The original plan was for us to be in Erie this weekend. That left me with no place on my list to attend today. Thought maybe it would be a good time to see what's on the television. Couldn't find anything on at 9am or later on the lower channels, so I left the news on. After doing some chores and making tea, I decided I didn't want the news and checked the upper channels. Oops, the show I wanted was on at 9am but on Lifetime! So I got out the computer and looked up Joel Osteen and found that he livestreamed an upload every week at 8:30am. I clicked on the one dated today.
I haven't check up on Joel in almost ten years, but his message has not changed. He is still a prosperity gospel motivational speaker with only one message. Since the message was the same and there would be no surprises, I decided to listen for other information trying again to find the appeal of his message.
A little more about the actual message first, though. Since it is the final Sunday before Christmas I thought maybe there would be something about the birth of Jesus. I was disappointed. He focused on Jesus sending the disciples to follow the man to the upper room where the room had already been set up for the Passover meal. He told the story of the colt that was ready and waiting for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem, mentioning that this was to fulfill Isaiah. He talked about David already being selected for annointing as king, even though Jesse and Samuel did not realize it was the youngest son who should have been presented. He even talked about Joseph and how the caravan was in the right place at the right time to take Joseph into Egypt.
He included contemporary stories about them getting the stadium for their church, his mother getting a swimming pool in the backyard, and a car being pulled from a bridge by one of only three forklifts in existence that could do the job.
He kept repeating the mantra....what God has for you no one else can take from you. As I listened to his list of what these things were, I realized who is audience is. It seems that Joel is preaching to white collar, upper level, men. Oh, he occasionally throws in a woman like the one who was in the right place to invite them to hold a service at the new Yankee stadium, but listen to what he kept saying that God was holding just for you.
God has your contract, your promotion, your girlfriend, your house just waiting for the right time to present them to you. Yep, he kept talking about contracts and promotions. He kept talking about prosperity in terms of upward mobility. He didn't talk about personal growth. It was all about stuff...and girlfriends!
Well, that was church for today. Hoping to get my mom to attend Christmas Eve at the hometown church, not sure what is on the schedule for next Sunday. We'll have turned the corner and will be heading into the second six months of this sabbath journey.
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Final Ministerial Visit
Today was the day that I had saved for my mentor, lectionary colleague, etc. The first thing I found out was this church somehow did not have any information listed on the find-a-church link. The facebook page did not list a worship time. And surprisingly there was no advertisement regarding the children's Christmas program that was happening this week.
I drove by the church on my way to town on Saturday and according to the sign worship was at 11:00am. I had assumed as much since the pastor has a second church on her Sunday morning schedule.
There was nothing different or exciting about today's worship. It was the standard third Sunday of Advent hymns and the children sang songs between readings. The choir did an anthem. The pastor made announcements and helped with the flow of worship.
Afterwards there was a time of fellowship.
I was on my way to finish Christmas shopping so I did not stay for fellowship.
I drove by the church on my way to town on Saturday and according to the sign worship was at 11:00am. I had assumed as much since the pastor has a second church on her Sunday morning schedule.
There was nothing different or exciting about today's worship. It was the standard third Sunday of Advent hymns and the children sang songs between readings. The choir did an anthem. The pastor made announcements and helped with the flow of worship.
Afterwards there was a time of fellowship.
I was on my way to finish Christmas shopping so I did not stay for fellowship.
Sunday, December 8, 2019
A little far, but threw in some shopping
This week I went to the church a former CPE classmate is appointed to. She is a deacon, but is an associate pastor. She was not in attendance and I did not ask about her. I didn't actually talk to anyone at this church.
When I arrived the choir was rehearsing in the sanctuary. As they left the chancel area in order to process with the acolyte, I noted a man at the end of the group. Then I noted he had quite long hair. I thought "Wow, an old hippie not giving up his hair" Then I noted the hair clip and the lipstick. As my eyes traveled down his choir robe, I noted he was wearing hose and three inch pumps. My second though was, "Well, this is only the second time I've been in a UMC and saw a transvestite participating in worship".
After that, the service was very traditional. There were unison readings and an opening prayer followed by the Lord's Prayer. Intercessory prayer came later. The message was based around Advent and the Isaiah passage of hope in the midst of turmoil.
The children's message is also worthy of note because of the sweet four year old. The message began with a question about trees and then about stumps. She responded by lifting up her foot and saying "stump your toe"! When it was clarified that he meant tree stumps, she lifted her hand to her face and said "just kidding".
When I arrived the choir was rehearsing in the sanctuary. As they left the chancel area in order to process with the acolyte, I noted a man at the end of the group. Then I noted he had quite long hair. I thought "Wow, an old hippie not giving up his hair" Then I noted the hair clip and the lipstick. As my eyes traveled down his choir robe, I noted he was wearing hose and three inch pumps. My second though was, "Well, this is only the second time I've been in a UMC and saw a transvestite participating in worship".
After that, the service was very traditional. There were unison readings and an opening prayer followed by the Lord's Prayer. Intercessory prayer came later. The message was based around Advent and the Isaiah passage of hope in the midst of turmoil.
The children's message is also worthy of note because of the sweet four year old. The message began with a question about trees and then about stumps. She responded by lifting up her foot and saying "stump your toe"! When it was clarified that he meant tree stumps, she lifted her hand to her face and said "just kidding".
Cancellations
The weather forecast was not good this weekend. Several Baptist churches cancelled their services. I was waiting to see if the church I was preaching at was going to close. Nope.
When I arrived the church parking lot was starting to ice. I decided to not chance the slight slope of the drive way and entered through the back. Once I made my way into the church, I realized the person I had seen walking down the sidewalk had entered through the front. She was sharing that the Baptist church she normally attended had cancelled all services including their online offering and the Baptist church across the street wouldn't have worship for another hour, so she decided to check us out. As worship started I realized the pianist from a neighboring Baptist church had joined her grandmother in her pew and the mother of the session leader was also in attendance though she has attended a neighboring church for thirty years.
I had the opportunity as I talked about Advent and the path we are on as we await the second coming to restate my affinity with this congregation that I had tried to share last time I was here. I shared again that I felt I was on a similar journey trying to discern my future and be faithful to where God was leading me as the congregation.
During prayer time, I prayed for the requests and then thanked the Lord for all the new faces in the congregation, thankful that we could be there for them during the weather event, thankful to be sharing worship with them. A church member came up to me after worship to share that she was a member of that congregation and had been her entire life and didn't understand the reference to the new faces! Oops. I immediately pointed out the woman who had attended for the first time because her church was closed, the granddaughter who was here because her church was closed, and the mother who was there to visit. She stepped back her complaint, thankfully.
After refreshments, as the congregation hung the greens, I sat and talked to two gentlemen about grief during the holidays. One had lost his wife a year ago (I had done her funeral along with his mothers two years earlier) and the other had recently lost his father whom he had been caregiver for. It was a very nice conversation and I left feeling uplifted.
I'll be back next month with a new message and hopefully without any verbal missteps!!
When I arrived the church parking lot was starting to ice. I decided to not chance the slight slope of the drive way and entered through the back. Once I made my way into the church, I realized the person I had seen walking down the sidewalk had entered through the front. She was sharing that the Baptist church she normally attended had cancelled all services including their online offering and the Baptist church across the street wouldn't have worship for another hour, so she decided to check us out. As worship started I realized the pianist from a neighboring Baptist church had joined her grandmother in her pew and the mother of the session leader was also in attendance though she has attended a neighboring church for thirty years.
I had the opportunity as I talked about Advent and the path we are on as we await the second coming to restate my affinity with this congregation that I had tried to share last time I was here. I shared again that I felt I was on a similar journey trying to discern my future and be faithful to where God was leading me as the congregation.
During prayer time, I prayed for the requests and then thanked the Lord for all the new faces in the congregation, thankful that we could be there for them during the weather event, thankful to be sharing worship with them. A church member came up to me after worship to share that she was a member of that congregation and had been her entire life and didn't understand the reference to the new faces! Oops. I immediately pointed out the woman who had attended for the first time because her church was closed, the granddaughter who was here because her church was closed, and the mother who was there to visit. She stepped back her complaint, thankfully.
After refreshments, as the congregation hung the greens, I sat and talked to two gentlemen about grief during the holidays. One had lost his wife a year ago (I had done her funeral along with his mothers two years earlier) and the other had recently lost his father whom he had been caregiver for. It was a very nice conversation and I left feeling uplifted.
I'll be back next month with a new message and hopefully without any verbal missteps!!
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Closest UMC
Wasn't sure where I was going to worship this week. Hadn't planned ahead and wasn't really feeling a pull to any place in particular. Decided it might be the week to go to the closest UMC to the apartment.
I arrived just as the prelude was playing. The church begins worship with announcements and prayer concerns followed by intercessory prayer. They then "pray for the nation". It was then that I noticed the American flag and the Christian flag were in the wrong locations in the sanctuary. As the lector came forward, I realized that the pulpit and the lectern were also backwards!
The message itself was well crafted. The most interesting thing though wasn't the words, but the optics. There were twins, about fourteen months, moving around the sanctuary. Just after the pastor shared that he had to unfriend his son on facebook this week due to the tenor of his posts, the toddling twin made his way to the chancel area and the pastor, telling the mom it was okay, picked up the boy and continued to preach.
The pastor, holding a young boy, talked about his estrangement from his son.
His message contained the Lord unchoosing Saul as king of Israel due to poor choices and Solomon loosing the kingdom due to his poor choices. All while holding the hope of a better future in his arms.
Lots to ponder.
I arrived just as the prelude was playing. The church begins worship with announcements and prayer concerns followed by intercessory prayer. They then "pray for the nation". It was then that I noticed the American flag and the Christian flag were in the wrong locations in the sanctuary. As the lector came forward, I realized that the pulpit and the lectern were also backwards!
The message itself was well crafted. The most interesting thing though wasn't the words, but the optics. There were twins, about fourteen months, moving around the sanctuary. Just after the pastor shared that he had to unfriend his son on facebook this week due to the tenor of his posts, the toddling twin made his way to the chancel area and the pastor, telling the mom it was okay, picked up the boy and continued to preach.
The pastor, holding a young boy, talked about his estrangement from his son.
His message contained the Lord unchoosing Saul as king of Israel due to poor choices and Solomon loosing the kingdom due to his poor choices. All while holding the hope of a better future in his arms.
Lots to ponder.
Second Pulpit Supply
This week, I just couldn't focus on sermon prep. I finally pulled up my go to resources and cut and pasted the three sermon helps into a coherent whole that I could preach.
It went over well. I was able to lend my "voice" to the narrative and it was well accepted by the congregation.
I did, however, choose to share about my accepting the request to be a regular in the pulpit supply chain. As I explained how I felt an affinity to this congregation and their struggle over the last year and the decisions that need to be made for their future and how those struggles parallel my own, somehow a few in the congregation got the impression that I was contemplating accepting a call to be their next pastor! Thankfully, they openly voiced their confusion and I was able to set the record straight.
Will be preaching here again in two weeks. Kicking off Advent for them on a very busy holiday weekend of my own.
It went over well. I was able to lend my "voice" to the narrative and it was well accepted by the congregation.
I did, however, choose to share about my accepting the request to be a regular in the pulpit supply chain. As I explained how I felt an affinity to this congregation and their struggle over the last year and the decisions that need to be made for their future and how those struggles parallel my own, somehow a few in the congregation got the impression that I was contemplating accepting a call to be their next pastor! Thankfully, they openly voiced their confusion and I was able to set the record straight.
Will be preaching here again in two weeks. Kicking off Advent for them on a very busy holiday weekend of my own.
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Another Colleague
Today I wrapped up my ministerial colleagues, except for the one I am leaving for Advent.
The church has an average attendance of 20 and there were about that in worship. The service began with a reading of the announcements. Three whole bulletin pages of them! Plus two that didn't make it into the bulletin.
