New Sunday School Year

I was most pleased to see so many familiar and new faces as our new Sunday school year began yesterday. In fact, there were 424 of them. What a good affirmation of this important part of our church life.

Our children's teachers have created a wonderfully welcoming space in the Wesley Building. This dedicated group of teachers provides an exciting experience for our children. Following the Exploring Faith curriculum, they offer the stories of faith both in traditional and in new ways. Fun and fellowship are always part of their time together. Parents can preview or review story by noting in THE STEEPLE their child's weekly lesson.

Youth and adult classes are also setting their course for the coming months. Although we have a great group of teachers/leaders, new teaching voices are always welcome. I must work on helping give some of these prospective teachers the tools and confidence that they need to do this.

On September 10th a new adult class for any age or stage of life will begin under the leadership of Ron Carpenter. This newly formed group will study Noah Built His Ark in the Sunshine by James W. Moore. The book jacket says, "Noah trusted God enough to prepare in advance for the coming storms. We, too, can reach Noah's level of spiritual maturity." After this, the class will decide what their next study will be. My prayer is that we will be able to help some more adults discover new understanding of their faith through this class. It is great to be a part of a church that values its education ministry, especially Sunday school.

Stained Glass Ceiling

Today a New York Times article reported on the stained glass ceiling that clergywomen experience in their ministry. After fifty years one would think that United Methodist clergywomen would not encounter this. However, I know that they do. Personally, being a deacon is more of a stumbling block than being a woman. I am always last in the chain and have been told that I will always be paid less than an elder, no matter the experience or responsibilities. However, I am blessed to be at a church that values my ministry and gives me an opportunity to fulfill my calling.

Internet Socializing

The Internet has become an important social network for over 100 million persons through MySpace. Teenagers use this website to communicate with friends and to develop new friendships. However, as recent news stories have revealed, online predators are using this to seek new prey. Also, MySpace can become a major distraction in the life of the user. Internet use as social contact has become a parenting issue, one that needs education and discussion.

Three of us attended a Christian Educators Fellowship meeting in Columbia on Thursday to learn more about safe Internet socializing. The speaker was a technology specialist from the State Dept.of Education and an active member of his local United Methodist Church. We want to share this information with our youth and their parents. The first step will be to discuss this matter at our parent roundtable on Wednesday, September 20. Together, maybe we can offer our youth important guidance.

Family "Back to School" Prayer

This was distributed to families attending the Back to School Supper and CDM Open House last Wednesday evening. I hope all families offer such prayers as the school year begins.

God of all learning, we pray for your blessing on this new school year. May (child’s name) know your presence as he/she begins this day. We are all excited and a bit scared, but we do give thanks for you always being with us. As parents, guide our judgment and understanding as we seek ways to grow our children. We ask for your protection throughout the day.

Be with all teachers and students today so that they know your wisdom. Let words spoken be gentle and actions nurturing. May mistakes be learning experiences and may forgiveness always be on all our lips. Fill our hearts with your love and help us to share it with others. In the name of Jesus, our teacher and Lord. Amen

Confirmation Begins

Tonight I met with our new 6th graders and their parents to discuss the confirmation experience. As we have done for the past several years, our youth will be prepared for confirmation during the Sunday school hour beginning this week. Confirmation Sunday will be on May 13, 2007. The curriculum includes a wide variety of subjects that will help the confirmand claim their baptismal vows for themselves. Rachel Platt and Doug Baxter are the resident teachers. The clergy are responsible for this class and give leadership throughout the year.

I look forward to being with our confirmands each year and learning who they are. It is exciting to see them grow in their understanding of Christianity. A significant part of this year is the relationship they develop with their mentors. These adults share their faith with the confirmands and together they explore what it means to be a United Methodist. We repeatedly speak of the journey of faith and how it is a continuing one. The challenge for us is to help them to be excited about what this means for their lives into the future. This is truly one of my favorite responsibilities. May these youth be in the prayers of parents, mentors and the congregation throughout the year.

Wedding Memories

Saturday evening I officiated at a wedding. Several months ago a delightful young couple asked to be married in our sanctuary, but neither Ken nor Scarlett could be present. Therefore, I was pressed into service. I usually avoid being involved with weddings unless they are to include someone who is near and dear to me. However, I agreed to marry them. We did the usual pre-wedding counseling and reviewed the wedding vows. Terry, the wedding director, made sure that everything was in order for the day. All seemed to be ready. However, when I arrived at the church, I was told we had a problem. This was not what I wanted to hear. We had a bridegroom that was overly anxious and had probably celebrated the occasion a little too much. For the next hour we reviewed our possibilities as to how we could preserve this wedding. He wanted to proceed and we outlined several changes that we might make during the ceremony, if needed. By this time, I am not sure who was more nervous, the groom or the minister. However, all went well. It was a beautiful wedding and I trust that the bride and groom are now enjoying their honeymoon. I think I will return to my usual roles of ministry.

