Ok, let me be honest. I go through spurts of some pretty intense fascination with celebrities. Yes, I confess it. But I never really could figure out a reason. Well, now, I have a theory. I'm starting to wonder if my visits to PerezHilton.com are directly proportional to my interest in what's going on in my own life. For example, as I look back over recent years, when I would visit Perez daily (or, as my husband will tell you, more than that), I was fairly burnt out with my life--my work at least. Perez was a welcome respite from the monotony.
I occured to me this morning, however, as I looked at the bookmark on my toolbar for that old favorite website, that I can't remember the last time I visited there. And recent visits have been, it must be said, a bit forced. Out of habit rather than interest.
Instead, I've found myself checking out www.mylifeisaverage.com for quick humor about how everyone's life out there in the web world is going. Stuff I can identify with. I'm really happy with where I am right now. I find my work very interesting and challenging...I enjoy it. So perhaps that's just it...I don't really need an escape as much.
So, I just deleted the Perez button on the toolbar. I don't doubt I'll be back, but you know, life changes...and so d the websites that help us navigate life...
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Old Sermons (Or Someone Else's!)
This past weekend, I found myself stepping in at the last minute for my senior pastor, who has been sidelined with pneumonia. Thursday he had decided there just was no way he'd be up to preach, and so he asked me to. A lot of people suggested I just pull an old sermon out of my file.
Now for most pastors, this is a really good idea. Honestly, doing that no doubt aids the quality of a sermon called for at the last minute. My problem is, I just don't preach that way. I can't really imagine totally taking a sermon and using it. That said, I DO rework old themes. In fact, my first sermon at Calvary was based on a sermon I preached during a seminary internship (I thought it had been really awesome till I went back and looked at it and realized I've changed how I preach since then). The thing is, I often find it much harder to rework an old sermon well than to just write a new one. So...that's what I did Saturday. I just picked on of the lectionary texts and did the best I could. It was, at any rate, more interesting for me than to just pull something and memorize it.
Today, looking through the Pew Forum religion news page, I came across this article addressing the plethora of sermon sites out there:
http://www.cleveland.com/nation/index.ssf/2009/07/online_pastoral_inspiration_in.html
And I must say, I agree with the people quoted in the story. Taking someone else's sermon? I mean, liking an illustration and adapting it is one thing (and I'm still paranoid that my history professors from college will hunt me down for not citing, so I keep track of where I get stuff from). But taking an entire sermon? I mean even if that wasn't sketchy, it just seems really poor homiletic practice.
I was taught that a sermon should flow from the identity and personality of the preacher. That's why, for example, I don't worry too much about a sort of flow-of-consciousness sermon on my part. I mean, I want it to have structure and a direction, but that's how I think. It's how I am. I would find it harder to read someone else's sermon than to just wing it, honestly.
Then again, I'm not a manuscript preacher. I suppose this works much better if you are. But still, I mean, I LOVE preaching. It's so cool. You talk, and people listen. Or at least pretend to. And it's a big responsibility. It's definitely one of my favorite parts of ministry. Of course for some pastors, it's not. And perhaps that's why they just take someone's sermon. Still, that's just sketchy...
Off to use the internet for good, not evil (or at least not plagiarism...)
Now for most pastors, this is a really good idea. Honestly, doing that no doubt aids the quality of a sermon called for at the last minute. My problem is, I just don't preach that way. I can't really imagine totally taking a sermon and using it. That said, I DO rework old themes. In fact, my first sermon at Calvary was based on a sermon I preached during a seminary internship (I thought it had been really awesome till I went back and looked at it and realized I've changed how I preach since then). The thing is, I often find it much harder to rework an old sermon well than to just write a new one. So...that's what I did Saturday. I just picked on of the lectionary texts and did the best I could. It was, at any rate, more interesting for me than to just pull something and memorize it.
Today, looking through the Pew Forum religion news page, I came across this article addressing the plethora of sermon sites out there:
http://www.cleveland.com/nation/index.ssf/2009/07/online_pastoral_inspiration_in.html
And I must say, I agree with the people quoted in the story. Taking someone else's sermon? I mean, liking an illustration and adapting it is one thing (and I'm still paranoid that my history professors from college will hunt me down for not citing, so I keep track of where I get stuff from). But taking an entire sermon? I mean even if that wasn't sketchy, it just seems really poor homiletic practice.
