The Divine Passive

Saturday, January 30, 2010

When the Mountain Wins (Almost)

As the day of our departure for vacation nears, I've been plowing through my to-do list. It's been epic. Now, a good part of that is because there were some things I'd put off till after Christmas, but also because Lent begins two days after we return. So it was not only a matter of what had to be done while I was gone, but also what should be done so I didn't have to start working the moment our plane touched down at Dulles!

But, two weeks of intense to-do-list-ness later, I left the office Friday afternoon with a few things to do today, worship (and preaching) and our first one-session new member class Sunday, and then, well, packing and flying.

The snow was falling this morning as I headed into Frederick, but even the couple I was scheduled to do premarital counseling with canceling did not disuade me from at least knocking out a few errands for the trip. In fact, I reasoned that if I stayed in Frederick a bit longer, surely the roads would be better and cleared!

I wasn't even dissuaded by nearly being slammed into by a sliding pick-up truck. So, I ran my errands (driving gingerly), got gas (good call) and headed home. Sure, driving on 340 was slow, but I was surprised by the dearth (cool word) or cars slipped off the road. I can always count on Washington Co. roads crews to have Harpers Ferry Rd. cleared, so I knew if I could get to Keep Tryst Rd, then Harpers Ferry Rd., I'd be in good shape.

Well...you know what happens when you assume. By the time I made it to Lock 34 (still 3 miles from home), there was an accident and the road was completely closed. The fire fighter at the flares/turn to Hoffmaster Rd directed me to go up Hoffmaster Rd. But my 4WD Explorer was having none of that. A little sliding an a guard rail later, I was pinned against said guardrail, and the helpful firefighter has walked back (out of sight) to the wreck. After a concerned call to my husband, another fire fighter came back to attend to the flares and helped me get off the guardrail (in the end there was no more damage to the Explorer than if a shopping cart had hit the wheel well in a parking lot).

Now began the real fun. I made it back to Sandy Hook, where I sat, parked, for a half hour while my husband and our camp maintenance director conferred over my chances of getting home the long way (Scott, our maintenance director, had to drive that way to get to camp, so Chris had a better idea once Scott got to camp). Decision made, and with me practicing breathing techniques I learned in a book about how people survive crisis situations/disasters, I headed back to 340, and up 67.

I took it slow, and a few roads, turns and passing a number of slid-off-the-road vehicles later, I made it to the last and worst part of that drive--the long hill down and up past Sawmill Creek that comes to our driveway. By that point I was praying, singing (a song I learned as a kid, from Psalty, called "I Cast All My Cares Upon You")...and still practicing my breathing techniques, trying to stay calm. I can't tell you how anxiety-ridden I was at that point. I knew Scott had slipped there-and only slipped there. But 4WD is an incredible thing, and I kept the tires in snow instead of the half-plowed-now-freezing other lane.

And then there it was. Our driveway. Pulling in there was one of the best feelings in my life.

Okay, so this perhaps makes this whole drive sound a lot more epic than it was...but boy did it feel epic. It reminded me that for all our technology, mechanical genius and such, there are still times that weather predictions are WAY off, there's only so much a 4WD can help with, and sometimes, yes sometimes, the mountain will...just...win. It sure gave me a good whooping today.

Most of all, as my sister told me, Someone was certainly watching over me. A know (because I saw) that a lot of people were not as lucky today. I can only hope that a few banged up cars is the worst of it. Stay safe out there everyone!

Friday, January 29, 2010

Lent Art: 1-4

One of the coolest things I've discovered about Calvary since coming is the incredible wealth of artistic ability we have. Calvary has long celebrated its musical arts, and lately we've also been looking for ways to celebrate our visual arts. So I'm very excited that we're doing an art-based sermon series during Lent! Ken selected a series of items for Lent, and we've gotten members to make art pieces related to those items. It's been so much fun as the pieces have come in!

I wanted to share with you the first four pieces, since we're getting the bulletins printed before I am away. Want to help support these? Consider sponsoring a bulletin! Contact the church office or see the sign-up in the Parish Hall for more information!

