Appointment Announcement

It is with both excitement and sadness that I share that effective July 1, 2014, the bishop and cabinet of the Baltimore-Washington Conference have appointed me as pastor of Arden United Methodist Church in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

While I am excited about this new opportunity in ministry and am deeply convinced that God is calling me to be in ministry with the people of Arden UMC, these past four and a half years at Calvary UMC have been an immense blessing to me and my family—and they have also been years of fruitful ministry and as we were able to be a part of the exciting things God is doing in downtown Frederick through the ministry of Calvary.

I also want to let you know that this past December, after much prayer and discernment, I shared with my district superintendent that I felt this would be a good year for me to change appointments. It has been a blessing to serve with Rev. Ken Dunnington and Rev. Alice Ford. I look forward to seeing all that God has in store for the congregation at Calvary under Rev. Ford’s leadership and through the ministry of whoever will fill the position I am leaving. While this appointment was only made in the past week, Rev. Ford and I have been in conversation for many weeks in anticipation of such a move. She remains gracious and supportive—though she would have loved for me to stay, she has understood my discernment and been encouraging throughout.

Calvary UMC will always be the congregations our girls were born into, and the place Chris and I were able to connect with each of you in powerful, Spirit-filled ways. You have sustained us through the sleepless nights of early parenthood, embraced us when we have suffered pain and loss as we did when my father passed away last summer, and marked the celebrations of our shared lives together. You have been our family in more ways than I can list. While Chris and I were confident through our discernment that God was calling us to a new appointment, we knew that saying goodbye would be incredibly difficult. You have all been the very presence of Christ to us.

In the coming months, I will continue to work closely with Rev. Ford and whoever will follow me to assure for a smooth transition. I will need your help making sure ministry areas are prepared for transition and that the process goes smoothly. My last Sunday will be in June, though I am working with Rev. Ford and the SPRC to finalize those details.

I hope you will keep Chris, Anna, Mary and me in your prayers in the coming months. This will be a major change for our family. I will continue to keep Calvary in my prayers both as we continue together in ministry for these next few months, and as you receive a new associate pastor. I rejoice that the God who has so blessed me by bringing me to Calvary for this season remains at work in the ministry of Calvary and in my ministry, wherever those paths take us.

Grace and Peace.

Rev. Sarah Andrews Schlieckert

On Holiness (Leviticus 19:1-18)

Today’s daily reading from the American Bible Society is Leviticus 19:1-18. The mediation ABS offers focuses on how this passages talks about holiness.  Holiness is definitely a topic appropriate for United Methodists to reflect on. It relates quite directly to personal holiness and perfection in love, both terms we are well acquainted with.

What I like about this Leviticus passage, as it restates some of the ten commandments and outlines new ways we are to treat one another. When Jesus says we are to love God and love neighbor, surely the former is of highest importance, but it is in the latter that we often see evidences of our love for God. We cannot separate the two. What both largely seem to have in common is (1) a focus outside self and (2) a proper orientation to God’s ways.

What would it look like to consistently lay aside out won self-interests and seek to do God’s will in all our relationships? This has surely been on my mind lately. At times this calls us to love, at other times (though I don’t think this stands in opposition to love) to having healthy boundaries and expectations. Sometimes we have to speak up for those who are oppressed, and other times, we have to be honest about tendencies to favor those without in ways that create injustice. That is probably very difficult to do honestly.

Most of the instructions in this passage conclude with “I am the Lord.” In some ways, doesn’t this sound like “Because I said so!” Which is a good point. But I’m often confronted in my daily life and ministry with the question for myself from the provisional and full member exams, “What is your understanding of Jesus as Lord?” (rephrased)

It is probably a helpful question to reflect on in all times and situations. The Lordship of Jesus calls us to submit all our lives—including our relationships with others, to his care and guidance. It means we don’t get to be self-righteous or proud. We don’t get to hold onto anger or bitterness. Because all of that is really about us, our need and desire to control things.

Living with Jesus as our Lord means we will make lots of choices differently than otherwise. I am sure of it. But it is difficult. Sometimes our very religious sensibilities seem to urge us to draw lines in the sand. Sometimes our own hurts and past make it difficult to be open to God in new times. Sometimes we simply cannot see our way forward and gripping so tightly at trying to control that which we cannot, we fail to come before God (and in relationship to one another) in our brokenness and vulnerabilities.

I am glad that we are reminded here that holiness begins with our relationship with God, but also heavily involves how we relate to others. Sometimes in my life and in my ministry I find myself bogged down and drowning in interpersonal issues, brokenness in lives and relationships, and painful questions about why things happen and how to walk alongside each other. I an encouraged that all that work in holiness work. All that work is indeed God’s work. And most of all, I am glad I don’t have to do it on my own, but rather have a Christian community to walk the journey with me, and a God who has never and will never leave me along the way.

On Uncreative Preaching (and why we should all be less creative sometimes)

I’ve been following along with the American Bible Society’s daily Bible readings this year. Having a toddler and an infant makes it difficult to keep up with pretty much anything, so it’s been nice to be able to get it via email or website.

Today’s reading comes from Matthew 22:15-40, and includes the religious leaders trying to trick Jesus with questions (like should they pay taxes and what is the greatest commandment).  The truth is the latter question especially is a pretty bad question to trick Jesus. You don’t have to be all that familiar with scripture and the words of Jewish teachers, including those who preceded Jesus) to be able to answer as he does: (1) Love God and (2) Love neighbor. That’s it. Not flashy, not requiring deep theological knowledge, just basic.

The bar for preachers seems to be raised year after year. We often fall into the trap laid out by Ecclesiastes, that there is nothing new under the sun, and everything that can be said has already been said. We seem to reply with, “But…wait…wait till you hear my sermon THIS Sunday!” While it is a good and honorable goal to keep the Gospel fresh, to adapt the message to new people in new times, the reality is it’s really just the same message(s). Sometimes we just need to be okay with that. Sometimes it really is not only enough, but also preferable to stop trying to out preach ourselves or others and just say the same, abiding things.

This past Sunday, I’d struggled with a week that left little mental and emotional energy left. I need both of those to get my creative juices flowing. Faced with having to preach, and frustrated I couldn’t rock some great illustration or innovative interpretation I finally asked myself what the basic elements and illustrations are that I use all the time. All pastors have these. Most of us also have go to sermons as well.

For me, those go to elements include reflection on the Dana Carvey “Church Lady” sketch, and how the Pharisees missed the point…the latter piece I hadn’t even realized I used so much till a member at my last church quoted it back to me once!

This week, I will go to one of our local churches to preach as part of an ecumenical pulpit swap. The Gospel continues the themes of this past week, and I have to say, there was something very powerful in just saying what is so central to my own thinking. To use the tried and true ways to talk about who we are called to be as Christians. So, with some adaptations for the different passage, I’m working on some similar illustrations and points. Sometimes God doesn’t call us to be innovative, creative or unique. Sometimes we’re just called to share God’s message in ways that touch and connect with people. More often than not, that is not only “enough,” but is precise the very thing called for.

Stamps: Who Knew?

In the midst of the passing of my father last month, we received so many gestures and glimpse of graciousness and generosity. Friends, family, church members, colleagues, etc. who travelled, some great distances, to be with us at the visitation and/or service. Generous gifts in Dad's memory to the ASP work of Mill Creek Parish. Food, flowers, etc. And cards--oh the cards! Each was such a loving reminder of all whose lives Dad touched, but also of the love and support we have as well.

One of the more random things I received, tucked in a card from someone whose paths I've crossed in conference work, was a sheet of stamps. Forever stamps, to be exact. I was very grateful, and knew they would be used, but I'd never heard of sending someone stamps before. But you know what, I'm now convinced this is a brilliant idea, probably for lots of situations, but esp. for someone who has experienced a loss.

Here's the thing. I didn't feel up to doing thank you notes at first. There was so much going on, and to be honest, once the busy-ness of the service passed, I was worn out and needed a break. I knew I needed to get to the notes, but I just just couldn't make myself sit down and do it. Then today, I finally got the cards I needed and decided to tackle the list--this also included cards I needed to send for other reasons as well. 

And you know what? Those stamps came in so handy. One less things to have to track down, pick up, etc. to finish the task. A small thing, but such a thoughtful one.

So yeah. Stamps. Who knew? 

I may start sending some myself though. What a cool idea.

Things You Should Never Say to a Pregnant Woman...

Between my own experiences and hearing of the experiences of other moms due this month, it strikes me that perhaps a reminder of pregnancy-etiquette might be helpful. To be specific, well-meaning people tend to find it fun or appropriate to say things that are either NOT appropriate, or at the very least, likely to make a pregnant woman (esp. one very pregnant) a bit bitter towards you. It should go without saying that if you shouldn't say these to a woman you KNOW to be pregnant, you certainly should say these to someone you just suspect to be pregnant. So, basically DON'T SAY THESE THINGS EVER.

BTW--I haven't personally gotten all these, but from what I've heard these are common enough that a number of women seem to be getting them from people close to them or just acquaintances.

1. You should/will have the baby on such and such a date. Seriously? Do you know how pregnancy works? The mom doesn't get to choose. And if she has to be induced or have a scheduled c-section, it's probably not something being done to suit your schedule, and likely something she's stressed out about. Either way, no doubt, esp. as her due date approaches (and passes) she's mustering all her energy to not lose her mind with impatience. Even if she manages the super-human feat of staying cool and calm, just leave her alone. Seriously. It's not cute. Or funny. If you have a guess or a preference, keep it to yourself. Chances are, she's spending most waking moments wondering if this or that is an indication of labor. Leave her the heck alone, she's got enough stress about it already.
2. Are you still pregnant? Um, yes, if I'm not holding the baby and/or you haven't heard the baby has come, yes. This relates to any pregnant woman's anxiety at the end of the pregnancy as noted above. Don't say this. You may get slapped.
3. Are you excited? How is someone supposed to answer this question? The answer is yes, right? And assuming it's no, are you really close enough to her to have that sort of a discussion. It's a stupid question.
4. You look like you're ready to pop. See #1 & 2. Also, thanks for reminding the pregnant woman about how big and uncomfortable she already knows she is. Good job with that.
5. Are you ready? See #3.
6. How dilated are you? Are you serious? Really? THIS IS NOT YOUR BUSINESS. Unless you are (1) pregnant or (2) the significant other of someone who is pregnant or (3) a pregnant woman's doctor or midwife, there is NO WAY you are entitled to this information. Besides which, even knowing such a measurement would TELL YOU NOTHING about how close labor is. Nothing.. At all. A woman may choose to share this info, but please, don't EVER ask. What's more, precisely because it tells you nothing, many doctors or midwives NEVER CHECK THIS until a woman is in labor.
7. Can I be there when the baby is born? This usually comes from close family members (shame on you if you're not and you ask this) but even then, this is a rude question. If a woman wants you there, she will invite you. If she does not, then no, she doesn't want to there, and you're just putting her in an awkward position if she has trouble saying no. No, you are not wanted there. Get over it.
8. You're going to tell me as soon as you go to the hospital, right? See #7. You will be told if the couple thinks they need to. And here's the thing--some couple don't tell ANYONE until the baby is born. They want their privacy. You might not do it that way, but it's not up to you. A more appropriate question? So how will you let people know the baby is coming or has arrived? And be gracious whatever they respond. If you're close family (and only if, otherwise, you're rude and are not entitled to know anyway) and you would like to be told sooner, I guess you could ask, but really, don't be pushy. It's not your body or your baby.
9. You look huge/miserable/exhausted, etc. Don't say anything negative. I don't care if she looks like death warmed over. Zip it. Zip. It.

These are actually only a few of the ridiculous things people say or ask pregnant women. NO doubt they are all meant well, but please, banish these from your repertoire. What, then, you ask, is one TO say to someone who is pregnant, esp. very far along? The following are some suggestions, but keep in mind that all women are different, and some days anything you say may upset her. Seriously, she's got A LOT going on in her body and mind. Be nice. The key is to just say these things and not (as seems to be the temptation) follow up with one of the above statements or anything that tries to put an obligation on the pregnant woman.

1. You look wonderful, etc. Just be nice, a la Thumper's mom.
2. I'm thinking of/praying for you. But only if said nicely, not with a tone like, "Because you're going to need it..." 
3. Let me know if you need anything. Don't assume you know what would be helpful though--and be okay if she says she's fine for now. Her pregnancy and the birth of her child is not your chance to assert your won helpfulness. Follow her lead. On the other hand, while everyone else is busy saying all the above things, it's possible no one has offered a hand.
4. Do you want to go grab a coffee or lunch? Those final days of pregnancy drag on. There's a chance she won't want to do anything, but also a really good chance she'll welcome a distraction from the waiting. She may say no (and again, don't pressure her) but she may also be very, very grateful. Follow her lead--she may want to talk about the baby, but she may also desperately want to talk about ANYTHING else.
5. How are you doing? This is generally a safe question, just don't press her. If she says fine, that's good if she gives more detail, that's fine to. Again, ask, but don't pressure for more.

Mostly, I think the rule of thumb is try to think about what it must be like to wait for one of the hugest moments in your life to come when you know it will be soon but don't know exactly when. Don't make her pregnancy about you, and don't add to her stress. Be supportive but not bossy. She'll remember. you might be surprised how many of the women I talk to due around the same time I am are already building of list of people they avoid/aren't talking to/plan to keep their distance from even once the baby is born because of their rudeness during the pregnancy. Pregnant woman certainly don't have a license to be rude themselves, but it can be difficult to stay calm if you're surrounded by a bunch of people who think they're entitled to your personal health information or to direct a process that even you have no or little control over. So be nice. Before long, she'll have a newborn, and there will be a whole host of other things to avoid saying (one woman said she was asked, 4 days after her baby was born, if he was sleeping through the night!) but really, the same rules always apply.

The Inheritance--The Greatest Gift

Yesterday I shared that my father often lent or gave me (and others) books. To be honest, there are some books I know were gifts, but others I suspect were lent...and I just conveniently forgot (and Dad never requested them back).

As I have received the thoughts and prayers of so many, but particularly my clergy and conference colleagues in recent days--and especially as I saw the clergy process in to Dad's service yesterday (the one moment I was most powerfully brought to tears) I was reminded of a story from one of those books Dad either gave or lent me. The book is entitled Stories for Telling, by William R. White (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1986). The story is "The Inheritance." This is one that had stuck in my mind though I haven't pulled the book out for perhaps years. When I pulled it off my office shelves this morning, I found this was the only story book marked in the book. God thing. :-)

The story (said to come from Jewish folklore) goes something like this: There once was a man with ten children who promised to give all his kids 100 gold coins on the day of his death. When the promise was made, he had great wealth and this was not an incredible commitment. However, in his last days, he fell on difficult times and he discovered he would not be able to keep that promise. 

In the day of the man's death, he called his children to him one by one, beginning with the oldest. To each he gave one bag of 100 gold coins, as promised. However, when he came to his youngest son, he was only able to give 20 coins. He explained this to the son, who asked why the father had not, then, made adjustments to the amounts for all the children. the father told the son it was better to keep the promise to as many as possible, but that in addition to those 20 coins, he would give that son his greatest treasure--his ten closest friends. The father explained these were worth more than any gold, and asked his son to be kind to them.

The father died, and the family mourned. When the time of mourning had passed, the older nine left to spend their inheritance. The youngest remained home, saddened by his situation. Though he felt little desire to do so, he decided to honor his father's wishes and reach out to those ten friends. He spent all of his inheritance to invite the friends to dinner.

The friends were impressed with the son's kindness, reflecting that he was the only child who had reached out to them. So the day after the dinner, they each sent gifts of cattle and money. The friends also helped the son care for the cattle and invest the money. Very soon, the youngest son had greater wealth than all the other siblings. Above his desk, he wrote the words, "Friendship is of more value than gold."

Now, ours has never been a family of wealth or inheritance, but it struck me, as I have been so supported and encouraged by my colleagues, that my father gave me (and my siblings) this greatest gift--the gift of friendship and of being part of an annual conference (and for me, and soon my brother Dan, the Order of Elders, and the friendship of the cool folks in the Order of Deacons). This has, and remains the greatest gift. Thank you all.

My Dad

Today was the memorial service for my dad, Rick Andrews. Technically in the UMC we call it "A Service of Death and Resurrection," which I much prefer. With input from family, I put together a brief summary of Dad's life. The morning after I'd written it, I woke up with a million more things that I thought should be included, but at some point you just have to lay it aside and decide it is enough for now. Still so hard to believe he's gone. So, here it is...not nearly enough, and even reading this, it fails to capture Dad's story, the complexities and challenges of it, or the heights of it, but it's something.

Note: Though I read this referring to "Dad," I wrote it using his name in case my husband Chris or someone else had to step in if I got too emotional.

Richard Willard Andrews was born March 17, 1958 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was the fourth of five children, joining older sisters Barbara, Rebecca and Deborah, and followed by brother Robert. His birth was celebrated locally by an historic March snowstorm the following day which dumped two feet of snow in the area. Ricky, as he was then known, joined the itinerant lifestyle of a Evangelical United Brethren clergy family, finding himself moving multiple times throughout his childhood and youth. By the time the family found themselves in Frederick, Maryland, Rick had shared in many fun times with family and friends—and become a United Methodist. In Frederick, while his father served as Frederick District Superintendent, Rick found a church home at Brook Hill UMC which not only nurtured his involvement in scouting, but also laid the groundwork for his call to ministry, thanks to the pastorates of Lou Robson and Carl Rife.

Rick’s childhood and youth was also filled with many family camping trips, which allowed him to perfect his skill making hobo stew. Rick fancied himself an editor and publisher, beginning with his publishing of his own community newsletter, The West Hills Flash, a publication he had delivered in his family’s Frederick neighborhood. His passion for editing would later flourish as he had opportunity to serve as the editor of his high school newspaper at Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick, Maryland. Remarkably, Rick managed all of this while being himself a horrible speller, who relied as great deal on the proofreading skills of his father.

After a somewhat adventurous youth in Frederick, Rick enrolled at Frostburg State University, where he studied philosophy and English. Though he began his time at Frostburg with little thought to much besides his studies and having a fun college experience, Rick would soon become involved in a college campus ministry that once again nurtured his call to ministry—and thus redirected his focus. It is reported that Rick use to play the Christian rock music of Larry Norman and Randy Stonehill out the window of his high Westminster dorm room to the whole quad. He and his friends Rodney, Eric and Rob use to go up to Backbone Mountain and minister to the youth incarcerated up there.  In the middle of his college career, he met and married the president of the Baptist student ministry, Patsy Brooks.

Rick and Patsy graduated from Frostburg in 1980, two months shy of the birth of their first child, daughter Sarah. Immediately following graduation at Frostburg, and having finally heeded a call to ministry, Rick led the small family to North Carolina, where he began studies at Duke Divinity School and served as student pastor at Ca-Vel UMC. While in North Carolina, Rick and Patsy welcomed Sarah and son Daniel.

After graduating from Duke in 1984, the family returned to Maryland, where Rick began his first full-time position, serving as associate pastor at Chevy Chase UMC. There, the family welcomed daughter Elizabeth then son Jordan. Chevy Chase UMC was a wonderful place for the young family to connect with other families, become exposed to a great diversity of people, and share memorable experiences like camping out together in the living room during a week-long power outage due to an ice storm.

Rick was next appointed to a new church start in Germantown, then took a leave from active ministry. When he returned to ministry, he began a thirteen year tenure at Brooklyn UMC. While there, he continued to nurture his love of history—particularly Civil War history, as well as his love of a wide range of music. Both of these passions he earnestly attempted to instill in his four children. He and Patsy enjoyed offering hospitality to all, and Rick sought to lead the congregation into new ways of serving the community.

Rick always maintained a sense of adventure and a child-like spirit. He rejoiced in the adventures of others, including his children—even when those adventures might make some parents cringe. Rick found joy in even the smallest things, and sought opportunities to help others do the same. For him, this was deeply rooted in his love of God and understanding of the power of the grace and love of God in the world. In recent years, this was evidenced by his joy in preparing to read to the students at his daughter Liz’s school—where he showed up in a bright red jacket and a Winnie the Pooh tie!

In 2005, Rick married his second wife Susan, and began a new appointment at Mill Creek Parish UMC. He treasured his wife and their life together. He developed a new interest in gardening, and enjoyed spoiling their cats. Rick’s love of hospitality continued as he and Susan enjoyed opportunities to host gatherings of family, friends and their MCP family at their home. Rick was particularly proud of the involvement of the MCP family with the Appalachian Service Project.

Rick loved music, both recorded, sung, and played. He himself was a gifted tenor, and for a time, skilled on the acoustic guitar—an interest he was pleased to share with his sons Dan and Jordan. He taught his children to value all kinds of music, from Gregorian chants to classic rock and 90s rap. In recent years, Rick rediscovered a love for golf and developed skill as a connoisseur of craft beers.

Rick was always interested in learning, and loved finding the best books. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed recommending good reads to others. His children, and no doubt others, have many books in their possession which were lovingly passed along for their enjoyment and edification. Rick also valued keeping an open mind and seeing where God was leading him and the Church. He became passionate about the church being inclusive of all people, and constantly sought to find ways to help people understand and accept God’s love and grace for themselves. He particularly enjoyed working with those entering and serving in ministry through his work on two District Committees of Ordained Ministry and on the conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

Rick was proud that all four of his children found ways to serve God, whether through active ministry in the UMC (Sarah and Dan), worship leadership and camp staff positions (Jordan) or teaching in the Baltimore City School system (Liz). He was proud and elated to become a grandfather when Anna Marie was born in 2010, and he was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his second granddaughter due to join the family this August.

Rick is remembered lovingly by his wife Susan, his children, his granddaughter, his parents, siblings and extended family, his friends, colleagues, and church family as a loving example of God’s grace at work in the world. The joy which poured forth from him testifies to his own deep relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and echoes John Wesley’s statement, “The best of all is…God is with us.”