I was taught that a sermon should flow from the identity and personality of the preacher. That's why, for example, I don't worry too much about a sort of flow-of-consciousness sermon on my part. I mean, I want it to have structure and a direction, but that's how I think. It's how I am. I would find it harder to read someone else's sermon than to just wing it, honestly.
Then again, I'm not a manuscript preacher. I suppose this works much better if you are. But still, I mean, I LOVE preaching. It's so cool. You talk, and people listen. Or at least pretend to. And it's a big responsibility. It's definitely one of my favorite parts of ministry. Of course for some pastors, it's not. And perhaps that's why they just take someone's sermon. Still, that's just sketchy...
Off to use the internet for good, not evil (or at least not plagiarism...)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Camp
So this is the third morning here at camp. Jennie, Anne and I have ventured this far with the ladies of INspire Camp at Manidokan, and today is the biggest journey of all: Maryland Heights. And not just the normal way. The long way. The way that is described on the sign as "Strenuous but rewarding." I've always thought that's a perfect way to describe life. Strenuous but rewarding.
At least two of our ladies promised they'd do the rain dance last night. They were hoping we wouldn't be able to hike it. Sadly...for them...the skies are clear and forecasts are on the side of a hike this morning.
Meanwhile, I, and I think Jennie and Anne, are looking forward to this morning's hike. Out only concern is how the ladies will manage. No one wants to listen to hours of complaining. But you know what, we've got a good group this year. It's small (6 girls) and 4 of them are returners from last year (which I find quite hopeful...especially since they say they are certainly coming back next year). Many years we could not do this hike. But this year, I think we can. I hope it is meaningful and memorable for all the right reasons.
My husband has been a rare sight this week...I've seen less of him than I would on a normal week! I think that almost makes it harder. It's not like we're far away from each other. It's just that I've been with the campers. When Chris hasn't been dealing with immediate needs, he's been pondering and struggling with the best ways to share his ideas with his supervisor, who in turn has to make a case with conference officials about why camp needs their help this year and how he has some very tangible changes that will really turn things around so camp will be financially more stable in the future.
Chris walked into a really rough financial situation two years ago, and for all he's done to cut costs while also improving programming, this economy has created a perfect storm. He chose meaningful changes, but those often take time. And so much of this is about building relationships, and that takes time, and is so much more difficult when it's just him. I could go on and on, but I wish I could help. I want to make a case to those making decisions about the importance of this ministry and the need for these changes. I hate not being able to control everything! :-)
Chris does such a good job, and it's hard for me to see things don't always turn out how he wants. There are so many factors he can't control, and though that's life, and the case for all of us, it's seldom fun.
I pray, though, that he will have an opportunity to share his energy, passion and ideas about all this with the people who make the decisions, and that they will also be invested in the vision he has for Manidokan!
As for me, my investment today in Manidokan is spending the morning and early afternoon with a group of ladies who may whine a bit, but I hope will learn a little bit more today of how sometimes hard work, does in fact pay huge dividends.
At least two of our ladies promised they'd do the rain dance last night. They were hoping we wouldn't be able to hike it. Sadly...for them...the skies are clear and forecasts are on the side of a hike this morning.
Meanwhile, I, and I think Jennie and Anne, are looking forward to this morning's hike. Out only concern is how the ladies will manage. No one wants to listen to hours of complaining. But you know what, we've got a good group this year. It's small (6 girls) and 4 of them are returners from last year (which I find quite hopeful...especially since they say they are certainly coming back next year). Many years we could not do this hike. But this year, I think we can. I hope it is meaningful and memorable for all the right reasons.
My husband has been a rare sight this week...I've seen less of him than I would on a normal week! I think that almost makes it harder. It's not like we're far away from each other. It's just that I've been with the campers. When Chris hasn't been dealing with immediate needs, he's been pondering and struggling with the best ways to share his ideas with his supervisor, who in turn has to make a case with conference officials about why camp needs their help this year and how he has some very tangible changes that will really turn things around so camp will be financially more stable in the future.
Chris walked into a really rough financial situation two years ago, and for all he's done to cut costs while also improving programming, this economy has created a perfect storm. He chose meaningful changes, but those often take time. And so much of this is about building relationships, and that takes time, and is so much more difficult when it's just him. I could go on and on, but I wish I could help. I want to make a case to those making decisions about the importance of this ministry and the need for these changes. I hate not being able to control everything! :-)
Chris does such a good job, and it's hard for me to see things don't always turn out how he wants. There are so many factors he can't control, and though that's life, and the case for all of us, it's seldom fun.
