This is for you (and you know who you are) that are struggling with classes that seemingly have NO practical application to your end goal.
I've been there before and I find myself doing the same thing. I was pretty sure that my teacher education classes were a bunch of crap and had really NOTHING to do with how I was going to teach or even to relate to kids (being a secondary ed major and all). Methods, assessment (which I REALLY didn't pay attention in...and this was before wireless Internet access in class), ed psych (which I struggled with), even the content classes that I had to take all kept me from my ultimate goal of being in the classroom with students. I liked learning the content because I like learning. I wanted and believed that we needed more time in the setting(school) and less time in the classroom.
So now, I'm in a professional program to become a pastor and there are days when that feeling re-emerges. What does this have to do with anything? How does knowing the past help with issues today? What good is Greek or Hebrew when I'll be ministering to a Latino congregation in NE Philly? Why can't we be doing more in field ed now...
I see this both ways. I am a contextual person...what happened in the past truly does affect today and maybe we can learn how to get through some of the challenges that we face. I'm also a social/people/giving person who needs to be where the people are. Sometimes its listening, sometimes it's praying, sometimes it's just sitting in silence.
So...patience my dear grasshoppers. I won't be trite and and give you standard cliches. I just pray for patience, peace, and guidance for you as you race to the end of your first seminary semester. It doesn't seem like enough in the short term (it's what 17 days until all is done or something like that?). But that is my prayer, my advice, and my desire for all of you banging your heads and wondering what you've gotten yourselves into.
(Hey...isn't that what Advent is about anyway?)
T.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Advent Worship on Wednesday
Trinity tried something new this week and Mrs. G shared a sermon about 'waking up' in Advent. I usually am the first to get out Christmas decorations and to get ready for the season, but this year, I've been a little torn. Don't get me wrong...I love the challenge that my new job brings, I love learning and the community of LTSP and I am finally feeling like I belong to a community. But in the midst of all this change, there has also been heartache and anxiety as I watch my parents work through an acute mental health crisis. The past month, I've acutally slowed down my frenetic pace and really just tried to get through. I've been walking around in a fog.
But the message of the first Sunday of Advent is to be watchful and awake. Mrs. G used the example of participating in countless fire drills to teach her how to be prepared in the event something happens. I thought about that and could even fill in other things that we practice to be ready. And then as she made the analogy to church and the things we do about church every week, I had an a-ha moment. This is why we worship. We work together to be ready for when Jesus comes again. We pray, read, sing, listen.
I've been putting off blogging for a while because this is something that makes me vulnerable. In the middle of worship, I started to come awake and to understand that all my time spent in school, in church, in study of scripture, being part of a Christian community...all these things are helping and supporting me...I've probably driven a few of my friends a bit batty with my need to stay connected, but that's what friends a for: to put up with my crap and to still be my friend.
That's enough for now.
But the message of the first Sunday of Advent is to be watchful and awake. Mrs. G used the example of participating in countless fire drills to teach her how to be prepared in the event something happens. I thought about that and could even fill in other things that we practice to be ready. And then as she made the analogy to church and the things we do about church every week, I had an a-ha moment. This is why we worship. We work together to be ready for when Jesus comes again. We pray, read, sing, listen.
I've been putting off blogging for a while because this is something that makes me vulnerable. In the middle of worship, I started to come awake and to understand that all my time spent in school, in church, in study of scripture, being part of a Christian community...all these things are helping and supporting me...I've probably driven a few of my friends a bit batty with my need to stay connected, but that's what friends a for: to put up with my crap and to still be my friend.
That's enough for now.
Christ the King Sunday Sermon
It’s Christ the King Sunday. For me, I see Christ radiating glory and power and all the things promised coming true. It’s a festival day where we celebrate the one who has set us free. The paraments are white and the songs proclaim his eternal reign: Jesus shall reign where’er the sun and crown him with many crowns. It signals the end of one church year and the anticipation of another Advent season. It’s a great day.
So when I read today’s Gospel lesson with my colleagues, we were left a little stumped. Why include a part of the Good Friday Drama on a day when we celebrate Christ triumphant? Very curious indeed.
But look closely…if you take away the drama and the suffering that we intrinsically feel when we read this passage, we see Christ radiating glory, power and peace in the midst that horrifying day.
The last few weeks have had Luke leading us to this moment. Amid the doom and gloom of the readings, there has been a thread of hope leading us to this promise and this time. Last week, nations were fighting and the earth was in tumult. The week before, Jesus shared that the life of the resurrection would be greater and more amazing that the things we worry about here will not matter.
Hope is something that has been missing in my life lately. It’s really hard to get past the illnesses plaguing my family, the really long hours that church work brings, the confusing readings of systematic theology, and the other things that weigh heavy on my shoulders and my heart. It’s not even January yet and the political storm of campaigns are raging and I can’t believe that it will get more intense. Nations are posturing with each other and themselves, holding threats of martial law and nuclear capabilities over our heads. In Philadelphia, police officers have been the targets of gun violence in the last month. It’s really easy miss the point of Luke’s message and get weighed down in the doom and to stay there. It’s easy to not look closely at those glimpses of hope and to stay stuck in the woe and madness.
