UMW Reading Program

I enjoy participating in the UMW Reading Program as it introduces me to a variety of writings about issues that relate to Christian living. These books often provide new thoughts and insights, some with which I agree and some of which I don’t. However, I always feel that I have expanded my horizons by reading them.

I have just finished The Haunt of Grace by Ted Loder. Although this is a collection of sermons, Loder names them "responses to the haunt of grace, the mystery of God's presence in our world and our lives." He interprets Scripture in an imaginative and challenging way. Each response is based on "real life" situations that run head-on into God. In addition to his well phrased words, he weaves into his writing wonderful quotes from a rich variety of sources. I have enjoyed reading his responses one at a time and allowing a period for reflection before reading this next one. The response, "New Rules of Engagement", reminded me of how often we "are reluctant to engage Jesus. We seem to prefer a more abstract, removed God." We are afraid to trust Jesus to save us from our sins and lead us into a new way of life. It is through God's grace we turn toward the light.

Friends

"Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter; whoever finds one has found a treasure." Sirach 6:14

As part of our Upstate visit this weekend to celebrate Annaka (3) and Jack's (1) birthday, we included reconnecting with important friends out of our past. Ron met Bill forty years ago when Ron began work at NCR in Dayton, Ohio. This made Lois and me part of the NCR family and over the years we shared life's experiences through several moves. Lois was like a mother, or at least an aunt, during my young mother days and her words of wisdom were always welcome. Bill was very encouraging to Ron during his NCR career and we needed to check on him for he is now alone. What a wonderful time we had remembering days gone by.

We also visited with Gene and Shirley, former neighbors in Lexington, who now live in Greenville. Their children and ours are of similar ages and enjoyed many hours playing together, especially Dan and Michael. I am sure these avid Clemson fans influenced Robert's choice of schools. I have always admired their commitment to family including quite a wide circle of extended family. What fun to talk about weddings, grandchildren, and Clemson.

Time spent with family and friends is truly a reminder of what is really important in our lives.

"Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth."
Sirach 6:15

Snowbirds and Seagulls

Our Snowbird and Seagull ministry is in full swing. Yesterday, the Festive Brass provided a wonderful concert for a full sanctuary. Over one hundred played golf on Tuesday. Day trips are also an important part of this experience for many. Some even visit the Mousepad. For us it is a continuing delight to meet folks from a wide variety of places and to learn their stories. Ron and I talked with a couple that are about ready to leave for this year, but told us that next year they are coming for three months just because of our church. After several years of boring stays, this year they discovered the sense of community that they had been missing. They not only have enjoyed our Snowbird program, but also our worship services on Sunday and Monday. They feel connected to life in Myrtle Beach. What a good word about this ministry! Thanks, Big Tom and friends for making this happen.

A Snow Day

I need a snow day. I mean the kind of day that I hold in the good memories department. An image of white fluffy snow falling, the fireplace glowing, soup simmering and something baking has been coming to mind lately…even when it has been 70 degrees. Why? It is a day of rest and relaxation without guilt. Read a book, do a crossword puzzle and take a nap are important elements of honoring this day. Family members become reconnected through board games and story time. When one lives in Myrtle Beach these days are infrequent. However, when it does snow one can almost be assured that it will melt by the next day. For most of us, one day is enough. I wonder can I just declare a snow day?

E-Christian Ed

This has been a busy week. A week filled with the unexpected and one that has reminded me that God is in charge, not me. However, today was the reminder of why I do what I do. I had my face to face meeting of the Basic II: Foundations for Christian Education class that is part of the Columbia College e-college. As the teaching assistant for this class, I grade the work and offer guidance on-line to the students. It is a unique opportunity to pass the torch to others who will shape Christian education in the future. In doing so I am reminded of the importance of the foundation that Christian education provides for congregations and Christian living. It was exciting to talk with the students about this and I look forward to working with them in the weeks ahead. I truly feel that I am called to be in a ministry that helps others learn the story of God's love and this is one way that I can fulfill that call.

Leadership

As I prepared to give the devotion for the Marion District Job Function Workshop this past Sunday, I let my thoughts percolate for several weeks about what it means to be a leader within the church. As a deacon, I always identify this as servant leadership as known through Luke 22:26-27:

26But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

To be a leader in the community of God demands that we are motivated by love and service, not power. Servant leaders share information and ideas freely and empower others to succeed and receive credit. Servant leaders are able and willing to play any role that is needed. Servant leaders understand that there are many right ways to do right things. They keep their attention on the larger vision, and resist the urge to control every little detail. According to Max De Pree, "Leaders in a special way, are liable for what happens in the future, rather than what is happening day to day."

MLK Birthday

I am pleased to see that Bishop Woodie White has continued his tradition of writing a letter to Martin Luther King, Jr. in observance of Dr. King's birthday. Not only is it a reflection on King's life, but on the current status of race relations during the past year. This year's letter focuses on Rosa Parks and provides interesting reading.

My memories of the events that surrounded King's life were formed in a different place and way than most of my South Carolina friends. I viewed the civil rights movement through another lens. One of my faith heroes, the late Rev. McKay Brabham whose writings and actions in the 1960s caused quite a stir within S.C. Methodism, has since helped me understand better some of the dynamics present during this time. In his later years I had the opportunity to visit with him on a number of occasions and hear about the pain and agony of those days. The joy of this experience was realizing that I was in the company of a man that knew what it meant, and was not afraid, to be faithful to God. Racial matters continue. May strong voices like Martin Luther King, Jr. and A. McKay Brabham still speak to our minds and hearts.

