A Different Perspective

After a few days in Albuquerque for my Christian Educator’s Fellowship Conference, Ron and I rented a car and headed to points beyond for some vacation time. After looking up at the surrounding mountains for nearly a week, one of our first stops was Sandia Crest, a mile above Albuquerque. What a different perspective! This could be said for much of the conference.

As I walked the streets of Albuquerque, the confluence of Hispanic, American Indian and Anglo cultures was very evident. What was different was that I was in the minority. This is something to think about as we as a nation are experiencing this major culture shift and learning to live into this new national face with peace and justice. As I learn more about New Mexico, I realize the church has been a major contributor to shaping its social history. Sometimes this has been for the better and sometimes not.

The message from worship to workshops at the CEF Conference seemed to be to look at one’s ministry with a different perspective. Native Americans called us to enter into prayer as they shared their own form of prayer in song and dance. We joined our voices in a powerful litany that reflected the Native American vision of the Seventh Generation (decisions made today must consider those of the seventh generation of the future) as we convened. Thinking and acting beyond what makes an impact on me today certainly is a different perspective.

Marjorie Thompson, noted spirituality author and speaker, reminded us as Sabbath workers to take time to be instead of always being concerned about what we are getting done. Bill McKibben, Ron’s environmental hero, forcefully and faithfully challenged us to take care of God’s creation. My workshop experiences examined how we live together in community and often noted that we fail to honor the gifts of those we welcome into our churches. Our main objective seems to be to shape these folks into our personal interpretation of Christianity instead of allowing the church to be strengthened by new gifts. These voices of different perspectives have given me much to ponder in the days ahead.

William's Bear

Prior to leaving Myrtle Beach, William’s bear came to visit us. William, our grandson, is in kindergarten and is participating in a “Flat Stanley” type project. Therefore, William’s bear is traveling with us on this trip. He has enjoyed Albuquerque, especially the Old Town area. But, he did try to sit on a cactus and has been standing instead of sitting ever since. This project has been good for these grandparents, also. We have often looked at the sights through the eyes of a child and been able to know the simple joy of new experiences.

Mid-Life Crisis?

Lest anyone think that I am only playing in Albuquerque, let me assure all that I am also using this as a time to do some focused study about several ministry matters that concern me. Of course, worship and fellowship are also important part of this event.

Recently, I have noticed that we have a number of middle-aged members at First UMC who are nearly invisible. These are persons that I formally saw regularly. Excuses heard about this include: they are empty-nesters, some have aging parent issues with which to cope, others are in stressful careers and a few are facing major health issues. In a workshop, “In the Middle of the Journey”, I learned that many congregations are waking up to the reality that these members are doing what is named as defecting in place. Why?

Perhaps, this fading away relates to the place mid-life members find themselves to be in the church. They are called to be the doers. They are the teachers and leaders of others with little support for their own need of finding balance in a complex world. They find their “third place” – another term that I learned – after home and work to be a civic club, a gym, an activity etc.

Interesting facts of this age group include:
-comprise about 40% of U.S. population,
-about two-thirds are overweight,
-are the nation’s biggest spenders and debtors, and
-greatest common denominator among issues is the death of a parent.

The discussion was not on what programs might be needed, but how we could live our life together so that the mid-life members might not feel used, but supported. I think there should be similar conversation at First UMC as we seek to be in ministry with all of our members.

A Visit to a Museum

When we travel Ron and I enjoy visiting museums, especially those that represent the area we are visiting. We have found these to be wonderful time capsules of the local culture whether they have large or small collections. They usually capture the character and heritage of the city or community and are both educational and fun. Yesterday, we explored the Albuquerque Museum located in the Old Town area. Surrounded by a wonderful sculpture garden, this museum has a variety of displays including contemporary to classic art, a school, and a large history gallery. We especially enjoyed some of the unique art of local artisans and the Four Centuries History Galleries where the history of Albuquerque and this region was well told through storyboards, pictures and artifacts. We certainly feel that we better understand the people of this area and are glad that we spent several hours wandering through these displays both inside and outside.

Institutions such as museums, libraries and parks usually have to operate on carefully managed budgets. I hope this current national economic downturn does not jeopardize the existence of such places and that future generations will be able to enjoy and learn from them.

Albuquerque

Ron and I are in Albuquerque for a few days attending the National Christian Educator's Fellowship Conference and then we will be sightseeing for another week in Santa Fe etc.. Even though I plan to use this as a time for rest and relaxation, I cannot escape the realities of this important political season. Jim Wallis's current blog about "faith priorities" is certainly worth a read.