Think back to the events leading up to and in today’s Gospel…Jesus has been mocked, spat on, whipped, and mutilated; his clothes are being auctioned off in a game of chance; his followers couldn’t handle it and ran; and one of the criminals hanging with him is even taunting him. He rises above it all and still brings hope to the one that believed…it’s a message that I think is hard for us to swallow because it smacks our culture right between its eyes.
Really…what’s so hopeful about war and genocide? What’s so hopeful when your grandmother is waiting for test results about cancer, your dad is suffering from PTSD and is in the hospital, your new niece is suffering from chronic ear infections, you can’t pay your bills on time… TV and internet and radio advertisements are filled with images of pain and then in the next moment, it seems as if the way to get over that pain is to buy things or to medicate them away. We get so caught up in these things that we are overwhelmed with despair and hopelessness.
Today, we are reminded with pageantry and with promise that these are earthly things, and though while important today, are just that…earthly things. When we place all that we are in these earthly things, we lose what is most important…that fact that Jesus, our rock, our redeemer, took the despair, the hopelessness, and the pain upon himself and freed us to live in hope and love. This promise comes through in our psalm of the day as well. I remember holding on to the sentence…be still and know that I am God… in the days after September 11. It’s been a sentence that I play over and over again lately as I pray for peace for the world, for the nation, for my family, for me. I recently bought Peder Eide’s new CD and he wrote a song based on this. And somehow, it is cued to play when I am angry, frustrated, and ready to rant at the cars in front of me. It calms me down and helps me to look at what’s really important.
And this is the turning point…from despair and suffering to hope. This is when and how we can marvel in his amazing love and sacrifice. In the midst of pain and persecution, he recognizes the criminal and promises him eternal life. If you think about it, we are like that criminal, guilty of crimes and sentenced to die. He’s with us there and takes away the sin and reigns over all things…seen and unseen, where the sun shines, and where there is darkness and hurt. We celebrate today because those dark things have been lifted away and we are able to glorify, praise, honor, shout, dance, jump for joy. We have hope…and peace. A myriad of songs come to mind when I think about praising God…and we are singing many of them today.
But don’t forget to pass this on…we are to share this amazing message with others. We are to be like Jesus – working for peace, justice, hope, love. We are mandated to take the good news to those still rebuilding from hurricanes, cyclones, and wildfires. We are to find the hopeless, the poor, the disenfranchised and work with them to bring equality, freedom and hope. It would be easy to forget that Jesus came to serve – and sets us to serve as well. This is not any easy thing to do when things look bleak…but we have that message of hope waiting for us…
I’d like to leave you with a poem from Madeleine L’Engle. You may recognize her name as she wrote “A Wrinkle in Time”. Her literature and poetry combine fiction and faith. I came across this book of poetry at a previous job and I think poem embodies this day…it is titled First Born. While it is about Christmas, it also embodies what this day of Christ the King is all about.
He did not wait till the world was ready,
Till men and women were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
And prisoners cried for release.
He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners with all their grime.
He turned water into wine. He did not wait
Till their hearts were pure. In joy he came
into a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours of anguished shame
He came, and is Light would not go out.
He came to a world that did not mesh,
To heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
The maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
To raise our songs with joyful voice
For to share our grief, to touch our pain,
He came with love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
Amen
So when I read today’s Gospel lesson with my colleagues, we were left a little stumped. Why include a part of the Good Friday Drama on a day when we celebrate Christ triumphant? Very curious indeed.
But look closely…if you take away the drama and the suffering that we intrinsically feel when we read this passage, we see Christ radiating glory, power and peace in the midst that horrifying day.
The last few weeks have had Luke leading us to this moment. Amid the doom and gloom of the readings, there has been a thread of hope leading us to this promise and this time. Last week, nations were fighting and the earth was in tumult. The week before, Jesus shared that the life of the resurrection would be greater and more amazing that the things we worry about here will not matter.
Hope is something that has been missing in my life lately. It’s really hard to get past the illnesses plaguing my family, the really long hours that church work brings, the confusing readings of systematic theology, and the other things that weigh heavy on my shoulders and my heart. It’s not even January yet and the political storm of campaigns are raging and I can’t believe that it will get more intense. Nations are posturing with each other and themselves, holding threats of martial law and nuclear capabilities over our heads. In Philadelphia, police officers have been the targets of gun violence in the last month. It’s really easy miss the point of Luke’s message and get weighed down in the doom and to stay there. It’s easy to not look closely at those glimpses of hope and to stay stuck in the woe and madness.
Think back to the events leading up to and in today’s Gospel…Jesus has been mocked, spat on, whipped, and mutilated; his clothes are being auctioned off in a game of chance; his followers couldn’t handle it and ran; and one of the criminals hanging with him is even taunting him. He rises above it all and still brings hope to the one that believed…it’s a message that I think is hard for us to swallow because it smacks our culture right between its eyes.