We sang out of the UM Hymnal and "that dreaded Faith We Sing". Which is funny, because the chosen song was a hymn not contemporary music. All music was played on an organ, but only the main notes were played and it was still hard to follow. The woman behind me did not have a singing voice and often sang wrong words. She may have been distracted by her grandson. After worship, the woman in front of me commented on my "nice singing voice".
The pastor filled in for the children's message. She noted that she did not normally do the children's message and had just found out the regular was sick today. She was very uncomfortable with her lack of preparation and did not keep the children's attention after allowing the young boy to retell last week's message.
Her sermon was very well crafted. She began with an explanation of lectionary texts and a discussion of the Pharisees and Sadducees relating to the writings of Josephus. The message was based on Luke and the question of who will we spend our time in heaven with.
I had only heard this pastor preach once before in an ecumenical service and quite enjoyed her message today. It is not my intention to repeat churches as there are so many churches to explore, but I would recommend this pastor's messages.
The church has an average attendance of 20 and there were about that in worship. The service began with a reading of the announcements. Three whole bulletin pages of them! Plus two that didn't make it into the bulletin.
We sang out of the UM Hymnal and "that dreaded Faith We Sing". Which is funny, because the chosen song was a hymn not contemporary music. All music was played on an organ, but only the main notes were played and it was still hard to follow. The woman behind me did not have a singing voice and often sang wrong words. She may have been distracted by her grandson. After worship, the woman in front of me commented on my "nice singing voice".
The pastor filled in for the children's message. She noted that she did not normally do the children's message and had just found out the regular was sick today. She was very uncomfortable with her lack of preparation and did not keep the children's attention after allowing the young boy to retell last week's message.
Her sermon was very well crafted. She began with an explanation of lectionary texts and a discussion of the Pharisees and Sadducees relating to the writings of Josephus. The message was based on Luke and the question of who will we spend our time in heaven with.
I had only heard this pastor preach once before in an ecumenical service and quite enjoyed her message today. It is not my intention to repeat churches as there are so many churches to explore, but I would recommend this pastor's messages.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
A little more,,,
I have focused on my weekly worship experienced, this post will be on some of the ways I am earning extra income during this sabbatical year.
I have noted that I am preaching one Sunday per month. The stipend for this is quite generous and includes mileage. I hope to continue to offer a message to this congregation for the balance of the year.
I got a call to do a funeral for a family when their mother died. They had asked me to do their father's funeral during my first few months here though they had no direct connection to the church. Mom and Dad had been married at the church parsonage, but I'm not sure they had ever really attended. The funny thing was, as I reviewed the service I did for Dad, I remember vividly meeting with this family and the conversation that ensued. Since the family does not have a lot of resources, the stipend was on the low side. Not complaining, just noting. It was a joy to catch up with this family.
I did write about the Sunday that I was at Fall Fest trying to sell hats. It was a complete disaster. I spent $110 on the space. Plus I bought two heads for display. Plus the money spent on the special yarns to supplement the boxes of yarn I still had from the yard sales in Bradford County. One hat was all I sold over the two days. $20 of which $5 I gave to Jack to buy chili. I still have totes full of hats. It was suggested that I contact Binghamton General as they may have a program where all new borns go home with a hat and they may be interested in buying the hats. I have not made that phone call as of yet.
The Fall Fest was supposed to be a one time only venture. However, since it was such a disaster, I decided that I would try again with a local bazaar. I am sending off my $12 table fee and praying that I manage to sell some hats at the VFW venue. I'm toying with having a single $15 price on all the hats rather than $15 on the medium and $20 for the large. Nothing lead me to believe my pricing was off at the ski resort, but maybe the thought of getting a discount will spur a purchase.
I did do some transcribing during August. I am still in the probationary stage and may not actually get hired by the company. It seems there are some reviewers who enjoy giving low scores. One day I transcribed two very similar videos from the same company for the same product. One review gave me a 2 while the other reviewer gave me a 5. How do you fight that?
This week, I returned to my former municipality to continue as Judge of Elections. It's a very long day, but the pay is actually better than my substitute teaching. I also attended the training and received the remuneration for that time also.
My main supplemental income comes from the substitute teaching. I am only substituting in the local school district. I have signed up for some of the music rooms. I did not enjoy them as I mostly wrangled the kids for the entire class period with no attempt at teaching. The high school isn't really much better. I end up sitting watching the kids not doing the worksheet that is provided for the day. Elementary is another matter altogether. I have stuck with the fourth and fifth grade classes and actually get to teach. They do block teaching so I teach the same lesson four times each day with two shorter special classes. I also do lunch or recess duty on elementary days. I will continue to target the elementary classes, but will take jobs in the high school on weeks that I need another day. I have asked to not be 'on call' though I did get a call to help on a day that four high school teachers were not filled.
As my reserve dwindles, I just praise God for allowing me to have a bank to fall back on during this sabbatical. Also, we submitted the paperwork for the lunch program at school and because of my level of income were able to get free lunches at school. The paperwork was also cross filed with the county and through that we are receiving food stamps and insurance. Since we had planned to be without insurance this year, a gamble that may or may not have worked out, it was another God thing that we rejoiced over. We are also supplementing with food distribution at the school. The local food bank has been getting regular donations of produce. I never seem to pick up fruits and veggies so its a nice surprise each month to see what is sent up for the families. Just like each week experiencing a new and different worship experience, this foray into the democratic side of life is a growing experience that I expect to benefit from in my next pastorate.
If any other sources of income present themselves, I will post about them.
I have noted that I am preaching one Sunday per month. The stipend for this is quite generous and includes mileage. I hope to continue to offer a message to this congregation for the balance of the year.
I got a call to do a funeral for a family when their mother died. They had asked me to do their father's funeral during my first few months here though they had no direct connection to the church. Mom and Dad had been married at the church parsonage, but I'm not sure they had ever really attended. The funny thing was, as I reviewed the service I did for Dad, I remember vividly meeting with this family and the conversation that ensued. Since the family does not have a lot of resources, the stipend was on the low side. Not complaining, just noting. It was a joy to catch up with this family.
I did write about the Sunday that I was at Fall Fest trying to sell hats. It was a complete disaster. I spent $110 on the space. Plus I bought two heads for display. Plus the money spent on the special yarns to supplement the boxes of yarn I still had from the yard sales in Bradford County. One hat was all I sold over the two days. $20 of which $5 I gave to Jack to buy chili. I still have totes full of hats. It was suggested that I contact Binghamton General as they may have a program where all new borns go home with a hat and they may be interested in buying the hats. I have not made that phone call as of yet.
The Fall Fest was supposed to be a one time only venture. However, since it was such a disaster, I decided that I would try again with a local bazaar. I am sending off my $12 table fee and praying that I manage to sell some hats at the VFW venue. I'm toying with having a single $15 price on all the hats rather than $15 on the medium and $20 for the large. Nothing lead me to believe my pricing was off at the ski resort, but maybe the thought of getting a discount will spur a purchase.
I did do some transcribing during August. I am still in the probationary stage and may not actually get hired by the company. It seems there are some reviewers who enjoy giving low scores. One day I transcribed two very similar videos from the same company for the same product. One review gave me a 2 while the other reviewer gave me a 5. How do you fight that?
This week, I returned to my former municipality to continue as Judge of Elections. It's a very long day, but the pay is actually better than my substitute teaching. I also attended the training and received the remuneration for that time also.
My main supplemental income comes from the substitute teaching. I am only substituting in the local school district. I have signed up for some of the music rooms. I did not enjoy them as I mostly wrangled the kids for the entire class period with no attempt at teaching. The high school isn't really much better. I end up sitting watching the kids not doing the worksheet that is provided for the day. Elementary is another matter altogether. I have stuck with the fourth and fifth grade classes and actually get to teach. They do block teaching so I teach the same lesson four times each day with two shorter special classes. I also do lunch or recess duty on elementary days. I will continue to target the elementary classes, but will take jobs in the high school on weeks that I need another day. I have asked to not be 'on call' though I did get a call to help on a day that four high school teachers were not filled.
As my reserve dwindles, I just praise God for allowing me to have a bank to fall back on during this sabbatical. Also, we submitted the paperwork for the lunch program at school and because of my level of income were able to get free lunches at school. The paperwork was also cross filed with the county and through that we are receiving food stamps and insurance. Since we had planned to be without insurance this year, a gamble that may or may not have worked out, it was another God thing that we rejoiced over. We are also supplementing with food distribution at the school. The local food bank has been getting regular donations of produce. I never seem to pick up fruits and veggies so its a nice surprise each month to see what is sent up for the families. Just like each week experiencing a new and different worship experience, this foray into the democratic side of life is a growing experience that I expect to benefit from in my next pastorate.
If any other sources of income present themselves, I will post about them.
Communion with Colleagues
I had regretted preaching on the first Sunday in October. I do not have sacramental authority during my sabbatical, so there was no communion on World Communion Sunday. I need the connection that comes from communion. As John Wesley said (paraphrased), commune as often as possible and he is said to go no longer than three days between attendances.
However, the first Sunday of November I found myself at a family breakfast dinner for my mother. We hadn't been together since the wedding in August and July 4th prior to that.
As it turns out, God is good. Monday I had decided to attend the clergy fellowship even though the topic was Advent and I would not be preparing to lead a church through Advent this season. We experienced a complete worship service, including communion as we gathered. The host pastor lead us through the service the church had experienced the day previous.
She told us she had adapted her message to address a clergy gathering rather than a congregation. The message contained a lot of details and a lot of asides "as you may know" "as you may remember" "I'm sure you've heard...".
It felt good to receive communion. It is always a wonderful time when I can experience the fellowship of other pastors. It has been few and far between in this Conference. I am hoping that the new DS continues to make clergy fellowship a priority and thus allow us to worship rather than always lead.
However, the first Sunday of November I found myself at a family breakfast dinner for my mother. We hadn't been together since the wedding in August and July 4th prior to that.
As it turns out, God is good. Monday I had decided to attend the clergy fellowship even though the topic was Advent and I would not be preparing to lead a church through Advent this season. We experienced a complete worship service, including communion as we gathered. The host pastor lead us through the service the church had experienced the day previous.
She told us she had adapted her message to address a clergy gathering rather than a congregation. The message contained a lot of details and a lot of asides "as you may know" "as you may remember" "I'm sure you've heard...".
It felt good to receive communion. It is always a wonderful time when I can experience the fellowship of other pastors. It has been few and far between in this Conference. I am hoping that the new DS continues to make clergy fellowship a priority and thus allow us to worship rather than always lead.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Music and Prayer
This Sunday was another foray into the world of my ministerial friends. This week was at the Universalist/Unitarian Church. I have been assured the church is more Christian than not, that the decision to combine was made years ago.
The first thing I noticed was the amount of music used during the service. It was all familiar. In fact, several pastors ago had acquired the Methodist Hymnal from a church that was closing! The other standout was the amount of prayer. Not necessarily rote prayer, but frequent prayer to God in thanksgiving and for guidance.
The message itself was more researched with many, many quotes and no personal antidotes. The pastor's deliver was a little cadenced with odd breaks in the middle of sentences and even phrases, but wasn't really hard to follow or to understand.
Overall, it was a very worshipful experience.
The first thing I noticed was the amount of music used during the service. It was all familiar. In fact, several pastors ago had acquired the Methodist Hymnal from a church that was closing! The other standout was the amount of prayer. Not necessarily rote prayer, but frequent prayer to God in thanksgiving and for guidance.
The message itself was more researched with many, many quotes and no personal antidotes. The pastor's deliver was a little cadenced with odd breaks in the middle of sentences and even phrases, but wasn't really hard to follow or to understand.
Overall, it was a very worshipful experience.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Rocky I, MLK, and Blankets
Today, I decided to continue my way through the ministerium. I attended the church closest to home.
When I arrived, everyone there recognized me as Pastor Jackie. It was a typical small church where mail is delivered to board members by placing it in their pews.
Today was blanket Sunday, over the 20 years they have participated in this endeavor, over 200 blankets have been collected and delivered to local hospitals and shelters.
