Saturday, October 09, 2010

Legacy

Perhaps, it is the waning of daylight hours and the fading of nature's colors. Perhaps, it is the recent acquisition of a Medicare card. Or, it may be that I attend too many funerals. Whatever it is, I have been thinking about what kind of legacy will my loved ones inherit when I leave my earthly life. It won't be money, but what will it be?

Family remembrances at funerals often include stories of selfless giving, abiding faith and humorous incidents. Each reflects devoted commitment to those we love and certainly are part of my game plan. Yet, what is it that I need to be doing that will prepare future generations, especially four precious grandchildren, to build a fairer and safer world? First, it seems as though I must continue to find ways to encourage them to learn about and to practice their Christian faith. I need to kindle a fire of compassion for those who need acts of mercy and justice. Of course, modeling is the best teaching method. So what is required of me? I think Micah 6:8 says it very plainly -
  • do justice
  • love kindness
  • walk humbly with God













Monday, September 06, 2010

Labor Day

Labor Day is here. College football season is the focus of many conversations. The weather is beginning to transition to cooler fall days and we keep tuned to news of potential hurricanes. A more demanding schedule rules our lives and we notice that the daylight hours are fewer. Soon we will officially say good-by to summer and be left with memories of what has warmed our hearts. For me, family time has been both fun and important. Not only the joy of grandchildren (see picture), but also the renewing of relationships with other family members. The young adults are leading most interesting lives and keeping me connected with our changing culture. Reflections of such family time define unconditional love for me and shape my tomorrows.


As we move into fall, we return to living in community with one another. Our routines name who and what are important to us. The time of personal retreat has ended for now and we join with one another to build a better world. Perhaps, the book/movie title for us should be Eat Together, Pray Together, Love Together as we write the next season of our lives.

Friday, August 20, 2010

The Gift of Teaching

The new Sunday school year begins this week. That means all sorts of organizational tasks have been happening, including the calling forth of teachers. The conversation that surrounds this often focuses on the person's perception that one must have all the answers to the hard questions otherwise he/she is not qualified to teach. I realized a long time ago that I am not responsible for another's answers. The real gift of teaching is to be free to risk the questions, to share our faith stories and to recognize that growth comes through the struggle. It seems that those teachers who have most influenced my life were not those who made the faith simple and easy to understand. The teachers who have encouraged me to struggle with the questions are the ones that have been the most effective. The answers come as we live in the Spirit, and hold each other in love. We, the learners, become empowered to define that which is meaningful in our lives and to identify with scripture. We are formed and transformed into disciples of Jesus Christ. As teachers and learners may this year be one of living into the questions.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Hiatus to End

Yes, I realize that I haven’t paid attention to my blog since April and I’m not sure why. But, trying to find excuses has inspired me to try again. It would seem quite appropriate that I reflect on why I use social media.

Last summer a confluence of three events – Facebook, Twitter and iPhone - refocused my life in many ways. It all started when I decided I needed to check out FB and Twitter for its possible use as First Church communication tools. Almost immediately, I was captivated by the wide variety of voices, which were expressing their thoughts and sharing information. It was apparent that we should add this to our methods of communication and thanks to James Sturgeon, the church soon had a FB page and a Twitter account.

Personally, I am not only enjoying social media as a way of connecting with church members, but also with friends and family. Knowing what is happening in their everyday lives gives me a stronger sense of relationship with them. Immediate concerns can be addressed through a visit, a phone call, an e-mail message and/or a prayer. I enjoy being in community with new and old friends, young and old. As we share personal moments, I feel that we allow a more genuine caring relationship to happen in this often disconnected society. Also, for an effective ministry, I have to be in tune with our changing culture that seems often to be revealed through social media. My Twitter world shares breaking news and interesting links to the latest thoughts about technology, politics, religion and ministry. Through well-known to lesser-known voices, I am able to capture a glimpse of important cultural trends and perspectives. However, all of this does consume time and I have to be careful to avoid over-consumption, esp. since my dear husband introduced me to my iPhone. Almost anytime or anywhere I can be connected. Yet, I have neglected my blogging.

