Plain Secrets

From childhood I have been fascinated by the Ohio Mennonites and Amish who drive horse and buggies and live so simply. However, I really have never known that much about them except that they make interesting quilts, are good carpenters, dress uniquely and walk gently on the earth. So it was with great interest that I recently read Plain Secrets by Joe Mackall. Through a friendship with the Shetler family, members of the Swartzentruber Amish of Ashland County, Ohio, Mackall has revealed much about this very conservative group. Just as he struggles with understanding the harsh religious practices of shunning and excommunication, so do I. However, the Amish connection with the land and their community generates respect. Of course, I question riding in a buggy without lights or reflectors and refusing to send children to school beyond the eighth grade. Perhaps, the most interesting part of this book is discovering how the English and Amish live or don’t live in harmony. There are life lessons on almost every page. I'm glad I finally decided to discover more about the Amish.

The Right Questions

I enjoy reading the Lewis Center’s online newsletter, Leading Ideas and share this quote from a recent one. “Leaders do not need answers. Leaders must have the right questions.” In keeping with this thought, I find “Ten Provocative Questions” by Lovett Weems to be insightful and a good basis for holy conversation about the vitality of the United Methodist Church. It would seem that how we arrive at the answers will be as important as what the answers are.

I Don't Have Time

On Tuesday and Wednesday I attended the fall meeting of the SC Conference Board of Ministry. Our purpose was to interview the candidates for ordination as full deacons and elders. I serve on the Call and Disciplined Life Committee whose work is to explore with the candidates how they are living out their call and practicing disciplines that lead to effective ministry. Health issues often dominate these discussions as too many of our candidates are overweight and under-exercised. The response of the candidates to this matter and other issues of disciplined life usually include, “I don’t have time.”

One thing that I have noticed in reading scripture is that those who heard God’s call may have said, “I am not worthy” or “I do not have the skills.” They did not say, “I don’t have the time.” They retreated for prayer, meditation and instruction. And, of course, they walked and walked. Things have changed since Bible times for “I don’t have time” is a common reply to God’s call in our lives. Our conversations seem to focus on how busy we have been, currently are, or soon will be. We try to cram every minute full of activity.

The problem with living in a frantic pace is that we lose touch with the joy inherent in really being present to the moment. We lose touch with our souls. We lose touch with one another, especially our families and friends. Our ministry loses its effectiveness and we become stalled or detoured on our faith journey. I don’t think that these thoughts pertain only to the ordained.

Water Issues

I enjoy reading the blog, Water Crunch, which gives me insight into some of the water issues that are prevalent throughout the Southeastern U.S. and should be of concern to us all. A statement of full disclosure would reveal that the author is our son, Robert. Although there are times that it is a little technical for this reader, I find it to be very informing. Robert's observations about the human side of these issues are especially interesting and sometimes sad. For instance, this week he noted that "some affluent homeowners in North Carolina wanting to avoid the whole 'shared sacrifice experience' of conserving water" had found an answer to their inconvenience. They are digging wells and no law prevents them from irrigating their lawns with this water. How did we become such a self-centered society?

Robert's post about how some Atlanta businesses are coping with water shortages is also interesting.

The Community of Jesus

I am sure that Jesus was seen as just another upstart cult leader as he gathered his odd assortment of followers together. He frequently ignored traditional laws in the interest of restoring human dignity and hope. Marked by diversity and inclusiveness, the community that gathered around Jesus exhibited willingness to challenge the complacent acceptance of religious law. The Gospels remind us that Jesus especially welcomed those who were disenfranchised in that culture…women, children, lepers, tax collectors, and many whose minds or bodies separated them from the worshiping community. Jesus not only welcomed them into a worshiping community, but also into a teaching community.

Worshiping and teaching continue to be the heart of the servant community of Jesus Christ. Sustained by the Holy Spirit, we are to move beyond what has been to experience the presence of Christ in fresh ways. That may mean opening ourselves to new understandings of faithful discipleship through prayerful discernment grounded in scripture, tradition, experience and reason. The community of Jesus looked at the world around it with new eyes and responded with action. Do we?

Altar Calls

During the recent Festival of Faith at First UMC, questions and comments about altar calls once again emerged especially among those that this custom is not part of their faith heritage. This has challenged me to do some historical review and personal reflection.

The period of the Great Awakening seemed to generate a lot of concern about the effectiveness of the Holy Spirit and the need to count those who had been converted. As a result, the altar call gained popularity in the 1830’s with the rejection of the Calvinist teaching that human nature was irreparably depraved; human wills, not their natures needed to be converted. Preachers sought to create revival by using a time of decision following their preaching. This public profession of those gathered at the altar seemed to be an effective method of insuring this change of wills. D.L. Moody and Billy Graham continued to make use of the altar call and it became part of the evangelical Protestant culture. It is hard to find a scriptural basis for this, but we can name it as part of our tradition.

The current version of the altar call is usually offered in terms of rededication to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. With the organ playing “Just As I Am”, we are summoned to make this public witness to our faith. This becomes a moment of profound sacredness to many. However, some find this emotionally manipulative and without purpose. I think they may have a point to consider as this single act often creates a false impression that all is well with our souls when we answer this invitation. Also, it can be a time of judgment against those who chose not to participate. If we are seeking to claim Jesus, wouldn’t it be more transforming to heed the words of dismissal at the close of each worship service…the words that send us forth to live and serve guided by Jesus Christ? Isn’t it in the everyday that we are the most effective witness to our faith? Whether at the altar or in the pew, may we hear God's call on our lives and respond to it.

Autumn

I love the change of seasons and although at times it is nearly imperceptible in Myrtle Beach, there are always signs that connect me with this important rhythm of life. Such are these days as we finally experience some cooler days and see a hint of fall foliage. This transitional season is one of comfort. A sense of quiet begins to invade our lives and it is almost as if we are yawning. Only the clocks are alert as they prepare to change.

Personally, as the world seems to fade except for the low, orange moon, I can almost smell the musky, woods-like odors of autumn and recall days past when I walked across the Ohio State campus on my way to a Saturday afternoon football game or when I took walks along picturesque wooded paths in a variety of places. My thoughts drift to faces of yesterday which seemingly float like ghosts though my mind. Bluejeans and turtlenecks become my favorite casual attire and hearty soups are regularly found on my menu. With the deliberate preparations being made for colder days ahead, I rejoice that a needed time of quiet and peace is approaching and out of this new life will surely spring. Praise be to God!

New/Old Thoughts

A current headline story on various church websites quotes Bill Hybels as saying Willow Creek leaders have conducted an extensive study of their congregation (and several similar churches) and have concluded participation in programs did not inculcate Christian discipleship and that they had spent "millions of dollars" on programs thinking that they would help people grow—only to find that there was no real increase in parishioners' love for God or their neighbor. "We made a mistake," says Hybels: "What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become 'self-feeders.' We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between services, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own."

As the Leadership Journal blog put it, "Spiritual growth doesn't happen best by becoming dependent on elaborate church programs but through the age old spiritual practices of prayer, bible reading, and relationships. These basic disciplines do not require multi-million dollar facilities and hundreds of staff to manage."

Diana Butler Bass writes, “As I have traveled across the U.S. and Canada, I have found that many congregations—including mainline churches, progressive evangelical communities, and synagogues—are rebasing their life on spiritual practices including prayer, theological reflection, doing justice, generosity, storytelling, discernment, shaping community, hospitality, and leadership.”

Nearly every week someone suggests to me that we need this program or that one at First UMC and as a result all would be well with us. It would appear that it might be better for us to intentionally create a climate of transforming practices. Perhaps growing Christians mega-style isn’t the answer after all. I hear a call for the return to basics.

Charge Conference 2007

A funny thing happened on the way to the First UMC Charge Conference. We discovered a lot of faithful church members don’t have any idea what this is. Someone decided to invite everyone that has a leadership role in the church instead of only the Administrative Board members. Subsequently, I got the opportunity to explain to many of these folks what a charge conference is when they called to say they couldn’t attend. What I have discovered is that this is a teachable moment and one that we need to use next year for lessons in Methodist history, polity and even theology. As I put this on my 2008 calendar, I will share this definition of a charge conference:

Charge Conference is the local church administrative body to which clergy (elders and deacons) report; also an annual meeting in which local church officers are elected, reports are received, and the mission and ministry of the local church are reviewed. The Charge Conference recommends candidates for ordained ministry. Members of the Charge Conference include members of the local church’s Administrative Council (or Board) and all clergy appointed to the church. Clergy appointed beyond the local church and/or those appointed outside of their own Annual Conferences relate to Charge Conferences in the areas in which they are serving. The District Superintendent or his/her appointee presides.