Really…what’s so hopeful about war and genocide? What’s so hopeful when your grandmother is waiting for test results about cancer, your dad is suffering from PTSD and is in the hospital, your new niece is suffering from chronic ear infections, you can’t pay your bills on time… TV and internet and radio advertisements are filled with images of pain and then in the next moment, it seems as if the way to get over that pain is to buy things or to medicate them away. We get so caught up in these things that we are overwhelmed with despair and hopelessness.
Today, we are reminded with pageantry and with promise that these are earthly things, and though while important today, are just that…earthly things. When we place all that we are in these earthly things, we lose what is most important…that fact that Jesus, our rock, our redeemer, took the despair, the hopelessness, and the pain upon himself and freed us to live in hope and love. This promise comes through in our psalm of the day as well. I remember holding on to the sentence…be still and know that I am God… in the days after September 11. It’s been a sentence that I play over and over again lately as I pray for peace for the world, for the nation, for my family, for me. I recently bought Peder Eide’s new CD and he wrote a song based on this. And somehow, it is cued to play when I am angry, frustrated, and ready to rant at the cars in front of me. It calms me down and helps me to look at what’s really important.
And this is the turning point…from despair and suffering to hope. This is when and how we can marvel in his amazing love and sacrifice. In the midst of pain and persecution, he recognizes the criminal and promises him eternal life. If you think about it, we are like that criminal, guilty of crimes and sentenced to die. He’s with us there and takes away the sin and reigns over all things…seen and unseen, where the sun shines, and where there is darkness and hurt. We celebrate today because those dark things have been lifted away and we are able to glorify, praise, honor, shout, dance, jump for joy. We have hope…and peace. A myriad of songs come to mind when I think about praising God…and we are singing many of them today.
But don’t forget to pass this on…we are to share this amazing message with others. We are to be like Jesus – working for peace, justice, hope, love. We are mandated to take the good news to those still rebuilding from hurricanes, cyclones, and wildfires. We are to find the hopeless, the poor, the disenfranchised and work with them to bring equality, freedom and hope. It would be easy to forget that Jesus came to serve – and sets us to serve as well. This is not any easy thing to do when things look bleak…but we have that message of hope waiting for us…
I’d like to leave you with a poem from Madeleine L’Engle. You may recognize her name as she wrote “A Wrinkle in Time”. Her literature and poetry combine fiction and faith. I came across this book of poetry at a previous job and I think poem embodies this day…it is titled First Born. While it is about Christmas, it also embodies what this day of Christ the King is all about.
He did not wait till the world was ready,
Till men and women were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
And prisoners cried for release.
He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners with all their grime.
He turned water into wine. He did not wait
Till their hearts were pure. In joy he came
into a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours of anguished shame
He came, and is Light would not go out.
He came to a world that did not mesh,
To heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
The maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
To raise our songs with joyful voice
For to share our grief, to touch our pain,
He came with love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
Amen
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Why do we serve?
This is my devotion for our summer servant trip info night...but I think it provides some food for thought...
I’ve been thinking a lot about all the great things that I get to watch students do in the summer months. I also get to watch the Trinity and Lansdale communities come together in support of causes that mean a great deal to them. But as I began preparing for next summer and the meeting tonight, I couldn’t help but wonder if we’ve missed out on something. Don’t get me wrong…I’ve witnessed amazing things but I felt something was missing.
So what was that niggling feeling? I guess I’ve sung my friend Pastor Lou’s favorite song too many times. It’s on the table in front of you: “Beauty for Brokenness.” The image of those words is what servant trips are about. And it is through the amazing love of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit that these words come alive when we talk about serving God or use our time, talent, and treasures. Service is about listening to a story of hope or pounding nails into a stud to build a roof or a wall.
Unfortunately, sometimes we get so caught up in the “going on a trip” or the “I want to use a power tool” that our purpose gets lost in translation. Instead of being privileged to help others, we can go into a situation feeling like saviors. We can forget the cultural differences and alienate the people that we are there to help. We close our eyes to the simple pleasures and look for the best way to play a prank on our team.
This song…Beauty for Brokenness…it runs through my head and reminds me that I am blessed beyond measure. As I sing the words, I see the images from TV and magazines of weather ravaged countried and war-torn places. I see the strength of people as they cling to what they have and know that I have the wherewithal to help them out. And while the verses speak to many things wrong in the world, they also cause us to cry out to God that we may be the hands that help to change just a bit of the world. We pray for compassion and spark and hope.
That’s why we serve…to lighten the darkness and to bring justice to those without. To make homes safer, to share sunshine and love with those in need, to provide sanctuary for all children, no matter where they are.
Summer 2008 is full of these opportunities. We are headed to Appalachia, New York, New Orleans, and Tanzania. Before we get there, we have the opportunity to help here in Lansdale and in Philadelphia. We serve because He(or she) first loved us.
