears to be a yardstick. It is approximately 36 inches long and made out of wood. There's some lines and numbers on it too. Give me a call, Rocky. Hope I can get this back to you. Bye."

About 30 minutes later, as we were eating our lunch, Rocky called back. I'm not sure if he knew quite what to do with Kurt. Rocky explained that he was at the Car Show that was meeting on the first floor of the convention center and that he was giving the yardsticks away.

Kurt: "So, do you want to meet someplace in the convention center so I can return your yardstick to you?"

Rocky Vance: "Naw, man. It's free! You can keep it!"

Kurt: "Really? Wow, Rocky, that's really nice of you, man! Thanks!"

I thought we were all going to die laughing!

Unfortunately, the yardstick did not survive the whole day... but none of us will forget Kurt and his adventure with Rocky Vance.

National Youth Ministry Conference - Day Three

2008-02-25T08:00:00.002-06:00

Day Three of the NYMC, and my brain is getting full. Seriously, if my brain wore a belt, I would be loosening it like it was Turkey Day... But, it has all been worth it!

The Deeper Learning Track that I've been in with Mark DeVries continued to rock my socks off! I'm super excited to be taking this info back to my Christian Education committee so we can get to work. Anyway... at the start of Session #3, Mark challenged some folks to build the highest tower they could with cardboard bricks. The results were hilarious! Some were more creative than others, but none of the towers lasted very long. I got a shot of this one right before all the bricks came crashing down... One of the things that we observed was that there had never been any rules about not working together. How sad but true that is of ministry... if we would only get over ourselves and work together more, just imagine what we could do!

Greg Stier was fantastic at the evening group session! Really... if you weren't there... get the MP3 of that session! I'll post a link on how to get recordings of the various sessions in a later post...

There are a few other things about Day Three that I must share with y'all, but I will give them each their own post...

Here's the Top Five for Day Three:

Those of us in Mark DeVries' learning track tried to engage the rooms next to us in a round of "We've got Spirit, yes we do! We've got Spirit, how 'bout you?". Alas... there were no responses. We figure that all they could here us saying was "wkosidnrj wowiefn wowkndrnf! solwefnseinlfwehfiwk pdeneewliyejhf ijhhfhwuef?" (We weren't exactly "together" on the cheer..)

I did a study on Sabbath when I was in seminary, so it was refreshing to hear Mark DeVries say this regarding taking a day off each week: "If your church is suggesting that you break one of the ten commandments, then it probably isn't a good idea to work there."

"My name is Tim, and I'm a porcupine farmer." Thank you, 321 Improv!

Greg Stier said this about youth: "Why are they deaf to us? Because we are deaf to them!" Wow... let's all chew on that for a while...

The announcement video... yeah... that was great! Check it out at Josh's blog.

National Youth Ministry Conference - Day Two

2008-02-24T08:29:00.009-06:00

What a day! Lots of great workshops, speakers, skits, and music... it was definitely a busy and meaningful day!

The "Deeper Learning Track" that I am attending is being led by Mark DeVries. To put it simply...WOW! I am anxiously looking forward to continuing to learn on Sunday. I realized that I had definitely picked the right workshop when Mark quoted Rabbi Ed Friedman -- a hero to those of us who subscribe to systems thinking. If you are not familiar with Ed Friedman... check him out! I especially loved the analogy that Mark used: If a dancer, while dancing, falls through the floor because the floor boards are rotted and broken, the answer to the problem is not to replace the dancer... you need to replace the floor!

At the evening session, we were treated to one of the best performances of You Give Love A Bad Name. The vocalists were serious rock stars!

Doug Fields was awesome! We made our own "cloud of witnesses" by writing our names, our faith blockers, and the simple prayer of "by faith" on paper, crumpling them up and then tossing them into the air at the same time. Drew... wherever you are... I'm praying for you! Praise the God who amazes us by working with, in, and through us - even in our weaknesses.