The Parent's Journal

We awake each morning to the voices of NPR. On Saturday this means Bobbi Connor of The Parent’s Journal. Each week she interviews a parenting expert on a variety of topics. This morning the topics included: preschooler play, teen communication and a baby’s memory. This and most information shared is practical and well-documented. As a grandmother and a children’s advocate, I wish that more parents had the benefit of this program. But, 6 am on Saturday is a little early for tired moms and dads. However, I have discovered that much of the information and past interviews can be found on their website. This site also includes parenting tips, books and links. This program is a great resource and I encourage others to discover it.

One of my best resources on parenting is having a birthday today. His gentle wisdom has been important to our family for 86 years. How wonderful to discuss family matters with my dad today!

Prayer for 2006

Saw this prayer from the National Council of Churches and found it to offer important reflection. Periodically, I think that it would be a blessed encounter with God to create personal responses like this to the Lord's Prayer.

Coastal Samaritan Counseling Center

This evening we attended a retirement dinner for Bill Felder, Executive Director of the Coastal Samaritan Counseling Center. What a nice celebration of the important contribution Bill has made to the mental health of this community. Through his tireless efforts the counseling center has been able to provide care to anyone regardless of income. Bill's quiet, gentle demeanor allowed his clients to share their concerns feeling they were in the presence of a compassionate person. He truly has been fulfilling a call to ministry in this special way. The good news is that Bill will continue part-time as a counselor and fundraiser.

I am aware that we haven't always reminded our congregation of the Coastal Samaritan Counseling Center as I frequently find members that aren't aware of the center being housed in the Asbury Building and the availability of the services offered. It has been very important to me that I have had this resource when I encounter persons who have needed more counseling than I am qualified to provide. I am so pleased that my long time friend, Kathy Heustess, has been named the new executive director. Her special gifts will bring new dimensions to this important ministry. It is exciting to think about the future of the First UMC- Coastal Samaritan Counseling Center partnership.

Walking the Bible

Beginning last Wednesday, PBS is airing the three part series - Walking the Bible. As air time was prior to my arrival home and during the Rose Bowl game, I finally watched this (taped for me by my wonderful husband) today. I saw and heard Bruce Feiler, author of Walking the Bible, as he traveled through the lands of the Bible seeking the sites of the Bible's great stories. Beginning with Genesis, Feiler travels in the region of Mesopotamia finding that Bible roots itself in real time and place. Obviously, this becomes a spiritual journey for him as he documents this expedition with Jewish, Muslim, and Christian understanding and deeply connects with the land. He notes that the stories take on both a universal and personal meaning. For those of us who will probably never have the opportunity to take this journey, the photography reveals much to us. Parts two and three will air on January 11 and 18. Although the narration is a little stilted at times, I certainly will encourage others to watch this remarkable presentation.

Epiphany

Today is the Epiphany of the Lord. Eastern churches continue to empahzise Epiphany while Western churches emphasize Advent. For Western churches Christmas Day begins the twelve days of celebration of Christmas, and Epiphany is the twelfth day of that celebration marked by the visit of the wise men to the Christ Child.

"This [Epiphany] is a celebration of Christ being made known to the Gentiles. The story of the wise men, who came to worship the Christ child, is also part of the season. Jesus is the gift of salvation for all nations. Sharing the good news of Jesus with all people is an important focus during Epiphany. A central theme during Epiphany is God’s light overcoming the darkness of sin and evil. Symbols of light, stars, (star of Bethlehem), crowns, and gifts (wise men) are used during this time of the church year. The season is flexible in length due to the changing date of Easter each calender year."

Sacred Seasons by Brett Webb-Mitchell and Diane Archer

This celebration of the revelation of God’s light and power Christ (John 1:1-2:11) provides us with a theological understanding of Jesus and an opportunity to begin too understand what is fully revealed to us through the rest of the Christian Year. Perhaps we miss something significant by not observing this day in the lives of most United Methodist churches.

Literacy Tutoring

Last night I was reminded of one of my formative experiences from the distant past, literacy tutoring. I was in the Wesley Building attending to other matters, when I observed the efforts of the Horry County Literacy Council. About a dozen volunteers were working with 30-40 mostly Hispanic students as they trying to learn English. I am so glad that we offer our underutilized space for this most important work. However, I didn't see any of our members volunteering. Perhaps, we have not publicized this opportunity enough? It does seem that this would be one way we could be in ministry with this new segment of our community. Tutors do not have to speak a foreign language to teach ESL - English as a Second Language.

A number of years ago when we lived in Delaware, I volunteered as a literacy tutor. Some of this was done at a migrant camp in the evening. After 12-14 hour days in the fields, Haitians would meet us in an open shed lighted by a few bare bulbs. I was always impressed by their dedication to learning and their respect for the teachers. I certainly became aware of the issues that migrants faced during those years - the mid '70s - and found that I needed to be a voice for some of them. This kind of sensitizing experience helped me to understand the need to be the hands of Christ by reaching beyond the steeple in specific ministries. Later, I would know this to be part of the role of the deacon.

Let the Word Become Flesh

As the days of Christmas come to an end, the words of Howard Thurman –preacher, theologian, author and voice of all God’s people – come to mind.

When the song of the angels is still,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas beings:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers (and sisters),
To make music in the heart.