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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Make a Home a Castle

I can’t believe it, but the Sun News has vindicated me. After years of ignoring many decorating trends in favor of using inherited items and family photos to adorn our home, an article in this morning’s paper stated that we should reflect who we are by following this same practice. By incorporating such treasured items into an overall plan gives “a nod to our roots.”

Over the years I do admit that I have spent hours pouring over the pages of home decorating magazines and changed colors and window treatments as advised by the professionals. (No more orange and avocado with heavy drapes in my house!) However, as we have moved from place to place it has become increasingly important to me to surround us with items that reflect family and family. From Grandma Owens’s rocking chair to grandchildren pictures, our space certainly offers a reflection of who we are. To us these special things make our house feel like home. We have also found them to be a great catalyst for sharing family history with our sons and their families. Although not a castle, I find our home to wrap us in its own kind of luxury and to be a witness of a family’s strength.

Learning to be the Body of Christ

For generations we have used a schooling-instructional paradigm as we define Christian education in our churches. That is, in a certain time and place and in a specific manner education is to occur. Although there are certain inherent elements of this that we constantly analyze and perhaps change, it is a basic model that continues to serve us well in some ways as we build up the church. We can read and recite scripture. We study a bit about church history, theological thought and Methodism. We are good students of Christianity and we give thanks for those who have helped us to be at this place on our journey.

However, we are realizing that it is in the everyday living that we can truly discover and be part of the Body of Christ. We learn while serving as Christ’s apprentices each day. We encounter the world and perform the scripture as interpreted within the traditions and understandings of our congregation. Our individual needs become secondary as we ask God in Christ for help in doing what is right, good, and loving as we walk our daily paths. We have a special opportunity for learning when together we open hearts and minds to new insight and understanding and respond to those who are in need of God’s grace and love. We truly experience spiritual formation. For in honoring the guest and stranger we welcome Christ himself. We are transformed and know what it means to be the Body of Christ. So, what changes in Christian education do we need to make as we seek to grow in understanding of our faith?

In Our Connection

An e-mail from my friend Cynthia reminded me how important it is that the local UMC church share the stories of our connectional ministries. She had heard of the four areas of focus for the UMC as named at the 2008 General Conference and was excited to know that we are involved in these matters. Over the next quadrennium, the church will seek to focus the work of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world around these areas of ministry:

• Combating the diseases of poverty by improving health globally.
• Engaging in ministry with the poor.
• Creating new places for new people and revitalizing existing congregations.
• Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world.

For further discussion see this UMNS commentary.

This week the Council of Bishops approved a pastoral letter asking church members to participate in the healing. This document, “God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action,” was started by the 2004 United Methodist General Conference. More than 5,400 United Methodists around the world have had input into the final document. “We cannot help the world until we change our way of being in it,” the bishops said in adopting the letter. The bishops recommend that this letter be read to congregations during the season of Advent.

If we understand that the Church exists to serve the world and that the congregations of the UMC connect with one another to effectively do so, we need to be more intentional about sharing connectional news and to be in conversation about it.

Whitefoot

Our grandchildren, Annaka and William, are both great first-grade readers and we are impressed by their proficiency. Parents, grandparents and other caring adults dutifully listen and praise them for their accomplishments. I know that our reading to them has been an important contributing factor to their learning to read and we have enjoyed doing this. However, I also know that reading experts urge us to continue this practice as it will further help develop our young readers’ skills. Vocabulary will be enhanced and imagination inspired as we carefully share good literature with them. Recently, I discovered such a book and can’t wait to share it with them.

Whitefoot is written by one of my favorite authors, Wendell Berry. Berry’s engaging prose takes both reader and listener on a fascinating journey with Whitefoot, a small mouse who lives at the edge of the woods. When the nearby river floods Whitefoot is carried into a strange new world and discovers that she can cope with the challenges - certainly a valuable life lesson. The portrait of this tenacious little mouse is not only drawn with well-crafted words, but also is enhanced by several pen and ink illustrations by Davis Te Selle. There is a lot within this small book for a young mind to ponder.

The Greatest Challenge

As a church professional I spend a lot of time studying and thinking about numbers, finances, programs and ministries. I want to help create a vital congregation that makes a difference to Myrtle Beach and the world beyond. My goal is always to nurture discipleship of Jesus Christ. And, I become frustrated and saddened when indifference and apathy seem to prevail. I become distracted about what is reality. It is not easy being a Christian. So, it was providential that I read the following written by Will Willimon: “Let us remind ourselves in worship this Sunday that our greatest challenge is that which it has always been – loving and serving a living, truthful God!" This is all that really matters, isn't it?

For Everything There is a Season

During the past few weeks the opening words of Ecclesiastes 3 have been part of my being as Ron and I made two trips to Ohio:

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what has been planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.”

