Women in Ministry

The greatest joy of ministry is being able to share the news of Easter and yesterday, once again, women were part of telling this story.

Leaders Need Easter

Dan Dick shares a powerful Easter message in his blog. I encourage you to read it all.

"As Christian leaders, we NEED Easter. We need it because it reminds us of who we absolutely must be as clergy and laity guides in the Christian faith. It reminds us that we are entrusted with three (at least…) impossible tasks, made possible by the Lord and Savior we follow. These three irrefutable, unimaginable, and seemingly impossible tasks are:
love sinners
lead change
create a counter-culture"

more...

A Twist and Turn

The Board of Trustees of Spartanburg Methodist College has been searching for a new president and on Tuesday we were summoned to the college to make the final decision amid discussion that it wasn’t appropriate for us to meet during Holy Week. However, it did provide an interesting time of reflection on many fronts. Wisteria, azaleas, dogwood and other signs of spring along the way offered inspiration for new possibilities not only for me, but also for SMC. In the life of the church, Holy Week can be very demanding. This day away seemed like a gift and a way to focus on the way to Easter.

The Presidential Search Committee reviewed the process and named their selection of Dr. Colleen Perry Keith. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved this choice and look forward to Dr. Keith’s leadership. Her appointment is significant as she will be the first woman president of this institution and her main charge is fundraising. It will be a new day at SMC, one for which Dr. Keith seems to be well prepared. I am excited about the possibilities that are before us.

Spartanburg Methodist Campus

A Charleston Visit

“Charleston – where history lives,” an advertisement line that captures what Ron and I enjoy about this centuries old city and calls us to make periodic visits. Although cloudy and rainy, we ventured forth last Saturday for a Charleston experience. As usual, we walked the streets of The Battery area, peaked through the wrought iron garden gates, checked out unique shops on King St, read historic markers and looked for treasures at The Market. Of course, picking a place to eat was the biggest decision of the day. Fleet Landing was the winner and we enjoyed its waterfront views and well-prepared seafood. All of this is to explain the new banner on my blog.

However, the biggest treat of the day was a visit with Ms. Nell, a former resident of Myrtle Beach who now lives with family on Johns Island. As always, our conversation was stimulating and included many subjects. We looked over the marsh, watched a variety of birds come to the feeders, and admired her lovely new home. Her grace and smile offer joy and hope to all who know her. Thanks, Ms. Nell.

Grandma Jean

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged” (Proverbs 17:6) Recently, Ron and I enjoyed having our four-year-old grandson, Jack, visit us for a few days. As one might imagine, we had a great time creating good memories for the future. Of course, Ron’s photo blog records much of what we did. However, this picture is one of my favorites and a reminder of my responsibility to be a spiritual guide to Jack, our other grandchildren and all children.

In Psalms 71:17-18 we read:
“O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds,
So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
Until I proclaim your might
To all the generations to come”

This is not only our challenge as grandparents, but our sacred responsibility.

A Visit With Norm

What a nice discovery to find that Norm Jones has a blog! Norm was our first Duke Intern five years ago. As with each one since then, we like staying in contact and learning about their ministries. His blog gives us insight into what it is like to be the pastor of a four-point charge and to where his heart is. It is good to know that we have been a part of his journey.

Breaking News!

Few things mandate two blogs in one day, but I just discovered that my favorite political cartoonist, Robert Ariail, is leaving THE STATE. Apparently, he and Brad Warthen, the editorial page editor, are casualities of the economic woes of newspapers. Although, he will still be nationally syndicated, I will miss his insight of local politics. Read Brad Warthen's words about Ariail. This is certainly one change that is difficult to accept. I will be adding his new website to my favorites and suggest that you do, also.

Faithful Parents

In a recent effort to eliminate some of the clutter in my office, I have been reviewing, reorganizing and recycling (throwing or giving away) books, files and projects. Of course, it is hard to part with some things, so it is a slow process that involves a lot of remembering of past days. I have discovered a number of family ministry items that seem to be timeless. Finding ways to remind parents of their contribution to their child's faith development has always been a personal commitment of mine. The following talking points were in a presentation that I did once upon a time about what every child needs to grow in their faith:

-Parents who are comfortable with their faith, ones who read the Bible, pray with their children and use God language.