And now... The Top 5 for Day Two:

The folks in Deeper Learning Track #11 learned that Mark DeVries had this advice for a youth leader wondering how to get more students to events: "Naked Jello wrestling is always a good idea." (Josh...I know that this isn't a picture, but...!)

The Overnighter video by Leonard T.... FANTASTIC! You can check it out at Josh's blog, MoreThanDodgeball.com. I think Leonard has been to a few of my Lock-Ins...

Hooray for the Skit Guys! They thanked us for what we do to serve youth. We thank them for sharing their gifts with all of us.

We learned from Doug Fields that "God invented Red Bull." Scripture tells us that God never sleeps or slumbers... now we know how God does it!

My friend Ruth and I met Jason, who I would officially like to name as the King of the Gift With Purchase! Jason... you know who you are... You Rock!

As a bonus... we discovered that there are actually a pretty good number of Presbyterians at the conference! Yay Presbys!!! Those Presbys who are attending Mark's class stopped for a picture on Saturday afternoon, and that night there was a group that met at the Elm Street Bistro for more fun and frivolity. Remember the words of 1 Timothy 5:23. Our stomachs and our souls felt better after our evening out... although I'm pretty sure it was the company and not what we may have had to drink!

A big thanks to Ruth, Jeff, Kurt, Al (the Prophet), Theresa, Marilyn, Shannon, and Jonathan for making my evening unforgettable! (Thanks for taking the bistro photo, Marilyn!)

I'm probably not going to get my Day Three and Day Four posts up until Wednesday, since I'll be up late on Sunday (learning more about blogging from Josh), driving back to Illinois all day on Monday, and chillin' at a Presbytery meeting all day on Tuesday. So... keep checking back for updates!

Oh -- and there will be a contest coming your way soon (with a groovy prize and everything)! Details will be out this week...

National Youth Ministry Conference - Day One

2008-02-23T08:31:00.005-06:00

Well... Here I am at the National Youth Ministry Conference in beautiful (and somewhat icy) Cincinnati, Ohio! The weather outside may be a bit frightful, but the conference is warm and delightful! It is pretty cool to have so many people dedicated to youth ministry gathered all in one place.

The opening session last night was really nicely done. Josh Griffin opened things up with some giveaways and wacky antics - but really, would we expect anything less from Josh? I'm praying that they give away more of the Sack Chairs, and that I defy the odds and actually catch the hacky-sack that they toss into the crowd! Those things ROCK! Be sure to check their website, y'all!

The entire evening was really cool, but the highlight had to be hearing from Tony Dungy! What an amazing, Spirit-filled man! If you have never thought of ministry as a kind of coaching... well... it is never too late to start! Key points: 1) Learn your craft; 2) Make connections by being yourself and keeping it personal; and 3) Be sure to recharge your battery (Sabbath keeping, anyone?). In case you ever read my blog, Tony... Thanks for an awesome message of hope and encouragement!

Here's my Top 5 from Day One:

We all learned that Rick Lawrence has a picture of Doug Fields in a Speedo... and we all died a little inside when we saw it...
Thom and Joani Schultz almost shared a passionate kiss in front of us all... but the voters decided that they wanted to hear them answer awkward questions instead (46% to 48%! I was expecting a landslide for the awkward question!). No questions about burping in worship or anything...but perhaps another time...
Tim Timmons led us in a rockin' version of My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less (On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand)... Fantabulous!
We watched a piece on The Couch's trip to the conference... I want to officially invite The Couch to my next pool party!
Tony Dungy, Tony Dungy, Tony Dungy!!!

Oh... and the best T-shirt award goes to this guy:

Keep checking back for more updates and pictures!

Long Time, No Blogging...

2008-02-20T18:35:00.005-06:00

It has been a while since my last post. Between my vacation and our Session retreat, I've been a tad busy. I have a lot to blog about, so don't be surprised if I have more than one post today...