Observations from our 2007 Charge Conference:
- Thanks to the efforts of those in our business office almost everything was in order.
- One thing always seems to be overlooked and this year it was naming an Epworth representative. We will do this at our next Administrative Board and be back in the good graces of the powers that be. In other words, no big deal.
- Although this can be a burdensome event each year, it is good to have this opportunity to review our ministries and feel this sense of connection with other United Methodists and to tradition.
- This year each church was asked to report on its Safe Sanctuary policy. We can celebrate that not only do we have a policy, but we adhere to it.
- Although we had not conferred with each other, it was interesting to note that each of the clergy spoke of the need for First UMC to look and be beyond our doors. The 2008 reports could be very interesting if we take this seriously.
- It is sad to think that Rowan Crews and Mike Black were the last clergy who have been ordained from this church. However, Danny Chamblee and George Olive are serving as local pastors. We need to pay more attention to supporting those among us who may be hearing a call to ordained ministry.

Quotes of the Week

Sometimes it’s the encounter with a brief statement of truth that lingers longer than a lengthy narrative. Such are these three thoughts that have been part of my week.

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein

“The present is what the past is doing now.” Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

“What if we treated our Bible like our cell phone?” Leonard Sweet (Guess who forgot her Bible this week, but had her cell phone?)

Lake Junaluska

I am spending a few days at Lake Junaluska at the SEJurisdictional Deacon Gathering. We are exploring what our ministry means to the church since 1996 when General Conference established the order of the deacon. We are especially interested in the ministry report that will be presented to the 2008 General Conference and possible legislation that might result from it or submitted petitions. At this point, many of us feel that we are still living into the last changes and that it probably is premature for any drastic changes in the ordination process and the orders. Perhaps after what I hear in these sessioins, I will change my mind. It is exciting to hear that there are over 1600 persons in process to be ordained as deacons.

Mountains Beyond Mountains

On a recent road trip, Ron and I listened to the audio version of Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. The author reads this book about the quest of Dr. Paul Farmer to cure the world of infectious diseases. This most interesting and inspiring account is one of hope and of the understanding of the Haitian proverb “Beyond mountains there are mountains”: as you solve one problem, another problem presents itself, and so you go on and try to solve that one also.

An outstanding scholar, Paul Farmer earned a MD and PhD in medicine and anthropology at Harvard while making frequent medical mission trips to Haiti. As he searched for the root causes of disease and ways to change conditions within this impoverished country, he was able to create Partners in Health, a non-profit organization that would generate some significant research and aid. Farmer’s compassion seems to be grounded in matters of faith and he is quoted as saying that he has found a “place to look for God among the suffering.”

In recent years, this book has been frequently named as one for common or shared experience reading in colleges and communities. What a great choice! I will be thinking about Dr. Paul Farmer for a long time.

What Are We Teaching?

Ralph Waldo Emerson is credited as saying, “All children have at least one thing in common. They close their ears to advice but open their eyes to example.” I remembered this today as once again I observed the coffee-doughnut ritual at First UMC and wondered about the lessons being taught. We offer fat-laden doughnut holes to children who we know are being threatened with obesity. We serve coffee that is not *fair-trade and forget the injustices to humans and the earth that are contained in each Styrofoam cup. (We could also discuss the chemicals liberally added by many coffee drinkers) By the way, only coffee is served. The purpose of this time in the parlor is to meet and greet others. Yet, it does not seem to be an intergenerational exercise. The final concern is that some of our children depart with cupfuls of doughnut holes that are not shared with others in their Sunday school class. I refuse to be the doughnut police. However, much is being learned each Sunday in this fellowship time and I think we need to consider developing new curriculum. By the way, I fully realize that this is heresy and I will probably be charged with such.



*Fair Trade Certified coffee guarantees farmers a fair price for their product and requires them to make environmental protection a part of farm management

Interesting Information

A current United Methodist Communications press release offers this information. It certainly is something to consider as we look forward to the 2008 General Conference.

"One-third of the membership of The United Methodist Church now lives outside the United States. But the denomination’s structure remains decidedly centered both in and on the United States itself. How to respond to the new global reality was the topic of a panel discussion during the Oct. 8-11 annual meeting of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Scott Brewer, director of research for the denomination’s General Council on Finance and Administration, reported that at end of 2005, the denomination had almost 13.8 million baptized and professing members, which includes children who have been baptized. While the U.S. baptized and professing membership stands at more than 8.9 million and continues to decline, "globally, the United Methodist Church is growing," with most of the growth
in Africa, he said."

New Hymnal

Although I am a pathetic musician, all sorts of music feeds my soul and I understand its importance in the life of the church. I especially know it to be important to the learning and understanding of our theology, so the following United Methodist news release interests me:

"United Methodists are invited to participate in an online survey identifying their 10 favorite hymns to help the United Methodist Publishing House and the United Methodist Board of Discipleship analyze and plan for congregational singing resources and identify changes and trends in musical styles. The selections may come from the United Methodist Hymnal and/or The Faith We Sing. The survey also asks participants to select up to 10 of their least favorite hymns and songs and the titles that should have been included. In addition, participants are asked to respond to five geographic questions. The survey is available at www.gbod.org/favoritehymns.html. For more information, contact Dean McIntyre at (615) 340-7073 or dmcintyre@gbod.org"

I plan to give this some serious thought and respond. I hope that some of you who read this take the time to participate in this survey and maybe even share with me some of your choices. My first thoughts of favorites include "It is Well with My Soul" and "I'll Praise My Make While I've Breath". "What Gift Can We Bring" has wonderful lyrics and I wish that we knew it at First Church. "Majesty" probably tops my list of those not to be included. For some reason that chorus grates on my nerves. Previously, it has seemed that the naming of the hymns to be included in the UM Hymnal has generated more heated discussion than prayerful consideration. May it not be so this time.

The Journey of Discovery

Once again as I enjoy a Disciple I class and the “ah-ha” moments that are part of it, the theme of journey emerges from the scriptures. We identify with the story of Abraham as he “journeyed by stages.” We read of the excitement and misery of the Hebrew people as they sought new life with Moses as their leader. We cherish the story of Ruth who values loyalty to her mother-in-law more than the security of her homeland. We know the familiar story of Mary and Joseph making long and strenuous journey to fulfill the demands of the state.

As we reflect on our personal journeys, we know that it is possible for journeys to affect only the outside of life, while the inner person remains untouched. However, most of us realize that these outer changes often propel us into an often tumultuous inner journey where we are forced to search for hidden strengths. We enter into a confusing and unfamiliar time in which we sometimes feel angry or frustrated. We long for the end of the road. Too often we fail to cherish the journey. I wonder why we are so afraid of the process of discovering new life that offers us the possibility of living more fully and more faithfully? I am glad that once again Disciple Bible Study is giving me the opportunity to intentionally look through the lens of scripture at where my journey is taking me.

Postscripts

Blog Action Day organizers report that over 20,000 persons registered to post blogs about environmental issues and even more persons blogged about these matters. Maybe these voices will effect change in the way we take care of God's creation?



After exploring agararian matters and sustainable living at the Duke Convocation last week, I found these comments about the globalizaiton of hunger from MADRE to be a very good overview of this topic.

"At first, the numbers don't seem to add up. The world produces more food than ever—enough to feed twice the global population. Yet, more people than ever suffer from hunger; and their numbers are rising. Today, 854 million people, most of them women and girls, are chronically hungry, up from 800 million in 1996. Another paradox: the majority of the world's hungry people live in rural areas, where nearly all food is grown. " (more)



I truly believe that these are spiritual conversations that we are to have as we are called to take care of the land. It is part of the covenant relationship we have with God

Blog Action Day

Today, over 15,000 bloggers around the web have committed to discuss matters related to our environment. Diverse voices recognizing the need for public discussion of the various topics under this broad topic are offering information, insight and inspiration in an effort to make us more aware of how we can be part of a more environmentally responsible world.