Ash Wednesday (Ashes), knitting by Alice V S. Woodward, assisted by Rita Sharpe

First Sunday of Lent (Towel and Basin), machine embroidery by Susan Miller

Second Sunday of Lent (Cock), quilting by Alice Linton

Third Sunday of Lent (Judge's Bench), painting by Nancy Dobbs

We will be displaying the items in the sanctuary once they are used for a sermon, and we also plan to display them for several weeks (not in the sanctuary) after Easter. Many thanks to all the artists who donated of their gifts and talents to help us mark this important season in the Church calendar!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Who is knocking?

A couple weeks ago, as we remembered Dr. King and heard the passage of the neighbor knocking at midnight (yes, we were off lectionary), I invited the congregation to write two things on slips of paper provided:

WHO IS KNOCKING? (either on our personal or church "doors")
WHAT DO THEY SEEK?

I'm going to be referencing some of these in my sermon this Sunday, but for your perusal and reflection, here is the complete list of those I received (I have not combined or edited any, though I have omitted blank or incomplete ones, as well as any last names--a handful):

Who is knocking?: What do they seek?

-Homosexuals: Acceptance without judgment by all people but esp. the Church
-Local mission/shelter/2nd Street and Hope: Helping Hands/time
-Children of economic and spiritual poverty: God's love, hope and physical needs met
-Sue: Mental stability and guidance to do God's will
-The unemployed: a "job", self-respect, confidence and faith
-Needy: compassion, relief
-Amy: friendship
-Our shut-ins: companionship, not to be forgotten
-Our shut-ins: friendship, a visit
-Family: time and love
-Community: invitation
-People who have disability: Acceptance as normal
-Local missions (Heartly House, Frederick Coalition, Elderly and many other): help with caring for others, for our time and other resources
-My husband's parents: attention as they age; respect
-Centennial Memorial UMC: help maintaining their church and mission to homeless
-Young people who are gang members: acceptance--for someone to be proud of them
-Erma: attention
-The elderly of our church and community: more support and visits
-American people: a government free from greed and corruption and one that does not continue to eliminate God from our lives
-LGBT: Acceptance [LGBT, if you are not aware, stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender]
-God: Me
The children of this church: A safe, clean nursery and a more child-entered children's church space
-Homeless: love and support
-My sister: Love of herself
-Nat, Kyle, Makayah: God's guidance
-A student at school: love, acceptance, attention
-Boys and Girls Club of Frederick: Money for programs to help troubled youth
-Unemployed people: work equal to his/her skills
-LGBT persons: acceptance
-Kris: Full independent life
-Desiree: teachers for children's church
-Desiree: volunteers for children's church
-2 50-ish Calvary men: a job
-50+ needy organizations: Financial assistance!!
-Like the kids who get picked last for any team, there are adults who come to church (or don't come) and are too shy to speak to anyone. They come late, leave early and sit far away from everyone else: I'm not sure. Maybe peace of mind? Maybe they need their faith not in God but in mankind renewed by having others reach out to them. Maybe they just need to hear about some good works. Maybe they are looking for reasons to believe that they themselves are good people. Maybe they've hurt their own friends and family and don't trust themselves around people right now.
-Underachieving students: a hand forward
-Joyce: prayers for healing from a 3rd knee surgery on the same knee (total knee replacement for 3rd time)
-Darlyn (friend): friendship, closeness to God, my time, stability
-Carolyn: someone to talk to, to share with
-Youth of Calvary: love and acceptance
-The needy: love and blessing
-God for Haiti: for Christians to come together and help their distant families
-Poor: opportunity/education
-People living with conflict and war: peace
-Families who are economically challenged who would like to educate their children in our weekday school: scholarships or financial aid
-Lonely Seniors: someone to notice them, spend time with them
-Clarissa: comfort
-The medical community: cures
-The people of Haiti: everything!
-Locally, the immigrant population: integration into our community--language training, jobs, education for children, housing, etc.
-The unchurched: a church home and spiritual guidance
-A neighbor: something to be fixed in their apartment

I think this is pretty powerful. In invite you to be in prayer over these peoples and needs. Surely we can do something about these. What is God calling us, calling you, calling me, to do?

Come this Sunday and hear about how all of these could be better addressed by making the main thing the main thing.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Why I Love Calvary

Lately, I've been running into a number of clergy colleagues who I haven't seen since Annual Conference--and who inevitably ask, "So how is the new appointment? How are things at Calvary?" I thought I'd share some of my own thoughts about Calvary--just over 6 months into my time here.