-Parents who help children make connections between faith and life.

-Participate as a family in the life of a congregation and honor sabbath.

-Have opportunities for faith-building experiences with other adults.

-Have time and space to ask questions about the mystery of God.

-Have opportunities to express themselves in music, art and word.

-Experience wonders of God's Creation.

-Have books to read and read to them.

-Know time, patience and love from those who surround them.

When these needs are met, a legacy of faith is passed on to the next generation. I know this because I had faithful parents.

St Patrick's Day

St, Patrick’s Day evokes memories not only of my Irish ancestry, but also of a wonderful visit to Ireland in 1997. While reminiscing about this trip, I discovered the photo of me wandering through the cemetery at the Rock of Cashel that makes another reflective banner for this blog. Just as my great-grandparents traveled the narrow roads bordered by stone walls and green pastures to find their way to a new life, we, too, were on a journey of discovery. Fascinated by the culture, we explored cities to countryside to learn about a people who have contributed so much to the building of America. The deep and rich perspective of Celtic spirituality has become part of our listening to God as a result this experience and we continue to find God’s grace in the everyday images of humanity and creation expressed in Celtic writings.

This well-known prayer, modeled on the Breastplate hymn of St. Patrick, celebrates Christ in all things.

The Three who are over me,
The Three who are below me,
The Three who are above me here,
The Three who are above me yonder;
The Three who are in earth,
The Three who are in air,
The Three who are in heaven,
The Three who are in the great pouring sea

Lots to think about and celebrate today!

Walking thru Lent

Currently, I am meeting regularly with a person who is in a discernment process before seeking ordination in the Episcopal Church as a deacon. I am not exactly sure how my involvement with this came to be, but what a good experience it is for walking the Lenten path of the Cross. As this is not a set process, we rely on the Spirit to work in and through us. Gary decided to read the Book of Acts during Lent and I was prodded to do this, also. However, we agreed to do this in the manner of lectio divina as outlined in a previous blog. Reading the familiar words in this way is certainly opening our hearts and minds to new possibilities and understandings about what it means to be a deacon. In our world of despair, there is an enormous need for those who know the heart of God to reach out to care, to love, to heal and to offer hope. The promise of the Holy Spirit gives us assurance of being the faithful witnesses that we are called to be. In Acts the repeated links between prayer and the Holy Spirit known in a community of believers, help us accept the challenge of surrendering our lives to the ministry of the diaconate.

This holy season of Lent is passing quickly. I entered into it with dread as I was afraid to intentionally face some of things which seemed to be polluting my soul. Helping Gary find his way has forced me to listen to God and given me a new depth of understanding of my own call to ministry. I find myself at a place that will allow me to more fully enter into the mystery of the passion of Jesus and accept the way of the cross in my own life as Easter approaches. Thanks be to God!

The Take-Away

I am not sure where it began, but during the last year or so the phrase “the take-away” has become an increasingly popular one. Teaching/learning sessions frequently conclude with it and now a daily news program on our local NPR station has it as a title. This leads me to wonder if we shouldn’t ask ourselves about the take-away not only as we preach or teach, but also when we order the life of the church as our efforts to appease various points of view can often leave others wondering what the Gospel message might be.

What’s the take-away when

-we preach matters of stewardship, but fail to consider how we take care of God’screation?
-we teach that Jesus loves all the children, but we do not support measures for adequate education and health care for children within our own state?
-we ask members to be faithful disciples by assuming church leadership roles, then we fail to use their gifts?

During this season of examination, confession and repentance, perhaps we need to daily reflect upon what the take-away has been by those we have encountered in our work and play. Are we living in right relationship with God and others? Are we serving as witnesses to the saving grace of Christ? This kind of preparation might lead us to an authentic celebration of Easter. The take-away is my focus for Lent. What’s yours?

Wesley Study Bible

I have been reading the promos for the Wesley Study Bible for several months, but it was only when I began to read some very positive reviews of it that I decided to buy one. I am not disappointed. This NRSV Bible gives understanding of the Wesleyan faith through text notes that reference the writings of John Wesley and sidebars by Wesley theologians that focus on key terms, like Prevenient Grace, Works of Piety and Sacraments. A third group of notes give insight into faithful discipleship in the Wesleyan tradition. This Bible was edited by Dr. Joel B. Green and Bishop William H. Willimon and published by Abington Press. It would seem to be a wonderful resource for those who lead Bible studies and want to make sure that they are conversant with Wesleyan terms and theology that define Methodism. In fact, I encourage anyone to purchase this Bible and refer readers to Cokesbury for details about it. Please note that the special introductory price of $24.95 is available only until February 28.