My contribution contains thoughts from “Our Daily Bread”, the Duke Divinity Convocation that I attended last week. It became a time of reclaiming an appreciation of an agrarian economy, one that I knew as a child in rural Ohio. It was with great interest I heard of the new attention being focused on local food production and trade and the renewal of a culture of community. However, it became obvious that for change to occur connections between food and the health of the land, soils and waters must be understood. Most of us have had our lives shaped by an economy based on cheap fossil fuels plundered and rugged individualism, even those of us with roots in the land. We have lots to learn and to practice. Norman Wirzba, an ecological theologian, reminded us that it is difficult to say grace authentically over our meals when we consider the practices (and injustices) that bring the food to the table. If we understand food as both a gift and a responsibility, what challenges must we accept?

A thought…

Wendell Berry says, “A society wishing to endure must speak the language of care-taking, faith-keeping, kindness, neighborliness, and peace.”

Children's Sabbath

This week people of faith throughout this country are observing Children’s Sabbath. By doing so they look deeply at their responsibility to nurture and protect children, especially those who live in poverty and are victims of our social ills. They make a commitment to action that encourages justice and inspires others to care for those who are the most vulnerable. They pray for the possibilities to sing a new song of love among the world’s children.

This week my pastoral prayer was focused on the needs of children and the concerns of their families. The following is part of this prayer:

".....Today, we know that the challenges facing children and those who care for them are many. Let your light shine into their lives. We pray for all children whose bright promise is squelched by poverty, poor child care, lack of medical attention, inadequate educational opportunities. We pray for the children who woke up this morning not knowing which motel, campground, car or shelter they are going to sleep in tonight. We pray for the abused, neglected, diseased and hunger-ravaged children everywhere. We especially remember those who are without hope as violence surrounds them and they are left without families to love and care for them. Lord, in your mercy hear our prayers.

We pray for parents who worry about what to do, for teachers who devote themselves to educating young minds, and for church, community and national leaders who make a commitment to our children’s future. Help us be the voice for children and families bound by chains of injustice and despair. Give us the courage and the energy to travel with them into your holy place. Let us sing a new song of love and care to the world’s children in the name of the one who taught us to pray…. Our Father, who art in heaven.....Amen."

A New Thought

I try to walk regularly and to use it as a time of prayer and reflection. As I walk, I hear my heart and the world around me and often within this God speaks. Yet, other walkers that I meet along the way seem to be fully attentive to their Bluetooths or iPods. It would appear that this might be an intentional effort to blot out those voices that can be so important to our being. I trust that they find time to listen for God’s voice sometime during the day.

Today, some of the conversation about sustainable living that I heard at Duke Divinity School’s Convocation filled my thoughts as I walked. The comment made by Wes Jackson that we should speak of eco-system and that no part of it is greater than the whole came to my mind. He maintained that in many ways environmentalism is a selfish term because it implies that humanity is at the center and all else surrounds us in a lesser way. As I was thinking about this, I realized that "me" is exactly in the center of the word environmentalist.

Our Daily Bread

Ron and I are at Duke Divinity School for Convocation and Pastors’ School. “Our Daily Bread: A Theology and Practice of Sustainable Living” is the focus. Author, Wendell Berry; environmentalist, Wes Jackson; and theologian, Norman Wirzba are leading us into new understanding of our relationship to the earth, each other and God. I hope that I will be able to incorporate this into my life and ministry in the days ahead. But. for now I am enjoying the thought that I have met Wendell Berry, a favorite author and thinker of mine for a number of years. His poem, Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front, reveals much about who he is.

Old Dog Learns New Tricks

I am enjoying exploring the possibilities of life coaching, especially as it might be used in helping clergy and lay leadership discover their goals and create action plans for them. As part of the SC UM Conference emphasis on Natural Church Development, twenty-two lay and clergy are being trained to be coaches. As part of that process, we are meeting in Columbia for two days. During the next six months I will be coaching two persons while personally being coached. Each of the persons who are to be my guinea pigs want to focus on where God is directing them and developing a plan to do it. Already I am excited about the possibilities of how this technique could be very effective within the life of this conference. I especially like this process of asking open-ended questions that leads the person to finding their path and setting their own goals to travel it.

I find it interesting that the person who asked me to be part of this initial group of coaches served as an effective coach when I was trying to determine if I should accept my current position at First Church. Although this was not a formal arrangement, he did ask me several important questions that led me in my decision-making process. Perhaps this is why I have accepted this new opportunity to serve the church. Isn’t it interesting what happens when we open ourselves to new possibilities?

Podcasts

Podcasts have become a part of my life. I resisted them for a long time as I thought they were like talk radio which I abhor. However, I have found them to be more like being able to access the best of NPR whenever I want to listen. Ron downloads an assortment of interesting ones from a variety of sources that we have discovered, burns a CD of them and I listen to them as I travel in my car. Leonard Sweet’s Napkin Scribbles is a favorite. Tonight on my way home from one more church meeting, I heard him offer a good retort to those who say they are not being feed. He said, “Put down your fork and put on an apron.” Love it! I doubt that I will ever say that to someone, but maybe I can deliver that message in a more subtle manner.

iTunes is a great source of podcasts, including ConnX produced by SC United Methodist Church. NPR, World of Possibilities, Speaking of Faith are other favorite podcasts. Sometimes I travel vicariously with Rick Steves.

When I see the great number of people walking around with mp3 player headphones in their ears, I have to ask, “How can podcasting become a tool for ministry?”

The Holy City

On Friday, Ron and I enjoyed a get-away day in Charleston. Our original plans were to walk across the new bridge, but the heat directed us to other things. However, we did walk miles throughout the picturesque downtown area with rest breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned space. We had no real purpose in our visit, but to enjoy the ambiance of this historical city and to find some respite in our busy lives. Mission accomplished.

The highlight of the day was visiting our friend, Ms. Nell, who has moved to an assisted living facility in Mt. Pleasant. This new residence allows her to be near her children, but separates her from her friends and church family. At 91, she finds life to be filled with God's blessings and is an inspiration to those of us who face the winter of our lives with trepidation.

A tasty meal at the River Room in Georgetown while watching the sunset ended our day. A sense of well-being filled my soul. I need to do this more often.

New Banner, etc.

I have been looking for a picture that would represent "A Pilgrim's Persective." This one seems to say so very much as Tom commented so eloquently to my previous post. I, too, thought of Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” and remembered all the choices I have made. It also reminded me of Dutchess County, New York, a special place in my heart. Others have thought it to be Kentucky, New England or England. The picture was taken in Scotland and unfortunately I was not the photographer. A picture truly can say "a thousand words.”

I continue to be quite interested in the Nothing But Nets campaign and was interested to read this week that United Methodists have raised more than $1.75 million worldwide for this campaign in less than a year. So far, the campaign has distributed approximately 196,000 nets in Zimbabwe, Congo, Nigeria and Chad and positive results are already being noted.

Two favorite blog posts this week were “Creation, Community and Healing” by Larry Hollen and “Just Imagine” by Kathy James. Both gave me something to ponder on my daily walk.

Live the Questions Now

Years ago one of the UMW Mission School study books was Live the Questions Now. I don’t remember many of the details of the book, but the title has been a mantra for me ever since. It has been an invocation to be in relationship with God in the moment and not to dwell in the past or dream only of the future. Although past and future are important, it is today that we are to know as holy. But, there are always unsolved questions in the heart and the answers seem elusive. I have come to understand that we need to live and love these questions themselves for they are the source, the energy, the stuff of which my life is made. When we embrace the tensions, fear, conflict and vulnerability that entails, we are empowered to live in God’s presence.

As I continue to try to live fully in the moment, I have found my blogging to be helpful. It calls me to think about what is happening in God’s world and my life and where the two meet or don’t meet. Yet, such reflection is a challenge that I fail to accept on too many days. However, I know that even when my soul seems barren God is not through with me and that I will be able to fully live the questions and maybe even know a few of the answers in the todays of my future.