Our first trip included spending time with my parents who now live in an assisted living facility. It certainly seemed strange to visit them at this new address, but we were most pleased with their improved state of health and pleasant room and to see them adjusting to this new lifestyle. It was with mixed emotions we joined other family members in dismantling the homestead, as we have known it. Tears, laughs and stories were shared as we divided heirlooms and treasures. We also visited my sister and brother in-law who were coping with his last days of a four-year struggle with colon cancer. What strength they both have exhibited during these years while teaching lessons about living into dying to us all. With heavy hearts we returned to South Carolina knowing we would soon be back in Ohio. But, the call came only a few days later and we made plans to join family and friends in celebrating John’s life.

Although the skies were often gray and misty during this second trip to Ohio, Ron and I saw rainbows several times along the way. The light that reflected through tears when acts of love and concern gave comfort and peace seemed to create them. As did carefully selected music and words that offered hope for the days to come. How Can I Keep from Singing still rings in my mind and heart when sadness returns.

During this season, I became deeply aware that it is family, friends and faith that give us the strength and love to continue the journey. It has become a time not only of self-discovery as I admit it difficult to face my own mortality, but also a time to make sure that my own legacy is shaped by the Micah’s admonition to:

Where is Emily?

Several years ago we had a manners class for 3rd-5th graders as part of our children’s ministry. It was our intent to augment and refine a child’s basic understanding of etiquette. Although it was a successful effort in many ways, we were amazed that we needed to teach many of them how to hold their eating utensils before we could talk about proper table manners. Apparently, this is not a prerequisite for fast food or current family dining. So, why does it come as a surprise that many of our families don’t understand what R.S.V.P. means?

Church event after event is planned that requires some indication as to whether the invited ones will be present. A response is requested by a certain date. After limited replies, we start calling the invitees to try to determine who might be planning to attend. In the meantime, a commitment to final plans for food etc. has to be made. I am not clairvoyant, but I often have to pretend that I have this special talent if we are to go forth with the activity. On Sunday, twenty-five third graders are to receive Bibles during the 8:30 worship service. This is to be followed by a brunch for the student and their parents and a time for discovering how one navigates through the Bible. I would think that this might be an important event in the life of a family. Although some have indicated that they will attend, many have been silent about their intent. Others have made other plans. It would seem that Emily Post needs to be required reading in many of our homes or do we need to submit to this cultural trend and order out when the group arrives?

Labor Day 2009

On this Labor Day weekend, I can’t help but think of those who labor during this time of economic uncertainty. The latest Labor Department reports an unemployment rate of 9.7 percent. We all know stories of those who are under-employed or have given up. The effects continue to ripple through our lives, personally and as a community. Many of us have to re-think our priorities and to make difficult choices as we try to stretch our resources. However, it is important to remember low-wage laborers who support a culture that still demands many services and to offer justice and compassion where needed.

From the blog of Cathleen Falsani:

"So many of the stories in the Bible revolve around labor and laborers. Field workers. Shepherds. Fishermen. Builders. Weavers. Farmers. Servants. As one Labor Sunday sermon on the United Church of Christ Web site reminded me, Jesus (as a carpenter) was himself a “low-wage worker.” In our society, workers such as child-care providers, custodians, farm workers, day laborers, sales clerks, and housekeepers typically make the lowest wages for the longest hours.

“One-quarter of all jobs in the U.S. pay poverty-level wages,” the UCC sermon says. “In addition, these jobs are more likely to require evening, night, weekend or rotating shifts. They are less likely to provide health insurance, a pension, or even paid sick leave. They are more likely to be filled by women and people of color — marginal jobs for the already marginalized. Just like Jesus.”

Keeping Sabbath

The beauty and rage of the ocean have long served as insightful metaphors for many of life’s experiences. Today, as I sat by the ocean and let the rhythms of the waves take away stress and sadness and bring in a state of serenity, my soul was renewed. Finding peace and understanding through God’s creation once again gave direction for the journey and served as a powerful reminder of the biblical instruction to keep Sabbath as a holy day of rest. Why do I keep breaking this commandment?

Wise Words

This is the season of organizing Bible studies and trying to convince folk that this just might be the time for them to participate. Some are afraid to admit their limited knowledge and others feel that that have already done sufficient Bible study. Sometimes it is the wisdom of those who have gone before that provide the best argument for making this commitment. Such are the words of Gregory the Great (540-604):

"Scripture is like a river, broad and deep, shallow enough here for the lamb to go wading, but deep enough there for the elephant to swim."

Social Media

A couple months ago I realized that I had better get on board with social media, especially as to how it might be important to my ministry and the church's ministry. I researched, reviewed and took the plunge. I am now on Facebook and Twitter as is First UMC. James Sturgeon is responsible for the latter and is doing a great job with keeping it current. Although social media has been great summertime fun, I still wonder about the significance of it all. Then, my son, Robert, sent me this video. Maybe we are doing the right thing as we seek new ways to effectively tell the story.


