Memorial Day

Although my family is not a military family (mainly because there are too many Quakers in it), my grandmother taught me that Decoration Day was very important. I would accompany her as she placed flowers, usually iris and peonies, on family graves in several cemeteries. She also included the graves of former neighbors who no longer had family to attend to this duty. Of course, hearing family stories was an important part of the ritual. But, most of all I was taught to remember and respect those whose lives had created my world. In many ways it was a sacred journey. This ritual usually was done during the twilight hours before Decoration Day, so that the flowers could bear testimony to love and honor the whole next day.

My brothers, sister and I looked forward to the parade that was part of the local Decoration Day celebration. Led by the high school band, grey haired veterans of the armed services would proudly remind us of the day’s purpose. A fire truck and a few old cars were the remainder of this parade that ended at the cemetery. Speeches and taps followed. I am glad that I have these rich memories of those who gave so much to their community and country in so many ways.

Mary Magdalene

I have claimed a few hours for reading this morning and finally finished last week's issue of Newsweek. An Inconvenient Woman, an article about Mary Magdalene by Jonathan Darman, was especially interesting and I will keep it for future reference. As evidenced in many of my bible study classes, a large number of persons still idenify her as a prostitute. This article also includes twelve fact or fiction subjects from The Da Vinci Code. A good quick reference.

Alban Institue

The mission of the Alban Institute is to provide new research-based information and new ways to learn and minister more effectively within and outside the faith community. This ecumenical, interfaith organization is a well-respected source of continuing education for clergy and information for churches. So, when their electronic newsletter appears in my in-box, I look forward to reading it. One of today’s articles is about Twelve Characteristics for Effective 21st Century Ministry. The summation is that clergy need to be generalists. Focusing on one facet of ministry may not be the best path to take. This is not only an important consideration for clergy, but also for congregations who are quick to say, “What we need is a good ...." Something about which to think.

Rebecca

For a second year, First UMC has a Duke Divinity School student as a summer intern. Rebecca has completed her first year of seminary and will be with us for ten weeks learning what it is like to serve in the local church. This field experience is designed to help her further understand her call to ministry. That is, is she to be an elder or deacon? Is her ministry to be in the local church or in another setting? In this introductory week, Rebecca has observed that clergy have a varied and busy schedule, one that has to adjust to the moment. Rebecca has been to three worship services, flute concert, birthday party, hospital, Child Development Ministry, staff meeting, home visit and funeral. She has met with staff persons about what they do, created a bulletin board for Dancing With God and laid sod at our Habitat house. I have given her an armload of books and more advice than she could possibly use. I think that she is looking forward to some rest.

With the direction of a lay committee, Ken and I supervise this field experience. It is a joy to see that the congregation senses a responsibility to nurture Rebecca and to warmly welcome her, also. Together, we are understanding what it means to pass the mantle.

Endings or Beginnings?

The month of May is often defined by endings. Our children are finishing their school year and some will graduate. Our confirmation class has ended and MYF has concluded its regular schedule until fall. Our DISCIPLE and Companions in Christ classes are completing their studies. Wednesday Night Fellowship and our children's choirs are on hiatus until September.

As I watched the four year old class graduation at our Child Development Ministry, I realized that each of these endings is just a calling into a new beginning. Taking what is formative of these experiences, we know that we are to move to a new place in our lives. Part of our being soars at new possibilities, but part mourns with the pain of leaving behind the past. However, the One who moves with us blesses each of these moments and we hear, "Behold, I am doing a new thing." A new day dawns and the conversation with God continues in new and exciting ways.

Spartanburg Methodist College

In the early morning hours of Thursday, I drove to Spartanburg for a Spartanburg Methodist College Board of Trustee meeting. For the past couple of years I have served as a trustee of SMC and have gained a greater appreciation for this two year college. From its inception, SMC has chosen to serve those who probably will not have an oppportunity to attend college. In the beginning, it was mill village youth who did not have financial resources. Today, students who have a variety of challenges are welcomed and ushered into the world of higher education. Many are first in their family to attend college. Upon graduation, a large number of the students continue their education at other places. The leadership of Dr. Teague and the staff is to be commended. The commitment of Board Chair, Dan Foster, and a number of the other trustees is inspiring. As a United Methodist, I am proud that we continue to support SMC and hope that we find new ways to assist this institution. I am convinced that this is an important investment in the future as we prepare the next generation to think and learn in the midst of real life challenges. John Wesley would want us to be involved in such a venture.

Shandon UMC

Yesterday, I was at Shandon UMC in Columbia. Five years ago I left this church to serve at First UMC. Since then I have returned several times for different occasions. Good memories and good friends have made these experiences bittersweet. However, this visit was different. It was like visiting my parents in the home place. I realized that that the door will always be open and I will always have a place at the table. That feels good. However, my home is elsewhere with my own furniture, family and lifestyle. Yet, a few touches from the home place can be found not only on the mantle, but also in the closets. Thank you, God, for providing me with “parents” that have nurtured me and continue to love and teach me in the way that I should go.

Jubilee Voices

This past Thursday and Friday, Scarlett and I joined clergy women from across the country at Columbia College to celebrate Methodism’s 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women. We remembered the women, especially those who endured rejection and great obstacles to fulfill their calls, who have made our personal ministries possible. It was good to hear Bishop Minerva Carcano say that gender is not an issue when the Council of Bishops meet. All voices at the table are heard. An outspoken advocate for social justice issues, the Bishop reminded us that we too are called to take risks if we are to offer a liberating God to others.

A variety of workshops gave us an opportunity to explore topics that are important to our journey as a clergywoman. I especially enjoyed “Women’s Ways of Knowing, Learning and Leading” presented by Drs. Burk and Fowler of Columbia College. By looking at various leadership theories and the culture that surrounds men and women, important understandings of different leadership styles was examined. The challenge for each of us is to define our style and use it effectively.

Our worship experiences were filled with different voices representative of women in ministry. From the exuberant preaching of Telley Gadsen to the poignant and humorous storytelling of Rosemary Brown, the Word was declared. I especially appreciated the meditation and music of the Taize service. Each worship service offered an opportunity for personal reflection of where I had been and where I am going. I feel renewed in my call to ministry.

The Da Vinci Code Revisited

On our recent trip to Ohio, I did listen to The Da Vinci Code audio book. I enjoyed it as a mystery thriller. However, as is often in such a book, fact and fiction are blurred. Thus, the reader may be motivated to research the facts through the study of early church history. The UMC General Board of Discipleship website has posted some helpful information for questioning minds. As always, I would be glad to share other resources for those wanting to read more about Early Christianity.

Predators

I have been watching bits and pieces of Chris Hansen’s confrontations with sexual predators on NBC’s Dateline over the last few weeks. Disgusting! Sick! I would rather ignore this social ill, but I realize that I can’t. I don’t know what the appropriate response needs to be. But, somehow I need to educate parents to this danger their teens face when they enter into this dark side of the Internet and help them talk with their youth about this danger. I also know that parents still are reluctant to help their children understand their sexual being. This makes them vulnerable to this kind of scum. It is interesting that the suggestion that the church offer a human sexuality program for 4-6th grade students and their parents has not been welcomed by those who could make it happen. I think our church family sometimes insulates itself from the greater community. Somehow I need to help our parents address some of these issues.

A Pastoral Prayer

First United Methodist Church
May 7, 2006
I Corinthians 12:1-13

O God, giver of all good gifts, we come together this morning to give thanks for the abundance of our many blessings. We are aware and open to the variety of gifts that you have allotted each of us by the Holy Spirit. Your goodness fills us with gratitude and joy. We come together to take up our crosses and to follow our Lord and Savior.

However, God, we are such a busy, stress-filled people. Sometimes your holy calling is an idea too big to get our hearts around. So, we place before you our tired and empty lives. May our commitment to share what you have so generously given us be renewed.

Hear us as we cry out to you. We want to experience the steadfast love realized through faithfulness. We want to do your will. Help us, O God. Reveal your abiding presence amid the “to do” lists of our lives. May your love be perfected in our doing and being.

We place before you this church who has been given so many gifts. Each person adds to the richness of this congregation and allows us to serve you. Empower us to be compassionate so that we might hear and respond to the cries of your children in need of healing of mind, body or spirit (esp. in Darfur and…. ) Empower us to be instruments of your hope to those who have lost their way (esp those who are struggling with addictions and ….) May we be instruments of your grace to those who need to begin again (esp. those along the Gulf Coast and… ) And make us instruments of your love to the lonely and forgotten ones (esp. the sick, elderly persons in our community and …). Empower us to make your love a reality in this world, for all we have comes from one source, your great love for us.

And so we humbly offer all of our gifts and all of ourselves to your glory in the name of the one who taught us to pray, Our Father.....

What We Believe

Last Sunday I met with the confirmands and mentors to discuss/review what it is that we believe as Christians and United Methodists. Together, we began to create an affirmation of faith that will be used when they are confirmed on Sunday, May 14. This week as I put their words together in a rough draft for its final editing by the class, I was pleased with how they have been able to articulate the understanding of their faith. Family and mentors have played an important role in this, also. We may not have quantity this year, but we have a quality group of youth.

Periodically, I am questioned about what United Methodists believe. Although many books and pamphlets have been written, I think a good beginning point for those seeking answers would be to look at this part of the UMC website. Our library does has a number of resources, also. Of course, any of the clergy welcome discussion of this subject as far too often what one believes only reflects the latest book by a popular author.

Picture Words

My friend, Miss Nell, says that pictures are very important to the story. This one of Annaka and Jack brings joy to my heart everytime I see it. Ron has been enjoying doing a photo blog, Pixel Pics. These pictures capture something that has caught his attention and he wants to remember. I enjoy them, also.