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.