The congregation was also on their way to providing a llama to missions (we are warm, we need to remember others). They were also gearing up to gather shoe boxes (not for Operation Christmas Child, but another organization). Cake and pie ingredients were also solicited for Thanksgiving boxes. A very mission minded congregation.
The scripture was the persistent widow in Luke. The message began with the persistence of Rocky in his quest to become a boxing champion. We then learned of the relative lack of power of a widow, a woman, in the time of Jesus' parable. We then moved to the civil rights movement and the bus boycott and the counter sit ins. Overall, it was a very safe sermon. No current events were mentioned. No hot button topics were used as illustrations.
Other than one granddaughter who appeared to be a frequent visitor, I seemed to be the youngest person in attendance.
When I arrived, everyone there recognized me as Pastor Jackie. It was a typical small church where mail is delivered to board members by placing it in their pews.
Today was blanket Sunday, over the 20 years they have participated in this endeavor, over 200 blankets have been collected and delivered to local hospitals and shelters.
The congregation was also on their way to providing a llama to missions (we are warm, we need to remember others). They were also gearing up to gather shoe boxes (not for Operation Christmas Child, but another organization). Cake and pie ingredients were also solicited for Thanksgiving boxes. A very mission minded congregation.
The scripture was the persistent widow in Luke. The message began with the persistence of Rocky in his quest to become a boxing champion. We then learned of the relative lack of power of a widow, a woman, in the time of Jesus' parable. We then moved to the civil rights movement and the bus boycott and the counter sit ins. Overall, it was a very safe sermon. No current events were mentioned. No hot button topics were used as illustrations.
Other than one granddaughter who appeared to be a frequent visitor, I seemed to be the youngest person in attendance.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Fall Fest
In May, I saw an ad for vendors for the fall fest at the local ski resort. I thought this could be a fun activity and a way to earn some income while I wasn't pastoring. So I signed up and spent the summer knitting hats. With almost 200 hats in stock, I arrived on Saturday and set up my booth.
I sold one hat!
Should I return for day two? I did, but completely changed the "cozy boutique" set up to a more craft show line of tables along the aisle. I got more conversation and more interest the second day, but not a single sale!
The second day was of course a Sunday. The fest ran from 10:00-5:00. I missed worship!
I tried to feel God in the people and the beauty of the setting, but mostly I was cold!
I will need to continue to contemplate the meaning of this failed endeavor, the lack of formal worship, and my feelings as I sat for two days an island in a sea of humanity.
I sold one hat!
Should I return for day two? I did, but completely changed the "cozy boutique" set up to a more craft show line of tables along the aisle. I got more conversation and more interest the second day, but not a single sale!
The second day was of course a Sunday. The fest ran from 10:00-5:00. I missed worship!
I tried to feel God in the people and the beauty of the setting, but mostly I was cold!
I will need to continue to contemplate the meaning of this failed endeavor, the lack of formal worship, and my feelings as I sat for two days an island in a sea of humanity.
Pulpit Supply
This Sunday was my first as pulpit supply. Honestly, I had preached/taught at the Sunday evening service at the church I worked at as an administrative assistant back before I became a licensed local pastor, but this would be my first as pulpit supply ever. I knew a lot of the congregation through ministerial events over the past three years and from the community, but this would be the first time I would craft a sermon from the lectionary for this congregation of another denomination.
The main texts were from Lamentations 1 and 3, with similar laments from Psalms and Paul. In that way it was an easy sermon to craft. I was able to include my own laments over this past year, hopefully, bringing to mind the laments of this congregation who had spent several years in turmoil both over their decision to split with their mother denomination and to the first pastor they called in this new theology and the eventual departure of that pastor and the fact that they are now without a pastor and the future is uncertain.
I arrived early and went over the bulletin with the elders. The lead elder introduced me to the first few people who entered, but soon realized that I may not know everyone's name we had all met previously.
I was surprised that a couple from my previous congregation arrived to hear me preach. The person I expected to see did not show. The couple and I caught up with each other and our activities over the summer. Then it was time to start worship.
Worship went very well. The sermon was well received. I was given many positive affirmations as we settled into fellowship time.
I was asked to return again in November. I missed having communion and my mother's birthday is the second weekend, so in November, I will be preaching the third week.
The main texts were from Lamentations 1 and 3, with similar laments from Psalms and Paul. In that way it was an easy sermon to craft. I was able to include my own laments over this past year, hopefully, bringing to mind the laments of this congregation who had spent several years in turmoil both over their decision to split with their mother denomination and to the first pastor they called in this new theology and the eventual departure of that pastor and the fact that they are now without a pastor and the future is uncertain.
I arrived early and went over the bulletin with the elders. The lead elder introduced me to the first few people who entered, but soon realized that I may not know everyone's name we had all met previously.
I was surprised that a couple from my previous congregation arrived to hear me preach. The person I expected to see did not show. The couple and I caught up with each other and our activities over the summer. Then it was time to start worship.
Worship went very well. The sermon was well received. I was given many positive affirmations as we settled into fellowship time.
I was asked to return again in November. I missed having communion and my mother's birthday is the second weekend, so in November, I will be preaching the third week.
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Comforted
After three weeks of being beaten up by a theology I do not agree with, but keeping a promise to a colleague to check out two local churches, I needed a break. Though I had intended to attend a different church each Sunday, I felt the need to return to an earlier congregation where I knew I would feel love...God's love and love from the people.
I discovered there would be a guest speaker and thought it sounded interesting. I confirmed the time of worship. Yes, it had changed since last month.
I arrived and sat in my normal seat and talked to the three ladies behind me as I had arrived a few extra minutes early. Worship started and I settled in.
The message began with a conversation around the speaker's recent trip to Washington, DC, to attend budget hearings. She spoke of the three areas of concern that her group addressed. Revolving around climate and immigration (and how these two items are connected). She discussed how these "political views" were very much in keeping with a Christian life. It was about this point that I settled in, closed my eyes to focus, and fell asleep! Yes, I'm not sure I actually hit the deep sleep that would be noticed by those around me, but there, in the loving arms of my Father in Heaven, I let go of all the stress that had accumulated over the last few Sundays. I knew that I was loved and all was well in the world in that moment.
I woke/became aware once more as the speaker wrapped up her message feeling fully refreshed.
After worship, there was a potluck. I moved to the fellowship area, fixed a plate, and sat at table. There I was joined by several members and commenced to join the conversation. Eventually, I was invited to return and invited to join the Wednesday crafting group as they worked on craft items for next year's fair. I plan to join them when I am available!
Interspersed throughout these conversations, I was ministered to by the pastor. He checked in on my sabbath time, my teaching experiences now that I had worked a few days, my son and his current situations both his athletics and his plans for next year, and life in general.
Next week, I will be doing pulpit supply.
I discovered there would be a guest speaker and thought it sounded interesting. I confirmed the time of worship. Yes, it had changed since last month.
I arrived and sat in my normal seat and talked to the three ladies behind me as I had arrived a few extra minutes early. Worship started and I settled in.
The message began with a conversation around the speaker's recent trip to Washington, DC, to attend budget hearings. She spoke of the three areas of concern that her group addressed. Revolving around climate and immigration (and how these two items are connected). She discussed how these "political views" were very much in keeping with a Christian life. It was about this point that I settled in, closed my eyes to focus, and fell asleep! Yes, I'm not sure I actually hit the deep sleep that would be noticed by those around me, but there, in the loving arms of my Father in Heaven, I let go of all the stress that had accumulated over the last few Sundays. I knew that I was loved and all was well in the world in that moment.
I woke/became aware once more as the speaker wrapped up her message feeling fully refreshed.
After worship, there was a potluck. I moved to the fellowship area, fixed a plate, and sat at table. There I was joined by several members and commenced to join the conversation. Eventually, I was invited to return and invited to join the Wednesday crafting group as they worked on craft items for next year's fair. I plan to join them when I am available!
Interspersed throughout these conversations, I was ministered to by the pastor. He checked in on my sabbath time, my teaching experiences now that I had worked a few days, my son and his current situations both his athletics and his plans for next year, and life in general.
Next week, I will be doing pulpit supply.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Ear plugs
This week, I finally attended the church that had been the nemesis of my congregation since just before I arrived. It is a church plant (one of four or five) that attracted a lot of church goers. Yes, they build the church by stealing fish. I'm not sure how many unchurched (and the dechurched) they received, but their benediction/motto is "See One, Save One".
I had been told the music is super loud. So I looked in my old purse for my earplugs. I dug and dug and finally found one way in the bottom. One wasn't going to do it! I thought and thought about where to look for more. Finally, I spotted a random item on my second dresser and there under my weekend bag was the matching earplug. Who would have thought! So now I was ready to head out.
I arrived about five minutes to start on purpose. I assumed I would run in to a lot of people I knew and possibly even former congregants who I knew had not made the switch, but did float between the two churches. I was surprised to hear my name, only to discover that one of the two families with young children from my previous church were parked next to me. Mom explained that they had problems with the new pastor's accent and trying to focus and understand his sermons while simultaneously keeping the girls quite and occupied. The girls were not happy with the move "but everyone is so nice to us here", but for the parents it worked. The girls were in their class during worship and they could enjoy the sermon. I didn't query them about the theology, as we had arrived at the door.
I entered and went right into the worship space. The band was already playing. It was loud, but not horribly so. However, I soon realized that one of the guitars was making a squealing noise (not quite feedback) that was hurting my ears. So, out came the ear plugs! The songs weren't familiar, but like most contemporary worship songs were easy to sing. I noted that about half the congregation was singing.
The sermon (one week later as I finally write this) was not memorable. It wasn't your usual Baptist fare. I didn't feel beat up, but Romans was again mentioned. It was a salvation message and need for a savior message, but I didn't feel beat up. I just didn't feel it was a very biblical message though scripture was incorporated.
I do not feel a need to return to check out another service. It was typical religion light and what people seem to be expecting in the way of Joel Osteen.
I had been told the music is super loud. So I looked in my old purse for my earplugs. I dug and dug and finally found one way in the bottom. One wasn't going to do it! I thought and thought about where to look for more. Finally, I spotted a random item on my second dresser and there under my weekend bag was the matching earplug. Who would have thought! So now I was ready to head out.
I arrived about five minutes to start on purpose. I assumed I would run in to a lot of people I knew and possibly even former congregants who I knew had not made the switch, but did float between the two churches. I was surprised to hear my name, only to discover that one of the two families with young children from my previous church were parked next to me. Mom explained that they had problems with the new pastor's accent and trying to focus and understand his sermons while simultaneously keeping the girls quite and occupied. The girls were not happy with the move "but everyone is so nice to us here", but for the parents it worked. The girls were in their class during worship and they could enjoy the sermon. I didn't query them about the theology, as we had arrived at the door.
I entered and went right into the worship space. The band was already playing. It was loud, but not horribly so. However, I soon realized that one of the guitars was making a squealing noise (not quite feedback) that was hurting my ears. So, out came the ear plugs! The songs weren't familiar, but like most contemporary worship songs were easy to sing. I noted that about half the congregation was singing.
The sermon (one week later as I finally write this) was not memorable. It wasn't your usual Baptist fare. I didn't feel beat up, but Romans was again mentioned. It was a salvation message and need for a savior message, but I didn't feel beat up. I just didn't feel it was a very biblical message though scripture was incorporated.
I do not feel a need to return to check out another service. It was typical religion light and what people seem to be expecting in the way of Joel Osteen.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Doubling Down
Today, I returned to the church from last week in order to get a feel for the draw to the church through the contemporary service.
This service was different than the 8:30 service in ways other than the music. We began, not with scripture and prayer, but with a song. Then we had prayer followed by the announcements read by the lead pastor. After the announcements, the offering was collected and we were asked to join in the ending to the offertory. (I had been singing from the beginning because I loved "Good, Good Father")
The congregation was filled with children who had just been to Sunday school and most of them left at this point.