Capital Letters

It has been a long time since Mrs. Rutledge taught me basic grammar and writing rules and some of them I have obviously forgotten or have chosen to disregard. However, the trend of using capitalization at whim does irritate me. It's great to find someone of like mind. In the land of blogs, Word Wise, serves as a good refresher course in writing. The current post by Dan Santow addresses this issue by reminding us that only proper nouns are to be capitalized. I like the blog title, "Say No to Capital Punishment." Now I wonder, are such titles put in quotes, underlined or italicized? I will have to search Mr. Santow's blog.

It's Free!

I like to read the NY Times (on-line), especially the op-eds. Several years ago, the management decided that they would put the good stuff behind the pay wall. Knowing my frustration about this turn of events, my son gave me a subscription to Times Select and I was an appreciative mother. Then, as I entered into the blogging world and wanted to share some of the provocative thoughts of Friedman, Kristoff and Dowd, I was limited as I couldn’t link to their editorials. So, it was a great beginning to my day when I received notice that as of today the New York Times no longer charges for access to their on-line version. Their rationale was interesting:

"Since we launched TimesSelect, the Web has evolved into an increasingly open nvironment. Readers find more news in a greater number of places and interact with it in more meaningful ways. This decision enhances the free flow of New York Times reporting and analysis around the world. It will enable everyone, everywhere to read our news and opinion - as well as to share it, link to it and comment on it."

Although when Thomas Jefferson said, "Liberty depends upon a free press," he was speaking about the freedom to write of political issues. I believe that general access to this writing is part of this equation. Today, that means being able to read it on-line.

A Different World

Not only do I make a point to read Issac J. Bailey's column in the Sun-News, but I also often read his blog. Of course, I don't always agree with him, but I find his writing perceptive and thought-provoking. Like many bloggers, he passes along other writer's efforts that represent his viewpoint. Today, his post, The High Cost of Low Price , is a good example of this practice. This author states very well what I, too, have been thinking during the past few weeks.

Watercrunch

Our son, Robert, is a civil engineer who specializes in water projects. His blog, Watercrunch, focuses on water related matters, especially as they associate to environmental issues. Some posts are more interesting to those in the trade. However, yesterday he posted an interview with book author, Cynthia Barnett ,that caught my attention. He quoted her as saying, "I was and remain shocked that some 9,000 children on our planet die every day for lack of access to fresh, clean water." Although I am aware of our global water crisis, this number shocked me, also. Missional water projects take on a more urgent meaning and I want to know more about these initiatives, especially those that the United Methodist Church sponsors. Children, even when they are 37 years old, can lead us into fuller understanding of caring for God's world.

Thought for the Day

When I saw Ron preparing this slide for our Monday night worship, I had to borrow it to share. It reminds me of my parents who recently had trees in an old orchard removed and are now making plans to plant some hardwoods as their gift to future generations.

Thought for the day....

A society grows great when old men plant trees
whose shade they know they shall never sit in.

Greek Proverb

Knitting as Meditation

“The act of knitting is a meditation, for the work of the hands compels the mind to rest, and gives free rein to movements of the soul.” (Author unknown)

So it is with me today as my needles click in their knit three, purl three rhythm as I make another prayer shawl. My thoughts land on family and friends who are struggling with all the issues that the diagnosis of cancer brings. My neighbor who moved to Myrtle Beach to enjoy our pleasures and not to meet our medical community is coping with treatments and the prospect of major surgery. My brother-in-law who has hit a bump in the road with his on-going chemo treatments and the reality of his cancer has hit them in the face again. My friend from Columbia who has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the colon and pancreas has had to tell his two sons at Clemson that he has 12-24 months to live. His on-line journal is a gift to all who want to be present to him at this time. And the list goes on…. Why are there so many cancer patients? What can we do to stop the invasion of this disease into our lives? The turbulent waters of life are wearing us out. We are handicapped by our fear.

Help us, O God, from drowning in our despair. Give us your hand and we will walk with you and live in hope. Amen.

Bishop's School of Ministry

United Methodist clergy from across the SC Conference met this week at Springmaid Beach for the Bishop's School of Ministry. This annual event combines learning and fellowship effectively for many. However, when one lives nearby and tries to participate in this event and to do regular church responsibilities, it means stress instead of relaxation. But, I did enjoy some special moments with my colleagues and the thoughts expressed by some of the speakers. So now I am pondering as to whether we create a culture within our churches that nurtures the faith of young people or do we just expect a set apart program to do this? Are we just reactive agents of mercy or are we proactive agents of change? I will have to work forever, because I will never understand the retirement process of the UMC. Although it is easy to complain and whine about our churches and governing structure, there are lots of good things happening in United Methodism.

Other items of interest this week have included learning that child mortality is at record low according to a recent article in the New York Times, reading a new blog by my clergy friend, Stephen Taylor and thinking about one of Will Willimon's latest posts about church growth.

It has been a good week. Now I have got to make sure we are ready for Sunday morning happenings.

Why Church?

My focus for the last week has been the sermon that I preached for our Christian Education Sunday. As this is not my primary call, sermon preparation is labor intensive for me. The text was Psalm 78:1-8, often called the Christian Education psalm, and one that has an important message about passing on the sacred stories. One illustration that I used has meaning to all who try to make a case for children to attend church.

Anne Lamott has a chapter in her book Traveling Mercies title, “Why I Make Sam Go to Church.” Sam is Lamott’s son, and he is less than enthusiastic about church going. But, Lamott writes that she still requires him to go and says:

"I want to give him what I found in the world, which to say, a path and a little
light to see by. Most of the people I know who have what I want…which is to say,
purpose, heart, balance, gratitude, joy – are people with a deep sense of
spirituality. They are people in community, who pray, or practice their faith;
they are Buddhists, Jews, Christians – people banding together to work on
themselves and for human rights. They follow a brighter light than the
glimmer of their own candle; they are part of something beautiful."

Clemson Tailgating

Football season is here and our grandchildren are learning to appreciate all the fun and food. Grandpa is also teaching them to say, "Go, Bucks". Maybe they need some scarlett and gray to wear?

Try to Remember

Ken asks me to preach two Sundays a year...two Sundays when I can't do too much damage. This year I asked if one of those could be Christian Education Sunday and he granted this wish. I look forward to sharing some of my passion for educational ministry through exploration of the Word in the sermon on this coming Sunday. The preacher of the day writes the cover for the weekly newsletter. Here is a sneak preview of what will be on the cover of THE STEEPLE.

As we celebrate Christian Education this Sunday, we remember people, places, and events of the past that have shaped our understanding of our faith in God through Jesus Christ. But, just as importantly, we examine our personal and congregational commitment to a lifelong process of teaching and learning.Christian faith becomes a reality when the stories of the Bible and our personal experiences of God’s love and grace empower us to trust God’s guidance as we make decisions in our daily lives. But, do we know these sacred stories? Test your Biblical knowledge.
1. Name the five books of the Torah/Pentateuch
2. Name the Ten Commandments.
3. Name 3 Old Testament prophets.
4. Why are the Exodus and Exile events significant?
5. What is the last book in the Old Testament?
6. In what book is the Sermon on the Mount and what is its main teaching?
7. Name two parables?
8. In what book are the “I am” sayings?
9. Who was present at the Transfiguration?
10.Who said, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose”?

Also, do you recognize God’s presence in your life through these stories? Do you share with others what God has done for you yesterday and today? Do you understand how this shapes your future? These, too, are the lessons of Christianity that are to be taught and learned if we are to grow in a faith that equips us to go forth into the world sharing God’s grace and love. What is your commitment to Christian education?

Water for Elephants

During our recent road trip, we listened to the audio version of the best-selling book, Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen and were most pleased with this choice. Jacob Jankowski reflects on his life with the circus as he lives out his days in a nursing home. In often poignant words, this character introduces the reader (listener) not only to Depression-era circus life, but also to how many older adults spend their last days. Although not a complex plot, we could see, hear, smell, feel and/or taste each part of the tale through Gruen’s word use and looked forward to hearing how the story would unfold. One needs to know that some of the language and situations are rather rough and colorful and could be offensive to some. Although not easy to hear, it does make the story more authentic. The use of two readers as the older Jacob and the younger Jacob is very effective in telling the story in this flashback method. Faithfulness and loyalty are key themes and could provide good discussion. It also could be argued that the class structure within the circus community is mirrored within our lives in many ways. Obviously, I recommend this to others as a book to read or hear.

