Interruptions

The experts (and my husband) give grand advice about how to organize oneself so as not to be distracted by surprises and interruptions. However, I have never understood how one can avoid life. As often stated, “Life is what happens while you’re making other plans.” I often think about how Henri Nouwen, in his book Reaching Out, quoted a friend as saying, “My whole life I have been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted, until I discovered that my interruptions were my work.” It is often in these interruptions that make me ponder my priorities and challenge me to live into my ministry in what are often surprising ways. Of course, as I set the nativity pieces in their place, I remember that Jesus was an interruption to many folks. Jesus came – and comes - in surprising ways.

Thanksgiving Recovery

Feeling like that I had abused my body by over eating and under exercising during the past week, I returned to the gym this morning. Of course, I was not alone in these thoughts as evidenced by the number of persons huffing and puffing through their exercise routines. I looked around and realized that these folks have become important to me over the past two years. In many cases, we know each other only by first names. Yet, when one is missing we are concerned. We encourage one another and give advice. We hold one another accountable.

Of course, I wonder about the stories of the young and the old, the physically fit and the struggling, the newcomers and the oldtimers at Pepper Geddings. I applaud the father and teenage son that share this time together many mornings, the friends that walk the track, the husbands and wives that exercise regularly and the individuals who are dedicated to taking care of their bodies. Physical fitness seems to be a product of a caring community. I hope this community can help me survive Christmas!

P.S. - I miss you, Manny!

Happy Thanksgiving

After a nearly thirty year absence, I joined my Ohio family at the Thanksgiving table yesterday. The family gathering was held at my brother's home. He and his family live in what was formerly our grandparents' home. My parents, my aunt, my brothers and sister, nieces and nephews, cousins and spouses of many of these enjoyed a beautiful sunny day filled with endless conversation and good food. Needless to say, it was a special time for me to be with so much of my family and to remember the Thanksgivings of our past. The adult men always wore white shirts and ties and talked of politics, crops and football. Each woman had an assigned task as the meal was prepared. My grandmother's table was covered with white linen and set with china and silver. The children were always seated at their own special table in another room. As time has passed, there have been changes in our day together. We still eat a traditonal fare, but we certainly are more casual about it. The one aspect that is constant is the love of a family who makes every possible effort to "gather together to ask the Lord's blessing" each Thanksgiving. There was a smile over this day and I am sure it was cast by Grandma and Granddad.

Eat Your Peas

I recently heard an interesting podcast of a radio program called "World of Possibilities". The topic was school lunches. We have been made aware in recent years that our children now are served fast food style meals with questionable nutritional value. However, this presentation was about how this trend is being reversed in several large school districts across the nation. This seems to be successful when a comprehensive learning approach is taken. Since many children do not know the names of fresh fruits and vegetables or their sources, they visit farms or markets. In some places they even have a garden. They are taught about making good food choices in a variety of different ways in their regular classroom setting. Most importantly, what they are served in the lunchroom becomes a life changing lesson in itself.

What I see our children eating concerns me. As a former home economist, I understand the importance of good nutrition. I plead guilty to transgressions, but I do make an effort to eat and serve food that is good for the body. However, the statistics quoted by many are alarming for babies born in 2000. One of two African-American and Hispanic children and one of three Caucasian children in the United States will develop diabetes. This may well be the first generation not to outlive their parents. This is something to think about as we eat our Thanksgiving meals. Remember macaroni and cheese is not a vegetable!

Universal Children's Day

Today is Universal Children’s Day as named by the United Nations. Because of the millions of children who suffer due to poverty, disease, abuse and natural disasters, we hear the call to act on behalf of the children. We understand children to be gifts from God and to be entrusted to our care. Yet, when we read that 2 million children have been sold into prostitution or 25 million children under the age of eight are refugees, we become overwhelmed and can’t imagine that we can do anything of significance. Therefore, it is exciting to hear about “Nothing but Nets”. For $10 a net can protect a family of four in Africa from malaria carrying mosquitoes. This is an interesting story about a global effort that could potentially save millions of lives of children. I hope that we can help make it happen.

What a Game!

One more time the OSU-Michigan football game has been played. Always important to Big 10 fans, but this year it was an over-the-top experience. I live with an avid fan and he has been waiting for this since last year. Other games on the schedule are just a prelude to "the game". Of course, who would have thought the #1 and #2 ranked teams would be playing? Then, Bo Schembechler's death on the eve of this game cast a pall over the day. However, the “good guys” prevailed 42-39. Go, Buckeyes!

Memories of The Horseshoe, Script Ohio, Woody Hayes and the Big Game are part of being an Ohio State alumna. I am glad I had the opportunity to graduate from OSU and know that those days shaped me in important ways. But, how did collegiate football become a focus of my life?

The Power of Silence

Ken led the first session of our Advent study - Where Heaven Touches Earth - on Wednesday evening. Through such study we prepare to celebrate God's coming toward us in the appearance of the Christ. During this time we learn to wait as the shepherds did so long ago. In the "keeping watch" we learn to listen for God. It is in the silence that we, like the prophet Elijah (I Kings 19), finally meet God.