The lead pastor returned to the pulpit for the message. At this point, he shared that the 1 John series had ended, but as he looked at 2 John he realized it was another ending beyond what he had shared last week. He never did read the actual scripture, but moved right into the message.
His opening remarks revolved around 9/11 and never forget to 'watch out'. He then spoke to what the writer of 2 John might want us to watch out for. I was again expecting a sermon on the capital S Sinner, but was blindsided by his use of grace and salvation as cornerstones to his first point.
However, it was long into point two that he doubled down. He told the congregation they needed to watch out for false teachings. There are those out there who rely on their own reason to get through the day. I immediately stopped letting my mind wander. Yep, point two, was those who rely on their own experience. And he wasn't done yet, he also called out those who rely on tradition to verify scripture for them. Oh yeah, I heard very clearly the attack on the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.
Then came point three... Some people are take off the track by love. At this point, I'm deep into my own head and the UMC battle over LOVE. Do we love our neighbor and let God sort the wheat from the tares? Do we not love in this way because it is not the way to bring the Sinner to repentance? I was not disappointed in my expectations for the sermon. And of course, we closed with an altar call so that all those who have yet to repent or those who are still Sinners can make it right with their Savior and Lord.
I do not know what the congregation thought of the sermon or how these sermons are perceived by those seeking a church home, but as noted in the announcements they had over 20 more children at the midweek children's programming (101) than they had at their high last year (88) so they are reaching to a certain segment of the population.
This service was different than the 8:30 service in ways other than the music. We began, not with scripture and prayer, but with a song. Then we had prayer followed by the announcements read by the lead pastor. After the announcements, the offering was collected and we were asked to join in the ending to the offertory. (I had been singing from the beginning because I loved "Good, Good Father")
The congregation was filled with children who had just been to Sunday school and most of them left at this point.
The lead pastor returned to the pulpit for the message. At this point, he shared that the 1 John series had ended, but as he looked at 2 John he realized it was another ending beyond what he had shared last week. He never did read the actual scripture, but moved right into the message.
His opening remarks revolved around 9/11 and never forget to 'watch out'. He then spoke to what the writer of 2 John might want us to watch out for. I was again expecting a sermon on the capital S Sinner, but was blindsided by his use of grace and salvation as cornerstones to his first point.
However, it was long into point two that he doubled down. He told the congregation they needed to watch out for false teachings. There are those out there who rely on their own reason to get through the day. I immediately stopped letting my mind wander. Yep, point two, was those who rely on their own experience. And he wasn't done yet, he also called out those who rely on tradition to verify scripture for them. Oh yeah, I heard very clearly the attack on the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.
Then came point three... Some people are take off the track by love. At this point, I'm deep into my own head and the UMC battle over LOVE. Do we love our neighbor and let God sort the wheat from the tares? Do we not love in this way because it is not the way to bring the Sinner to repentance? I was not disappointed in my expectations for the sermon. And of course, we closed with an altar call so that all those who have yet to repent or those who are still Sinners can make it right with their Savior and Lord.
I do not know what the congregation thought of the sermon or how these sermons are perceived by those seeking a church home, but as noted in the announcements they had over 20 more children at the midweek children's programming (101) than they had at their high last year (88) so they are reaching to a certain segment of the population.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Capital S Sinner
So today was the day I finally headed out to the large Baptist Church. They had an 8:30 traditional service or an 11:00 contemporary service to choose from. I decided to get up early and hit the traditional today and the contemporary at a later date. Since I had been asked by a colleague to try to find out the draw to this church, I planned to attend both eventually.
To begin we stood to hear the scripture of the morning read and remained standing for the prayer. We then sang two hymns, followed by the choir anthem. Announcements were next.
I was already feeling the tone of the service and it was sinner with a capital "s". It wasn't a gracefilled message. I am intrinsically a Wesleyan in that I am a sinner saved by grace with the emphasis on the grace of Christ. This message was "I am a sinner and I'd better pray for a savior." Of course, the savior is Jesus Christ. But never is the focus on the loving kindness of this savior. It is always on "me the sinner" needing to confess my sinfulness and ask for forgiveness.
The message itself was presented on the ppt in the outline form A-1-2-3; B-1-2-3-; C-1-2-3. It was essentially the Roman Way through 1 John.
The service ended with an altar call. Not a call to come to the altar, but an exhortation to declare our sinfulness and pray for forgiveness.
I did not leave feeling refreshed nor understanding the growth of this church. There did appear to be a lot of community building, so maybe it isn't Sunday morning (though well attended) that bring people in but the fellowship.
To begin we stood to hear the scripture of the morning read and remained standing for the prayer. We then sang two hymns, followed by the choir anthem. Announcements were next.
I was already feeling the tone of the service and it was sinner with a capital "s". It wasn't a gracefilled message. I am intrinsically a Wesleyan in that I am a sinner saved by grace with the emphasis on the grace of Christ. This message was "I am a sinner and I'd better pray for a savior." Of course, the savior is Jesus Christ. But never is the focus on the loving kindness of this savior. It is always on "me the sinner" needing to confess my sinfulness and ask for forgiveness.
The message itself was presented on the ppt in the outline form A-1-2-3; B-1-2-3-; C-1-2-3. It was essentially the Roman Way through 1 John.
The service ended with an altar call. Not a call to come to the altar, but an exhortation to declare our sinfulness and pray for forgiveness.
I did not leave feeling refreshed nor understanding the growth of this church. There did appear to be a lot of community building, so maybe it isn't Sunday morning (though well attended) that bring people in but the fellowship.
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Unexpected welcome
Due to unforeseen circumstances, I was at home on Labor Day weekend. So on Saturday, I decided to attend a church that I had heard a lot about during my time in Great Bend.
As I arrived at the door, the greeter was familiar. It was a man that I had met through the local funeral home. He had also attended my Ash Wednesday and Christmas Eve services. For some reason, I thought he had attended church in town. I was mistaken.
I entered the church and realized I had forgotten that one of the ladies I frequently talked to at DD played the piano here. We exchanged pleasantries and I chose a seat. Soon after, the pastor's wife introduced herself and offered to sit with me. I said okay. Then the wife of the greeter came over to say hi. As I settled in my seat, I realized I knew another parishioner peripherally through the food bank.
There were many players in the worship service. The pastor's wife did the children's time and the congregational prayer. There was a lector and communion helpers and ushers. All in all there were about ten people involved in the service not including the greeters and the pianist.
The pastor gave a sermon based on Hebrews. It feels like I'm getting a lot of Paul so far on this journey. The sermon involved a lot of personal stories including one involving his dad and a bum invited home for Easter. Hospitality was emphasized.
The hospitality overflowed into the social hour. We moved next door to the social hall where people fixed plates, yes plates, of cookies and coffee cake and jello and fruit and vegetable and some sort of rolled tortilla sandwich. I settled for a donut. There was coffee and water and juice, but no tea that I could determine. I ended up having a pleasant conversation with a woman who I met at the food table.
All in all, it was a nice worship experience.
As I arrived at the door, the greeter was familiar. It was a man that I had met through the local funeral home. He had also attended my Ash Wednesday and Christmas Eve services. For some reason, I thought he had attended church in town. I was mistaken.
I entered the church and realized I had forgotten that one of the ladies I frequently talked to at DD played the piano here. We exchanged pleasantries and I chose a seat. Soon after, the pastor's wife introduced herself and offered to sit with me. I said okay. Then the wife of the greeter came over to say hi. As I settled in my seat, I realized I knew another parishioner peripherally through the food bank.
There were many players in the worship service. The pastor's wife did the children's time and the congregational prayer. There was a lector and communion helpers and ushers. All in all there were about ten people involved in the service not including the greeters and the pianist.
The pastor gave a sermon based on Hebrews. It feels like I'm getting a lot of Paul so far on this journey. The sermon involved a lot of personal stories including one involving his dad and a bum invited home for Easter. Hospitality was emphasized.
The hospitality overflowed into the social hour. We moved next door to the social hall where people fixed plates, yes plates, of cookies and coffee cake and jello and fruit and vegetable and some sort of rolled tortilla sandwich. I settled for a donut. There was coffee and water and juice, but no tea that I could determine. I ended up having a pleasant conversation with a woman who I met at the food table.
All in all, it was a nice worship experience.
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Feeling Right at Home
Sunday I visited another colleague. It began earlier in the week when the Pastor posted that this week's sermon would be about Hope and Prayer. This is a topic I struggle with as to the intent behind "hoping" someone has a good day and "praying they have a good day" or some such. Is God in both or is hoping an ephemeral thing while prayer is placing your trust in God?
Just a little history, this church is the oldest church in Susquehanna County and it has enclosed pews. I walked toward the front and picked an empty pew. I opened the door and sat down in the corner so that I was facing the central pulpit. The pews are rather narrow and so for comfort I put my right arm on the side of the pew. Unfortunately, this put my elbow on the door and several times throughout the morning I would manage to open the door. Luckily, it didn't make any noise as it opened and I was able to pull it closed equally quietly. I just wondered if anyone behind me to the right could see what was happening!
The worship order was the standard basic order of worship. No surprises would be in store. Just familiarity and comfort.
The pastor came forward for the children's message, but there were no children in attendance so the message was addressed to the adults. He noted that he would not be presenting the sermon he prepared. As he had sat in the pew for the special music, he noted that one of the two altar candles was not lit. He then proceeded to speak to those who were "lit" and those who "hit their light". This caused the congregation to chuckle at his choice of "being lit" and it's connotation of drinking.
The message itself was very good. The takeaway was that Paul tells us our hope is in the Lord so both hope and pray are appropriate sentiments for the Christian. But when we say we pray, we certainly should be praying.
If I were looking for a church home for this year, I think this church and this pastor would work wonderfully. Next week is Labor Day weekend, I'm not sure where I'll be on Sunday but I look forward to continuing on this journey of exploring worship.
Just a little history, this church is the oldest church in Susquehanna County and it has enclosed pews. I walked toward the front and picked an empty pew. I opened the door and sat down in the corner so that I was facing the central pulpit. The pews are rather narrow and so for comfort I put my right arm on the side of the pew. Unfortunately, this put my elbow on the door and several times throughout the morning I would manage to open the door. Luckily, it didn't make any noise as it opened and I was able to pull it closed equally quietly. I just wondered if anyone behind me to the right could see what was happening!
The worship order was the standard basic order of worship. No surprises would be in store. Just familiarity and comfort.
The pastor came forward for the children's message, but there were no children in attendance so the message was addressed to the adults. He noted that he would not be presenting the sermon he prepared. As he had sat in the pew for the special music, he noted that one of the two altar candles was not lit. He then proceeded to speak to those who were "lit" and those who "hit their light". This caused the congregation to chuckle at his choice of "being lit" and it's connotation of drinking.
The message itself was very good. The takeaway was that Paul tells us our hope is in the Lord so both hope and pray are appropriate sentiments for the Christian. But when we say we pray, we certainly should be praying.
If I were looking for a church home for this year, I think this church and this pastor would work wonderfully. Next week is Labor Day weekend, I'm not sure where I'll be on Sunday but I look forward to continuing on this journey of exploring worship.
Monday, August 19, 2019
A very liturgical service
Today, I visited a colleague in one of his last worship services prior to retirement. Jack had wanted to do a long run (not a loop) and have me pick him up at the terminus after ten am. This was not going to work until I check the website. The church I planned to worship at had a third Sunday 7:30am communion service! God is good....
I arrived right at 7:30 and since I didn't see a greeter, I went immediately to my seat. Just as I sat down, the organist began the prelude. I was wishing I had a bulletin, but thought maybe I would get one on my way out. However, a very nice member brought a bulletin to me during the second musical selection.
The first thing I noticed was the instructions on the front of the bulletin regarding communion and who could or should partake. It seemed pretty straight forward in that a belief in Jesus Christ was required. (However, I later learned that members of another UMC had been denied communion until after they had a conversation with the pastor.)
