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!

The Golden Compass

I finished reading the book on Friday and went to the movie on Saturday. First, I thought the book was way better than the movie (but that is usually the case). Second, I understand why the Christian right and the Catholic church could be up in arms. The movie opens speaking of the "Magisterium" which tells people the truth they want them to know. This movie and the book does offer a challenge to the form of Christianity that is dogmatic in belief and leave no room for independent thought or for questioning.

The author has been quoted as saying that church history shows Christianity to be violent and oppressive. I can't argue with that. Christians have been and I would argue still are violent and oppressive. How many theological arguments have ended up with one side being deemed as heretical and killed or otherwise silenced.

I would encourage everyone to see this movie and to decide for yourself. Maybe it is time for the church to listen to an outsider (Pullman is a self proclaimed agnostic) and see what we may actually look like.

Bummer

Well, no snow to speak of, oh well, it is only the beginning of winter. The ice has melted, the clean up continues. Central Oklahoma looks to be clear for a while now, but I have to say it was nice to see the sun again!!!

The next winter storm approaches

My folks didn't have power for almost 80 hours, but we spent a night at my brother-in-law's folks and then 2 nights with my sister and brother-in-law (Janet and James and my nephews Josh and Jayson) since they had power. The power came back on about noon yesterday and then we spent the better part of the afternoon cleaning out the refrigerator and cleaning up some of the branches in the yard. The next storm approaches. We are supposed to have 2-4" of snow in the next 24 hours or so. I will post pictures soon. I missed taking the picture of the 1/4" of ice on my car.

Oklahoma Ice Storm 2007

There are over 500,000 people in Oklahoma without power. My family included. My folks lost power Monday morning around 3:30 am. We went to my sister's who had power (the other lost power about the same time we did) and then she lost power about 2:30. We have ended up at my brother-in-law's parents. They are out of town and one of his brother's and his family are here too. Huge house, and they have power so we are staying the night.

The weather isn't supposed to really improve until late afternoon Tuesday. Tons of tress are down which have caused a lot of the power outages. For all of you outside the state of Oklahoma, pray for those caught in the midst of the largest power outage in the state's history.

For now, me and my family are fine. I also talked with Tim Blodgett and he had power earlier today.

Providence

Although I am tired of waiting, this may be a part of the grand design of things. It has been helpful for me to be in Norman especially as my nephew has had continuing health issues. There have been several days that I have stayed with him to allow for less disruption in other schedules. In the meantime, I have done some pulpit supply, substitute taught, reconnected with church family and other friends and had time to read. God's plans for us are always more than we can see or imagine.

Odds and Ends

I have enjoyed being in Austin. It was a great chance to see some friends and it was a privilege to participate in Arun Jones' installation service. I didn't realize how much I missed singing with Meredith, Monica, and Renee until we started singing. I didn't realize how much I missed APTS and many of the people who are still here. I didn't realize how happy being in this place made me.

On the drive here I had thought about new church development and have had some wonderful conversations with people here about it. It is an idea to think about, but there are some other new ideas that are percolating as well.

On the home front, I just found out that my 10 year old nephew was admitted to the Children's hospital in Oklahoma City to see if they can figure out why he has had headaches for 6 weeks. A mix of emotions from family members, but I think they need to do what ever needs to be done to help him. And a friend of mine who had heart surgery a few weeks ago had to be taken to the emergency room and had surgery to remove fluid. I ask for prayers for my nephew Josh and for my friend John. And I offer prayers of thanksgiving to the many people who have touched my life through this seminary. God Bless.

mmmmm Thanksgiving

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Mine was filled with turkey, mashed taters, all the trimmings, football, xbox, and playing with my nephews. My dad and I lost 35-21 to my oldest nephew and his dad in the now annual backyard football game. Blessings to all!

oh yeah, it can be Christmas, I heard the B.C. Clark jingle!

Oklahoma Centennial

Today is the 100th Anniversary of Oklahoma's statehood. This is a picture of the south oval at the University. The flowers were planted specifically for the day. There have been parades and all sorts of civic celebrations. For Thanksgiving, the Pride of Oklahoma will be representing the state in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

On another note, I needed my trip to Austin and although there were several people who I saw only briefly, it was a nice change of pace and of scenery. I look forward to going back in a little over a week.

I'm Tired

I am tired. Tired of living with my parents. Tired of not yet having a call. Tired of people asking me if I have heard anything. Tired of waiting. Tired of the sense of doubt that lurks in the dark corners.