Just when thought I was catching up with the newest and the latest, my husband gives me a smart phone. Now I have a new challenge. Will keep you posted.

A Challenge

As a regular reader of Issac Bailey’s column in The Sun News, I knew that I wanted to read his new book, Proud. Black. Southern. (But I Still Don’t Eat Watermelon in Front of White People) as soon as I was aware of it. Finally, I did read it several weeks ago and have been thinking about it ever since. Much of this book is comprised of previously published columns, which reflect on his personal experiences of growing up in South Carolina. As one might assume, he reveals some of his struggles as an African-American in a culture that is often labeled as racist. What is interesting is that Bailey’s observations are not always predictable and I find myself thinking about some of my views about race, especially in the South. He reminds us of the complexity of race relations and for the need for us to be in dialog about it, not only in our homes, our schools, but in our churches as well. As regular readers of his column know, Bailey just doesn’t write about matters of race, but puts himself in the community to discuss and act upon them. This becomes a challenge to the rest of us as we order our lives.

First Stop Online?

At first I laughed when I read the NY Times report that folks are going online in the morning before coffee. Then I realized that I may be closer to this than I would have ever imagined a few years ago. Slowly, I have found myself needing to read e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, and blogs more frequently. Ron and I each have a computer and an iPhone. Although I could give several almost legitimate reasons for this, I do wonder if this is the best use of my time, But, be assured that coffee still comes first. When that changes I will know that I am trouble. But, the idea about texting Ron to get his attention might have merit.

In Defense of Food

Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, has written another book about the food we eat that will definitely linger in the mind of the reader, especially when one reaches for processed food. In Defense of Food is an account of the evolution and ramifications of the Western diet, which encourages one to return to the real, well-grown and unprocessed food for healthy eating. As Pollan says, ”Don’t get your fuel from the same place your car does.” By reporting how our culture has been immersed in “nutritionism” for the past thirty years and has become progressively sicker and fatter, he makes a good case for his basic conclusion- “eat food, not too much, mostly plants”.

Pollan further states that the habits that surround our eating seem to be very important to the health benefits of food. Eat meals and do so at the table instead of devouring snacks on the go. Eat slowly and not alone. The act of cooking is more than a task; it is a ritual that claims healthy eating as a way of life. Michael Pollan’s books have certainly influenced the choices we are making in our food consumption and I encourage others to consider his compelling case for good eating.

Zoe Ministry

Currently, three First Church members are in Kenya as missioners with Zoe Ministry. Internet has allowed some of us to feel a special connection with them as they have this extraordinary experience. I share some of their thoughts and encourage you to keep them in your prayers as they continue sharing God’s love in Africa.

Some reports from Jean Clemmons:
"…We visited the Maua Methodist Hospital today. The most depressing thing I have ever seen...though they are so proud to have the hospital. The nursery for the premature babies was just deplorable. Had homemade incubators that looked like what mamma and daddy used to hatch biddys. A box with a glass in door and an electric light underneath the the base to give warmth. I talked to a girl (I don't believe she was over 13) who just gave birth to a baby girl ...she was outside with blood on her clothes looking into the window of the nursery.We also toured the lab and patient areas. Had an area especially for treatment for HIV/Aids patients of which they have many. The conditions here are worse than I had ever imagined."

"…This morning we all had a mountain top experience with "Moses". He is a young boy (20 years of age) in the ZOE Ministry who has been in the program 1 year. He touched us all with him ambition and hard work. With the help of ZOE training getting him started with farming, he has a beautiful crop of kale, maize, 2,000 tomato plants, coffee bean trees, and a tea plantation. He sells his crops and re-invest into his farm to increase productivity. He supports and sends 2 siblings to school, and also shares his produce with neighbors who have less."

"…We built a house yesterday and today for an orphan with 5 siblings. She presently is living in a 8x6 hut built with branches and cardboard. One sibling sleeps with her. The others go to different neighbors houses to sleep. I get emotional everytime I look at what sweet little "Faith" (the 17 year old) is presently living in. It is horrible. We will have the dedication for the two houses ( 24ft. x 24ft. 2 bedroom) our team has built on Friday. When we arrived at the site this morning...Faith had done some landscaping after we left yesterday using rocks for borders."

Shannon Hussey says: "...This has been the most wonderful blessing God has given me. I don't plan to simply make a scrapbook of "my tour of misery." See you soon!"

Our friends are part of a larger mission team and one of its members has created a blog to record some of their experiences and reflections. This is well worth reading.

All of this, plus a long-standing interest in Africa and a challenge from Shannon, has left me wondering about what it is that I need to be doing to reach out to my brothers and sisters in this part of the world. In God's time, I will know.