However, we are part of a culture that likes noise. We almost instinctively turn-on something when all is quiet. Perhaps we are trying to drown out voices of fear, darkness or hopelessness that might invade any silence. Although I believe that God speaks in and through all of our moments, our hearts can only hear the gentle whispers of divine grace when we allow quietness to surround us. Our times of silence and solitude become an essential factor in listening for the good news that God speaks to us through Christ. We then are able to discern ways we are called to respond. The study says we will be able to see with "Advent eyes".

The power of silence is awesome. Through it may each of us know where heaven touches earth.

Wasted Space

The current issue of Circuit Rider focuses on "Space for Ministry - Barriers, Opportunities, Stewardship." This is a great issue for those who are serving on our Vision Quest Team and I will add it to their basket of resources. The article - "Wasted Space Wasted Opportunity" - makes a compelling case for using our buildings seven days a week. What a wonderful resource for ministry we have in our buildings at both campuses. Although we open our doors for a number of non-profit organizations, there are lots of hours when our lights are off. In this season of stewardship, we need to explore how can we better use our space to enhance our ministry.

Autumn

I have traveled across South Carolina and even ventured into North Carolina several times during the past six weeks. Each trip has given me an opportunity to enjoy some phase of fall foliage. With each experience, I have reflected on what this change of seasons might mean. The following quote captures my thoughts:

"In Autumn's vibrant colors there are reminders of summer's fullness of life, of winter's impending bleakness, and of the prospect of spring not far beyond. Autumn compels us to think about life's transience and continuity all in one."

Allen M. Young, Small Creatures and Ordinary Places

Recently at Lake Junaluska, I heard Joyce Rupp speak of how it is her custom in autumn to evaluate what needs to be relinquished in her life. She said that sometimes possessions weigh her down. At other times it is her character flaws that burden not only her, but everyone who surrounds her as well. She said, "I look into my closet and my heart each autumn and ask if there is anything I could surrender that would help me become a freer person?"

"For everything there is a season" (Ecclesiastes 3:1) so maybe we need to claim the meaning of autumn in our lives.

The Church in the World

I recently read these words of hymn writer, Fred Pratt Green. He wrote them for his church during a time of stewardship emphasis. These lyrics continue to serve as important guidance to us as we seek to be faithful.

When the Church of Jesus
Shuts its outer door,
Lest the roar of traffic
Drown the voice of prayer:
May our prayers, Lord, make us
Ten times more aware
That the world we banish
Is our Christian care.

If our hearts are lifted
Where devotion soars
High above this hungry
Suffering world of ours:
Lest our hymns should drug us
To forget its needs,
Forge our Christian worship
Into Christian deeds.

Lest the gifts we offer,
Money, talents, time
Serve to salve our conscience
To our secret shame:
Let the world rebuke us
By the way it gives;
Teach us, dying Savior,
How a Christian lives!

A number of Fred Pratt Green's hymns are in The United Methodist Hymnal. My favorite one is "When in Our Music God Is Glorified." Such words carry our hearts and minds to a greater understanding of worship. Maybe we need to sing more of his hymns?

Thanksgiving Planning

The calendar, advertisements and conversations remind us that Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Plans are being made for family gatherings and food preparation. However, do we know how we how we are going to offer words of thanksgiving to God on this day? This suggestion found on the United Methodist website gives direction. Just as we write grocery lists and extend invitations, we need to spend time preparing for our acts of thanksgiving. May we spend time in prayerful consideration of what this day means in our lives.

Killingsworth Home

For the past 14 years, a major fundraiser for Killingswoth Home has been a fashion show. Known for its ministry with women in transition from chaos to order in their lives, Killingworth claims the hearts of many United Methodist Women across South Carolina. It is an important part of our missional giving and service. So, on Thursday evening 850 persons gathered at Seawell's in Columbia for this year's Fashion Gala. In honor of the 50 year celebration of the ordination of women, the models were clergy women from across the South Carolina Conference. (The Bishop missed the fun as she was in Africa).

A couple of months ago I was invited to be one of the models. This definitely was out of my comfort zone and I tried to decline. However, Diane Moseley can be very persuasive. Finally, she convinced me that I needed to represent the deacons and the women from the Coast. In the following weeks I had many second thoughts about this, but I fulfilled my commitment. I must admit it was fun getting hair and make-up done and putting on some very nice clothes from Parisian. Soon it was time for us to model and most of us were ready to be somewhere else. As I made it to the end of the runway the first time, I couldn't believe what I saw ....a table of woman from Myrtle Beach plus Ron and my daughter-in-law, Shannon. What a wonderful surprise! I was honored to have them present and so glad that they had a good time. They got to understand more about Killingsworth and our connectional ministries. Thank you, Ken, for sponsoring their adventure. Be assured my modeling career is over and I am ready to return to my clergy robe.

UM Claymation

A short claymation movie about United Methodism has been used for a number of years with confirmation classes. It seems to capture the attention of youth and give them a brief overview of our history. In fact, our current confirmands saw this movie last Sunday. However, I have found that adults enjoy this movie, also. It teaches or reminds us of the highlights of our past. It was a pleasant surprise to find it on YouTube. Hope many United Methodists take a moment to watch this.