We were instructed to turn to the hymnal for the liturgy for today's service. Okay, again, so far so good. We also do this on occasion when the full liturgy is being used or if there is no powerpoint available. However, this is where the similarities ended. The majority of the liturgy is sung (or at least intoned) and there is much more involvement from the congregation than I am used to.
Also, the pastor, almost apologetically, reminded the congregation (and any visitors) that in their tradition they are first and foremost sinners in need of forgiveness. The first order of worship was for the confession and pardon.
The sermon itself was rather brief. The text was from Jeremiah and the prophets who misled the people against the prophets who may not have been popular but were speaking the words of the Lord. It began with clips from "Don't Worry Be Happy" and "Hakuna Matata". Are those messages from the false prophets or from the Lord? Jeremiah may have been a bullfrog, but his croak was born from the word of the Lord. We then were asked (all ten of us) to gather at the back of the sanctuary where a framed homemade version of the Ten Commandments were blessed.
We all were able to gather as one at the communion rail. There the pastor placed a wafer in each of our mouths. I should not have been, but I was surprised when my cup contained wine. Considering that there was the option of the common cup, I should have had a forewarning, but somehow I missed it.
The overall feel of the morning was worshipful and I felt I had participated in and received much from the experience, However, it was more foreign than I had expected. I had gotten the impression that the Luttheran Church, Missouri Synod, was closer to the UMC than I experienced this morning.
I arrived right at 7:30 and since I didn't see a greeter, I went immediately to my seat. Just as I sat down, the organist began the prelude. I was wishing I had a bulletin, but thought maybe I would get one on my way out. However, a very nice member brought a bulletin to me during the second musical selection.
The first thing I noticed was the instructions on the front of the bulletin regarding communion and who could or should partake. It seemed pretty straight forward in that a belief in Jesus Christ was required. (However, I later learned that members of another UMC had been denied communion until after they had a conversation with the pastor.)
We were instructed to turn to the hymnal for the liturgy for today's service. Okay, again, so far so good. We also do this on occasion when the full liturgy is being used or if there is no powerpoint available. However, this is where the similarities ended. The majority of the liturgy is sung (or at least intoned) and there is much more involvement from the congregation than I am used to.
Also, the pastor, almost apologetically, reminded the congregation (and any visitors) that in their tradition they are first and foremost sinners in need of forgiveness. The first order of worship was for the confession and pardon.
The sermon itself was rather brief. The text was from Jeremiah and the prophets who misled the people against the prophets who may not have been popular but were speaking the words of the Lord. It began with clips from "Don't Worry Be Happy" and "Hakuna Matata". Are those messages from the false prophets or from the Lord? Jeremiah may have been a bullfrog, but his croak was born from the word of the Lord. We then were asked (all ten of us) to gather at the back of the sanctuary where a framed homemade version of the Ten Commandments were blessed.
We all were able to gather as one at the communion rail. There the pastor placed a wafer in each of our mouths. I should not have been, but I was surprised when my cup contained wine. Considering that there was the option of the common cup, I should have had a forewarning, but somehow I missed it.
The overall feel of the morning was worshipful and I felt I had participated in and received much from the experience, However, it was more foreign than I had expected. I had gotten the impression that the Luttheran Church, Missouri Synod, was closer to the UMC than I experienced this morning.
Friday, August 16, 2019
Back at The Cross | Erie
We made it back to Erie in time to have Valerio's pizza before heading over the hear Pastor Chuck.
I somehow decided to check the website to double check worship time. When I got to the website, I noticed a bunch of pictures and Pastor Chuck's youngest was in a picture with stained glass in the background. There was no stain glass in the concert venue. I looked for an address. At the bottom of the page was a new address, but I couldn't find a worship time. I went with the assumption that they would not change their worship time since it was set for a very specific clientele. They met at five o'clock and had dinner after at six o'clock. (I later went back to the website and found an entire tab I had missed that had the worship time clearly spelled out!)
I arrived just a minute late to the new venue, which happened to be just around the corner from the previous location. It seems that Pastor Chuck had partnered with the church elders for the mission incursion last year and the partnership went so well they opened their building for Sunday night worship.
The guitarist/worship leader was already playing. I had heard that they have a full band some Sundays, but I have only ever attended when one guitarist lead worship. The church had written some worship songs based on the Psalms (and recorded them), so I wasn't familiar with all the music that was played though the congregation seemed to be.
I think this made my third time (maybe fourth) worshipping here. Pastor Chuck assures me his numbers are usually higher than what I experience. The church attracts several men from the Salvation Army, college kids from Gannon (they hadn't yet checked in for fall), ministry groups from the suburbs (GCC I believe were there this time), street people, and others from the downtown area. This time there were several young people from GCC/LECOM helping the couple from GCC who provided the meal and a few street people and others I didn't get to meet as I spent my time talking with Pastor Chuck after worship.
The sermon itself was typical of what I had experienced in the past. I am always surprised by how deeply theological the sermons are. There is a lot of theology and even a little Latin thrown in along with historical information around the book being presented. This week, we looked at Job 2. The sermon started with lawyers and in particular prosecutors. Satan was presented as a poor prosecutor. God gave Satan everything he needed to win his case, but he couldn't close the deal. Job was found to be a righteous man and could not be convicted of any crime. A joke was thrown in about Job's wife and how married couples should treat one another. Pastor Chuck though it fell flat because of his delivery, I think it was just the wrong joke for the congregation that was present.
This time I was more aware of the direction of the sermon leading to Jesus who is our ultimate defender. Pastor Chuck's sermons always lead to the communion table where he makes the connection of Jesus' sacrifice for each and everyone of us represented in the bread and the juice. In the past, I had not quite caught the connection since the UM Communion Liturgy is so clearly separated from the rest of the service (though clearly a part of and a culmination of all that goes before it). This week, I caught the transition and was ready to receive when it was time.
At The Cross | Erie, each person breaks their own piece of bread and dips it in the cup from the elements on the table. I try to be near the beginning of the line for sanitation reasons. After I returned to my seat and joined the singing of the hymn, I noticed the woman who had sat in front of me and played with her hair the whole time in a sort of nervous twitch returned to her seat with an entire half a matza, one third of which had been dipped. She seemed to enjoy her "snack".
I truly think that if I were to return to Erie, I would be a regular at this church. I would definitely "apprentice" with Pastor Chuck in his inner city mission work. As I go back and forth over what I think God is calling me to do and be as clergy in the future (after my year long sabbatical and sending Jack to college), I am fearful of what it would entail to actually work in an inner city environment and being drawn to what I see being accomplished here.
I somehow decided to check the website to double check worship time. When I got to the website, I noticed a bunch of pictures and Pastor Chuck's youngest was in a picture with stained glass in the background. There was no stain glass in the concert venue. I looked for an address. At the bottom of the page was a new address, but I couldn't find a worship time. I went with the assumption that they would not change their worship time since it was set for a very specific clientele. They met at five o'clock and had dinner after at six o'clock. (I later went back to the website and found an entire tab I had missed that had the worship time clearly spelled out!)
I arrived just a minute late to the new venue, which happened to be just around the corner from the previous location. It seems that Pastor Chuck had partnered with the church elders for the mission incursion last year and the partnership went so well they opened their building for Sunday night worship.
The guitarist/worship leader was already playing. I had heard that they have a full band some Sundays, but I have only ever attended when one guitarist lead worship. The church had written some worship songs based on the Psalms (and recorded them), so I wasn't familiar with all the music that was played though the congregation seemed to be.
I think this made my third time (maybe fourth) worshipping here. Pastor Chuck assures me his numbers are usually higher than what I experience. The church attracts several men from the Salvation Army, college kids from Gannon (they hadn't yet checked in for fall), ministry groups from the suburbs (GCC I believe were there this time), street people, and others from the downtown area. This time there were several young people from GCC/LECOM helping the couple from GCC who provided the meal and a few street people and others I didn't get to meet as I spent my time talking with Pastor Chuck after worship.
The sermon itself was typical of what I had experienced in the past. I am always surprised by how deeply theological the sermons are. There is a lot of theology and even a little Latin thrown in along with historical information around the book being presented. This week, we looked at Job 2. The sermon started with lawyers and in particular prosecutors. Satan was presented as a poor prosecutor. God gave Satan everything he needed to win his case, but he couldn't close the deal. Job was found to be a righteous man and could not be convicted of any crime. A joke was thrown in about Job's wife and how married couples should treat one another. Pastor Chuck though it fell flat because of his delivery, I think it was just the wrong joke for the congregation that was present.
This time I was more aware of the direction of the sermon leading to Jesus who is our ultimate defender. Pastor Chuck's sermons always lead to the communion table where he makes the connection of Jesus' sacrifice for each and everyone of us represented in the bread and the juice. In the past, I had not quite caught the connection since the UM Communion Liturgy is so clearly separated from the rest of the service (though clearly a part of and a culmination of all that goes before it). This week, I caught the transition and was ready to receive when it was time.
At The Cross | Erie, each person breaks their own piece of bread and dips it in the cup from the elements on the table. I try to be near the beginning of the line for sanitation reasons. After I returned to my seat and joined the singing of the hymn, I noticed the woman who had sat in front of me and played with her hair the whole time in a sort of nervous twitch returned to her seat with an entire half a matza, one third of which had been dipped. She seemed to enjoy her "snack".
I truly think that if I were to return to Erie, I would be a regular at this church. I would definitely "apprentice" with Pastor Chuck in his inner city mission work. As I go back and forth over what I think God is calling me to do and be as clergy in the future (after my year long sabbatical and sending Jack to college), I am fearful of what it would entail to actually work in an inner city environment and being drawn to what I see being accomplished here.
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Gideon Report
Today we were in upstate Washington. I went to a UMC in Arlington. The (female) pastor was "back east" and a Gideon delivered the message.
My first impression of this church was from the outside. The architecture was older and not updated. It had the squared off tower and the stained glass above the entrance. You entered into a quite small area and went up a few steps to another landing before entering into the sanctuary. The sanctuary was rather small with four sections. I sat in my typical seat, third from the front on the left side center aisle.
There was a praise band almost completely composed of those over seventy. We sang two songs before the candles were lit. They do this thing where you stand as the acolyte passes your pew and then remain standing for the opening hymn. The hymnal was the Covenant Hymnal from the Evangelical Covenant Church published in 1996. Not sure why they didn't purchase the 1989 UMC Hymnal and didn't connect with anyone to ask questions about this or the history of the architecture.
The children's message involved the kids dressing in oversized clothes (for ease) from the letter to the Colossians regarding putting on the fruits of the Spirit daily. It was well received by the congregation and the one (10yo?) child.
The Gideon speaker was well spoken. He started with the usual Gideon stories of salvation around the globe and included a visual of the Spanish and NIV NT as well as the Live Bible for Teens. Then he told his own testimony of being a PK. Actually, since his dad was Ivy League trained he was TO, a Theologians Offspring! He shared why he didn't follow in his father's footsteps, but later could not resist the call to the Gideon's and his own successes with the prison ministry and winning souls.
Overall, it was an enjoyable service, but I would have liked to experience a regular Sunday in this church.
My first impression of this church was from the outside. The architecture was older and not updated. It had the squared off tower and the stained glass above the entrance. You entered into a quite small area and went up a few steps to another landing before entering into the sanctuary. The sanctuary was rather small with four sections. I sat in my typical seat, third from the front on the left side center aisle.
There was a praise band almost completely composed of those over seventy. We sang two songs before the candles were lit. They do this thing where you stand as the acolyte passes your pew and then remain standing for the opening hymn. The hymnal was the Covenant Hymnal from the Evangelical Covenant Church published in 1996. Not sure why they didn't purchase the 1989 UMC Hymnal and didn't connect with anyone to ask questions about this or the history of the architecture.
The children's message involved the kids dressing in oversized clothes (for ease) from the letter to the Colossians regarding putting on the fruits of the Spirit daily. It was well received by the congregation and the one (10yo?) child.
The Gideon speaker was well spoken. He started with the usual Gideon stories of salvation around the globe and included a visual of the Spanish and NIV NT as well as the Live Bible for Teens. Then he told his own testimony of being a PK. Actually, since his dad was Ivy League trained he was TO, a Theologians Offspring! He shared why he didn't follow in his father's footsteps, but later could not resist the call to the Gideon's and his own successes with the prison ministry and winning souls.
Overall, it was an enjoyable service, but I would have liked to experience a regular Sunday in this church.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Sight Seeing so far!
Not in correct order....
We visited the Grand Canyon which was a huge disappointment. Jack didn't like that the Canyon was so developed and so very, very crowded. He wanted to leave after the very first stop. We went three more stops and did manage to see the photographers house. Jack went half mile down the canyon at this point, while I waited at the top. I didn't like the Grand Canyon, but I think it was because it was so vast I couldn't connect with it. Everywhere else we went, I was able to feel apart of the scenery, to immerse myself in the nature. The Canyon was just 'there'.
Jack loved the Petrified Forest the most. I think it was because it was not over crowded and not nearly developed. Yes, there were hiking trails and a few other families/people at each stop, but over all we were able to feel the vast, openness of the area. The twenty-six mile drive was wonderful and each stop offered another opportunity to take in the scenery and the history of the region.
I almost forgot about Zion, until Jack was telling the girls about it. Then I remembered this was where he had the most fun running because of the people who commented to him. Several people thought he was older (possibly a college runner) or were impressed with his form as he ran up and down the trails. This was also the place he went swimming in the creek post run and I waded for a while. This was also the only place we saw wildlife. As we parked and walked to the visitor center, a mother deer was curled up under a tree. A little farther down the lane, there were two fawns playing (or eating?) in the grass under a grove of smaller trees. Then as we left the park, right in the center of town, an elk was walking across the road! The elk appeared to have a strained ankle and was limping, but appeared otherwise healthy.
As we left the Canyon to head to a painted desert in UT, Jack fell asleep. He missed the most breathtaking landscape I had yet seen. It may not have struck him the same, so I let him sleep. This also meant I didn't get pictures of the landscape. I thoroughly enjoyed the ninety minute drive.
We did manage to find the 'painted' desert that I had wanted to see. It was five miles down a dirt road, but it was worth it. Most of the scenery had been in shades of red up to this point. Here there was a lot of blues and purples to go along with the red. It was beautiful.
Yosemite was very green. As we drove in at dusk, it was very nice. Here, again, we ended up on a dirt road, this one a single lane, down to a campground where we spent the night. There were no facilities other than a pipe hole toilet. No lights, no campfire wood, nothing. We set up the tent, Jack went running and did a quick clean up with our drinking water. The next morning, we had granola bars and water for breakfast and headed down the the Valley. Jack thoroughly enjoyed his run around the Valley followed by a quick rinse off in the freezing creek. We then went to the Visitor Center and the Ansel Adams museum. It was starting to fill up and we were so glad we had stayed in the park to get an early start.
We weren't going to get to the Redwoods until late afternoon. The choice was made to skip the Avenue of the Giants (I wasn't sure if there was a fee...still haven't checked) and continue north. We made it to Drury and saw some impressive trees and old growth forest. We located the Fern Canyon trail, but were afraid we wouldn't have time to hike it. We turned around and drove another single lane dirt road to see something of interest! We had to ford a stream, which freaked Jack out thinking we were going to do great damage to the rental. We made it and spent a good while hiking through the Canyon.
We got to Portland and Jack looked for a park to run in. We found McLeay Park and Jack truly loved it. He ran many miles and set an elevation record and a recorded speed record for this trail. I walked down the the stone house and took several pictures, one of which I plan to turn into a painting.
That is our trip on the way to Seattle. Minus the Hoover Dam.
We visited the Grand Canyon which was a huge disappointment. Jack didn't like that the Canyon was so developed and so very, very crowded. He wanted to leave after the very first stop. We went three more stops and did manage to see the photographers house. Jack went half mile down the canyon at this point, while I waited at the top. I didn't like the Grand Canyon, but I think it was because it was so vast I couldn't connect with it. Everywhere else we went, I was able to feel apart of the scenery, to immerse myself in the nature. The Canyon was just 'there'.
Jack loved the Petrified Forest the most. I think it was because it was not over crowded and not nearly developed. Yes, there were hiking trails and a few other families/people at each stop, but over all we were able to feel the vast, openness of the area. The twenty-six mile drive was wonderful and each stop offered another opportunity to take in the scenery and the history of the region.
I almost forgot about Zion, until Jack was telling the girls about it. Then I remembered this was where he had the most fun running because of the people who commented to him. Several people thought he was older (possibly a college runner) or were impressed with his form as he ran up and down the trails. This was also the place he went swimming in the creek post run and I waded for a while. This was also the only place we saw wildlife. As we parked and walked to the visitor center, a mother deer was curled up under a tree. A little farther down the lane, there were two fawns playing (or eating?) in the grass under a grove of smaller trees. Then as we left the park, right in the center of town, an elk was walking across the road! The elk appeared to have a strained ankle and was limping, but appeared otherwise healthy.
As we left the Canyon to head to a painted desert in UT, Jack fell asleep. He missed the most breathtaking landscape I had yet seen. It may not have struck him the same, so I let him sleep. This also meant I didn't get pictures of the landscape. I thoroughly enjoyed the ninety minute drive.
We did manage to find the 'painted' desert that I had wanted to see. It was five miles down a dirt road, but it was worth it. Most of the scenery had been in shades of red up to this point. Here there was a lot of blues and purples to go along with the red. It was beautiful.
Yosemite was very green. As we drove in at dusk, it was very nice. Here, again, we ended up on a dirt road, this one a single lane, down to a campground where we spent the night. There were no facilities other than a pipe hole toilet. No lights, no campfire wood, nothing. We set up the tent, Jack went running and did a quick clean up with our drinking water. The next morning, we had granola bars and water for breakfast and headed down the the Valley. Jack thoroughly enjoyed his run around the Valley followed by a quick rinse off in the freezing creek. We then went to the Visitor Center and the Ansel Adams museum. It was starting to fill up and we were so glad we had stayed in the park to get an early start.
We weren't going to get to the Redwoods until late afternoon. The choice was made to skip the Avenue of the Giants (I wasn't sure if there was a fee...still haven't checked) and continue north. We made it to Drury and saw some impressive trees and old growth forest. We located the Fern Canyon trail, but were afraid we wouldn't have time to hike it. We turned around and drove another single lane dirt road to see something of interest! We had to ford a stream, which freaked Jack out thinking we were going to do great damage to the rental. We made it and spent a good while hiking through the Canyon.
We got to Portland and Jack looked for a park to run in. We found McLeay Park and Jack truly loved it. He ran many miles and set an elevation record and a recorded speed record for this trail. I walked down the the stone house and took several pictures, one of which I plan to turn into a painting.
That is our trip on the way to Seattle. Minus the Hoover Dam.
Worship in Eugene, OR
Another UMC, another female pastor!!
We were in Eugene, OR, on this Sunday. Googled UMC and found four. One was meeting at the Yacht Club, one met at 10:00, one was all about inclusion, the fourth was only the find-a-church link (which I find are usually sorely outdated). So to the 10:00, we went.
We were in Eugene, OR, on this Sunday. Googled UMC and found four. One was meeting at the Yacht Club, one met at 10:00, one was all about inclusion, the fourth was only the find-a-church link (which I find are usually sorely outdated). So to the 10:00, we went.
Jack was with me, as he couldn't be elsewhere. We arrived and entered the building. We were greeted warmly, went to our seats, and waited for worship to begin.
The church had a lead pastor and a "neighborhood" pastor. The neighborhood pastor filled the role of announcements, children's message, prayer time, etc.
The church seemed very community oriented. A special offering was taken for their African village, a blessings offering was taken for the discretionary fund, and they are pursuing a zoning change in order to build a community coffee shop on the church grounds.
The message was very interesting. The verses after the Good Samaritan parable have the disciples asking Jesus if they should rain down brim fire on Samaria. This was tied to the OT story of Elijah calling down brim fire on the fifty men sent by the king (twice) and refraining from doing so a third time. The disciples would have known this story and for them, it was perfectly logical to rain down fire from heaven on people.
The point of the sermon was how do we treat those who are not hospitable to us. How do we respond like Jesus to those whom we have a history...remember, Jesus often went through Samaria on his way from Jerusalem to Galilee rather than going around as was the norm.
I really enjoyed this experience.
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
worshipping in Flagstaff
Since I had to pick Jack up at camp at noon, I found a church that had an early worship service. A church in the neighborhood of my hotel was meeting at nine o'clock.
I found the church in a neighborhood nestled in the mountain. I was greeted at the door and given a bulletin, but no conversation followed. I smelled food, but none seemed to be offered though there were tables in the back of the sanctuary. I took my seat. A few people walked by and said hello, but no one initiated a conversation.
Worship started. The lay leader gave the announcements and later read the responses and scripture. The service started with a passing of the peace. It was here that several people introduced themselves and asked my name. They must have been waiting for the proper time, although there was no conversation. No one asked if I was new or a visitor to the area. One lady remembered my name long enough to introduce me to her pew mate.
The first hymn was Alle, Alle, Allelujah. The arrangement did not seem familiar and I had trouble following the pastor as she lead the congregation. The congregation had no clue about this hymn. A group to my left talked loudly through the first two of three times through. The 80+ year old men behind me tried desperately to sing Allelujah over and over again. The pastor noted the congregation would definitely get a chance to try again next week with this unfamiliar song.
The kingdomtide series was to work through the Psalms. Today the Psalm was written by David after his affair with Bathsheba. The pastor took the opportunity to share about David and Bathsheba. She actually began with the anointing of David and his time with Jonathan and King Saul's court. When she got to the part regarding David's treatment of Bathsheba, she noted, "We could have an R rated sermon today. We could talk about men abusing their power. We could talk about (I don't remember her exact phrasing, but was talking about the me too movement and the abuse of power that we are seeing in our country)... but we won't. If you want to talk about this in more depth, we can arrange a time. Just come to see me."
This service (UMC) was more along the basic worship order, though prayer concerns followed the offering. There was no children's message, but there was a plug for the cancer walk that was coming up on the calendar.
The organist was a substitute, which may have accounted for the lack of familiarity with the tunes attached to the familiar hymns that were sung. The powerpoint was on point. The pastor put up each scripture as she referenced them in her sermon and they appeared in a timely manner. The songs were shown (without verse numbers) but also flowed smoothly as we sang.
Over all a pleasant experience, though nothing life changing.
I found the church in a neighborhood nestled in the mountain. I was greeted at the door and given a bulletin, but no conversation followed. I smelled food, but none seemed to be offered though there were tables in the back of the sanctuary. I took my seat. A few people walked by and said hello, but no one initiated a conversation.
Worship started. The lay leader gave the announcements and later read the responses and scripture. The service started with a passing of the peace. It was here that several people introduced themselves and asked my name. They must have been waiting for the proper time, although there was no conversation. No one asked if I was new or a visitor to the area. One lady remembered my name long enough to introduce me to her pew mate.
The first hymn was Alle, Alle, Allelujah. The arrangement did not seem familiar and I had trouble following the pastor as she lead the congregation. The congregation had no clue about this hymn. A group to my left talked loudly through the first two of three times through. The 80+ year old men behind me tried desperately to sing Allelujah over and over again. The pastor noted the congregation would definitely get a chance to try again next week with this unfamiliar song.
The kingdomtide series was to work through the Psalms. Today the Psalm was written by David after his affair with Bathsheba. The pastor took the opportunity to share about David and Bathsheba. She actually began with the anointing of David and his time with Jonathan and King Saul's court. When she got to the part regarding David's treatment of Bathsheba, she noted, "We could have an R rated sermon today. We could talk about men abusing their power. We could talk about (I don't remember her exact phrasing, but was talking about the me too movement and the abuse of power that we are seeing in our country)... but we won't. If you want to talk about this in more depth, we can arrange a time. Just come to see me."
This service (UMC) was more along the basic worship order, though prayer concerns followed the offering. There was no children's message, but there was a plug for the cancer walk that was coming up on the calendar.
The organist was a substitute, which may have accounted for the lack of familiarity with the tunes attached to the familiar hymns that were sung. The powerpoint was on point. The pastor put up each scripture as she referenced them in her sermon and they appeared in a timely manner. The songs were shown (without verse numbers) but also flowed smoothly as we sang.
Over all a pleasant experience, though nothing life changing.
Friday, July 19, 2019
Old Flagstaff
The historic district is a few square blocks on Route 66. There are modern buildings mixed in and the buildings are almost all stone or brick. There are historical markers showing some of the buildings are indeed over 150 years old.
The current tenants are an eclectic mix of bars, food, and shops. Several of the shops contain work from local artisans. I was impressed with some of the artwork. I talked to Jack and I will be taking him there on Sunday after I pick him up from camp.
Yesterday, I was there for lunch. Since I don't eat sushi, or thai, or other spicy foods, I stopped at an Irish Pub. I debated between the fish and chips (I had fish the day before) or the shepherd's pie. I decided that though it was hot, I would try the shepherd's pie. It was good. There was a spice I wasn't expecting, but it didn't ruin the experience. The dish looked small, but as I ate, I realized the size was deceptive. There was a lot of food in that little dish.
Today, I went back to have breakfast. There was another restaurant that had a breakfast special of two eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and toast. I got there just after opening and ordered my eggs over easy with white toast. The waitress came back to clarify, scrambled or over easy. I wasn't surprised when my toast turned out to be wheat! I was surprised that there was only one piece of toast, though. The waitress brought out the condiment caddy with my plate. I don't use hot sauce or catsup with my eggs, so I felt bad that she had to carry what seemed to be a rather heavy carrier to the table.
After breakfast, I walked toward the far end where the City Hall building was. I wasn't interested in City Hall and the building did not look historical so I turned around and went back to my car. I drove to the other side of Route 66, and other than finding an international hostel, didn't see anything of interest.
The current tenants are an eclectic mix of bars, food, and shops. Several of the shops contain work from local artisans. I was impressed with some of the artwork. I talked to Jack and I will be taking him there on Sunday after I pick him up from camp.
Yesterday, I was there for lunch. Since I don't eat sushi, or thai, or other spicy foods, I stopped at an Irish Pub. I debated between the fish and chips (I had fish the day before) or the shepherd's pie. I decided that though it was hot, I would try the shepherd's pie. It was good. There was a spice I wasn't expecting, but it didn't ruin the experience. The dish looked small, but as I ate, I realized the size was deceptive. There was a lot of food in that little dish.
Today, I went back to have breakfast. There was another restaurant that had a breakfast special of two eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, and toast. I got there just after opening and ordered my eggs over easy with white toast. The waitress came back to clarify, scrambled or over easy. I wasn't surprised when my toast turned out to be wheat! I was surprised that there was only one piece of toast, though. The waitress brought out the condiment caddy with my plate. I don't use hot sauce or catsup with my eggs, so I felt bad that she had to carry what seemed to be a rather heavy carrier to the table.
After breakfast, I walked toward the far end where the City Hall building was. I wasn't interested in City Hall and the building did not look historical so I turned around and went back to my car. I drove to the other side of Route 66, and other than finding an international hostel, didn't see anything of interest.
First Travel Worship...with a friend
Time to update on the worship service in Newcastle, OK.
The parking lot was mostly empty as we arrived twenty five minutes before the published worship time. We entered and the first thing to catch your eye is an entire wall filled with crosses. Crosses in plain wood, crosses with detailed carving, crosses with painted designs, crosses with tile work. It was actually pretty moving. Then we were greeted and welcomed to our first visit to the church. An indication that it was a tight congregation and visitors were recognized immediately.
I explained that the pastor and I were classmates from COS and the greeter offered to get the pastor. I said that wouldn't be necessary as I was sure she was busy getting ready for worship. As Pastor Lamarla worked her way from her office to the sanctuary. We met in the hallway and she actually recognized me. She mentioned that out of context (as in not at Duke), it took her a minute, but that she recognized me immediately.
We caught up and as expected were interrupted by her lector asking about the reading. So at this point, Jack and I entered the sanctuary.
Remember, these posts are observational and not at all meant to judge or demean in any way.
As the lay leader began the announcements, the pastor interrupted several times to clarify or offer updated information. I think this is one of the reasons I took over the announcements. No matter how plugged in the laity is, there is no way they can have all the information that comes across the pastor's desk.
They either had just started using their screens or they didn't have a dedicated powerpoint person. During the first hymn, the lay leader had to go to the booth to pull up a second, larger font version of the hymn. This was the only hymn on ppt. The others were from the hymnal.
Next, the children's message included a video and a slide show from VBS. Again, the tech didn't cooperate and it took a minute to get the video to play. The slide show was created and left longer than the music. The tech person tried to get the slide show and the music to coincide and had to be told twice that the video was longer than the music.
Then it was time for the message.
The pastor began with an illustration going back to the Coke commercial from the 70's about 'the real thing'. I was slightly confused at the beginning as the Gospel lesson had just been read, but soon realized she was using the Colossians text that had been read earlier.
I was also surprised by her use of an ipad. I think I knew from COS that she used an ipad, but the reality was not what I had envisioned. She carried the ipad balanced in her left hand and as she set up the illustration she touched and touched and swiped and looked and scrolled as she talked. I had noticed that during the reading of the Gospel she was looking at her ipad. I had assumed she was familiarizing herself with the outline of the sermon, so I was confused as to all the involvement with the ipad once she stood to preach.
The message itself was good. Christ is the real thing.
The service closed after the message and final hymn.
The parking lot was mostly empty as we arrived twenty five minutes before the published worship time. We entered and the first thing to catch your eye is an entire wall filled with crosses. Crosses in plain wood, crosses with detailed carving, crosses with painted designs, crosses with tile work. It was actually pretty moving. Then we were greeted and welcomed to our first visit to the church. An indication that it was a tight congregation and visitors were recognized immediately.
I explained that the pastor and I were classmates from COS and the greeter offered to get the pastor. I said that wouldn't be necessary as I was sure she was busy getting ready for worship. As Pastor Lamarla worked her way from her office to the sanctuary. We met in the hallway and she actually recognized me. She mentioned that out of context (as in not at Duke), it took her a minute, but that she recognized me immediately.
We caught up and as expected were interrupted by her lector asking about the reading. So at this point, Jack and I entered the sanctuary.
Remember, these posts are observational and not at all meant to judge or demean in any way.
As the lay leader began the announcements, the pastor interrupted several times to clarify or offer updated information. I think this is one of the reasons I took over the announcements. No matter how plugged in the laity is, there is no way they can have all the information that comes across the pastor's desk.
They either had just started using their screens or they didn't have a dedicated powerpoint person. During the first hymn, the lay leader had to go to the booth to pull up a second, larger font version of the hymn. This was the only hymn on ppt. The others were from the hymnal.
Next, the children's message included a video and a slide show from VBS. Again, the tech didn't cooperate and it took a minute to get the video to play. The slide show was created and left longer than the music. The tech person tried to get the slide show and the music to coincide and had to be told twice that the video was longer than the music.
Then it was time for the message.
The pastor began with an illustration going back to the Coke commercial from the 70's about 'the real thing'. I was slightly confused at the beginning as the Gospel lesson had just been read, but soon realized she was using the Colossians text that had been read earlier.
I was also surprised by her use of an ipad. I think I knew from COS that she used an ipad, but the reality was not what I had envisioned. She carried the ipad balanced in her left hand and as she set up the illustration she touched and touched and swiped and looked and scrolled as she talked. I had noticed that during the reading of the Gospel she was looking at her ipad. I had assumed she was familiarizing herself with the outline of the sermon, so I was confused as to all the involvement with the ipad once she stood to preach.
The message itself was good. Christ is the real thing.
The service closed after the message and final hymn.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Horrible Travel Planner
We began our trip on July 11th. As we left Erie for Flagstaff, we had only one stop planned. I wanted to see the Arch in St. Louis. Everything else was going to be if we drove by and wanted to stop we would.
Well, we really didn't see anything! We did stop at an Ikea to have Swedish meatballs. Jack was rather taken with some of the rooms in the gallery. Such a touristy thing to do!
The arch in St. Louis was everything I had imagined it to be since I first learned about it in 10th grade algebra class. The history of the area and the history of the building of the arch were equally fascinating. However, the Mississippi River in that location was underwhelming. The Allegheny and the Susquehanna are equally as impressive if not what I imagine as deep as the Mississippi.
We had no other plans after this. So we just kept driving.
We saw something called Uranus Fudge and the clerk at the hotel said it was a wonderfully irreverent place to go. We went the next morning. It was certainly irreverent, but not really much more than a bar and a tourist stop.
As we entered Oklahoma, I realized that most of my facebook memories from the last few days involved a COS classmate who had a church in OK. I looked her up and realized that if we stopped early on Saturday evening, her church was only fifteen minutes south of our route. (see next post)
Lamarla and Benjy took us out to lunch after worship and though Jack would have preferred to just get on the road, he and Benjy had a two hour conversation over lunch on many, many topics.
Texas didn't look much different than OK and so far all of the terrain was familiar. Rolling hills and trees abounded. Jack wondered when we would see something different. Western OK was slightly different, but still not what we were expecting from the south west. It wasn't until we hit New Mexico that we saw real changes. Jack was still disappointed that there were no cactuses, but was in awe of the mesas and buttes. He took so many pictures of the ridges and the sharp points. He noted that he wished he knew more about geology and the formation of what we were seeing.
We started to see signs for petroglyphs and decided to go see them. These ones were on black volcanic rock and lined a very steep mountain trail. I wasn't impressed and I don't think Jack was either.
As he continued to research, he said we had to stop at the Petrified Forest. We didn't know that the Petrified Forest was twenty six miles from the start of the National Park and that there were many, many other items of interest.
We spent four hours seeing some beautiful landscapes and history of the area. I pray the rest of the National Parks give us the same joy as this one did.
Though the walk down and back up was strenuous, I enjoyed seeing the blue landscape. The petrified logs themselves seemed to be the work of someone chopping wood for the fireplace. It was strange seeing the calcified wood broken cleanly as any chainsaw cut into logs and some of the logs had fractured into cord wood.
Today, I expect to go to historic Flagstaff for lunch and walking around enjoying the sights.
Just a small note about my hotel. I failed to deep dive the accommodations. There is no seating area as I had imagined. There is no pool, which I really don't mind, but it would have been an outdoor seating area. There is no breakfast. There is no hairdryer or coffee pot. I would need to purchase a microwave safe cup to make tea as there is a microwave and fridge. Since I booked a single room, I do not have a desk. Instead there is a dresser! If I would not have booked ahead, I probably would have stayed at the hotel Jack and I stayed at before dropping him at camp. But I will stay the four nights I prebooked and just deal with what I have.
Well, we really didn't see anything! We did stop at an Ikea to have Swedish meatballs. Jack was rather taken with some of the rooms in the gallery. Such a touristy thing to do!
The arch in St. Louis was everything I had imagined it to be since I first learned about it in 10th grade algebra class. The history of the area and the history of the building of the arch were equally fascinating. However, the Mississippi River in that location was underwhelming. The Allegheny and the Susquehanna are equally as impressive if not what I imagine as deep as the Mississippi.
We had no other plans after this. So we just kept driving.
We saw something called Uranus Fudge and the clerk at the hotel said it was a wonderfully irreverent place to go. We went the next morning. It was certainly irreverent, but not really much more than a bar and a tourist stop.
As we entered Oklahoma, I realized that most of my facebook memories from the last few days involved a COS classmate who had a church in OK. I looked her up and realized that if we stopped early on Saturday evening, her church was only fifteen minutes south of our route. (see next post)
Lamarla and Benjy took us out to lunch after worship and though Jack would have preferred to just get on the road, he and Benjy had a two hour conversation over lunch on many, many topics.
Texas didn't look much different than OK and so far all of the terrain was familiar. Rolling hills and trees abounded. Jack wondered when we would see something different. Western OK was slightly different, but still not what we were expecting from the south west. It wasn't until we hit New Mexico that we saw real changes. Jack was still disappointed that there were no cactuses, but was in awe of the mesas and buttes. He took so many pictures of the ridges and the sharp points. He noted that he wished he knew more about geology and the formation of what we were seeing.
We started to see signs for petroglyphs and decided to go see them. These ones were on black volcanic rock and lined a very steep mountain trail. I wasn't impressed and I don't think Jack was either.
As he continued to research, he said we had to stop at the Petrified Forest. We didn't know that the Petrified Forest was twenty six miles from the start of the National Park and that there were many, many other items of interest.
We spent four hours seeing some beautiful landscapes and history of the area. I pray the rest of the National Parks give us the same joy as this one did.
Though the walk down and back up was strenuous, I enjoyed seeing the blue landscape. The petrified logs themselves seemed to be the work of someone chopping wood for the fireplace. It was strange seeing the calcified wood broken cleanly as any chainsaw cut into logs and some of the logs had fractured into cord wood.
Today, I expect to go to historic Flagstaff for lunch and walking around enjoying the sights.
Just a small note about my hotel. I failed to deep dive the accommodations. There is no seating area as I had imagined. There is no pool, which I really don't mind, but it would have been an outdoor seating area. There is no breakfast. There is no hairdryer or coffee pot. I would need to purchase a microwave safe cup to make tea as there is a microwave and fridge. Since I booked a single room, I do not have a desk. Instead there is a dresser! If I would not have booked ahead, I probably would have stayed at the hotel Jack and I stayed at before dropping him at camp. But I will stay the four nights I prebooked and just deal with what I have.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Fourth of July weekend
Jack's girl friend, Gia, was able to accompany us on this trip. We played tourist to show her the area where I grew up and Jack spent his summers as a younger child.
The first stop was at the Austin Dam. I remember fishing at the base of the dam as a child. We had to park on the road and climb down the bluff to the stream. It was just a small stream and my brothers and I fished while my mother read. I remember that my youngest brother fancied himself a fly fisherman. The rest of us just dropped our worms in the water and waited for a bite. Brian on the other hand spent the entire time casting and reeling, casting and reeling, casting and reeling. It drove me absolutely insane.
This trip was slightly different in that though Jack also prefers to fly fish, there was another person (I won't call him a fisherman) who was splashing up and down the creek casting once and moving on. There was no way there were any fish going to be caught in that stream any time soon!
We got to my mother's and had lunch before heading out to Kinsua Dam. Here, we showed Gia the dam and the spillway which was filled with carp and there were people throwing bread so we not only got to see the fish eat but watch the birds catch the bread mid flight. After convincing Jack that he did indeed want to fish from the observation area and not the boat launch, we spent about thirty minutes as he tried to fish the fast moving stream. He had only been pond fishing so it was quite an experience trying to gauge the current and his casting. The entire time he was fishing, we were listening to thunder. The lightening seemed to be cloud lightning so we weren't too concerned about a strike. We left just in time to miss getting hit by the downpour. It did rain pretty hard while we drove to several areas to show Gia more of the area.
The next morning we spent with my father working on the four wheeler. It was a very nice visit and we did get the four wheeler running again after sitting for four years. It seems that a new battery and spark plug were needed, but the real issue was with the choke which had come unwired and the throttle needed adjusted.
After another lunch with my mother, we went to the Kinsua railroad bridge. I knew they had been doing work on the visitor center, but I was shocked with the changes. We managed to arrive just as the visitor center closed, so we didn't get to see the changes inside. That was okay as there were a lot of informational areas along the pathway. The kids had come to run the trails. I explored the changes to the area and took pictures from the bluff of the bridge. I didn't feel the need to walk out to the end. I've been there before and didn't need to kick up my vertigo.
As we were driving out, a small deer was drinking from a puddle in the road. Gia said, I want to pet them. This lead to a plan to visit the deer park on the way home. After a very nice family picnic at camp in which the rain held off until after lunch, we headed out to the deer park. Though both my kids had been here with my mom, I had never stopped. I also did not know that the kids had done the gem mining at the deer park. Further along the road, there is another tourist stop that has large 'gem mining' signs and looks like an old mine. We go to the deer park while it was raining. Just as we arrived, two little girls came out with their bags of sand and stones to gem mine in the trough. I had never really noticed it before, but there it was and Jack assured me he had gotten his gems there. The deer were tucked away in their shelter, but Jack and Gia went out to see them. I picked up an abandoned cup of food from the seating area and went to join them. I noticed there was a canon shooting area and went to look at it. As I moved to the other end of the area, the deer came out of the shelter. The only went as far as a grove of trees. Soon they ventured over to Jack and Gia. She finally got to pet the deer!
After some browsing, we moved on to the 'gem mining' stop. They actually had a two person stand and the rest of what I saw was just a store. However, there was a train car that contained seating and drop down sleeper space as well as a dining area. They also had a bear dressed as a conductor which Gia thought was really cute and picture worthy. I thoroughly enjoyed playing tourist in my own home town!
The first stop was at the Austin Dam. I remember fishing at the base of the dam as a child. We had to park on the road and climb down the bluff to the stream. It was just a small stream and my brothers and I fished while my mother read. I remember that my youngest brother fancied himself a fly fisherman. The rest of us just dropped our worms in the water and waited for a bite. Brian on the other hand spent the entire time casting and reeling, casting and reeling, casting and reeling. It drove me absolutely insane.
This trip was slightly different in that though Jack also prefers to fly fish, there was another person (I won't call him a fisherman) who was splashing up and down the creek casting once and moving on. There was no way there were any fish going to be caught in that stream any time soon!
We got to my mother's and had lunch before heading out to Kinsua Dam. Here, we showed Gia the dam and the spillway which was filled with carp and there were people throwing bread so we not only got to see the fish eat but watch the birds catch the bread mid flight. After convincing Jack that he did indeed want to fish from the observation area and not the boat launch, we spent about thirty minutes as he tried to fish the fast moving stream. He had only been pond fishing so it was quite an experience trying to gauge the current and his casting. The entire time he was fishing, we were listening to thunder. The lightening seemed to be cloud lightning so we weren't too concerned about a strike. We left just in time to miss getting hit by the downpour. It did rain pretty hard while we drove to several areas to show Gia more of the area.
The next morning we spent with my father working on the four wheeler. It was a very nice visit and we did get the four wheeler running again after sitting for four years. It seems that a new battery and spark plug were needed, but the real issue was with the choke which had come unwired and the throttle needed adjusted.
After another lunch with my mother, we went to the Kinsua railroad bridge. I knew they had been doing work on the visitor center, but I was shocked with the changes. We managed to arrive just as the visitor center closed, so we didn't get to see the changes inside. That was okay as there were a lot of informational areas along the pathway. The kids had come to run the trails. I explored the changes to the area and took pictures from the bluff of the bridge. I didn't feel the need to walk out to the end. I've been there before and didn't need to kick up my vertigo.
As we were driving out, a small deer was drinking from a puddle in the road. Gia said, I want to pet them. This lead to a plan to visit the deer park on the way home. After a very nice family picnic at camp in which the rain held off until after lunch, we headed out to the deer park. Though both my kids had been here with my mom, I had never stopped. I also did not know that the kids had done the gem mining at the deer park. Further along the road, there is another tourist stop that has large 'gem mining' signs and looks like an old mine. We go to the deer park while it was raining. Just as we arrived, two little girls came out with their bags of sand and stones to gem mine in the trough. I had never really noticed it before, but there it was and Jack assured me he had gotten his gems there. The deer were tucked away in their shelter, but Jack and Gia went out to see them. I picked up an abandoned cup of food from the seating area and went to join them. I noticed there was a canon shooting area and went to look at it. As I moved to the other end of the area, the deer came out of the shelter. The only went as far as a grove of trees. Soon they ventured over to Jack and Gia. She finally got to pet the deer!
After some browsing, we moved on to the 'gem mining' stop. They actually had a two person stand and the rest of what I saw was just a store. However, there was a train car that contained seating and drop down sleeper space as well as a dining area. They also had a bear dressed as a conductor which Gia thought was really cute and picture worthy. I thoroughly enjoyed playing tourist in my own home town!
Sunday, July 7, 2019
First Sunday as a Visitor
I am reactivating my blog as a travelogue/journal during this Sabbath Year.
Today was my first day in fourteen years that I have not been the pastor of a church. Since we only have one Sunday at home before leaving on this trek, I decided to visit a church whose pastor had spoken at the Alive! service at my church. This is a lay led service for which I only attended over the three years I was connected to this church. This church also has one of the worship leaders from the Alive! service as a worship leader for their Sunday am service.
Please note, these are my observations and feelings and in no way are a criticism of anyone mentioned or of the denomination of the church I attended.
My first impression upon arriving was that I was way over dressed. Mind you, I was wearing a casual dress, but a real dress. Most in attendance were dressed in pants and shorts and a lot of denim was noted. The pastor was wearing a polo shirt and well worn jeans. The woman (in my church would be called a lay leader) was wearing a cotton sun dress. As the prelude played, twice we were exhorted to stand and sing a patriotic song in commemoration of the July 4th weekend.
Announcements were made, including a followup to the VBS that had occurred previously. There was much excitement about the 36 children who attended the three day event and the obstacles that were overcome (ie, there was not water two of the three days and no stove one day for the hot lunches that were served), but Satan did not overcome.
Being used to a "Basic Order of Worship" an not having an outline (there was a bulletin and three inserts, but these were all informational and not about the morning service), I didn't know where the service was headed. After the prelude, there was a scripture reading from Psalm followed by the announcements. Then there was the offering, followed by a time of singing with the praise band. After this, it was time for communion. There was no communion liturgy or naming of the elements. We were reminded that Jesus died for us, that all are welcome who accept that Jesus died for them. At this time, everyone received the bread so that we could receive together after a prayer of thanksgiving. Then we all received (grape kool-aid to my taste buds) to consume after another prayer. I remember one of the churches I belonged to also served communion in the pews in this way. My daughter was about seven at the time and she would always laugh at the way I partook of the bread. Well, she would have died today! Even though I half expected it, I did nothing to stop the bread from becoming glued to the roof of my mouth. I spend the intervening time between the bread and the juice trying to muster up enough saliva to loosen the bread and to chew and swallow it without choking.
After an announcement regarding a church member and a time of greeting (which I thought might have been the end!), the pastor noted that it was time for the message and he only had ten minutes left in his hour and it was not long enough!
We then turned to 1 Peter 5 for the word.
I should mention, the pastor grew up in this church and had only been in the pulpit about a year or just over. His message was filled with familial references. The lay leader was his aunt. His secretary was his mom. The ppt operator today was not his dad, who normally did it. His grandmother was in attendance. As he unfolded his sermon from 1 Peter, he made reference to "elders" not being the "old people", but those who are mature in their faith. He noted he was third youngest (the other two being contemporaries who were only months apart) person in attendance, yet he had been called to "shepherd" the flock in the way of the "great shepherd".
The pastor did a wonderful job tying his life to the scripture unlike some independent pastors who tell story after story and never really get to the scripture. Today we heard what Peter was teaching and what that looked like in the life of this church and their pastor. The people were exhorted to humility in claiming that they were doing God's will and the work God had laid out for them. Without an actual altar call, you felt that you had been called out to begin to do the work God had laid out for you, to claim the title of elder in some aspect of your life.
The prayer following the message became the benediction and the service was over.
I have many Sundays to explore a wide variety of worship styles and denominations (this one was 1st Baptist) over the next year, but I won't rule out a return visit to this particular church.
Blessings all.
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