For the past five years I have used my blog, A Pilgrim’s Perspective, as a means of sharing my thoughts and reflections on a variety of topics. At times it has served as a forum for discussion and always a learning place for me as it is in the expression of these thoughts that I have been able to crystallize my thinking and name what is important to me. I know that it is my responsibility as a clergyperson to give voice to issues that we as Christians and responsible citizens need to address and this has given me a place to do so. So, why have I found it increasingly difficult to do this? Perhaps, it is because I feel that the thinking about such subjects is shaped for many persons by influential factors other than faith and reason. I have become discouraged in our ability to have productive discussions. But, my call to ministry as a deacon invokes a commitment to connect our faith beyond the steeple. Social media, including blogging, may be an important way. I am willing to try. Blog #639.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

A Visit to Berea, KY



Through the years as we have made our north and south trips, we have often visited Berea, Ky. to enjoy its unique culture. This past Thursday evening we once again found ourselves looking at the work of potters, weavers, instrument makers, glassblowers, painters and sculptors in this interesting college town. The history of Berea College reveals a longstanding tradition of preserving the Appalachian arts and providing a commitment to educating those who might not otherwise been given the opportunity of a college degree. This visit we witnessed the weekly jam session of local folks who brought their guitars, banjos, fiddles, etc. to play gospel, bluegrass and country music. What a treat! Berea is named Kentucky’s Folk Arts and Crafts Capital and is certainly a must place to visit when traveling I-75. In fact, I think to truly experience this delightful community, one should name it a destination for a day or two.

I am afraid that too many travelers do not allow time to see, hear and absorb the by-ways and communities that would take them beyond our interstate highways. Robert Frost’s timeless observation - “the one (road) less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” – is an important directive as we seek to know and understand our rich heritage. This is a corner piece of the puzzle as we claim our responsibility of being an informed architect of what is before us.

Saturday, April 03, 2010

Civility

My sensibilities have been assaulted and I have been left nearly speechless as the recent political rhetoric has filled the media. Divisive and hateful words seem to be shaping public discourse and the stridency prohibits civil conversation. Not so subtly racist and sexist comments seem to be edging into our public opinions. I am left feeling very sad and wonder what are we teaching our children?


It is also interesting to observe how this political warfare is creeping into our life together in the body of Christ. Health care and immigration reform have polarized us and we treat one another with disrespect. If faith communities can’t accept these challenges with the understanding that all are created in the image of God and are to be offered respect, how are we going to live together in a way that strengthens our nationalism?

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Children's Sermons

It’s Saturday night and once again I’m wondering what am I going to do for a meaningful children’s sermon tomorrow. The children will have been well saturated in the story of Palm Sunday by the time they get to me. The text for the sermon (Matthew 26:50-56) is difficult for children to understand. All of this leads me to once again wonder why we do children’s sermons. Yes, it is good to be intentionally inclusive of children during worship, but is there another way that would be more effective? Our children who come forward during this time are usually 3-7 years old and this age span in itself creates a challenge. Time constraints do not allow for dialogue about the thoughts presented and most of us have difficulty remembering that these children are concrete thinkers when choosing our words. Each of us is guilty of being too aware of the adult congregation and encouraging laughter in response to our comments. Of course, this further confuses the children. However, I will carefully craft a sermon that will introduce my little friends to Passion Sunday and Holy Week and hope that somewhere in it they will find the good news that they are loved not only by God, but also by all that know Jesus. I still believe that we may need to revisit this common practice and create a different model for children to truly worship. I would like to know what others think about children's sermons.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Knowing God in All Our Days

During the past few months I have spent a lot of time with the Snowbirds and Seagulls, our older adult ministry at First UMC. Also, my parents are in assisted living because of health matters and I am quite aware of their concerns and needs. Of course, my own experience of working with a council on aging and enjoying elderly family and friends in days gone by have also given me an informed perspective as I reflect on how to be in ministry with those who are trying to face their latter years with meaning and hope.


However, it has been the writings of Missy Buchanan that have recently helped to keep me focused on the frail and aging. Nearly everyday a Twitter tweet @MissyBuchanan provides an insight that needs to be pondered and shared in some way. Her two devotional books written for older adults have especially touched my soul. These Upper Room publications are Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body and Talking with God in Old Age and make wonderful gifts for special older persons. I also understand that they have been used to sensitize youth to the realities of aging and I hope we will use them in this way soon.


The struggle to find meaning and fulfillment occurs at various stages in our lives, but seems to be especially poignant in our later years. We question God when we feel that our being is slipping away in so many ways and we wonder why we have to face these issues. We seek assurance that God is with us. This is the gift that we are called to offer those who have prepared the way for us. May the frail and the elderly know peace and comfort through our love and care.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Human Trafficking

Yesterday, as I listened to NPR's The Takeaway while driving to the church, I suddenly heard words that I needed to know about human trafficking. Why haven't I paid more attention to this important topic?
"For most Americans, human trafficking is a horrific practice that nearly always seems to happen overseas and far away. However, a recent report by the Ohio Trafficking in Persons Study Commission says about 1,000 American-born children are forced into the sex trade every year in Ohio alone." To hear more...
Periodically, I have read/heard local voices express concern about human trafficking as a real concern for Myrtle Beach, but have not let this direct me to action. I fear there are too many folks like me who are counting on others to do something about this very serious social issue. What is it that we need to do?