This week Larry Hollen has a good review of the Wesley Study Bible on his blog and Bishop Willimon has some interesting thoughts about it on his blog, also. I look forward to using this Bible in the days ahead, especially as I explore the Lenten texts.

Youth Ministry

For ten years, First UMC has had a faithful and dedicated youth director. Then, he was gone. His tenure far exceeded the eighteen months that youth directors usually serve and was ready for a change of focus. We wish him well as he begins his new ministry with children and adults in another church. So we are in the process of finding a replacement. All of this leaves me wondering what should youth ministry in 2009 look like?

First, I applaud the efforts of those who are thoughtfully and prayerfully considering the answer to this question for few things are more hot button within congregations than youth ministry. Everyone has an opinion and it is usually accompanied with quite a bit of emotion. In the past, good youth ministry was primarily programs, events and other gatherings. However, we are told that youth no longer want a cruise director; they want to do things that make a difference like service projects and mission trips. We are realizing that the relationships and role models have the greatest influence on the lives of our youth. Yet, adults seem to have difficulty moving beyond the memories of their own experience and want youth programs to mirror what was important to them. The challenge of bringing these threads of the discussion together seems insurmountable some days. We have a job description that includes everything but walk on water and expectations that are probably not realistic. How do we reconcile the wants and the needs for effective youth ministry? Perhaps, we should listen more closely to what our youth are saying about what they need as they seek spiritual direction and ask only one question of our youth director candidates. Will he/she show our youth Jesus Christ?

Newspapers Then and Now

The conversation continues about the future of newspapers and what this means to our society. This NY Times editorial reminds us of the influence of the newspaper in the past and what their demise might mean. Although I think the writer cites some compelling evidence of the importance of newspapers, I wonder if we already have passed the point of no return for the daily newspaper because of what it is. Most are a part of large media corporations with little investigative reporting or independent thought. Local human interest news often covers the front page and news of real consequence is hard to find. Probably the more significant issue is that of preserving a free press, one that is the voice of, for and by the people. We also need to be concerned about how we synthesize the vast amount of information that is available to us electronically and discern what we do with it. I feel that this is a discussion that should also extend to what we read or hear as church news. However, this is a matter for another day.

FYI – I am still not ready to give up the Sun-News and a cup of coffee each morning. However, I read several newspapers and news sources on-line, also.

A Long Way Gone

In the bestselling book, A Long Way Gone, Ishmael Beah tells about being part of the bloody civil war in his home country of Sierra Leone. A the age of twelve he and several other boys were forced to run for their lives as rebels destroyed the nation. Eventually, he found himself in a village controlled by the national army where he was compelled to join their cause and for over two years he fought for this army, killing and torturing while in a drug-induced haze. It becomes almost too painful to read of whom he was becoming. Suddenly, he is delivered to UNICEF for rehabilitation in Freetown. and the slow journey to recovery begins. Though he was “a long way gone,” the slow journey to healthy self-understanding begins. Although we read some about this time and are in awe of those individuals who are key to his redemption, there remain a lot of elements untold. Beah is still a young man and I would suspect that recovery is an unending story for him. This insight into the lives of many young children caught in the crossfire of political agendas and forced to become soldiers is eye-opening and begs us to be peacemakers. I recommend adding it to your reading list.

Forty-two Years Ago

It is hard to believe that 42years ago today Ron and I were married in the Jeffersonville Methodist Church (a UMC after the 1968 merger) in my Ohio hometown. My mother made my gown; my sister was my only attendant and the wedding created no debts. We said our vows amid family and friends, cut the cake in the fellowship hall in the church basement and left for a brief honeymoon in Lexington, KY. Two sons, two daughter-in-laws, and four grandchildren later we have lots of rich memories of a variety of experiences that have cemented those marital promises. Of course, there have been moments of tension and stress, but somehow we have honored our vows and continue to enjoy traveling life’s journey together. May this be a valuable legacy to our children and grandchildren.