-We have a great staff. I could say a lot about everyone, but I mostly want to say that Joyce is awesome, and she makes my job a lot easier and the congregation a lot better for all her work.

-I am blessed to have Ken for a senior pastor. He is gracious and is a wonderful guide for a young pastor. We are very different (when I tell anyone this who knows both of us, they nod in agreement, so I know this is true)--but we work together well, and his willingness to let me run with projects is truly a gift. I'm a pretty high-strung person sometimes, and though he may not always agree with me (I'm often wrong, and frequently impatient) he never makes me feel anything less than a true colleague.

-The folks at Calvary are so willing to help. I've yet to have a problem getting help when needed, and often, people volunteer to help without me even asking, or with only the slightest hint of a request. A few examples: Bert Edmonston volunteered to help host our all-day charge conference hosting--even with the heating out--and all without me ever asking; Nancy Dobbs has not only created art pieces for sermons and Advent, but also recently coordinated an art series we're going to use for Lent; tons of folks help with meals, special events, and regular committees--and all with great excitement, commitment--and joy!

-Calvary folks are willing to try new things, and even when we may disagree or struggle with details, we are all trying, earnestly, to do God's will as we grow as disciples and transform out community and world.

-People are, it seems, to me, honestly excited to be part of what's happening at Calvary--and that is infectious, and gives us staff energy to press on.

-My husband and I are SO excited at the prospect of raising our (future, no, I'm not pregnant yet) children at Calvary. We think the kids and youth at Calvary are pretty darn cool, and we hope our kids are just as awesome as the ones who Calvary has already raised.

-Peal bells are cool.

-We have a lot of new things on the horizon--from a new casual/contemporary/alternative worship service (we're calling it Koinonia, which means "community" in Greek) to working more intentionally and closely with Centennial Memorial United Methodist Church (God is doing AWESOME things there, just down the street, and we're excited to be a part of what they're doing), to bringing our "new" visitation pastor on board (for more info on these, come to worship this Sunday, January 31!

-I have a dedicated parking space. And an office,

-I get to be part of the downtown Frederick community. Which is quite possibly one of the coolest place ever.

This is just a start. Most of all, thanks to ALL of you at Calvary for making these first six months awesome. I can't wait to see what the next six months, and the coming year, brings!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

God's Call Hotline

A Facebook status by one of our Calvary folks today reminded me of this silly piece I wrote when I was in seminary (when talk of God's call and finding one's purpose was at a premium). So for your amusement...

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GOD'S CALL HOTLINE

Are you tired of God calling you only to put you on hold? Try our new, satisfaction-guaranteed hotline to the big guy (also known as the big gal at Duke Divinity School)...

Dial 1-800-4CLARITY Today!

Enjoy our easy menu options!

Press:

1—If you used to think you knew what God called you to but have lately been feeling led to try out for American Idol

2—If you’re still trying to discern whether you are indeed call to academia or if your call is rather to Acadia.

3-If you’re open to God’s guidance, but only for the next eight minutes.

4—If you feel your grades may affect your ability to fulfill your call and would like a curse put upon a preceptor or professor. **Note: Callers choosing this option may have to stay on hold until graduation.

5—If you’re willing to fulfill God’s call but would like some concessions made.

6—If you would like to be mailed a call-deferral form. Please have your current mailing address and credit card available.

7—If you would like to apply for your pre-approved spiritual account today!

8—If you would like to speak to your heavenly vocational director. ***Special note to Methodist callers: you will only be able to speak with your director if such contact has been previously-approved by your District Committee on Ordained Ministry.

9—If you would like to auction your call on our new hisway server or you would like to bid on someone else’s call.

0—If you are confused by these options, generally confused in life, and would like to speak to Saint Peter. Calls will be answered in the order in which hey are received. Peter is currently working his way through the eleventh century.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Traditional Worship

Having overwhelmed my blog with thoughts of contemporary and alternative worship, and though that is, actually, one of my projects at hand, I wanted to say a few words about traditional worship, lest you think my work at hand is some singular focus or preference on my part.

I grew up on traditional worship, and traditional worship alone. Oh, from time to time I would be at a church with contemporary music, but never was that more than a fad. My father was involved for a short time in a new church start, but I was young enough that I can't even tell you today what the worship style was...I imagine it was contemporary (and my dad can play guitar, so he could pull it off) but I don't really remember it. What contemporary music I did hear was what I would today call old-fashioned. From time to time, at camps or other places, there would be a brief shimmer of good, on the money contemporary worship, but those moments were fleeting.

In college the Lutheran chapel at Gettysburg provided traditional worship, tinged with elements of alternative, ancient-future worship at times. The United Methodist Church I attended Sundays mornings in college was, well, your standard, mid-church, mid-Atlantic, middle-class white worship.

In seminary, I learned there are a lot of different styles, and our various worship services leapfrogged all over the worship spectrum, with an interesting mix of the high-church and contemporary/alternative. During my time at Duke, I worshipped on Sundays at various churches, from a similarly mid-everything-and-white church in the suburbs to an African-American congregation in Durham to Duke Chapel. At Duke I really learned that the biggest and most important difference between worship services is less often their style or music and more often their quality in general. Poorly done worship of any type is equally bad, and, well, heretical. Heretical was a word we really liked at Duke but rarely said out loud. Worship is supposed to glorify God. To give people a chance to rehearse, prepare to go BE followers of Christ the rest of the week. Heretical worship, most easily defined, that worship that has a charismatic leader--worship focused on a person, or a band, rather than God. You know what I mean. You've seen it. I've seen it. We've even been involved in it. And it just feels, well, wrong (usually to everyone but the person being glorified...)

Good traditional worship isn't about the best music, just as good contemporary worship isn't nearly as much about the music as we like to think. Worship shouldn't be a performance with a captive audience (though as a pastor, some Sundays, I'd be happy to AT LEAST have a captive audience :-) )

Good traditional worship can touch anyone. That our traditional worship in many churches doesn't means we have let our "tradition" overshadow our "worship." Too often, the structure and habits of our services become so stale that even (or even especially) those who come weekly are no longer moved. No longer feel they encounter God in worship. Maybe not everyone Sunday...but at least a good part of the time!

Any worship needs to get people involved in what's happening. A more than just in the cult-like mass reading of lines or repetition of memorized prayers (though Duke also instilled in me a great appreciation for the value of the ways we join together with Christians of all times at all places. I'm just saying those same old things aren't enough to make all this stuff come alive. If ever it was (and I really question any who propose some good old days when the pastor simply dictating the faith was the most effective way for people to grow as disciples) it is not today. And never will be ever(again).

The best worship is well-planned, should flow, and have a cohesiveness that is so well done that the congregation doesn't even realize all the work that went into it. The best worship accounts for all aspects of a service but recognizes that worship only really comes alive by the power of God. The thing is, a failure to plan does not make a service any more Spirit-filled (though we might like to attribute the resulting chaos to such).

As we meet God in worship, worship leaders and pastors need to remember that it's not about us. But precisely BECAUSE it's not about us, we need to do our jobs well. Whatever the worship style, people come to worship to enter into God's presence, not to be impressed by us. And if either we or they forget that, we've distorted something very precious.

Have you heard the story of the song, "The Heart of Worship"? Matt Redman was a well-acclaimed worship leader when it became clear that his worship band's music had become the draw of their services. Under the guidance of the pastor there, the congregation entered a season of discerning whether they had simply become consumers of worship rather than participants. The break that congregation had from music and the time of examination changed the way that congregation approached worship (check out more about the story here). I suspect all of our churches have those things that we too easily come to as observers, consumers, and all of us could benefit from stepping back and remembering what we're supposed to be doing when we come together in worship, and how we can do that better.

Check out a video with the song "The Heart of Worship," which was inspired by that experience:

Interestingly enough, notice how simple the chords of this song are. I'm not a guitarist myself, but my brother Jordan tells me this is a pretty easy song to play (in all honesty he says there are different ways to play it...then he offered to go get his guitar to show me...). There are four, maybe five chords. Maybe that sort of simplicity wouldn't be a bad thing to try out sometime in any of our worship services...contemporary, blended, traditional, alternative...whatever...