Pray with me:
God of the poor and friend of the week, we come to you today as we begin preparations for our service trips this summer. Open our hearts to your presence and your purpose. We pray for compassion for those we serve and those we serve with. We pray for understanding and guidance. Let all that we do be for your glory and not ours. We ask these things through the one that showed compassion, love, and mercy to all. Amen.
The song "Beauty for Brokenness" is in the Worship and Praise supplement from Augsburg Fortress (or Purple #17 for those of you familiar). It is also known as "God of the Poor". It was written by Graham Kendrick. You can read the lyrics here at his site: http://www.grahamkendrick.co.uk/songs/lyrics/god_of_the_poor.htm
Thanks for reading,
Tina
I’ve been thinking a lot about all the great things that I get to watch students do in the summer months. I also get to watch the Trinity and Lansdale communities come together in support of causes that mean a great deal to them. But as I began preparing for next summer and the meeting tonight, I couldn’t help but wonder if we’ve missed out on something. Don’t get me wrong…I’ve witnessed amazing things but I felt something was missing.
So what was that niggling feeling? I guess I’ve sung my friend Pastor Lou’s favorite song too many times. It’s on the table in front of you: “Beauty for Brokenness.” The image of those words is what servant trips are about. And it is through the amazing love of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit that these words come alive when we talk about serving God or use our time, talent, and treasures. Service is about listening to a story of hope or pounding nails into a stud to build a roof or a wall.
Unfortunately, sometimes we get so caught up in the “going on a trip” or the “I want to use a power tool” that our purpose gets lost in translation. Instead of being privileged to help others, we can go into a situation feeling like saviors. We can forget the cultural differences and alienate the people that we are there to help. We close our eyes to the simple pleasures and look for the best way to play a prank on our team.
This song…Beauty for Brokenness…it runs through my head and reminds me that I am blessed beyond measure. As I sing the words, I see the images from TV and magazines of weather ravaged countried and war-torn places. I see the strength of people as they cling to what they have and know that I have the wherewithal to help them out. And while the verses speak to many things wrong in the world, they also cause us to cry out to God that we may be the hands that help to change just a bit of the world. We pray for compassion and spark and hope.
That’s why we serve…to lighten the darkness and to bring justice to those without. To make homes safer, to share sunshine and love with those in need, to provide sanctuary for all children, no matter where they are.
Summer 2008 is full of these opportunities. We are headed to Appalachia, New York, New Orleans, and Tanzania. Before we get there, we have the opportunity to help here in Lansdale and in Philadelphia. We serve because He(or she) first loved us.
Pray with me:
God of the poor and friend of the week, we come to you today as we begin preparations for our service trips this summer. Open our hearts to your presence and your purpose. We pray for compassion for those we serve and those we serve with. We pray for understanding and guidance. Let all that we do be for your glory and not ours. We ask these things through the one that showed compassion, love, and mercy to all. Amen.
The song "Beauty for Brokenness" is in the Worship and Praise supplement from Augsburg Fortress (or Purple #17 for those of you familiar). It is also known as "God of the Poor". It was written by Graham Kendrick. You can read the lyrics here at his site: http://www.grahamkendrick.co.uk/songs/lyrics/god_of_the_poor.htm
Thanks for reading,
Tina
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Thinking about God
So...I promised theological discourse and here it is...
We're talking about the ideas and concepts of God: who, what, how? You know, the easy questions about God. We've (my classmates and I) been pushed from our comfort zones and now we're trying to construct what this is really all about.
How do we use language to describe God? Is our language capable of explaining something that is unexplainable? How does our language make our conceptualization of God biased? (I'm just starting with some of the thoughts that I have been trying to make sense of ideas and discussions from the last week or two...)
In using a constructive theology textbook, we are examining a lot of the worries (an easy word) that people have with the "common" ideas of God that we have. Is God a man? Is he vengeful or merciful or both? How do we picture this unexplanable thing to those that have not encountered him/her/it? Can we adequately do it with people whose life experience is different from ours?
No answers today...just thought I'd share my questions...
And if I had answers, they might change tomorrow.
What do you think?
Peace,
Tina
We're talking about the ideas and concepts of God: who, what, how? You know, the easy questions about God. We've (my classmates and I) been pushed from our comfort zones and now we're trying to construct what this is really all about.
How do we use language to describe God? Is our language capable of explaining something that is unexplainable? How does our language make our conceptualization of God biased? (I'm just starting with some of the thoughts that I have been trying to make sense of ideas and discussions from the last week or two...)
In using a constructive theology textbook, we are examining a lot of the worries (an easy word) that people have with the "common" ideas of God that we have. Is God a man? Is he vengeful or merciful or both? How do we picture this unexplanable thing to those that have not encountered him/her/it? Can we adequately do it with people whose life experience is different from ours?
No answers today...just thought I'd share my questions...
And if I had answers, they might change tomorrow.
What do you think?
Peace,
Tina
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Remiss
Okay...so it's been two weeks since my last post. Here's why:
Paper to finish
Junior High Youth Retreat
D2D first night (confirmation program at TLC)
Day to day administrative stuff
School
Worship
Weekend fairs at church
Now, I could have squeezed time in but well, I like to sleep as well.
It's this wrestling with life thing. I can' t seem to get into a groove. I am fairly flexible but I am having some issues making everything balance out...
I took today for myself. I may outline my lesson for next week later but right now I am enjoying being a slug. I wish that my coworkers had some time to do that as well. We've been busy and we just want some time to renew ourselves to be able to do God's work.
Tomorrow - we'll see about that then.
May the Lord grant you all peace and quiet and understanding in the face of amazing craziness and stress.
Tina
The new template reflects my desire for a few days on the beach...sand and surf and seascapes...
Paper to finish
Junior High Youth Retreat
D2D first night (confirmation program at TLC)
Day to day administrative stuff
School
Worship
Weekend fairs at church
Now, I could have squeezed time in but well, I like to sleep as well.
It's this wrestling with life thing. I can' t seem to get into a groove. I am fairly flexible but I am having some issues making everything balance out...
I took today for myself. I may outline my lesson for next week later but right now I am enjoying being a slug. I wish that my coworkers had some time to do that as well. We've been busy and we just want some time to renew ourselves to be able to do God's work.
Tomorrow - we'll see about that then.
May the Lord grant you all peace and quiet and understanding in the face of amazing craziness and stress.
Tina
The new template reflects my desire for a few days on the beach...sand and surf and seascapes...
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Parts 2-6
In case you were wondering what other questions I've been percolating, here they are...no particular order, just as they were given for our assignment:
1. What is the subject matter, and who is the subject, of theological matter?
2. What are your basic assumptions about theology?
3. What are your sources for theological reflection?
4. What experiences inform your theological practice?
5. What is its place in the life of the individual, the church, and the community at large?
I've been in class for a few weeks and I have some basic answers for these questions. If I start writing, I think that it'll fall into place like the previous entry (which needs editing, but there are good bones there).
It's one of these things...we are taught to believe certain things but until you are able to see how those beliefs work in your life, they are abstract. We are also taught to have a childlike faith...that's not blind faith necessarily, but if you think about kids, they are always questioning you...so which is it? Hmmm....
So...it'll be crunch time this weekend with church responsibilities...but if you talk to my mom, and really anyone else, it's how I tend to roll...
Off to watch Grey's Anatomy(I do need some down time)
And to keep writing ideas about this paper.
Peace,
Tina
1. What is the subject matter, and who is the subject, of theological matter?
2. What are your basic assumptions about theology?
3. What are your sources for theological reflection?
4. What experiences inform your theological practice?
5. What is its place in the life of the individual, the church, and the community at large?
I've been in class for a few weeks and I have some basic answers for these questions. If I start writing, I think that it'll fall into place like the previous entry (which needs editing, but there are good bones there).
It's one of these things...we are taught to believe certain things but until you are able to see how those beliefs work in your life, they are abstract. We are also taught to have a childlike faith...that's not blind faith necessarily, but if you think about kids, they are always questioning you...so which is it? Hmmm....
So...it'll be crunch time this weekend with church responsibilities...but if you talk to my mom, and really anyone else, it's how I tend to roll...
Off to watch Grey's Anatomy(I do need some down time)
And to keep writing ideas about this paper.
Peace,
Tina
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
What is theology good for? Part 1
That, my friends, is a question in a list of six that I am reflecting on for my first official seminary paper due next week. What is it good for?
After you've run screaming from the thought that you too can and do theology, it's time to sit and scratch your head, rub your chin, or pace a new hole in your living room carpet.
I've held to this Augustinian phrase "theology is faith seeking understanding." It seems to tie the whole proposition up very neatly...whatever amount of faith I possess (and if you have already looked at this Sunday's lesson* about wanting more faith and finding that you have what you need) helps me to see that God is everywhere I look. I was reminded today that it also depends on what word you emphasize in that phrase. Are you questioning your faith, are you seeking something or are you understanding what's going on?
Well, I guess that I'm seeking...a lot of things. I'm seeking knowledge, context, and practical applications of Christian faith today. I am seeking ideas and partnerships that encourage and inspire young people to join me on this faith seeking journey. I am tackling abstract and divisive ideas about theology and trying to make them concrete and real.
Theology is also good for taking risks. As we get older, we tend to want to take fewer risks with out lives, especially when it deals with things that we hold to be true...and of which religion is a HUGE part. I intrinsically know why people run and scream when they are asked to share their faith or to even consider a new opinion because of the vulnerability that takes place. It's also at this place where we find Jesus next to us, urging us on to greater things because his way is about taking risks. Go out and preach with only what I have with me now? Whatever! Don't say goodbye or put my affairs in order. You're kidding, right?
The idea of being a seeker reminds me of Quidditch, the soccer/rugby/??? game of the Harry Potter series. Faith can be like the golden snitch...flying around here and there and causing the one seeking to be able to be flexible and agile. You may be able to catch it once in a while and think that you have won, but another match begins. You take the lessons that you have learned, and you apply them to the next situation as you seek greater understanding.
Maybe you're not a risk taker, but you allow yourself to sit in worship every week and you listen to the Word of God. You also make a choice...any of which comes with some set of risks. You can take the challenge of the Good News and use it, you can creatively edit the parts of the Good News for your own purpose, or you can reject it. Any of these (and there are more) will (don't freak out) change your understanding. You are trying to make sense of the Word based on your experiences, traditions, and beliefs. You are, in fact, doing theology.
Now...I'll admit that this is the beginning of my musing for my paper and I'm trying to seek some understanding myself. I hope not to bore you all too much or make you itch in places that are well...uncomfortable (figuratively speaking). I'm also going to try out a few more questions in hopes of something comprehensive coming together.
I appreciate feedback...
*Sunday's Gospel is Luke 17:5-10...we're still trying to get the Pharisees to see what they don't get...
Peace,
Tina
After you've run screaming from the thought that you too can and do theology, it's time to sit and scratch your head, rub your chin, or pace a new hole in your living room carpet.
I've held to this Augustinian phrase "theology is faith seeking understanding." It seems to tie the whole proposition up very neatly...whatever amount of faith I possess (and if you have already looked at this Sunday's lesson* about wanting more faith and finding that you have what you need) helps me to see that God is everywhere I look. I was reminded today that it also depends on what word you emphasize in that phrase. Are you questioning your faith, are you seeking something or are you understanding what's going on?
Well, I guess that I'm seeking...a lot of things. I'm seeking knowledge, context, and practical applications of Christian faith today. I am seeking ideas and partnerships that encourage and inspire young people to join me on this faith seeking journey. I am tackling abstract and divisive ideas about theology and trying to make them concrete and real.
Theology is also good for taking risks. As we get older, we tend to want to take fewer risks with out lives, especially when it deals with things that we hold to be true...and of which religion is a HUGE part. I intrinsically know why people run and scream when they are asked to share their faith or to even consider a new opinion because of the vulnerability that takes place. It's also at this place where we find Jesus next to us, urging us on to greater things because his way is about taking risks. Go out and preach with only what I have with me now? Whatever! Don't say goodbye or put my affairs in order. You're kidding, right?
The idea of being a seeker reminds me of Quidditch, the soccer/rugby/??? game of the Harry Potter series. Faith can be like the golden snitch...flying around here and there and causing the one seeking to be able to be flexible and agile. You may be able to catch it once in a while and think that you have won, but another match begins. You take the lessons that you have learned, and you apply them to the next situation as you seek greater understanding.
Maybe you're not a risk taker, but you allow yourself to sit in worship every week and you listen to the Word of God. You also make a choice...any of which comes with some set of risks. You can take the challenge of the Good News and use it, you can creatively edit the parts of the Good News for your own purpose, or you can reject it. Any of these (and there are more) will (don't freak out) change your understanding. You are trying to make sense of the Word based on your experiences, traditions, and beliefs. You are, in fact, doing theology.
Now...I'll admit that this is the beginning of my musing for my paper and I'm trying to seek some understanding myself. I hope not to bore you all too much or make you itch in places that are well...uncomfortable (figuratively speaking). I'm also going to try out a few more questions in hopes of something comprehensive coming together.
I appreciate feedback...
*Sunday's Gospel is Luke 17:5-10...we're still trying to get the Pharisees to see what they don't get...
Peace,
Tina
Friday, September 21, 2007
The next day
So...sleep is good and I'm off to another day of preparations and excitement.
Anyway...my predicament from yesterday started to make this week's Gospel lesson resonate a little more. The Revised Common Lectionary is finishing "the year of Luke" and we have been inundated with stories of stewardship for the last 6 weeks. This week's lesson is no different, but it is. Jesus added a twist by commending the shrewd manager for his dishonesty and his craftiness. I suppose that if you had been following Jesus through Judea and now heard this message, you'd be scratching your head as well. Don't believe me? Read Luke 16:1-13.
So how did this seemingly twisted, upside-down, out of character story about financial management resonate with me? Aside from trying to get my bills paid ontime, the idea of "being faithful in very little being faithful in very much" stuck out because I'm trying to do much and I feel that I am barely keeping up. I also worry about money a lot because I have fallen into that group of young Americans that didn't follow my parent's example about being frugal with money and found that 'credit was my friend'...which for all of you reading this and getting your first creadit card...don't memorize the number and don't try to compete with the latest and greatest gadgets. The love of money comes in when we try to have all the new stuff - HDTV, cars, cable, cell phone, Wii, you name it.
And winning the lottery won't make me any more financially shrewd.
"You can't serve two Masters."
So...I am trying to find a plan to use my resources better. And I am going to calmly go back to the pharmacy to get my meds. And I am going to put my trust in the fact that God knows what he's doing. And that it will work out to glorify his plan...NOT MINE.
Happy Friday everyone.
T.
PS...for a laugh, check out this week's Agnus Day cartoon...wicked funny stuff.
Anyway...my predicament from yesterday started to make this week's Gospel lesson resonate a little more. The Revised Common Lectionary is finishing "the year of Luke" and we have been inundated with stories of stewardship for the last 6 weeks. This week's lesson is no different, but it is. Jesus added a twist by commending the shrewd manager for his dishonesty and his craftiness. I suppose that if you had been following Jesus through Judea and now heard this message, you'd be scratching your head as well. Don't believe me? Read Luke 16:1-13.
So how did this seemingly twisted, upside-down, out of character story about financial management resonate with me? Aside from trying to get my bills paid ontime, the idea of "being faithful in very little being faithful in very much" stuck out because I'm trying to do much and I feel that I am barely keeping up. I also worry about money a lot because I have fallen into that group of young Americans that didn't follow my parent's example about being frugal with money and found that 'credit was my friend'...which for all of you reading this and getting your first creadit card...don't memorize the number and don't try to compete with the latest and greatest gadgets. The love of money comes in when we try to have all the new stuff - HDTV, cars, cable, cell phone, Wii, you name it.
And winning the lottery won't make me any more financially shrewd.
"You can't serve two Masters."
So...I am trying to find a plan to use my resources better. And I am going to calmly go back to the pharmacy to get my meds. And I am going to put my trust in the fact that God knows what he's doing. And that it will work out to glorify his plan...NOT MINE.
Happy Friday everyone.
T.
PS...for a laugh, check out this week's Agnus Day cartoon...wicked funny stuff.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
ARGH!!!!
It's been one of those days. I am getting ready for our Student Ministry Kickoff this weekend and I've been focused on that and my one class that I nearly missed the fact that the basics that needed to get done, like paying my bills and refilling my meds, almost didn't get done. The air conditioning in the offices is not working well and it was humid and uncomfortable. Things kept cropping up and my to do list was becoming a to do dissertation. I was chasing down two prescriptions for 2 days and it's was a circus. When I finally got things straightened out and thought that I could actually get what I needed, and after I've raced 20miles to get somewhere before 9 PM because I'm tired and overwhelmed, and I get to the door of the 2nd pharmacy that I've been to AND THE PHARMACY IS CLOSED.
ARGH!!!
I'm trying to find the silver lining. Really. But I'm a little stressed and really didn't want another chore for tomorrow. I'd been told to calm down by my mom a few times today but things just kept piling up.
But life...and God's way of waking you up...can be funny. I got back into my car, frustrated, tired, and a bit upset. I had been listening to Peder Eide's CD "Taste and See" and I just happened to be at the end of the disc and then it happened. Turn the car on, music starts, and Peder's song "Be", which is Psalm 46, starts. I let out a laugh because I was reminded that all the chasing, all the planning, all the craziness came down to a final moment...
I forgot that no matter how much I chased, ran, planned, designed, worried, fretted, sweated...no matter how crazy this week has gotten, I forgot that God was watching over me. I love this psalm because it brings comfort when things get really crazy and He reminds me to slow down, to be safe, to just be.
I'm home and writing this and trying to be. It's going to take some time to unwind tonight and I'm going to go to sleep with that promise because tomorrow is another day...and it will be stressful and crazy...but it will be.
Good night from Philly.
ARGH!!!
I'm trying to find the silver lining. Really. But I'm a little stressed and really didn't want another chore for tomorrow. I'd been told to calm down by my mom a few times today but things just kept piling up.
But life...and God's way of waking you up...can be funny. I got back into my car, frustrated, tired, and a bit upset. I had been listening to Peder Eide's CD "Taste and See" and I just happened to be at the end of the disc and then it happened. Turn the car on, music starts, and Peder's song "Be", which is Psalm 46, starts. I let out a laugh because I was reminded that all the chasing, all the planning, all the craziness came down to a final moment...
I forgot that no matter how much I chased, ran, planned, designed, worried, fretted, sweated...no matter how crazy this week has gotten, I forgot that God was watching over me. I love this psalm because it brings comfort when things get really crazy and He reminds me to slow down, to be safe, to just be.
I'm home and writing this and trying to be. It's going to take some time to unwind tonight and I'm going to go to sleep with that promise because tomorrow is another day...and it will be stressful and crazy...but it will be.
Good night from Philly.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Two posts in one day...
The Gospel lesson in this week's lectionary has two stories...the lost sheep and the lost coin. The stories talk about finding what was lost and celebrating the return of something precious. There are many ways to approach this lesson and sometimes we feel left out or confused because at the same time, we are the lost and the found.
A favorite Christian band of mine, Lost & Found, uses this message when they travel to worship and celebrate God's amazing grace to churches, youth groups, and conventions. They sometimes appear lost but find their way into our memories with their music.
I like to explore the cities that I move to orient myself. Invariably, I get lost, but find riches and treasures that I can then go back to or even to share with others.