The Circle of Life

In recent years, each visit to my parents is a lesson in the realities of aging. This time we are witnessing not only increased physical impairment, but the continuing struggle to make appropriate decisions about living arrangements. Independence is such a valued cultural and family trait that it becomes a hindrance to asking for assistance from family and friends. What I once studied in textbooks is revealing itself through their lives. The joys and pains of this time are real to all that surround them. My prayers are many including that I be more sensitive to all older adults and their families.

A Good Thought: Mother had commented how kind people are to them in public places. Yesterday, when we took them to a restaurant we saw this. Two frail people and two canes seem to bring out the best in people. My parents become everyone’s aging parents.

Travel Notes

After a quick visit with Ron’s brother and family in Indianapolis, we are now in Jeffersonville, Ohio. These road trips give me much time to think about our family and to know that it will be a good adventure. As we re-connect we are fortunate to be able to find joy in remembering days past and to forget or forgive the unhappy times. We are blessed.

Although it is always enjoyable to travel through the mountains, it is that flat, open land canopied by blue sky from horizon to horizon that feeds my soul. The sunset was gorgeous last evening as was the moon that soon followed. How awesome is God’s creation!

The vacation prayers mentioned in my last blog have guided my days. I don’t know the author, but certainly the Holy Spirit directed the writing of them. I think these will stay in my suitcase for future vacation time, also.

Other notes: There are more trucks on US 70 than cars and certainly evidence of how many things that are transported long distances. Know wonder we are known as a gas guzzling nation. Also, Starbucks can now be found near the interstates and pumpkin spice lattes are back on the menu. My travel budget will need to be adjusted.

Spiritual Type Test

As usual, God gives me a sign to slow down when I need it the most. I am in that overdrive mode today as I prepare to be out of town for a week. I have left voice messages, written letters, sent e-mails and made phone calls with various instructions for others. My co-workers will be taking my name in vain on Monday morning. Then, I looked at Perspectives and had to stop to take my spiritual type test. That led me to explorefaith.org, which I found to be most interesting. This is my invitation to you to slow down and explore. Check out the book recommendations and prayers for vacation.

A Pet Peeve

As I retrieved a number of voice messages yesterday, I once again became frustrated by the incoherent, garbled and rapidly recited phone numbers left by the callers. This often required multiple replays to get the correct number. My friends indicate that I am not the only one irritated by this bad habit. Let’s campaign for the etiquette of voice mail to be taught and practiced more intentionally. Please, if you call me, speak slowly as you leave your phone number. In fact, repeat it. Remember I have just had a birthday and my responses are not as quick as they once were.

The Future

This morning I noted this quote by Peter Drucker on Larry Hollen's blog - "The best way to predict the future is to create it." This has percolated in my mind all day as I have read or heard the current news.

As previously noted, Larry Hollen's Perspectives is one of my favorite blogs. Today he continues the discussion of uninsured children. I can’t believe what a deplorable situation we have created. What is the future for our children when they have not had adequate health care?

The New York Times reports today that the proponents of mountain top removal as a method of coal mining have scored another victory so that this practice will continue. In light of the recent mine accidents, I am sure this method seems more attractive as no one goes underground. Our quest for coal generated power goes forth. Are there not other sources of power? Perhaps we could reduce our power needs? What is the future for the land after it has been so devastated?

A commentary by Anna Quindlen in a recent Newsweek presents the realities of a country that is being shaped by immigrants. Those among us that want to send immigrants home need to face the fact that we depend upon them to bolster our economy. She also noted that “immigration is never about today, always about tomorrow.” The work ethic to achieve and succeed for future generations is perpetuated by those who most recently have arrived at our shores.

Lots to think about as we try to live responsible lives.

Another Year

Today is my birthday. I can remember thinking that my grandmother was an old lady when she was my age. I wonder how my grandchildren view me. The good news is that they called me to sing Happy Birthday and certainly were far more excited about this day than I was. However, I have come to realize that it is good to celebrate what has been and wish for the very best in the future. It is a time of thanksgiving and also an opportunity to make some resolutions for the days ahead. Although these thoughts are not original, I need to claim them.

-Nurture relationships with family and friends.
-Practice healthy living.
-Help meet the needs of those I meet along the way.
-Read some good books.
-Glorify God in all that I do.

Teaching and Learning

My days are filled with preparing for a new year of teaching and learning at First Church. To help learners claim the life of Jesus as their own is an awesome responsibility and challenges me to do the very best that I can. What makes a good teacher?

Jesus told of his experiences of God and humankind in stories. Obviously, he had a creative imagination that was fed by the people, places and events around him. His approach was fresh, surprising, new, and unexpected. He must have been a good listener, too. He had a great respect for his audience as his use of parables helped make things clear without being overbearing. He left the conclusions to the ones who heard. He rarely moralized after having told his stories. No wonder that his teaching made a great impression on them, because he taught and preached unlike the scribes (Mark 1:22)

I believe that as Christians, we are all called to teach and that our teaching depends on continued learning. Not all of us are meant to be Sunday school teachers, but we are all called to help one another grow in the faith by sharing our stories that have related us to God.

"May my teaching drop like the rain, my speech condense like the dew; like gentle rain on grass, like showers on new growth. For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God!" Deuteronomy 32:2,3.

A Joy Ride!

Each time I see this new roller coaster, I have a feeling that it symbolizes my life. One of the joys of my ministry is that I have a wide variety of tasks. However, they often seem to come at one time and I am left with my head spinning. Such is this season of preparation for the coming year of teaching and learning.

For the 7th Generation

In a recent Christians in Education article, I read the following:

"When traditonal Iroquois held their council meetigs, they invoked this declaration: 'In our every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisons in the next seven generations.' When a vote was taken, an equal vote was cast by one of the communitiy's members who would represent those who would be alive 150 years from now. There was a clear understanding that the decsions we make in the present have an impact for years to come." (Summer 2007 - page 15)

I think of this practice as Ron talks about enviromental issues, as politicians declare their intentions and as church leaders make decisions to meet the demands of the moment. Consideration of the future too often seems minimal. We need to hear the voices of our children and their children when we rape the earth of its resources, perpetuate a debt burdened society and fail to shape a ministry that offers future generations the opportunity to worship and know God. Once again, the past can offer us invaluable wisdom as we look toward the future. Let's heed it!

Grassroots Ministry

Although I value the process that leads to many of our very effective mission efforts, I rejoice at those times when the Holy Spirit seems to capture our imagination and hearts and we respond spontaneously to the needs of others. Such is the case of Nothing But Nets. I just read that in less than one year over $13 million dollars has been raised for the malarial regions of Africa. During the past year, Ed Jackson has led the charge to give Street Reach a better facility for ministry with the homeless in Myrtle Beach. Through her graduate studies, Jeanne Voltz Loomis learned much about the life of homeless children and has shared some of this information with us in a variety of ways. Last week in a report to our Council on Ministries, she spoke of the need for these children to have book bags and school supplies just like other students. As a result, Sunday school classes and individuals are making this happen. No one really asked them to do this. They heard of a real need and acted. These filled book bags will be given to our schools so that children that are homeless will have something to call their own. It is great to know that we are a compassionate people with a vision of the kingdom.

The Study of Ministry

After two years of study to clarify the ordering of ministry within The United Methodist Church, the Study of Ministry Commission has released their final report. Basically, it recommends four more years of study by the church. How very Methodist! This study has been a hot topic in deacon conversations as we feel that United Methodism is still struggling to clearly understand who we are called to be. The full report and comments by Tom Frank can be found on-line. I recommend reading both in their entirety. However, Part V references the matters that pertain to the deacon.

A major issue for many deacons has been not being able to preside at the sacraments. Our role is to assist only. Because I have been allowed to reclaim the historic role of deacon as the one who prepares and invites congregants to participate in these holy moments, I have not given this a lot of consideration. I feel that I have a specific role that compliments the one of the elder. However, although the conversation argues that it would be redundant for both elders and deacons to do celebrate the sacraments and that ordination does not necessarily confer this authority, I am still pondering this interpretation especially as it relates to those deacons who serve as chaplains or parish ministers.

In 1997 the first class of permanent deacons was ordained. (I was one of them.) So, we are still in our beginning stage of finding our place within today's church. Many have welcomed us and celebrated who we are. But, I do know that instead of having a ministry that is equal, complimentary and distinctive, deacons seem to be considered as a second class or subordinate. Just ask any member of First UMC. It is always Ken, Scarlett and Jean no matter what the issue. I have been assured that I will always be paid less than an elder at First. At this point in my ministry these matters are of little personal concern. However, I want to help pave the way for deacons in the emerging church as their role could be extremely important to its evolving understanding of mission.

This study of ministry is still struggling with local pastors like my friend, George. I will be interested in what he thinks about this report.

The commission also recommends doing away with the practice of commissioning deacon and elders. When candidates have met basic requirements they will be ordained. This will be separate from full conference membership. This most certainly will generate much discussion especially among those of us who serve on Boards of Ministry and have just now figured out how to lead commissioned members toward ordination.

It will be interesting to see what the 2008 General Conference does with this report. In the meantime, let the discussion be constructive, informed and theological.

Travel Virtues

Tonight as I was watching Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel I remembered that it wasn’t too long ago that I thought that I would have seen much of the world by now in my life. My mother used to say that if travel was mentioned I would have my suitcase packed. I thought travel would always be part of my life and that it would be just one trip after another. I have always enjoyed experiencing new people and places and let them shape my understanding of the world and its peoples. Although I have had some great adventures, I have not been able to travel to the ends of the earth. I could probably create a rationale for my failure to do this, but the reality is that I have let one thing or another get in the way of this travel. I have let my passport expire and trips to Ohio consume my vacation dollars and to church-related conferences exhaust my time. As a result, in many ways I only know the world through the eyes and ears of others and have my thoughts shaped by their insights. Careful discernment has become a mandate in my life.

It is interesting to note that the younger generation has made travel a priority and have had some life-changing experiences through visiting both traditional and exotic places. Of course, for some of them this has meant dangerous trips to Iraq and Afghanistan. As our children become a more informed citizenry of the world, it is my prayer that to “do justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with God” will be a way of life for them.

Handprints

As I look at my window this morning, I see lots of little handprints, visual reminders of four little visitors in my home this past week. Even though I will wipe away these marks, as always they will leave an indelible impression on me. There have been many other handprints in my life this past week. From time spent with children, grandchildren and Ohio family at Sunset Beach to Dancing with God, Sunday worship and the Council of Ministries planning session, I have had a busy week. All of this has left little time for posting to my blog. However, it will shape my thoughts for weeks to come. Handprints come in many shapes and sizes and I give thanks for each one.

Authentic Bible Study

In today’s bullet and sound-byte culture, it seems to be difficult to help persons understand that in-depth Bible study is important to their spiritual growth and that it is important to the life of the church. Repeatedly, I hear “don’t you have a short-term study, one that doesn’t require a lot of reading?” Yes, periodically we do Bible study “lite” and it introduces participants to some basic understandings. However, this encounter with the Word is not long enough to let the stories become our stories. To be nurtured in the faith stories requires discipline of reading and prayer. Developing learning relationships – students and teachers with God and with one another – is the essential frame for all educational ministries. This means that we need to be a part of an intentional spiritual community. I continue to believe that DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY is a model that does this and functions as a building block not only for individuals, but also for the congregation. Now the challenge is to convince others to be a part of DISCIPLE during the coming year. At this point, the interest seems to be minimal. I know that a number of folks have already participated in this study, but there are lots who have not. My prayer is that I can say the right things that will lead others to have this rich experience. I look forward to leading yet another class through this study.

Good-bye, Nathan

The First UMC staff gathered yesterday to say good-bye to Nathan, our summer intern from Duke Divinity School. We laughed, cried and ate ice cream as we remembered his few short weeks with us. As usual, Terry Sanders was able to tell the story of Nathan in her own special way. With her permission I share the following:

To Nathan...

You’re just a darling to us, although you have no hair
And that you’re leaving us so soon is more than we can bear.
We’ve loved the time you’ve shared with us in worship and in song
But to only share you for 10 weeks, tell Duke, we think it’s wrong!
We’ve more to do in First Church land and you could help us greatly
You could wear your new white alb and preach like you’ve done lately
Or you could don your fluffly wings and resurrect old “Mo”
A worship “skeeter” is just the thing to set our Sunday flow.
Your youth, warmth and charming wit have endeared you it is true
Next week will just not be the same when “Mo done and flew”
Take good care of all your gifts and use them to God’s glory
And remember that the “Nathan Summer” will be part of our story.

Godspeed, Nathan. Come back soon!

Beach Time

Yesterday, Ron and I spent some time at Huntington Beach State Park. The blue sky, gentle waves and ocean breezes made a great way to enjoy at hot, summer day. As we packed our beach bag, I chose to be unplugged for a few hours and left behind the MP3 player and cell phone. In fact, we took very little with us to the beach compared to many who were around us. As we often note, the beach paraphernalia of many persons seems excessive and getting it organized and to the beach must tax the most rugged body and spirit. Then, these same beachgoers immediately sit down and plug-in. This would not constitute a relaxing experience for me.

However, I will admit reading is part of my beach time and yesterday I read the current issue of Newsweek. Ironically, “The Sad Fate of the Comma” by Robert J. Samuelson caught my attention. Not only did he write about the demise of comma on the printed page, but used it as a social commentary about our resistance to slowing down or pausing to think a bit before moving on.

Why can’t we simply find pleasure in being at the beach? How can we recover taking time to pause and let this be time set apart? Why don't I go to the beach more often?

Misers of Miracles

Frederick Buechner, Christian author, says, “We have within us, each one of us, so much more power than we ever spend, such misers of miracles are we, such pinch-penny guardians of grace.” After reading this a few days ago, I have let it percolate and several random thoughts have resulted.

It is amazing that even when we know and claim God’s love through Jesus Christ, we ignore our hurting brothers and sisters. These times of hurt and pain often seem so overwhelming that we can’t bear to let them be part of our lives. Yet, we are called to bring the redemptive work of the cross to all. We also have the assurance that we can be instruments of God’s grace. Miracles can happen. We have the power.

Too often we reserve this power for special situations and forget the co-worker who needs some help to complete a task, the store employee who needs a smile, the child who needs an encouraging word and the family member who needs a listening ear. Instead of being misers, we can empower each by sharing who we are faithful disciples. We just have to get beyond ourselves.

Amazing grace can prevail. As pilgrims we need to discover ways to freely reveal it with those we encounter along the way.

The Model Teacher

In this season of calling persons to teach God’s Word, I wonder what we consider to be effective teaching? Jesus told of God and humanity through personal stories. Obviously, he had a creative imagination and incorporated his experiences of the world around him. He must have been a good listener, too. He understood his audience. He told his parables as a way to allow them to enter into the story. He left the conclusions and decisions to the ones who listened. It seems clear that the disciples never quite got it, but they became the Church.

I think we too often try to make our faith simple and easy to understand. We need not try to explain away the mystery, paradox and incomprehensibility of the faith. Struggling with these questions helps us define what is meaningful in our lives. It helps us establish an on-going conversation with God. If we are faithful, we must be attentive to our teaching ministry. Whom shall we call?

VBS 2007

Needless to say, Vacation Bible School leaves little time or energy to post a blog. After some rest, I can think about what has been and say that we had a great experience. The willing and talented volunteers who planned and led this year’s VBS are wonderful folks and should be commended by all. It was pure joy to see familiar and new faces of all ages join together for food, fun, fellowship and faithful learning. In fact, we had over 200 children and youth, at least 75 adult volunteers, and approximately 50-60 adults in our adult classes. What a great week!

This year’s mission emphasis was Nothing But Nets. Through a great display and Mo, the Mosquito, the story of this effort to eradicate malaria in Africa was well told and nearly $1500 was collected to buy nets. Helping one another throughout a global community is an important faith lesson and this was a good demonstration of it. Nathan, our Duke intern, led this project.

As decorations are put away and spaces return to normal, we begin thinking about next year – June 22-26, 2008 - "Beach Party, Surfin' through the Scriptures". May we continue to offer our church family and community an authentic, exciting, disciple-building event.

Doug Marlette

Yesterday, I was saddened to learn of the death of Doug Marlette. Today, I am beginning to read and hear accounts of his life and accomplishments. Among other things, I didn't realize that he and Pat Conroy were good friends and that he had written a second novel. (I really enjoyed his first one, The Bridge.) The Washington Post has an interesting story and the Charlotte Observer has a wonderful collection of past politcal cartoons. I will leave the eloquent words of remembrance to the professionals, but I know that my heart felt a bit heavy this morning when I opened the newspaper. Even if the newspapers continue to run Kudzu for awhile, it just won't be the same. Of course, Marlette's important contribution to the world of political cartoons has been lost. I trust that those near and dear to him know that the circle of grief is quite large and will be upheld by it.

7-7-07

Today’s news is the date…7-7-07. This numerical coincidence is being noted by those who are looking for a lucky day to be married and I am sure that gamblers are lining up to make bets on about anything. Toby Ward is 77 today. We recall that there are seven continents, Seven Wonders of the World and Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits… Wikepedia has a great list of the use of 7.

In Christianity, seven is the number of perfection. God rested on the seventh day, Paul lists seven gifts of the Spirit and Jesus spoke seven words from the cross. The number seven is especially prominent in the apocalyptic Book of Revelation, in which there are seven seals, seven churches and many other things numbering seven. Especially important to remember is that Jesus told Peter to forgive seventy times seven.

Heeding the message of Live Earth may be one of the better ways to observe today. It certainly would be easy to identify seven ways to reduce our personal carbon imprint.

P.S. Imagine my surprise tonight when I heard Al Gore encourage all to make a 7-point pledge to environmental responsibility during the Live Earth concert.

The Power of Play

I have been reading The Power of Play by David Elkind and will be adding this to our church library. This well-known child psychologist maintains that it is play that prepares kids for learning. However, with the emphasis of educational products and extracurricular activities, our children have lost much of the unstructured time and self-initiated games that were known to preceding generations. In fact, Elkind says that “over the past two decades, children have lost twelve hours of free time a week, including eight hours of unstructured play and outdoor activities.” He adds good information to a conversation that pediatricians, educators and grandparents are already having about this topic. Parents and teachers of pre-school children should be encouraged to read this book as he offers insight into how children learn through spontaneous, imaginative play. My sense is that families are going to have to slow down and make some changes in their life style if their children are to have this experience.

I believe that this kind of imaginative play can be supportive of spiritual development, also. "Godly play" - Jerome Berryman’s approach to letting children experience the stories of faith - is a good example of this and one that we should use more.

Watching young children play can be fascinating and knowing that they are learning what they need to know by doing so is reassuring. Elkind says that “it is only when we integrate play, love, and work that we, as children and adults, can live happy, healthy and productive lives.”

Creative Dislocation

In Theolog, a blog by Christian Century, Richard Kauffman writes of “creative dislocation”, a term that now has been perking in my mind for the last few days. What a good understanding of something many of us have or could experience. It seems to give greater validity to this experience by naming it and to encourage participation in it. Kauffman writes:

Christians often practice a little-known spiritual discipline called “creative dislocation” without realizing it: we engage in creative dislocation by going on a spiritual retreat or on a mission trip into a foreign environment—the inner city or a third-world country—where the usual markers of our lives are taken from us, and we’re subject to someone else’s way of doing things. When we’re dislocated, we begin seeing in fresh ways. We look for the familiar in the unfamiliar, and we see what is familiar to us in new ways. If we’re paying attention, we see the presence of God in new ways. (more…)

Two Years Ago

Two years ago this week, I decided that it might be interesting to do a blog about those things that I encounter day by day. In some ways, it has become a spiritual journal and certainly an exercise of contemplation and communication. Knowing that this is being read by others has meant that some things have been left unsaid. Other times, I have chosen to risk letting the reader know that my thoughts are not always Myrtle Beach mainstream. But, most importantly it has forced me to reflect on a number of topics and to seek enlightenment about many of them. With each blog post, I am able to give my daily experiences a second look and in some way or another wonder if or how they are part of my faith journey.

I have discovered that writing also involves listening to what is going on around me and that by doing so I am drawn closer to God, neighbor and self. (Mark 12:29-34). Knowing that my life is defined by what I pay attention to on my journey, I realize that I am growing in my faith. This deeper awareness has allowed me to find grace and direction as I look for the signs along the way.

Of course, I am grateful to those who have participated in this experiment by reading and responding to my blog. Thank you for your insight and thoughts. Even though I have 401 posts, I think there will be new thoughts to be shared in the days to come.

VBS Time

The VBS volunteers met tonight to prepare for this special summer happening at First Church. What a wonderful creative, dedicated group! Alex and Janna's organizational skills are making this all come together with purpose and order. Although I am quite pleased with our VBS, I often wonder if something is missing. I think that Diane Butler Bass's blog titled "The Sock Puppet Church" might have given me a hint. Maybe we should re-think the VBS in a can approach that we have all bought into during the last decade or so. Seems like this is a topic that we should include in our evaluation. In the meantime, our folks are sharing their talents and lots of time in preparation for Cokesbury's "Lift Off" I look forward to a great week!

Bottled Water

Issues that challenge our society often create personal conflict in interesting ways. The case in point for me involves drinking water. In recent years I have put aside my Diet Cokes in favor of water. For good health I have also tried to increase my water intake and this means that I buy lots of water in plastic bottles. ( I just can’t enjoy water from a drinking fountain as I am convinced too many germs live there.) However, Ron and our son, Robert, understand the environmental issues that surround this popular habit and join a growing movement to curb this practice. I am slowly beginning to realize that I need to change my ways. I will now try to recycle my bottles with tap water. I think a good Thermos bottle may be in my future.

Check out Ron and Robert’s blog posts.

Internet and the Church

I am fascinated with the possibilities of the Internet, especially as it relates to the church. Many persons use Web pages, blogs and podcasts as primary sources of information and often without discernment of credibility. I know because we hear them quoted in Bible studies and Sunday school classes. Therefore, a recent United Methodist News Service commentary by Matt Carlisle caught my eye when I read:

Today, the Internet is impacting religion as Johannes Gutenberg did with his invention of movable type printing and the publication of the Gutenberg Bible in the 15th century.

There are more than 211 million Internet users in the United States, or 69.9 percent of the population. (InternetWorldStats.com, March 07)

This and other statistics that Carlisle includes in his commentary seem to uphold my argument that we need to pay more attention to our church Website and use e-mail, text messaging etc. for more effective communication. The time has come to get serious about this.

The ABC Prayer

Sometimes the well is dry when I go to prayer and that is when I revert to the ABC prayer. I think I first learned to do this as a teenager at church camp. It is amazing how the thoughts and words begin to flow when triggered by focusing on the use of the alphabet. The gift of this happens when it is not used frequently lest one uses the same words. I will admit that “x” is something like (e)xtra and “z” is zeal or zealous.

Awesome God, be with me and call me this day to faithful living. Even when I know you, I confess that I have fears of that which is before me. God, have mercy upon me. I pray that I may be an instrument of justice and peace and may be known as your servant. Lead me and let nothing distract me from opening my mind to you. Prepare me and quicken my heart to faithful living. Help me to reach out to those who are seeking you. Thank you (u) for the many blessings in my life. Let me share your vast love with patience and wisdom. With (e)xcitement let me care for your creation and live into today with zeal. Amen.

A Pious Nation?

Tom Krattenmaker says in a recent USA Today editorial -

"Though the United States is considered a deeply religious country, a glance at America today reveals a society divided by wealth and poverty, tainted by violence and often oblivious to the common good. A country of believers? Perhaps. But saying is one thing, doing quite another. "

I find a lot of truth within this editorial, but encourage others to read and reflect on it.

The Green Grass of Summer

What a joy to see William and Ethan enjoy rolling in the green grass! It certainly brings back a lot of wonderful memories of my childhood. My soul is lifted and I discover that as in most of us there is still some childhood left.

Home Run!

Ron and I went to see our church softball team play the other night. Sorry to report that there were few other fans there to see them win their game. However, as always the Booths were there to cheer for the team. It was great seeing the guys having fun and I especially enjoyed that our team was intergenerational. It obviously brings together some folks that would probably never know one another otherwise. Our Duke intern, Nathan, is also playing with our team. What a great way for him to connect with these folks! A big thank you to Jim Magann for organizing this activity each year.