The involvement in any wedding causes me to remember my own wedding and weddings of my sons. Fortunately, these are pleasant memories and ones I like to recall. However, I am really concerned about the failure of so many marriages and wonder if weddings contribute to this. For months the bride and groom overly plan every detail of the day and spend lavishly on every aspect of the wedding. Often they create a fantasy wedding that does not prepare them for the reality of a less than perfect marriage. How can we not feed this cultural phenomenon of extravgant weddings, but rather encourage thoughtful preparation for marriage?

A Social Justice Matter

According to a recent article in Sojourner's magazine-

"Farm workers who pick tomatoes for McDonald's sandwiches earn 40 to 50 cents for every 32-pound bucket of tomatoes they pick, a rate that has not risen significantly in nearly 30 years. Workers who toil from dawn to dusk without the right to overtime pay or any benefits must pick two tons of tomatoes to earn $50 in one day. Worse yet, modern-day slavery has reemerged in Florida's fields; since 1997, the U.S. Department of Justice has prosecuted five slavery rings, freeing more than 1,000 workers. As a major buyer of Florida tomatoes, McDonald's high-volume, low-cost purchasing practices place downward pressure on farm worker wages, putting corporate profits before human dignity."

I am sure that there are two sides to this story. However, any system that robs persons of their dignity needs review. The tomato supply chain for our food market seems to repeatedly come under fire. Something must not be right in this matter. It is our responsibility to learn about this and to act, if so indicated.

Clergy Women Gather

From United Methodist News Service:

More than 1,500 United Methodist pastors from around the globe met Aug. 13-17 in Chicago for the 2006 International Clergywomen's Consultation, with the theme,"The Spirit of God Is Upon Us: Celebrating Our Courageous Past - Claiming Our Bold Future." The women discussed challenges and opportunities and marked the 50th anniversary of full clergy rights for women in the denomination. Bishop Hope Morgan Ward of Jackson, Miss., invited the women to look within themselves "to see, to renew that call again, to hear that voice of God speaking to us again." The event was coordinated by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Scarlett attended this consultation and reports that it was a wonderful experience. I can't wait to hear more of the details and impressions from her point of view. I usually have found these kind of events to be very transforming and trust that it was the same for her.

Happy Birthday

As I opened the door of the church this morning, my cell phone rang. How wonderful to hear William's voice singing Happy Birthday followed by "I love you, Grandma." That was the best present I could have. It was a great beginning to a busy day.

Now at the close of the day, I can give thanks for hearing God's word in so many ways. Through worship and fellowship, I was renewed. Through our Council on Ministries planning session, I heard God's voice in the possibilities for the days ahead. And, phone conversations with family tonight reminded me of God's abiding love. Yes, it was a Happy Birthday.

Football Fever

The perennial disease, Ohio State football fever, that hits our home every year is about to strike. The symptoms are now prevalent. Polls are being read, statistics being quoted and bios of players are being recited. The countdown is on and only thirteen days to the first game. After following the recruiting and signing of players and reading about spring practices, the opening kick-off is much anticipated. Will the Woody Hayes tradition being upheld? I don’t think that there is any known cure for this particular strain of football fever, but one Script Ohio certainly is an effective antidote to bring it under control. Go, Bucks!

Family Photo Album

Our son, Daniel, has given us a wonderful gift over the past three and one-half years. He created and has maintained a website that has allows the family to post pictures, especially those of our grandchildren. We have also shared old family photos on this site. It truly has become the family photo album.

Visiting this website daily keeps us in touch with our children and grandchildren. We feel very present in their lives as we view their latest smiles, activities and antics. It enhances our distant grandparenting as we get to know each child. And, what a morale booster in the midst of an overwhelming day to click on a cute picture! Not only do we enjoy this, but also our extended family in distant places finds pleasure in logging on to this site. It certainly helps us all stay connected. Being family in the 21st Century is not easy, but has some interesting new ways to strengthen the ties. Thanks to Daniel and Shannon we constantly have new images and insights of our grandchildren and other family members.

Thoughts about the News

There appears to be a major break in the JonBenet murder case. It certainly would be great for this horrible crime to be solved. However, once again the TV press is putting this front and center to the exclusion of stories of war, terrorism, human rights and other matters that probably have a more profound effect on the world. I feel like something of importance is going on behind my back as the press is not keeping watch for me. A whole evening of one news story that has few verifiable facts at this point is ridiculous. Since TV news is the main source of information for many persons, a limited view of what is happening in the world is presented and we will all suffer because of it. This is another reason we must have good newspapers. On-line ones count.

I found Issac Bailey’s blog to be very interesting today. It was about the Confederate flag. Some issues are not going away until we do the right thing even if it's in the name of athletics.