Dan Dick's New Blog

Dan Dick, whose position at the General Board of Discipleship was recently eliminated, is writing a new blog. I understand the need for staff cutbacks during these times, but it would seem that we will miss the important kind of insight that his research provided as we try to respond to the world around us So, I am glad that we can continue to read some of Dan's thoughts such as the this post, “What We’re Not Is As Important As Who We Are.” Through three stories he examines the possibilities that the institutional church excludes instead of welcomes those who are truly seeking spiritual growth. It certainly reminds us to take note of those who are not in our pews and just maybe to do something about it.

A Day of New Beginnings

The psalmist tells us, “This the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” No matter where one’s political heart rests, today is an exciting day for us all. We are part of a democracy that perpetuates itself by the actions of responsible citizens who vote and allow for the transition of leadership to be orderly. Only history will reveal whether the inauguration of Barack Obama has been a defining moment in the life of this country. But one thing is clear, it will only be realized if we each do those things that are needed to build a healthier nation. Let our counsel be our faith as known through Jesus Christ.

These wonderful words of this hymn by Brian Wren (music by Carlton R. Young) come to mind as I try to capture the meaning of this day –

This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that’s gone.

Christ is alive, and goes before us to show and share what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new.

News Media Changes

Like many people, I vacillate between embracing change and holding on to the past. One of the greatest examples of this would be how I receive the news. An unbreakable habit seems to be beginning each day with a newspaper (and coffee). Why? Maybe it is just a habit, but I think it is part of an important personal ritual that allows me to know what is happening in the world. The change is that a local newspaper no longer allows much insight into world news or even state news. However, it does allow me to learn how the people of Myrtle Beach are responding to the events and happenings beyond the waterway. Because, a local newspaper reveals so much about a community through its stories, editorial comments and advertisements, its slow demise is painful. Local radio and television stations daily news coverage only offers us the same handful of stories over and over again.

Television’s power to cast an indelible image certainly influences our thought processes and often inspires individual action and commitment. However, the growing tendency for producers to televise stories with very graphic detail has become and should be a parenting issue. Our children need to be aware of news happenings, but only at their level of understanding.

ETV Radio and NPR continue to be great sources for insight into and discussion of current South Carolina and national news stories. Funding struggles often bring changes to personnel and content and I have to adjust.

One aspect of the transition of news coverage of the world that I am enjoying is on-line news. From major newspapers to blog reports, I am gleaning a wide scope of information any hour of the day and almost wherever I happen to be. The overwhelming amount of news available in this way can be mind-boggling.

As a news junkie, I have also read Newsweek since a teenager and know that the words and pictures within have been important to my understanding of my place in the world. I have noticed that it no longer seems to cover a variety of stories, but focuses on a topic. A Washington Post article explains the change that news magazines are undergoing. It will be interesting to see their place develop as a source of cultural reflection and shaping. For the time being, I will continue to renew my subscription.

Karl Barth, a great Christian theologian of the Twentieth Century, often referenced the importance of reading the newspaper in one hand the Bible in the other hand. Although a Blackberry may replace the newspaper, it would seem that this directive continues to be important as we live into faithful discipleship. In many ways, Paul’s letters were news accounts (although biased) of what was happening in the world and helped the early Christians to respond.

As citizens of a democracy we know freedom of the press. In these most important days for our country, it is our responsibility to make sure that we maintain this constitutional right. It would seem to insure this, we need to keep being discerning consumers of all forms of news media.

Warm Thoughts

The weather might be leaving many of us chilled, but our hearts are being warmed by some of the current news stories. The “miracle on the Hudson” has allowed us to believe in what seems unbelievable and has reminded us in so many ways of whom we need to be. We are also being captivated by the stories that are surrounding the upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama as our president. Political preferences aside, this historic moment is one that fulfills the vision of our democracy, a government for and by all the people. In the midst of these stories, we also remember an important voice that has helped lead us to this place in our history, Martin Luther King, Jr. For a number of years, United Methodist Bishop Woodie White has written a birthday letter to Martin as reflection on racial equality. Of course, this year’s letter is about Barack Obama. The weather may be cold, but warm thoughts are allowing many of us to let new ideas grow in our minds and hearts for the days ahead. Praise the Lord!