Barbara Brown Taylor

In recent years, I have enjoyed reading Barbara Brown Taylor’s sermons and other writings. Not only do I find them instructive as I try to improve my own preaching, but also important to the nurturing of my faith. Her use of words to express theological thought and reflection speaks to my soul. So, I was saddened when I learned about her latest book, Leaving Church, and her decision to leave the pulpit. Reading this book has given me much to ponder and has become an important part of my Lenten journey.

As I began to read about Barbara’s experiences that led her to discover that God’s call on her life was outside the local parish, I found much to which I could relate and understand. I almost became afraid that perhaps I was being invited to join her on her new path and was apprehensive as each chapter revealed more of her story. It was with a sense of relief when I came to the end of her story and realized that although I could claim some of the truths of which she writes, I still believe that I am where God calls me to be, the church. I also realize that she has not closed the door in her leaving church. However, once again I heard a strong message about the importance of observing Sabbath. This intentional encounter with God is a necessity if I am to be honest and authentic with God, myself and those I meet along the way.

P.S. Barbara concludes her book with a great recommended reading list that I plan use for my future reading. I think that we need to make sure that we have these books are in our library.

Wedding Traditions

Probably the most frequently heard comment following Sarah and Andy’s wedding was that it certainly reflected Sarah’s tastes. She wore an exquisite dress and stylish hairstyle reminiscent of the 30’s and 40’s, used Rhapsody in Blue as the processional and had a male friend as one of her attendants. Andy’s friend, Ana, was one of the groom’s attendants. Yet, it was obvious that tradition was important to them, also. They were married at Cove United Methodist Church with a traditional service and surrounded by family and friends.

The wedding cake was an interesting juxtaposition of new and old. Sarah and Andy choose an unconventional cake design, but incorporated the family tradition of using a silver tray that has been part of all family weddings since my great-grandparents were married in 1893. (My wedding cake was on it and it was part of Rob and Dan’s weddings, also.)

From my perspective family was an important part of this wedding. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins came from near and far to be a part of this celebration and to offer blessings on this day. May this serve as a foundation of love and nurture for the marriage of Sarah and Andy.

Traveling Mercies

We are in Cleveland this weekend for my niece’s wedding. As family and friends gather, we give thanks for safe travel as we have come from near and far. Becoming acquainted with Andy’s family and reacquainted with some of our own family is part of this wedding event. We are especially happy to be with Mike and his family as he is usually in some far off place with the US Army when our family gathers. Annaka is so excited about this wedding as only a four year old can be. She wants to know if Sarah will ride in a carriage. Brides and princesses are the same in her mind. However, we miss my parents whose health prevented them from attending. In fact, since arriving we have learned that my mother is in the hospital again. Of course, we will be checking on her before returning to South Carolina.

Ad Board Report

At each Administrative Board meeting I give a a report related to my ministry. These are some of the notes I shared this past Tuesday at our meeting.

-Much of my ministry focuses on the work of Council on Ministries. As Jean Clemmons reported, much is happening in our work areas and these folks are to be be commended for their commitment to telling the story effectively in a variety of ways.

-A strong teaching ministry is vital to the life of the church. That is an assumption with which most would agree. However, from time to time there is debate about what that needs to look like. Therefore, I share this thought with you from a Christian education professor at Perkins Theological Seminar:

“When the church is reticent to teach with clear authority, then both the content and the delivery systems of Christian education at all levels become dominated by what sells to consumers in the marketplace. Content gets based simply on popularly expressed personal needs, as if modern people clearly know their deepest needs.”
Susanne Johnson – Christian Spiritual Formation in the Church and Classroom

-I am assuming some new responsibilities with the Snowbirds/Seagulls in the fall. We have an active committee already planning for next year and I look forward to being with this delightful part of our congregation.

-Today at a clergy gathering I was challenged by someone that knows the dark side of living through HIV/AIDS and drug addiction as he said the following: “When are we going to see you in the neighborhood?” Ouch! So, may I always remember that when I claim Jesus Christ I am called to go out into the world. Let me not get too comfortable sitting under the steeple.

Ethan's Birthday

On Thursday we celebrated Ethan’s first birthday. Our youngest grandchild is developing a winsome personality as he toddles around inspecting his widening world and like the others has captured our hearts. However, when it was time for the cake ritual, it was serious business. This is just one of many rituals that will become part of his life. One of the joys of being a grandparent is that I get to help shape them and be a part of his memory of them. Once again I realize that with Annaka, William, Jack and Ethan come some important responsibilities.

Religious Illiteracy

In my Internet wanderings, I discovered this USA TODAY story about a new book, Religious Literacy, What Every American Needs to Know, by Stephen Prothero. As chairman of the religion department at Boston University, he is aware of how culturally illiterate we are about core beliefs, sacred stories, and symbols of Christianity and other world religions. To prove this he includes a test that dramatically makes his point. He contends that such ignorance is dangerous to our democracy because ill-informed citizens make poor choices as they set the course of the country. This article includes other interesting comments about the need for public schools to offer religion as part of their curriculum. Although I find these thoughts compelling, I feel that we also need to take more seriously the teaching of religion in our churches and homes. I wonder how many in our congregation could pass Prothero’s test?