I pray, though, that he will have an opportunity to share his energy, passion and ideas about all this with the people who make the decisions, and that they will also be invested in the vision he has for Manidokan!
As for me, my investment today in Manidokan is spending the morning and early afternoon with a group of ladies who may whine a bit, but I hope will learn a little bit more today of how sometimes hard work, does in fact pay huge dividends.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Calvary Commons and Other Updates
First off, many thanks to all the Calvary folks who have already sent pictures for my "Frederick Photo Challenge." I've gotten some great pics already, and yes, I have been able to guess many of them. Others, well, I'm working on it...! :-)
If you haven't gotten your picture in yet, you've got till the end of July! You can send/bring it to the church office or e-mail it to me.
Second, just wanted to let you know I'll be "out of the office" next week, July 19-24 as I'm volunteering for my week of summer camp. Also, August 2-8 I will be in Pittsburgh at the Stephen Ministries leaders training. Both of these weeks I'll have my cell phone and e-mail though, so you can still get in touch with me.
Finally, I wanted to pass along some news of a cool study I'm leading this year starting in September called Calvary Commons. I'm especially advertising it to young adults, but it's not just a young adult study, so all are invited! I just figured the novelty of it might be particularly appealing to young adults. But I hope lots of people from lots of ages, backgrounds and perspectives will come, because that's what makes the discussions really interesting! Here's the info:
We’ll be using lots of different sorts of materials and topics. The group will meet off site, like at a coffee shop (ideas?) and will be a discussion-based group. Ideas for material for this year include Adam Hamilton’s Confronting the Controversies, the novel Blue Like Jazz and my husband’s idea—a series on the enduring themes from favorite children’s book (he’s a fan of The Little Engine that Could). We’ll work through stuff at whatever pace the group finds most fitting, and we’ll most of all look at how these readings and themes apply to our lives. I’m planning to start with the Christians controversies book, and draw out the topics over a couple discussions, formatting our discussions so even if someone hasn’t had a chance to read that chapter, they’d be able to follow and share in the discussion.
Calvary Commons is currently scheduled for Wednesdays at 7 p.m., mostly because there will be other studies at church that evening in case anyone needed childcare.
If you haven't gotten your picture in yet, you've got till the end of July! You can send/bring it to the church office or e-mail it to me.
Second, just wanted to let you know I'll be "out of the office" next week, July 19-24 as I'm volunteering for my week of summer camp. Also, August 2-8 I will be in Pittsburgh at the Stephen Ministries leaders training. Both of these weeks I'll have my cell phone and e-mail though, so you can still get in touch with me.
Finally, I wanted to pass along some news of a cool study I'm leading this year starting in September called Calvary Commons. I'm especially advertising it to young adults, but it's not just a young adult study, so all are invited! I just figured the novelty of it might be particularly appealing to young adults. But I hope lots of people from lots of ages, backgrounds and perspectives will come, because that's what makes the discussions really interesting! Here's the info:
We’ll be using lots of different sorts of materials and topics. The group will meet off site, like at a coffee shop (ideas?) and will be a discussion-based group. Ideas for material for this year include Adam Hamilton’s Confronting the Controversies, the novel Blue Like Jazz and my husband’s idea—a series on the enduring themes from favorite children’s book (he’s a fan of The Little Engine that Could). We’ll work through stuff at whatever pace the group finds most fitting, and we’ll most of all look at how these readings and themes apply to our lives. I’m planning to start with the Christians controversies book, and draw out the topics over a couple discussions, formatting our discussions so even if someone hasn’t had a chance to read that chapter, they’d be able to follow and share in the discussion.
Calvary Commons is currently scheduled for Wednesdays at 7 p.m., mostly because there will be other studies at church that evening in case anyone needed childcare.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Psalm 29
In seminary, one of my professors (Bishop Carder, I think) mentioned how cool he thought it was when he'd heard of someone who read a new psalm for year year of their life. I think for that person it was a way of memorizing the psalms, and in general the repetition of scripture can be a really great discipline. I have to admit that I don't keep a daily practice of reading my "annual" psalm along those lines, but from time to time I do take a peek. Now that I'm onto year 29, here is the new psalm:
1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
worship the Lord in holy splendor.
3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl,
and strips the forest bare;
and in his temple all say, "Glory!"
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!
This is a good (but challenging) word for me today. I spent the latter part of yesterday, my birthday, wallowing in wanting more attention. More about me. After all, I told myself, it's my birthday I know that birthday or not, though, that sort of attitude is pretty much the core definition of SIN. Focus on oneself.