Sunday Night Check -In

Last night our son, Robert, called us. This was not for any specific reason. He called us because he usually calls us on Sunday night and he knew it was time to check-in with his parents. This habit began when he first went to college. We soon discovered that Sunday night was a good time for him to check-in and let us know what was happening at Clemson. Seventeen years later, Robert is still calling us from Clemson. I wish that I had kept a diary of those phone calls. We have heard about classes, roomates and friends, career choices, football, canoeing, Wesley Foundation, Kristen, summer jobs, football, graduate school, Kristen, employment possibilities, new job, Kristen, wedding, travel, home buying, do-it-yourself projects, engineering in the real world and children. Now this Sunday night ritual includes their children, Annaka and Jack. Through the marvels of technology we talk to them via the computer as though they were in our living room. It is fun to talk with Robert and Kristen and to have children's voices interjected into the conversation. Sunday night is much anticipated at our house for we know we will have special family time in the style of the 21st century.

Soul Cafe

I visited my favorite soul café today…my home. No alarm, no schedule, no make-up. Lots of good coffee, food and conversation with my best friend, Ron, interspersed with the rhythm of Saturdays…wash the bed linens, iron some clothes, care for the houseplants, dust and vacuum, enjoy the gentle rain and read a chapter in a novel. Yet, all the while, I experienced a time of reflection. Each day, each week, each season, each lifetime has purpose and meaning and is filled with blessings. Lost in this thought I was able to touch and be touched by a God who keeps on feeding my soul.

P.S. My parents are celebrating their 62nd wedding anniversary today. What a lesson in faithful living they have been to us.

Ethan is 5 months old

Our grandson, Ethan, is an important reminder of why I can't give up when the stories of war, death, child abuse and terrorism dominate my days. I want him to remember me as one who worked for peace and justice in such a time. I want him to inherit a world that honors God's creation and to know the hope offered through Jesus Christ. May his life be guided by the Holy Spirit. Ethan calls me to answer my call to be a grandmother that gives him a legacy of faithful living.

Safe Sanctuaries

Today I was at Lexington UMC for Safe Sanctuaries training. I am very familiar with the policies and procedures that are part of this program that helps churches reduce the risk of child abuse. In fact, I helped create the guidelines that we use at First Church as we strive to be a safe place for our children and youth. However, I have been asked to help other churches develop their policies and needed this refresher class to be better prepared to do so. Almost immediately I realized that it is time that we review our policies and check that we are following them.

Some interesting facts to consider:

• Every church is at risk to be a site of child abuse.
• Less than 20% of child abuse is perpetuated by strangers.
• 1 out of 3 girls will be sexually abused by the age of 18.
• 1 out of 6 boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18.
• 3 million incidents of child abuse are reported each year in this country. That equates to one incident every 10-12 seconds around the clock, seven days a week
• The legal costs of accusation of sexual abuse is $500,000 to 1 million dollars.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to welcome children and to offer unconditional love and care of them. Unfortunately, some of our churches have failed to be vigilant in assuring this. Let us not be one of them.

What I Am Reading

This week's Newsweek's cover story about Billy Graham is filled with humility and warmth. He speaks with wisdom that only age can reveal. I was especially touched by his obvious love for his wife, Ruth.

I continue to try to understand the latest chapter in the Israel's border wars. My heart hurts for the destruction of innocent lives, especially the children. Joe Hale's commentary offered through United Methodist News Service is thought provoking. He asks, "Is it ever possible to make peace by destroying bridges?" We must be in prayer daily for peace.

I have just started reading Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout and am enjoying it. Her style of writing allows the story to unfold with quiet fullness and power. It feels good to take time to read some good fiction.

Dancing With God 2006

Dancing With God once again offered women in attendance an opportunity to look at their souls and claim their spiritual selves. The Rev. Patricia Parrish gave us the perfect words about what it means to dance with God in our opening worship. Workshops on various topics from addictive behavior to Mary Magdalene allowed us to reflect on our personal spiritual health. A service of Holy Communion sent us forth to live as sisters in Christ. I was left with a sense of peace about our effort to touch God and to be touched by God.

But, I wonder...
-how can we invite more women to dance with God every day?
-what new steps do women need to be learning?
-do we effectively encourage women to practice this dance?
-who is God calling into leadership of this ministry?

Hot Days and Other Matters

Why haven’t I been blogging? Sometimes there seems to have been little to say. Death and destruction in the Middle East is beyond reason and words. Hot, humid days seems to have melted my mind at times. Grandchildren have been welcome distractions. Preaching a sermon and preparing for Dancing with God have occupied my days. However, I have thought about our Asbury Hills campers, family ministry, confirmation classes, safe sanctuary policies, tween needs and teacher enrichment. I look out my office window and see the Pavilon. It has become representative of change in our lives and asks the question – what is God calling us to do next?