Hang It On The Cross

Recently in my devotional reading (ALIVE NOW-March/April 1995), I discovered a most interesting thought attributed to author, Madeleine L’Engle. In commenting about when competing claims upon our lives become overwhelming, she said that a 19th century Russian priest counseled his people to take what was too heavy for them and hang it on the cross. She has found this to be an important bit of advice and says that at five o’clock in the evening she does this. According to L’Engle, “I hang it all on the cross. If I had to take it home with me, that would mean I didn’t think God could take care of it. So I leave it there. If I’m meant to pick it up in the morning, it will be there. And if I’m not, it won’t be there.” Therefore she advises, “Hand it over to God and let it be. If God wants you to have it in the morning, God will give it to you.”

So during this time of Lent am I ready to do this as an act of faith? What worries do I need to hang on the cross?

Daylight Savings Time

I guess the idea of daylight savings time has some merit, but I sure know that it messes with my biological clock for about a week when we spring forward or fall back. However, my most immediate concern is that I make it to church on time tomorrow. The sticky notes are already in strategic spots to remind me to re-set clocks later today. All of this leads me to think about the passage of time. What happens to it? I can’t believe that we are in the third month of 2007. Am I living into God’s purpose or wasting this gift of time? Maybe it is time to re-set my spiritual clock and more closely note my participation in the Christian story? When my mortal time ends, will someone be able to say, “Well-done, good and faithful servant”?

The SC ADVOCATE

This week I received the March issue of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate. As the masthead says, it has been "informing and serving Methodism in South Carolina since 1837." It has been important to me since 1980 when we moved to South Carolina and joined Bethesda UMC in Powdersville. The Rev. Larry Salters introduced me to The Advocate as a way of answering the multitude of questions I had about the United Methodist Church in South Carolina. From that day forward, I have used it to keep in touch with what is happening across the South Carolina Conference and beyond. At one time, I served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of this historic newspaper and through that experience really became connected to SC Methodism. Therefore, it will always have a special place in my heart.

How delightful to see the lead story to be about the recent Wesley Festival at Lincoln Center in New York City. Since Tim Koch, Andy Fowler and First UMC choir members were part of this, I read this article with pride and great interest. I can’t wait to hear the local version of this concert at Coastal Carolina University on March 17.

Another curious story on the front page concerns the Methodist home in Orangeburg which will be henceforth known only as The Oaks. However, the descriptive phrase, “A United Methodist Community”, will be included in advertising material according to the Rev. James McGee, CEO and president of the home. I am sure there is good reasoning in this decision, but James better be ready to explain it to the Annual Conference in June. Inquiring minds will want to know and will ask with passion and conviction. Having served on the Conference Board of Health and Welfare, I think our lay and clergy members will be surprised to learn how few Methodist dollars support our homes.

Also, a front page story serves as a reminder that we will be electing delegates for 2008 General Conference at this year’s annual conference. This is usually both fascinating and tedious, but always a good refresher course in Methodist polity. Ken is seeking to be one of our delegates to General Conference in Fort Worth April 23-May 2, 2008. I am also interested in making sure that a deacon is elected. The General Conference is the only official voice of the United Methodist Church, so who we send is very important.

I have discovered that this current front page of the Advocate can be found on-line.

Other Advocate stories this month are about
-Linda Gadsen, a God-fearing, spirit-filled woman, who cares for the impoverished population of the Johns Island area through the ministry of Rural Mission.

-The success of Souper Bowl Sunday across South Carolina including the $2,743.44 given by First UMC for the Homeless Shelter.

-The Nothing But Nets campaign that is buying and distributing insecticide- treated bed nets to protect people in Africa from mosquitoes that carry malaria.

The Advocate remains an important communication link in our connectional system and we need to make sure that Methodists understand its importance in defining who we are. Anyone can borrow my copy if they wish. However, a subscription might be even better. I will be glad to provide the information.

The Political Scene

As the political scene unfolds for the 2008 Presidential election, the candidates, power alignments and pivotal issues fill the news media. Moral and ethical matters move to center stage and once again faith communities enter the picture. However, according to what I am reading there seems to be some shift in this scene. These comments by Jim Wallis seem to reflect a prevalent thought among evangelicals. Personally, I am glad that we have seemingly moved beyond issues of sex (homosexuality, abortion, abstinence) to matters with broader implications. According to Wallis, issues like poverty and economic justice, global climate change, HIV/AIDS, genocide in Darfur and the ethics of the war in Iraq are being highlighted. Maybe this political season will be redeeming for God’s people?

WYSIWYG

In the earlier days of word processing, we had to know special codes and formatting mumbo jumbo in order to make a simple text document look proper when printed. The screen was filled with goobledy gook that was undecipherable to most minds. But one day, the world of “wysiwyg” was born and it was good….very good. What you see is what you get! We could now actually see what text was bold, where the italicized phrases were, and identify underlined words. It was right there! And so goes much of the human experience, we just complicate matters with a lot of mumbo jumbo that we don’t understand. Yet, we do seek the world of “wysiwyg”.

When overwhelmed with the devastation of storms, the ravages of disease, the conflict among peoples and nations and the times of grief that touch our lives, our “screens” seem unreadable. We ask as John asked of Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come…?” We cannot see the reality of a faith that offers comfort, direction, wholeness, love and peace through the hearts and hands of the disciples of Jesus. For many, Lent is the time to see the text through intentional study, prayer, worship and outreach. Are we encouraging and offering our congregation the opportunity to know Jesus simply and clearly?

"Day by day, Day by day, Oh Dear Lord, Three things I pray, To see thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly, Follow thee more nearly, Day by day."
- from GODSPELL