I have to admit there's still part of me that feels a bit whiny in a 5-year-old sort of way. But I hope God will take that from me. And I hope like this psalm, this year will be about God and what God is doing, and God's power, and not so much about me.
Development experts tell us that babies literally think the world revolves around them. It makes sense. They cry and there is someone their to meet their need, even desire. The early church fathers described sin as an inward focus. So I think that another way we could think of it is that we're all born thinking the world revolves around us...some of us just never grow out of that. Faithful discipleship is about growing up. Getting over oneself, and learning to serve God and neighbor. That's never as easy as it sounds, but it is who we are made to be. Birthday or not.
1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
worship the Lord in holy splendor.
3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl,
and strips the forest bare;
and in his temple all say, "Glory!"
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king forever.
11 May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!
This is a good (but challenging) word for me today. I spent the latter part of yesterday, my birthday, wallowing in wanting more attention. More about me. After all, I told myself, it's my birthday I know that birthday or not, though, that sort of attitude is pretty much the core definition of SIN. Focus on oneself.
I have to admit there's still part of me that feels a bit whiny in a 5-year-old sort of way. But I hope God will take that from me. And I hope like this psalm, this year will be about God and what God is doing, and God's power, and not so much about me.
Development experts tell us that babies literally think the world revolves around them. It makes sense. They cry and there is someone their to meet their need, even desire. The early church fathers described sin as an inward focus. So I think that another way we could think of it is that we're all born thinking the world revolves around us...some of us just never grow out of that. Faithful discipleship is about growing up. Getting over oneself, and learning to serve God and neighbor. That's never as easy as it sounds, but it is who we are made to be. Birthday or not.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Catholic bishops promote a compassionate view of suicide -Times Online
Checking out the latest religion news on www.pewforum.org, I came across this article. I must say that I find I rather often find myself defending the Roman Catholic Church (really, Protestants, we need to stop freaking out about silly things)...but many issues that bother people are indeed quite serious. Still today I think many people's uncertainty about mental illness has archaic roots in some idea that it's a sin, that suicide is an unforgivable sin, etc. I know this is still the case because I still run into families planning a funeral for someone who has committed suicide that are so grateful a pastor is willing to do the funeral. I've known this is the RCC's position for a while, but perhaps it doesn't hurt to share.
Catholic bishops promote a compassionate view of suicide -Times Online
Shared via AddThis
For some other resources, check out:
http://gbgm-umc.org/DISC/mentillb.stm
http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=5066287&content_id={0E911B8C-E939-4F2E-B8B6-C6644ABC71FB}¬oc=1
http://archives.umc.org/theme.asp?ptid=1&mid=2413&tid=43&rec=&search=
In interesting blog (I haven't read all of this, but it looks ok, but if there's something crazy it in, sorry!): http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/the-christian-and-mental-illness
Catholic bishops promote a compassionate view of suicide -Times Online
Shared via AddThis
For some other resources, check out:
http://gbgm-umc.org/DISC/mentillb.stm
http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=5066287&content_id={0E911B8C-E939-4F2E-B8B6-C6644ABC71FB}¬oc=1
http://archives.umc.org/theme.asp?ptid=1&mid=2413&tid=43&rec=&search=
In interesting blog (I haven't read all of this, but it looks ok, but if there's something crazy it in, sorry!): http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/the-christian-and-mental-illness
Birthday Reflections
I suppose it's quite customary to reflect on the past year for one's birthday. But boy, I've been reflecting for, well, months! It's really quite incredible to think of how much my life has changed in the past year. I no longer anticipate "quiet" years though (if I ever did). There's always something--and I don't at all mean that in a bad way. It's exciting, knowing that there just so much coming that we cannot imagine. Scary, yes. But also exciting.
This is my last year in my twenties. I guess that's pretty momentous. But God willing, I'll also have my last year in the thirties, forties, etc.
Life is not so much, I think, about marking milestones as it is living with joyful expectancy. Milestones are important, don't get me wrong. But I hope I am never so consumed with one day, one year, that I fail to give thanks not just for what God has done, but for what I know God WILL do.
This is my last year in my twenties. I guess that's pretty momentous. But God willing, I'll also have my last year in the thirties, forties, etc.
Life is not so much, I think, about marking milestones as it is living with joyful expectancy. Milestones are important, don't get me wrong. But I hope I am never so consumed with one day, one year, that I fail to give thanks not just for what God has done, but for what I know God WILL do.
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