The Middle Doors

According to Robert Schnase, Bishop of the Missouri Conference of The United Methodist Church, names five fundamental practices critical to congregations that fulfill their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. In his book, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, he entitles them as radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity. Each one of these generates thought and reflection. However, it is his comments about “The Middle Doors” that especially interest me.

“The pastor and staff soon realized that “the front door” was working well as people felt invited and welcomed. But they were slipping out “the back door” because they were discovering too many of “the middle doors” were closed tight.” p. 66-67

Schnase goes on to say that after being warmly welcomed, new members found the classes, organizations, choirs, studies and groups within the church to be cliquish and uninterested in welcoming new members. They didn’t feel needed. New members need to find meaningful connections in small groups beyond the worship experience.

Are our church’s “middle doors” open?

Nature Deficit Disorder

This morning I opened my e-mail to find this message from my sister. With her permission, I share it.

This morning I began a new book. I have been looking forward to reading Barbara Kingsolver's new book Animal, Vegetable and Miracle since first knowing of its existence. So this morning I treated myself to opening the front cover and commencing to read. Though I have only read a very small portion, I recommend this to you. While at Janet's the other evening I voiced a thought concerning how we could try to connect our children to the earth through a summer gardening project (possibly as a different way to teach love of earth and creation). Barbara's latest book confirms this as something we should be doing. Everywhere I turn I am reminded that this is a focus we are missing. I read my brother-in-law's "Earth Focus", I hear my nephew's thoughts concerning grazing on the family farm, I have seen the pictures of young children working a community garden, I see the gas prices skyrocketing, I see the bulldozers indiscriminately reshaping the land, I see fertile farmland being subdivided or covered with black top, etc. What I don't see is the church taking a very proactive stance to protect and guard God's beautiful earth and teaching our children stewardship of God's earth Recently I have really been hit over the head and am feeling nudged and/or clobbered with this as a focus for some exciting teaching opportunities. I am not sure of the the hows and the wheres etc. but I am sure this is something we should be pursuing. The night the children came to my home for our end of the year party, I was delighted to see their utter enjoyment of having an open green space in which to run and frolic. I fear their experiences with the joys of nature are too few. Enough preaching. Please ponder. Mary

I also recommend Last Child in the Woods-Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv. This is in our church library.

Garrison Keillor

My resident environmentalist shares a lot of interesting information and conventional wisdom with me. Today's offering comes from Garrison Keillor.

"You look at the Amish and you see the past, but you might also be looking at the future. Our great-grandchildren, faced with facts their ancestors were able to ignore, might have to do without the internal-combustion engine and figure out how to live the subsistence life. Maybe someone will invent a car that runs on hydrogen or horse manure, or maybe people will travel on beams of light like in old radio serials, but the realist in you thinks otherwise."

The Last Day

Annual Conference concluded yesterday in a flurry of activity. Election of delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences consumed much of our time. Ken will be going to the Jurisdictional Conference in 2008 at Lake Junaluska. [In the United States, the UMC is divided into five areas or jurisdictions: - Northeastern, Southeastern, North Central, South Central and Western. These provide some program and leadership training events for constituent Conferences. Every four years the jurisdictional conferences meet to elect new bishops and select members of general boards and agencies.]

The budget for 2008 totaling $16,995,194 was adopted. This is a 2.8% increase over the previous year. This includes our World Service apportionment and other designated funds. Conference reports including the one from The Council on Finance and Administration are on-line.

As always, the fixing of appointments is the last act of Annual Conference and this is done in the context of worship. Ken, Scarlett and I will be at First UMC for the coming year. The Bishop’s sermon text was John 13 (foot washing passage). She very effectively reminded us of our call to servanthood in this sending forth service. In fact, I have ordered a tape of this sermon and will be glad to share it.

The 2008 South Carolina Annual Conference will meet in Florence on June 1-4.

Resolutions and Other Matters

As often happens at Annual Conference, a simple matter becomes cumbersome and time consuming. As I had predicted, there were questions and concerns about The Methodist Oaks now being marketed as The Oaks, a United Methodist Community. The Executive Director and Trustee Chair made a compelling case for the change. In reality this is a decision that the Annual Conference can only question, but cannot reverse. Once again we forgot the role of our Board of Trustees of our various institutions.

A resolution to require churches to have Safe Sanctuary Policies was passed after listening to those who don’t fully grasp the necessity for this. It is hard for me to understand that anyone would question the need for this in their churches.

The resolution about asking our State Legislature to remove the Confederate Flag from the State House grounds generated passionate debate, but did pass. I am glad that a resolution to support the UMC Global Aids Fund passed without debate.

It is interesting to note that there were no resolutions about environmental matters. Our Environmental Stewardship Committee at First UMC needs to consider submitting one or more resolutions another year to increase awareness and action in our churches concerning these issues.

Worship, Bible study, election of General Conference delegates and other agenda items were also part of our day. Being a lay or clergy member of Annual Conference requires lots of patience and the ability to endure fanny fatigue. One more day….

A Great Day of Service

Wearing yellow t-shirts, United Methodists were a visible presence across the City of Florence today (Tuesday). This afternoon members of the Annual Conference could be found participating in a variety of service projects. From yard clean-up and home repair to visitation and letter writing, we became the hands and feet of the Gospel. I was part of a group that visited an adult day care center and am glad that we spent this time reaching out to others. May we do this each day wherever are.

As usual, Annual Conference is a special time for being with those who have been important parts of our lives through the years. I have especially enjoyed seeing friends from Columbia and Lexington and to hear what is happening in their congregations and personal lives. It is a joy to see some of the new members finding their identity within our conference and beginning to shape who we are.

I was pleased that Russell Davis was recognized for his ten years of ministry with our camps and retreats. He has assumed a camping ministry position in North Georgia. I will miss working with him. As a strong advocate of Asbury Hills, I hope that the Conference heard his gentle words about the opportunity we have been given to touch lives with Jesus through our camping ministries and beautiful properties. We need to take care of these gifts.

Annual Conferenc 2007

With the theme- “To Serve the Present Age”- the 2007 South Carolina Annual Conference is meeting in Florence this week. Bishop Taylor continues to lead us into new and different ways of doing things beginning with the site of this event. We are at the Florence Civic Center instead of Wofford or Claflin campus. All seems to be going well with this location to this point. Of course, some of us love the idea that it is only an hour and a half from home.

Another break with tradition was that the ordination service was on Sunday evening. This includes the licensing of local pastors, commissioning of probationary elders and deacons, and the ordinations of full elders and full deacons. I was especially pleased to see my friend, George, licensed as a local pastor. He will serve Poplar UMC. It is hard to believe that I was ordained a deacon ten years ago.

Today we began electing delegates to 2008 General Conference. The lay members have already elected their first delegate, Carolyn Briscoe. As this process unfolds, it is interesting to see which names come to the forefront. Right now most leaders among the clergy are middle-aged white male elders. I hope we represent ourselves in a more inclusive way.

It is almost impossible to reflect on tonight’s worship with an open mind as First UMC was responsible for it. Ken preached a dynamic sermon and Tim assembled an amazing choir from the area and led them in music that celebrated the 300th anniversary of Charles Wesley’s birth. Both Scarlett and I were liturgists. We believe that we offered a meaningful worship experience and it certainly warmed our hearts. It will be an important part of our personal memories for a long time. Thank you, Bishop, for inviting us.

Rain, Rain!

As Longfellow wrote, “Into each life some rain must fall.” Today, I understand this reality. The earth is parched and the plants are suffering. The dark skies (and the Weather Channel) predict relief. Although I could use this as a metaphor upon which to reflect, sometimes what is literal is more important. Let the rains fall.

This connection and concern for the earth probably had its beginning in seeing my father, a farmer, watch the skies for much needed rain. In recent years, the writings of Wendell Berry have kept me sensitive to stewardship of the Earth and all of God’s creation. Currently, I am reading his book of essays, What Are People For? I think Berry is a prophetic voice and his works need to be read by more people. This rainy day would be a good time to start.

God's Signs

I recently read a blog about church signs that seems like a good thing to share on Friday. The slide show with commentary is worth viewing. They truly are signs of the time and could be a good catalyst for some interesting discussion.