By the way, I am already feeling my soul being blessed by the glorious blue skies and the magnificent sunsets. Maybe tomorrow I will check-out a sunrise.

Let Wisdom Guide

This week I discovered that GBOD Research and News and Views by Dan Dick has some very interesting information and thought for our congregations. Dick has been analyzing and writing about what is happening in our churches for a number of years and offering insight as to what effective structures, leadership and processes might look like. Topics found in his posts include: mega-church, blaphemediocrity, ecumenism and environment. I have added it to my blog reader.

The trials and traumas of working my way though reading papers for candidates seeking ordination have occupied my late nights earlier this week. My friend, Stephen Taylor, is writing about this and I recommend his blog for good insight about the process. In addition to papers answering disciplinary questions, the Call and Disciplined Life Committee which I chair must review issues of health, credit, academics, psycological tests, recommendations and security checks. I spent four hours on Friday in Columbia making sure all is in order for our November meeting with the candidates at White Oak. These multiple pieces of paper can be very revealing about whether candidates are ready for effective ministry. Mainly, there will be questions asked about excessive debt and weight and careful responses given to help the candidates understand why their answers are important.

The fall meeting of the Spartanburg Methodist College trustees was Thursday and our focus was whether we stay the course with our strategic plan or modify in light of the economy and other factors. Basically, we decided to proceed as planned. I never fail to be impressed by the dedication and commitment of other trustees, staff and President Teague. Many challeges face us as we try to fulfill the historic mission of this college.

I think that it is interesting to note that I am working on a sermon for Monday night about wisdom – James 1:5. Perhaps, this is the word I need to hear at this time as I walk through some of the before mentioned matters.

I Voted!

Because we will be out of town on Election Day, Ron and I journeyed to Conway yesterday to vote. I always enjoy the opportunity to walk around this historic and picturesque town and have lunch in one of her good restaurants. This time we voted for The Trestle. In this setting it was easy to think about those who have protected our democracy by conscientiously casting their ballot in years gone by. Or, maybe it was because we recently watched John Adams, the wonderful HBO series, that I felt I was fulfilling a mandate given to all US citizens and I wasn’t going to drop the ball.

Our presidential candidates have talked much about the conversation that is happening around the kitchen tables in homes across the country. I hope this serves as a reminder to many families to have these intentional and thoughtful times. Experts on family life indicate that this is happening infrequently and the communication of values and ethics from one generation to the next is lacking. I know that this is the setting in which I learned much about my responsibility to vote. Let’s recall these times for our families and our country.

Elderspeak

I didn’t know the term elderspeak, but I have certainly heard it and intuitively known that it was often demeaning. Years ago, when visiting my grandmother in a nursing home, I was appalled at the caregivers using such terms as sweetie and dear and addressing her by her first name. This was not who she was to the rest of the world. As a well-respected person within her community in that era, she was known as Mrs. Owens. She didn’t complain, but I often wondered what she thought of this familiar practice. During my years with the Council of Aging and later in my ministry, I have often encountered elderspeak and still had that sense that it was not appropriate. According to The New York Times, this practice can actually be harmful to our elderly. I hope its message is widely circulated not only among those who care for the elderly, but also throughout our society. Our elderly deserve a sense of respect. It is the healthy thing to do.

Adult Christian Education

I am in the midst of preparing for several different presentations and as always I am enjoying that process. However, trying to focus on a variety of topics at one time has my head spinning. My mind wanders from one to another in a disjointed manner and I have difficulty feeling prepared for any of them. But, this does lead me to the larger picture of adult Christian education and its importance to the church.

Constant review of what we are doing in adult Christian education seems to be imperative if we want to strengthen our faith in a healthy way. It seems that we should be asking-
-Who is teaching/leading our classes and studies? Who else needs to be part of this ministry?
-What is the curriculum? What is really being taught?
-Why do we offer these opportunities? Why should we be concerned about this?
-When do we have these learning opportunities? When might we have them?
-Where is God in all of this? Where are our deficits?
-How do we make needed changes to fulfill this important responsibility of our congregation?

Of course, I need to be part of this Q&A and have to wonder if I am giving enough attention to these matters. As I attend the National Christian Educator's Fellowship Conference in the near future, I hope not only to gain personal insights, but also ones for First Church, Lots to think about in the days ahead.