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Haiti Response

In this aftermath of the disastrous earthquake in Haiti, my heart and mind have joined millions of others in sorrow and in the need to respond. I am so glad that I am part of a church that leads me through this in a faithful way. First, we know that God in Christ Jesus knows suffering and is an abiding presence in tragedy. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote “only the suffering God can help.” We know a God who brings redemption out of the depths of human suffering and deprivation. As United Methodists, we know our church to be on task before the press arrives to tell us of the human needs as a result of the crisis. Aware of this, I have found a place of peace as I seek ways to respond and to lead others to open their hearts to our brothers and sisters in Haiti.


We pray and we offer gifts of caring. To date, we have sent over $9,000 and 134 health kits to UMCOR. Today, we packaged 20,000 meals for Stop Hunger Now to distribute in Haiti and there are more opportunities to respond being planned for the days to come and I know our generous congregation will. United Methodists everywhere are responding in numerous and creative ways and for this I give thanks.


However, it was a conversation that I had with my son that has given me the most encouragement. About ten years ago, he was part of a mission team that did construction in Jeremie, Haiti and he now wants to return to this broken country to be part of the recovery process. This is not only a faithful response, but also a sign of hope for a world that needs young adults accepting the responsibility to care for God’s hurting people. May he find a way to do so.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Social Media

I share a status on Facebook. I put tweets on Twitter. I post to a blog. I, obviously, have become part of social media. Why? To explore how this might be an effective communication tool for ministry. What have I discovered?


Facebook is a great way for me to connect with church members whom I might not regularly have an opportunity to know what is happening in their lives and I can respond to pastoral concerns in a timely way. I sense that I have a better understanding of what is happening in my FB friends lives which is certainly significant as I give shape to our programs and ministry. The fan pages give me lots of important current information that can also helpful to this end. Sharing some things about my personal life seems to offer an opportunity for others to know me somewhat better and feel more connected to me. My sharing with family and friends beyond First UMC is not only fun, but also reminds me I do have a good life beyond the church and this is certainly healthy for my being. Brandon Taylor, our youth director, used Facebook to keep parents and church member informed of a recent ski trip that was wrought with frustrations.


One hundred and forty characters can be powerful. Careful choice of words for Twitter tweets in this quick read culture can mean making a meaningful statement about a variety of issues. Many of my tweets include a link to a longer post that offers more insight about the topic. I follow a wide variety of Twitterers for information and understanding of trends and find my mind constantly trying to process what is happening in relation to my faith. This week, I have gathered a lot of Haiti disaster response information without having to search numerous websites. Thanks to James Sturgeon, First Church regularly uses Facebook and Twitter as a means of communicating and we are growing into how this can be an effective way of connecting.


Nearly five years ago I began writing a blog, A Pilgrim’s Perspective, and after 631 posts I still find this to be good way to create a conversation about issues that are challenging me. This time of personal reflection is often very directive to my spiritual journey. I also enjoy regularly reading other blogs and especially enjoy the Wesley Report and God’s Politics.


Although I enjoy social media and find it to be a new frontier that is offering all sorts of possibilities, I have discovered that the number of books read during the last six months has decreased. The stack of books by my bed is growing and I think some of them are just as or more important than Facebook etc. It’s time to visit some of my favorite authors.

Saturday, January 09, 2010

Connect the Dots

Connect the dots has been the overused phrase of the week and I am ready for it to go away. However, it did give me a good focus for reflection during my road trip this past week. My life seems to have a lot of dots that aren’t always connected and this often leaves me sensing a great disconnect, another trendy word. My failure to post to this blog for many weeks is representative of how I am not reflecting and connecting the happenings of the world to my understanding of God as known through Jesus Christ. A new year offers the opportunity for new beginnings.


Tomorrow is known as Baptism of the Lord Sunday, a remembrance of new life. The story of the baptism in the Jordan is our story as it is that of Jesus of carpenter. It is a story about our foundational identity. As Jesus is immersed, a heavenly voice is heard: “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22) Not only is he called, son, God’s own child, but also beloved. In these simple words, the truth of spiritual life is revealed. We are God’s children, created in the divine image and likeness, and we are beloved. Our being has infinite worth. So as we are invited to renew our baptism, we connect to whose and who we are. This act nurtures the next stage of our spiritual journey. May it be for you and for me.