I went home (back to Ohio) at the beginning of the month. Not exactly the most exotic place to go on vacation, but I can't beat the cost of lodging! Thanks, Mom and Dad! In case you watch the Weather Channel as religiously as my dad, you'll recall that there was some serious rain that went through the Northwest Ohio area at the start of the month. I hadn't banked on going home to a flood, but that's what I got! Thankfully, the fam didn't get the water in the basement like we did this summer.

Besides the flooding, I celebrated a birthday over my vacation! I swear I woke up on my birthday and saw about 100 more gray hairs on my head! I have been going gray since seminary. And at the rate that the gray is coming in, I will have salt and pepper hair well before I turn 40! At least it helps me look a little bit older (although I rarely actually act my age...if I can help it). Anyway... my folks got me a cake (made by our friend and neighbor, Becky). Doesn't it just make your mouth water? YUM!!! I vaguely remember lapsing into a sugar coma sometime that evening... Mmmm... sugar coma.... John took me out for dinner and a movie, too. I had a great time! Overall... it was one of my best birthdays.

New Look... Same Blog

2008-01-28T18:00:00.000-06:00

I'm trying out a new look for my blog. The all blue thing was kinda drab (although it did remind me of my favorite jeans). Let me know what you think!

Lock-In Madness!!!

2008-01-22T13:37:00.000-06:00

The Youth had a Lock-In this weekend. Since it was a holiday weekend, we held the Lock-In at the church from Sunday night to Monday morning (since they didn't have school). If you have church Lock-Ins and are looking for a good time to host them, let me tell you that they work really well on holiday weekends -- there aren't as many sporting conflicts, and typically more adults can volunteer.

Anywho... it was quite the weekend! At the Lock-In that we had in the fall, about 16 kids were here. Not bad... This time, the word must have gotten out that we host a really great Lock-In, because we had 28 kids! That's right... 28! They just kept on coming! It was awesome! (It was also made a few of the volunteers nervous to be that outnumbered... but we all survived!)

The big hit at the Lock-In: video games. Specifically, the musical video games of Sing Star, Guitar Hero, and Rock Band. Not only are the kids hooked, but I'm pretty sure that I'm hooked, too. Seriously -- Guitar Hero is addictive! Perhaps it helps that the music that's featured in Guitar Hero is the music that I grew up enjoying. (Yes... I'm a pastor. And yes, I used to listen to groups like Twisted Sister, Judas Priest, and Black Sabbath. In fact, I still do. I'll take listening to Black Sabbath over practically any country music group anytime!)

If you have not tried your hand (or voice, in the case of Sing Star) at one of these games, I highly recommend that you do! It is crazy fun, and it is a great way to connect with youth!

Movin' On Up...

2008-01-15T10:40:00.000-06:00

So, the Interim Head-of-Staff pastor decided that he didn't need to have the monster-sized desk that was in his office. Instead, he wanted to have a much smaller desk. Lucky for him, the desk that I have been using for the past 2 1/2 years was the perfect size! I've barely had room to put a few books on my desk, but apparently, he doesn't need that much space.

So not the monster-sized desk is mine. Seriously - it is HUGE! We traded desks last week, and now I have a TON more space to spread out all of my crap -- I mean, all of my "highly important ministerial accouterments". But, as it tends to happen with any kind of move, this has suddenly become the time to sort through and clean out my collection of highly important ministerial accouterments.

Seriously... it is like an archaeological dig in my office right now! There are papers in my file cabinet that I have never looked at, never needed, and frankly...I don't think I even knew they existed. Much of what I am finding that has taken up so much space is crud that was left here by the DCE that had this office before they called an Associate Pastor.

I have a feeling that the "round file" is going to be full before the end of the day...

Holy Ghost...?

2008-01-13T21:43:00.000-06:00

So... the 4 year old daughter of one of my parishioners said the following as her family was driving to church a few weeks ago:

"I don't believe in the Holy Ghost. I don't believe there are ghosts. [slight pause] I believe in Santa."

God bless the world's youngest theologian!

And That's When I Set Myself on Fire...Part 2

2007-12-04T18:12:00.000-06:00

Last year's Advent Wreath "event" caused our Worship Committee to reconsider the whole idea of hanging the wreaths from the ceilings... (Gee...I wonder why...?) So, we decided to get a contemporary "wreath" for the chapel (square and rectangular wood and metal candle stands with cube-shaped candles...really elegant). And, as for the sanctuary, we decided to use the large iron "wagon wheel" -- at least that is what the Fine Arts Committee chairperson calls it.

Really, the "wagon wheel" is a pretty fitting name for it. It is a 36-inch in diameter circle of iron, supported with 4 "spokes" -- all perched securely on a large metal stand, tilted ever so slightly so you can see everything. Attached to the spokes are 5 pillar candle holders (iron bases with metal spikes to hold the candles in place) -- one in the middle (for the Christ Candle) and 4 placed near the inside rim of the wreath frame. It looks a bit like a medieval torture device without any of the greenery attached.

So, with the help of some of the Fine Arts ladies and the church's Administrative Assistant, we wrapped garland around the cold metal frame. In no time, it started to actually look like an Advent Wreath. We put our backs into it and hauled it into the sanctuary, and we arranged it in front of the pulpit. Then one of the ladies asked, "Ok, so, where are the candles?"

Good question. We must have turned the church inside out. Could we find any royal blue candles? No. Could we even find any purple ones? No. It was November 30th. The first Sunday of Advent was December 2nd. Too late to call Cokesbury...

"Oh, we usually just get them at Wal Mart," one of the ladies remarked. No problem! Wal Mart will save us, we thought.

Apparently...not so much. No blue candles at Wal Mart. No purple ones, either. Thus began my trek to find Advent Candles. I checked Wal Mart, K Mart, Farm King, Walgreens, CVS, HyVee... I called the Target store in a nearby town... No one had blue pillar candles. No one had purple candles, either.

Finally...I went to the only store I had left on my list -- a trendy gift and floral shop about a block away from the church. Did they have blue candles? Yes!!! They had 4 -- only 4 -- left in the entire store! Praise God! Four beautiful royal blue pillar candles covered in shimmering glitter (which, as it turns out, goes quite nicely with our Advent paraments in the sanctuary). They even had a white candle that was the same style that we could use for the Christ Candle!

Approximately $50 later, I was back in the sanctuary. Carefully, I unwrapped the first candle... only to find that the glittery candle wanted to share its shimmery love with everything it came in contact with. So, I took a piece of the tissue paper that the store owner had used in the bag and folded it around the glitter-shedding candle, thus avoiding (for the moment) getting glitter all over my hands.

Now, anyone who has ever tried to place a pillar candle on one of those candle spikes knows that you can't just go jamming the candle on those things unless you want the candle to crack. So, I took one of those lighter wands and used it to heat up the spike. Then, I could gently lower the candle onto the base, letting the hot spike melt the wax, etc... The problem was, it was hard to see the bottom of the candle -- and you had to be sure that the candle was going on straight and in the center of the holder...

After heating up the spike, I tried to lower the first candle onto the base. I quickly realized that I couldn't see the bottom of the candle due to the lighting in the sanctuary. So, I fired-up the lighter for a second to shed some light on the underside of the candle -- just enough to see where the candle was relative to the spike.

And that's when I set myself on fire...

Apparently there is a very good reason why you aren't supposed to have tissue paper near an open flame. The flash from the lighter -- despite its being several inches away from the tissue paper I was using to hold the glittery candle -- was just enough to ignite it. And, boy does that stuff burn! As I was trying to lower the candle onto the candle holder spike, I suddenly realized that the tissue paper had been set ablaze... the tissue paper that was under and around my hand! I don't think that this is what is meant by "being on fire for God."