New Clergy

I have been participating in another election this week. As a member of the Board of Ministry I have been part of the process of assessing candidates for elder and deacon orders and then voting to accept them. As always, I sense a great responsibility for careful discernment. So I was pleased to see who many of these probationary members have become in the past three years. On addition to being confident and articulate, they expressed excitement about their first years of ministry. I was also glad to see the collegial spirit that had developed among them. This relationship will be important to them in the years to come. I believe that our Board of Ministry is committed to its work and I am honored to be a part of it. As the mantle is passed to those who follow, it is good to know that the call to ministry is being taken seriously by both candidates and the Board of Ministry.

Heritage Sunday 2006

It is the tradition at First UMC to combine All Saints Sunday and a celebration of our church heritage. Yesterday, we not only honored the saints of the past, but looked to the future by having the children plant a new tree. We also enjoyed a picnic on the front lawn following worship as part of this day. What a glorious day! The weather was beautiful, the attendance was overflowing and the spirit was great.

Vote on Tuesday

Because I will be at a Board of Ministry meeting on Tuesday, I voted this past week. I thought that I was prepared, but discovered that I really didn't know all the issues that are on this year's ballot. There is no substitute for being informed on a regular basis and not waiting to the last minute to be educated. Therefore, I encourage others to do their homework before voting.

Jim Wallis of Sojourners reminds us that "Christians have a moral and civic responsibility to participate in the political life of society. " A recent posting lists some of the ethics and values that we need to consider in making our decisions. Instead of a narrow focus on certain issues, it is a set of principles that can give allow us to discern our choices. I believe that this focus on human rights and issues of justice provides a Christian foundation for informed voting.

Soul Food

As this daily devotional states, we need to take time each day for intentional feeding of the soul. Having the e-mail devotion from Upper Room automatically appear each day has become an important reminder of this for me. Although I use other or additional sources, this in-box message often tweaks my conscience and moves me into a time of prayer and reflection.

Since the link currently doesn't fully function, I have pasted today's Upper Room devotion into this posting. However, the web link will allow for subscribing to this free dailly e-mail devotional.

Jesus said to [the crowd], "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." -John 6:35 (NRSV)

In nutrition courses I have learned that what we put into our bodies can either help or hurt us. Many chemicals in our environment can hurt us, too, so it is important to consume nutritious foods that help our bodies withstand the effects of pollutants. Similarly, as we live each day, we come in contact with spiritual pollution. Worry, greed, violence, busyness, and even life's daily clutter can blur our vision of God's loving plan for us. One morning - overwhelmed by daily "clutter" from a family of four, phone calls to make, homework to complete, and what to make for dinner - I began making a list in hope that if I moved fast enough, it would all get done. In the middle of making this schedule, I realized how much I needed spiritual food from God, that I needed to read the Bible and pray. Tempted to just schedule it after all my other tasks, I instead wisely stopped what I was doing, read The Upper Room and my Bible, and prayed. I was humbled and grateful and was reminded that being
with God is what I need more than anything. Paula Erson (New York, U.S.A.)

Dear God, thank you for meeting our deep need for spiritual food. Help us emember to put you first every day. Amen.

God renews us so that we can live fully. "O taste and see that the Lord is good" (Ps. 34:8).

Underage Drinking

Because we are aware of the prevalence of underage drinking that exists in Myrtle Beach, the parent roundtable discussion at our Wednesday Night Fellowship focused on this serious matter. Scott Long, a judge, and Carolyn Hills, lawyer, shared legal issues that are involved when minors consume alcohol. Those in attendance soon realized that our youth (and their parents) do not fully realize the ramifications of being convicted on an alcohol or drug charge. This includes loss of Life Scholarships and educational loans, mandatory loss of driver's license and the major financial cost of fines, court and lawyer fees. Youth also do not understand that they can be charged when being in the same space as the real offender. Parents and other adults that provide alcohol and drugs may find themselves in legal difficulties, also. This is so much more than a legal matter. Ask any AA member.

Underage drinking has been the subject of a recent series of articles in THE STATE. This is good reading for all. However, if our attendance at this parent roundtable is any indicator, many adults are hiding their head in the sand about underage drinking. What can we do to help parents address this issue and to support one another as they do it?

More than Candy

Last night as we greeted precious "trick or treat" children, I thought of what beside candy we need to provide for these children. The list includes a variety of things pertaining to their well-being. I also remembered the environmental stewardship article that will be in THE STEEPLE this coming week.

According to the 2006 Living Planet Report from the World Wildlife Fund, we are using Earth’s natural resources 25 per cent faster than the planet can renew them. Measurements of crop yields, carbon dioxide emissions, fishing and the use of forests suggest that mankind's ecological footprint is too big to be sustained.

Using the Earth’s natural resources at a rate that increasingly exceeds what it is able to replenish is the equivalent, in banking terms, of living off capital rather than interest. What are we leaving for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren?