Remembering to live in the moment

I am amazed at how much time I spend worrying about what lies ahead.   Usually it is stuff that is beyond my control.  My realization of the week has been that there is one thing that I can control and that is my attitude.  Situations are what they are, but how I deal with them is my choice.  

This was brought on by a confrontation after feeling attacked.  I chose to let it dominate me instead of choosing my attitude toward it.  Fortunately, I got things in my head straightened out with the help of good friends.

searching

I have begun to ask myself what parts of my ministry excite me.  Unfortunately I am discovering that there are parts of my job that are outside of my passion areas.  There are areas that don't have energy within them and require more energy from me.   

That then begs the question what to do if there isn't energy for a program in a church, should it be allowed to die  People say it is important, but they don't really support it with their time.  

Advent Word

Expectation – anxious, collective and operative expectation of an end of the world, that is to say, of an issue for the world – that is perhaps the supreme Christian function and the most distinctive characteristic of our religion.

Historically speaking, that expectation has never ceased to guide the progress of our faith like a torch...We persist in saying that we keep vigil in expectation of the Master. But in reality we should have to admit, if we were sincere, that we no longer expect anything. The flame must be revived at all costs. At all costs we must renew in ourselves the desire and the hope for the great coming. But where are we to look for the source of this rejuvenation? From the perception of a more intimate connection between the victory of Christ and the outcome of the work which our human effort here below is seeking to construct.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (19th Century Jesuit Priest)

Dear Fellow Followers of the Way:

The journey to Bethlehem has begun; a season of expectation is upon us. The lectionary readings for the first Sunday of Advent remind us to keep watch and alert us to the coming of the Son of Man. We are given the example of the doorkeeper who keeps watch for the Master to return.

Unfortunately, the only doors we keep watch over it seems are the ones that lead to business establishments where we can buy more stuff. Our society has become so obsessed with the commercial side of Christmas that Black Friday, originally named by the Philadelphia Police in the 60’s because of all the traffic, has become truly black.   Last Friday, Jdimytai Damour, a temporary employee at the Valley Stream, NY Wal-Mart, was trampled to death by the crowd as they broke down the doors to get at the items on sale. Not only did the crowd kill Damour, but injured 4 others and news reports state that many consumers were angry about being asked to leave.

With this event Pierre Teihard de Chardin’s words struck me. “We persist in saying that we keep vigil in expectation of the Master. But in reality we should have to admit, if we were sincere, that we no longer expect anything.” The mad rushing crowd, the craze of bargain hunting, our expectations seem too often to be about finding deals and not about the return of the Master.

This week as we stand with John the Baptist in the lectionary text, let us hear the voice in the wilderness. A voice that cries out for repentance, that calls us to come to ourselves and to turn toward God. It is a voice that can perhaps help us revive the flame of our faith. A voice that perhaps can remind us to see and hear the Christmas story with new eyes and ears.

During Advent the church recounts a story known by the oldest and the youngest saints. The more often we hear it, the more immune to the story we become. The more immune to the story we become, the easier it is to become consumed by greed and materialism. This is a most amazing story. Through the weeks of Advent we are called to keep watch for the coming of the Master. John the Baptist calls us to turn toward God and then we read the stories that remind us of the incarnation, to celebrate the first coming of the Prince of Peace. As we wait in anticipation for the coming of the Christ child, let us remember to keep watch at the door of the Master’s house. Let us remember who we are and who we are called to be. May our hope be a light to the rest of the world so they too may stand watch with us.

With Advent anticipation, expectation, and hope,
Karen

God of Abundance

God, whose giving knows no ending, from your rich and endless store—

Nature’s wonder, Jesus’ wisdom, costly cross, grave’s shattered door –

Gifted by you, we turn to you, offering up ourselves in praise;

Thankful song shall rise forever, gracious Donor of our days.

Treasure, too, you have entrusted, gain through powers your grace conferred,

Ours to use for home and kindred, and to spread the gospel word.

Open wide our hands in sharing, as we heed Christ’s ageless call,

Healing, teaching, and reclaiming, serving you by loving all.

Dear Fellow Followers of the Way:

The sermon text last Sunday was the story of the feeding of the five thousand and while listening to Bill’s sermon, I was struck by God’s abundance in the story. I began to think of other biblical examples of God’s abundance and then I decided to email some of my friends and have them brainstorm other examples with me. Here is a start to references to God’s abundance.

Genesis 1 Job 42 Matt 6:31-33 John 10:10
Genesis 15 Psalm 23 Luke 5:1-11 All Healing and Miracle Stories
Exodus 16 Psalm 103: 1-5 Luke 14
Numbers 11 Psalm 104: 25 Luke 15:22 Romans 15:13
Ruth Eccl 5 :18-20 John 2 2 Cor 9:8 - 11
1 Kings 17 Amos 13 John 3:16 Revelation 21:15-21


I would guess there are hundreds more examples to be found. And although we see great abundance in these stories, the concept of scarcity lurks within the texts as well. In an article by Walter Brueggemann, “The Liturgy of Abundance, The Myth of Scarcity,” he points out the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. In Genesis, Pharaoh orders the harvest to be stored. It was not about offering it to the people, it was about greed and making sure he had enough. Several generations later, the Pharaoh is scared of the abundance of the Hebrew people and orders the midwives to kill the baby boys. According to Brueggemann, “The fear of not having enough brings about the mentality of scarcity.” The author of Ecclesiastes comments on this as well in 5:10 “The lover of money will not be satisfied with money; nor the lover of wealth, with gain. This also is vanity.”

How could the author of Ecclesiastes have been so spot on for our world today? Consumerism is rampant. People buy without money to pay for things. It has created an environment of stress, distrust, and greed. Many people are never satisfied with what they have, they claim they will be happy if they just ____________. How have we let the fear of not having enough choke out the memory of the promises of God? How did we get so trapped in this mentality of scarcity? How do we get out of it?

I think we have to start with how we define abundance. As one of my friends reminded me context makes all the difference. Abundance looks different for someone with enough to eat and enough money to pay the bills relatively stress free than it does to someone who worries about which bills to pay in a given month or to someone wondering where the next meal will come from. Our culture tends to define abundance in material things as seen in the bumper sticker “He who dies with the most toys wins.” This kind of abundance is a source of lots of stress.

In a quest for more things, our society as created a sense of fear that there will never be enough. It is easy to want to hoard what we have and push others away, but is this what God intends for our lives? No. God intends for us to reach out to others and to live life with an open hand: an open hand that receives the grace and the blessing from the God who Provides (Jehovah Jireh Genesis 22:13-14) and an open hand that extends those blessings to those in need. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:11 “ You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” Our society, the world teaches us a mentality of scarcity, but in God we find extravagance and abundance.

In this time of Thanksgiving, may we remember that our God is a God of plenty. Let us offer ourselves in praise to God and use the talents and gifts we have been given to reach out to people in our community and in our world. Let us celebrate God’s abundance and reach out with an open hand to the world and give the world hope. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Grace, Mercy and Peace,
Karen

How easy is change?

Barack Obama has just been elected as the new President of the United States. He has had a platform based on hope and change, the people have bought in. I think many realize that we cannot continue the same path we have been on. But how easy will it be for us to actually change. How easy is for anyone to actually change? Only time will tell.

Here is to the hope of change. the hope of finding a new way.

Weekly Word for September 16th

1 Peter 5:1-6
5Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you 2to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly. 3Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. 4And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. 5In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for‘ God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.
Dear Fellow Followers of the Way:
Leadership has been in the spotlight in recent weeks. Whether it is the Presidential campaigns which are heating up or the leadership seen in light of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, we have seen leaders in a variety of areas of life. Our own denominational publications are not different. This month Presbyterians Today and The Presbyterian Outlook have both published journals whose lead stories are about leaders in the church.

Hundreds of books have been written on leadership with titles such as Who Moved My Cheese?, The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader , and Leadership Without Easy Answers, written by the likes of Spencer Johnson, John Maxwell, and Ronald Heifetz. The articles printed in Presbyterians Today and The Presbyterian Outlook speaks to the need for leaders to improvise like jazz musicians and for “Dangerous elders to be alive in their faith and fully empowered to be spiritual leaders in their church.”

Regardless of the leaders we see on television, I am drawn back to an assignment from the leadership class I took while in seminary. We were given a list of biblical figures that were seen as leaders, Moses, Joseph, Deborah, David, Esther, and my personal favorite Peter.

They all had gifts that were needed and they were all called by God, but Peter is my favorite as we can see a change in him as we move through the New Testament. In the gospels we see a younger, brasher Peter. The one who in one breath says “You are the Christ,” and in the next is rebuking Jesus only to hear “Get behind me Satan!” Peter with faith to get out of the boat, but not enough to stay dry. Peter who denies Christ three times, but is asked three times to feed Christ’s sheep. This is the man who is one of the great leaders of the early church.

Peter is one of my favorites because he is so very human. Faithful and loyal but full of fear. Peter needed to be reassured and needed help as he learned from his mistakes. As his ministry draws to a close we find the text quoted above. We are invited to lead willingly as God would have us do, to humble ourselves before God.

I invite you to read the articles “Like Jazz Musicians Effective Church Leaders have the ability to Improvise,” and “Dangerous Elders, Dynamic Deacons.” I also invite you to spend time getting to know Simon Peter in the Gospels, Acts and the Epistles of Peter. If his leadership style doesn’t match yours look at Moses, Deborah, David, Esther, Paul or find another leadership style in the Bible. Then look at where and how you might use your leadership skills. Where is God calling you to step out in faith and lead?

Grace, Mercy, and Peace,
Karen

Weekly Word..

About once a month I am charged with writing the "Weekly Word" in the weekly email newsletter for Westminster Presbyterian Church. I have decided to start posting them here as well.

Dear Fellow Followers of the Way,

Every night when I get home, I open up my laptop and spend several hours online. Yes, I will admit it, I am a tech geek. I am one of the thousands who are addicted to text messaging, email, and Facebook. For those of you not familiar with Facebook, it is a online social network that has around 80 million users. It is one of several social networking sites that have been created for people to connect to online communities.

I am fascinated with this new phenomenon of online communities. What has happened in society? What happened to the days of talking to neighbors over the back fence (and yes, I remember talking with neighbors over the fence)? Where are the days when the church was the center of community life? When was the last time you picked up the phone and called a friend? The back fence and the local church have been replaced by high speed internet and cyber community. Telephone conversation has been supplanted by text messages and email.

What I find so fascinating is that we long for community, so we are more physically accessible than ever. Laptops, cell phones with more memory than the laptops of 5 years ago, and blue tooth headsets make us accessible at all times, but do they help foster community? We may be connected, but is that what makes community? I would argue no. Community is about relationship; it is about something that ties us together at a deeper level. Community is about being open and vulnerable to others and being a part of one another’s lives.

As Christians we are called to live in community. Jesus called the disciples to follow him. He invited them to be a part of a community. They shared meals together, they traveled together, they sat at Jesus’ feet to learn together. There were a part of each other’s lives. The invitation to follow Jesus is an invitation to not only be in community one with another, but it is an invitation into the very life of God.

We worship the Triune God who is the very essence of community. Theologian Elizabeth Johnson in She Who Is describes the Trinity as a triple helix, individual strands not connected but intertwined and inseparable. She also borrows the image of the divine round dance where the Godhead spirals inward, outward and forward out of freely given love; love that overflows in the freely given love in the person of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ draws us into the very life of God; we are invited into the divine dance. We are invited to be in community, to be intertwined and inseparable parts of one another’s lives. So how intertwined are you in the life of the community that is Westminster Presbyterian Church? To become intertwined means to participate in the lives of one another; to participate in the life of the church. As we approach Rally Day and the All Church retreat, where will you plug into the life of the church? Will you sit on the sideline or will you enter the divine dance?

In Christ’s love
Karen

A New Adventure

I am off to Massanetta Springs, VA in the morning. I will be the keynote speaker for 2 identical middle school conferences. One of my seminary friends and classmates, Kelly Kaufman suggested my name. I have moved from panic to terror. Two sermons and 4 keynotes plus 3 devotionals and questions after keynotes has moved me to a state of terror.

This is another experience that although it is my "first rodeo" I feel like it can't appear that way. I had these same feelings when I presided at my first funeral. On one level I am pretty sure everything will be just fine. I will deal with things as they come and everything will get done. On another level I am glad for the panic and terror because this is the Word of God.

Here's to trusting God and going forward!

At the close of GA

I have been watching the streaming video and participating in a live blog during GA. Many will think we are going to hell in a handbasket after voting to delete G-6.0106b. It will be interesting to see what happens across the church. I am truly interested to see how many people in my congregation actually know what went on.

And yes, I have tipped some cows. I have learned that it must be done carefully and with great care. "We've never done it that way" rings about many things, but often those are the very things we do in fact need to change. This fall will bring about several changes. Should be fun!

Anyone for Sacred Cow Tipping?

Over lunch I was sharing some of my ideas that have stemmed from needs expressed by parents of preschool kids. In the course of conversation, I discovered a sacred cow. To move forward with these ideas means the possibility of re-engaging several families into the life of the congregation, but it also means to risk pissing off some staunch members because "We've never done it that way before" and I feel like they are afraid that one change may lead to a bigger change.

I would love to make gourmet burgers, but I don't want to alienate folks either. Trying to find a way to tip this sacred bossie over in the hopes to help families of preschoolers without completely alienating myself from some other members. There is big risk, but there is also big reward.

After the first week

Well, I made it through my first week back in the real world without running away screaming! The first week at Westminster was good. I had committee meetings the first 2 nights and spent a lot of time unpacking and reading curriculum. I have a lot to catch up on, and I have to remember that it will take some time. People here have been happy to have me back.

One of the meetings was a Session meeting with a strategic planner. In looking ahead, it makes me wonder why God has called me to this place at this time. After Tuesday night, I feel sure that I have been called here, but I know not why. What is it about my particular set of gifts that is needed in this place. That is the question that lies ahead for me.

Friday I met with the children's ministry team chair and there is much work to be done. I am teaching the elementary group in 3 weeks, planning curriculum for summer, VBS, and revamping curriculum for the fall. I think it will keep me busy.

I have also continued to get the apartment unpacked and even have some pictures up now. Woo Hoo!

I really hate moving

For the last couple weeks I have been packing and repacking stuff into boxes. Throughout this process it is ever apparent that my mom and I do not do things the same way. It has been a cause of tension. My sisters have stuck up for me. I think everything is now packed and ready for the movers.

The next few days will be crazy, but then I start my new position as Director of Christian Education on Monday, March 31st at Westminster Presbyterian in Austin. I am excited about the position and the possibilities that exist. It is nice to be returning to a community that I already know.

But I still hate moving.

Griping about airlines

Just flew back from Virginia and thought I was going to get stuck with both my carry ons (a backpack and computer case) at my feet because of the suitcases that were boarding ahead of me. Unfortunately with all the new restrictions coming about checked luggage, I think there will be more and more suitcases carried onboard.

When people lug these things onboard they slow down the boarding process because they can't seem to lift their bag over their head and into the bin. When they finally get a corner balanced on the edge of the overhead bin, half the time because they have the expandable suitcase fully expanded they have to fight to get it into the bin anyway. I swear I saw suitcases that were almost the size of my checked 23" bag going on board. They finally made people gate check them because of the space.

I wish instead of charging people $25 for a second checked bag, the airlines would charge for the stupidly overly large luggage going on the airplane!!

Stan Hallisms

Many of the APTS blogging community have made comments about the death of beloved professor Stanley R. Hall. He was an editor of the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship and was the one who taught me (and many others) to love and respect liturgy and worship. Since taking The Church as Worshipping Community my junior year, I have looked at worship and worship space differently.

One of the fun things about class with Stan was his quirky turns of phrase, what have been lovingly dubbed "Stan Hallisms." You never knew when one would be uttered, but some of them were absolutely priceless. Here are some of my favorites.

• Presbyterian worship, boredom to the glory of God
• Nothing is as new as what is old
• To gather as a community we commit theology
• No prejudice against the merely dead in Christ
• Prayer – doing deals with God
• To make a difference, that if we closed our doors we would be missed
• Never neglect the use of strange funny words
• Latin is a good language for offering sacrifice
• Big sucking font
• Great God org
• The 70’s brought in a lot of balloons and grab-ass liturgy
• Jesus soup
• Rich visceral stuff
• Wigged out over worship
• Gifts to the church are your enemy
• Aesthetically slightly ugly
• Enough water to drown a cat

So to Stan who has transferred membership to the church triumphant, thank you for a new look at boredom to the glory of God, for an appreciation of the rich visceral stuff that happens so that we would indeed be missed if we closed our doors. I promise not to relive the 70's or to create church architecture that is aesthetically slightly ugly. Stan Hall will be missed, but I am richer for having known him.

The Adventures in Ministry Begins

Although it is not what I expected my first step to be, I have accepted a position as the Christian Educator at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Austin, TX. At this point it is a non-ordained position, but there is possibility of it becoming ordained down the road. I have begun to feel that I am marking time and this church offers a chance to engage in congregational ministry and gain experience. I have also discovered a passion for working with children and youth and exploring theology.

I see this as a chance to vision with people for what they want in ministry with children and youth and help them work toward it. I also understand that this is only one stop of many in my future of ministry.

Yet another library burns...

Today marked the 2nd library to burn in the last week. Last week saw the death of Jack Stotts. Today the living library Stanley R Hall died. I am grateful for the time that I got to spend learning from Stan and getting to know Stan. He has left a living legacy in all the students who sat in class with him, whether they agreed with him or not. I have been shaped by Stan's gift of knowledge.

I can't help but think that there is now a task ahead for the students of Stan and Jack. For those of us who knew these men, we know the legacy that they left us. The torch has been passed. it is now ours to run with, to nurture the flame and to watch it grow.

I pray for comfort for the family and friends of Stan Hall as they mourn his passing. For me, Stan Hallisms run through my head. The one that yells the loudest in my mind is "Let us not be prejudice against the merely dead in Christ."

thought for today

I have been reading "The Sins of Scripture" by John Shelby Spong as part of a women's study group at my church. There are lots of interesting ideas, some I agree with and some I do not. The last section is titled "Reading Scripture as Epic History" and he talks about the creation of the Old Testament through 4 sources (remember that from Andy Dearman?). The last chapter is about Jesus beyond religion. It is about moving away from the tribal deity to a bigger concept of God.

"Jesus commissioned his disciples to go into all the world (Matt 28:16-20). They were to go beyond the boundaries of their nation, their tribe, and most specifically their religion. When they would finally escape all of these boundaries inside their expanded and open humanity, they were to proclaim the gospel - that is, the infinite love of God for all that God has made,a love that recognizes no barriers. Boundless love will even love those who have sought to crucify the Love of God...All becomes God's chosen. No one is an alien. No one is separate from God. We live in God; God lives in us."

Have we in our denominations become tribal once again? Do we cling to the God of our tribe and refuse to accept any other God or to let our God be sovereign over more than our tribe? If the love we encounter in the gospel through the life of Christ is a love that knows no boundaries, have we been truly transformed if we do not live that love out? What does that then mean for our denominations that vehemently defend one way of thinking? What does it mean then for all of us to be chosen by God? What does it mean to live in God and have God live in us?

Just some thoughts.

What's in a Name?

What Karen Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Ryan Pappan had this on his blog, so I did it. Weird that it is quite accurate in some regards. It is also a lot like Ryan's...hmmmm

Beginning of a new year

After celebrating another birthday, it is the beginning of a new year of life. I hope to soon see a new call and ministry in a new place. There are changes that need to be made and things to be done. So here is to a new year.

In Memorium

The sad news from Austin, TX today was the death of former President and Professor Jack Stotts. As one who spent time in Stotts dining hall under the watchful gaze of his portrait (which he didn't like), he will be missed. I had the good fortune to get to know Jack and his wife Virginia at Central Presbyterian Church. Jack was a gentle spirit and truly a light of Christ.

Good-bye Jack.

Epiphany

This morning as I was preaching, my question was "What are you seeking?" Is it wealth and power as Herod? Is it knowledge for knowledge's sake like the chief priests and scribes? Is it an unknown journey, having faith to follow without knowing the specific like the magi?

It dawned on me that the call process is the journey to encounter the Christ child. It is a journey of faith. Stepping out to follow was partially the step to go to seminary, but it continues. Seminary was the stop at the palace, a place to gain knowledge. Now the journey continues. The star will come to rest over that church where I am called to be. That journey will leave me changed, but filled with joy and excitement.

So, to the journey and following where ever it may lead!

Kicking off 2008

2007 was a good year, but there is unfinished business at hand. I had hoped to have a call by this time, but alas it was not to be. God has definitely been in the process and things continue to move. I have some interviews coming up this month. I have spent the last several weeks doing pulpit supply and have had the opportunity to play several Christmas gigs. I keep busy with substitute teaching, pulpit supply, and a variety of odds and ends. I will start volunteering on Mondays at the Presbytery office next week.

I am learning to do ministry where I am. I am learning to be patient and to wait. I am learning to deal with frustration and find silver linings in the situation.

Blessings as we start a new year!
Oh yeah....GO SOONERS!!!!! Maybe they can win the Fiesta Bowl tonight!