And as I huffed and puffed and blew out the flames, the main thing that was going through my mind was, "I can't drop the candle! I can't drop the candle! If it breaks, we'll be without Advent candles again, and there aren't any blue candles in the whole state!"

To make a long story slightly shorter, I put out the fire, the candle was okay, and I finally got everything put together. Sure, I had about 20 pounds of glitter on my hands, but I wasn't going up in flames anymore. I couldn't help laughing when the Administrative Assistant came in to see how things were going, and she asked me, "Do I smell something burning...?"

And That's When I Set Myself on Fire... Part 1

2007-12-03T19:38:00.000-06:00

Advent has arrived, and Christmas is right around the corner. So, as a Presbyterian, that means that is it time to get out the Advent Wreath for use in the sanctuary. I would have never guessed that there could be so much drama surrounding the Advent Wreath! But, in the last 2 years, I have discovered that -- if you're lucky -- there can be interesting adventures to be had when it comes to the setting up and lighting of the Advent Wreath.

Let's begin with what happened last year. At the church I am currently serving, it had been the tradition in the last several years to hang the Advent Wreaths from the ceiling. Notice that I said "had". In the chapel, the wreath was suspended above the communion table. In the sanctuary, the wreath was suspended above and slightly in front of the lectern. These wreaths were over 36 inches in diameter with a clear plastic "bottom" that was used to support the candles. The candles...ah, the candles...were 6 inch tall pillar candles that were placed inside of clear glass goblets.

If you are wondering how the glass goblets were secured to the wreath or the plastic base...don't. They weren't secured in any way...

Imagine, if you will, the 2nd Sunday of Advent last year. You are seated in the chapel. All is calm. All is bright. As the lector reads some verses of scripture and a few notes about the lighting of the 2nd candle, a gentleman with a long acolyte taper comes in to light the Advent Candles. He reaches, and strains, and even stands on his tip-toes...trying to see the wick that he is supposed to light. Seeing his plight, one of the ushers decides to help... by tipping the Advent Wreath downward so that he can see the candle wicks.

And that's when it all came crashing down.

Glass goblets and pillar candles came cascading down from their perch above the communion table. And mingled with the gasps and cries of the parishioners were the sounds of candles breaking and glass shattering...

After a few moments of stunned silence, we gathered up the broken pieces of hope, peace, love, and joy. We placed some votive candles on the communion table, and we continued with the service by reading the prayer printed in our bulletins. And, if there was any doubt in our minds that God has a sense of humor, that was quickly dispelled... for the prayer included these words:

"And when we get caught up in all of the anxiety and chaos that this season can sometimes bring, remind us that you are Lord of all."

Inked

2007-05-22T15:16:00.000-05:00

So, I've often talked about getting a tattoo someday. It's one of those things that I have always thought would be a cool thing to get and have and all that. A good number of my friends have tattoos -- especially my friends from seminary! One gal, who is now serving as an Episcopalian priest, has a super stylin' tattoo of a dragon on her shoulder blade -- she designed it herself, so it really has a unique look. But, being the "good girl" that everyone says I am, I have never actually gone out and gotten one. Perhaps I have been held back by the fear that my parents would kill me if I ever got one...

I actually tried to tattoo myself when I was in High School, I think... I cut the design with a sterilized safety pin, and then rubbed ink in the wound. Burned like hell! The design - which was a small cross on the top of one of my toes - only lasted for about a week, and you could barely see it anyway. Clearly, I didn't cut deep enough... and I have no intention to ever try that again. If I'm going to get one, I'm going to let the pros do it!

In any case... I have been thinking about getting a tattoo pretty seriously for the last few years. And now, I have even been dreaming about getting one. The dream has been incredibly detailed, and it has been the same dream each of the three times that I've had it. In my dream, I am getting a tattoo of the word "Shalom" (written in Hebrew Script) on my wrist in honor of a particular even that is going to take place (which I won't spell out here, as not to jinx it or whatever). So, I'm fairly certain that there is a visit to a tattoo parlor in my future... although I'm not entirely sure when or where.

Movie Review: The Last Mimzy

2007-04-03T11:57:00.000-05:00

We took the Youth Group to the movies on Sunday. Originally, we were hoping to see Bridge to Terabithia, since the Young Adult Class has just finished reading and discussing it. But... it was no longer playing at the theater, so we had to find another movie to watch that was appropriate for Jr. & Sr. High School students.

The result: we watched The Last Mimzy. Now, I should warn you that if you have not yet seen the movie, and you don't want any hints as to what happens... you may want to skip the following paragraphs. (Consider this to be your "Spoiler Warning".)

Two seemingly ordinary children (a brother and sister) find an odd-shaped box floating in the ocean while on vacation. After bringing it ashore, it opens and they find a strange glowing rectangle of glass (or something) that seems to "hum" in an other-worldly sort of way. They decide to keep their discovery a secret and take the box and its contents inside. Eventually, the girl discovers other objects inside the box (that seem to reveal themselves only to her), and the adventure truly begins.

"Mimzy", as it turns out, is the name of an adorable stuffed bunny that the girl finds in the box. The girl and rabbit communicate with one another, and the children find themselves learning about another world (or, perhaps their own). They also seem to suddenly discover fantastic abilities and scientific knowledge. The government catches wind of the strange goings-on, and the plot, as they say, thickens...

Now, I'm not going to completely ruin the movie for those of you who have not yet seen it, but I will say this: Mimzy is no ordinary stuffed toy, Emma (the girl) is no ordinary girl, and you may never look at a picture of Lewis Carrol's real-life young friend Alice in the same way ever again. I really don't want to spoil the ending, since I do think that this movie is worth seeing. Still, I do want to mention a few of the thoughts that I had as I pondered the movie after seeing it.

I found that this movie has some very interesting Christological implications that are worth exploring. I found myself wondering how particular characters could be compared to Christ -- especially in terms of the salvific work of Christ. How did God reach into our time from out of God's timelessness (eternity) -- and how is that similar to how Mimzy comes to the children? What was so special about Christ (or the girl, Emma) that was so different from everyone else? How does Christ (or the girl, Emma) bring about a "new creation"?

As the movie ended, a verse from Isaiah immediately came to mind: "...and a little child shall lead them" (Isaiah 11:6). As this season of Lent draws to a close, let us all remember that the man who was nailed to the tree was once a baby in a manger. A little child named Jesus came to lead us into hope... so let us enter into this Easter season with hope and joy in our hearts.

Spring Cleaning

2007-03-27T18:38:00.000-05:00

So, Spring has officially arrived! And, of course, with Spring comes "Spring Cleaning"... and, in the case of my desk at work, not a moment too soon! Really, it was less like spring cleaning and more like an archaeological dig. I found catalogs that I hadn't seen since last Easter and sermon notes from about six months ago. Thankfully, no petrified PB&J sandwiches or anything...

It got me thinking of how the Lenten season is sort of like spiritual spring cleaning. We study and pray and fast and ask God to wipe away all the cobwebs and junk that clutters our spirit and dulls our Christian lives. We may discover gifts and talents that we forgot that God had given to us. We rediscover ourselves and our relationship with God.

So, happy spring cleaning to you all -- and blessed Lent, too!

Let the Blogging Begin!

2007-03-08T16:24:00.000-06:00

Ok, kids... I have officially thrown my hat into the blogging ring! It seemed that everyone that I know (as well as about 10 billion people that I don't know) created blogs of their very own. And as I surfed around the blogosphere, I thought to myself...

I could totally do this!

Not to mention, this whole blogging thing could be the kick-in-the-pants that I needed to start writing on a more regular basis again.

So, here we go, my friends! Let the blog-related fun begin!