We might feel a bit jealous in the story of the sheep and coin because we assume that we are the found ones, the ones that never got lost. But we all have been lost at one time or another and this paradox continues.
If you are inclined, read Luke 15:1-10. If you want to go deeper, Psalm 51:1-10 (no, I don't know why there are 10 verses to each...that's just the way it works)
Also, check out Agnus Day, a weekly cartoon that illustrates something about the Gospel for each week. This week's cartoon is spot on.
And...just to make this go a little farther...read and think about the lyrics to "Amazing Grace."
May you be filled with the Holy Spirit to love, live and serve.
tina
A favorite Christian band of mine, Lost & Found, uses this message when they travel to worship and celebrate God's amazing grace to churches, youth groups, and conventions. They sometimes appear lost but find their way into our memories with their music.
I like to explore the cities that I move to orient myself. Invariably, I get lost, but find riches and treasures that I can then go back to or even to share with others.
We might feel a bit jealous in the story of the sheep and coin because we assume that we are the found ones, the ones that never got lost. But we all have been lost at one time or another and this paradox continues.
If you are inclined, read Luke 15:1-10. If you want to go deeper, Psalm 51:1-10 (no, I don't know why there are 10 verses to each...that's just the way it works)
Also, check out Agnus Day, a weekly cartoon that illustrates something about the Gospel for each week. This week's cartoon is spot on.
And...just to make this go a little farther...read and think about the lyrics to "Amazing Grace."
May you be filled with the Holy Spirit to love, live and serve.
tina
Acts of Faith
It started with listening to NPR on a Sunday morning. Krista Tippet interviewed Eboo Patel, founder of Interfaith Youth Core. I wrote it down (which you shouldn't do while driving, but I did.) I was intrigued enough that when I bought my books for school, I also bought his, "Acts of Faith."
The premise is simple. Instead of fighting over who has the most correct religion, why don't we use our commonalities to promote social justice and peace in our neighborhoods. Whoa. I might have oversimplified it here BUT it is intriguing...especially as another school year has started. It goes along with the Open Table entry because again, we might learn more from each other and do more good for others if we LOVE each other. (Deep, right?!?)
So...borrow the book from the library. Buy it and pass it on (which I am going to do tomorrow). The possibilities are endless and infinite...kind of like God's love and grace for us.
T.
The premise is simple. Instead of fighting over who has the most correct religion, why don't we use our commonalities to promote social justice and peace in our neighborhoods. Whoa. I might have oversimplified it here BUT it is intriguing...especially as another school year has started. It goes along with the Open Table entry because again, we might learn more from each other and do more good for others if we LOVE each other. (Deep, right?!?)
So...borrow the book from the library. Buy it and pass it on (which I am going to do tomorrow). The possibilities are endless and infinite...kind of like God's love and grace for us.
T.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Open Table?
Take a minute to read Luke 14:1; 7-14 (open another window with whatever browser you have) and then continue...http://www.biblegateway.com/ is a great source for online bible translations...
I read this in staff devotions this week and came up with these thoughts...stewardship, humility, service. Later that afternoon, I attended an anti-racism workshop at Lutheran and left a little bit shell-shocked,but not as much as others. The new information that they got included most of what I had been teaching in 7th grade history so I was a bit amazed by what gets taught/doesn't get taught...which, of course is another blog/rant. What really hurt, though, was seeing that the information that we had talked about seemed to polarize certain groups even further and it was apparent that evening at dinner in the refectory.
Friday morning came and Pastor Shafer asked me to listen to his sermon. His challenge for Trinity this week, month, forever, was to make sure that our church and our sanctuary were open, welcoming places for all people..skin color included. Being on the fringe of Pennsylvania Dutch country, there is still overt racism and exclusion. It may even be getting more pronounced as Latino and Asian immigrants move into the area to work at the local meat-packing plants and other industries.
So here's the crux of the argument...Jesus usually ate with and always would invite those that society deemed unacceptable and outcast. In his eyes, all are equal and entitled to the meal of love and forgiveness. Food always hits the reader in the gut...literally and figuratively. Eat those people? What about my standing? They don't do things the proper way! The imagery of being filled and nourished is one that is extremely important. Why shouldn't we share our bounty with others?
But we like to be comfortable and inviting people not like us in can be uncomfortable. We may ignore their presence or go out of our way and smother them...both approaches scaring them off. How do we open our table and our hearts so that all are truly welcome?
It starts with communion...coming together as one people to receive the body and blood of Christ. It continues with conversation around the table...much like a huge family meal. It goes out into the schools and lunch rooms as we take a step out of our comfort zone and try something new.
School starts for 85 % of the country tomorrow. Lunch at these institutions of learning is loud, chaotic, and sometimes out of control. It is also very segregated. Having done lunch duty for 6 years in a middle school, I can tell you that you might see racial diversity, but you'll still find other types of segregation and the damaging ideals that come with it. Teaching Tolerance, a publication from the Southern Poverty Law Center, supports a day where students attempt to switch tables and get to know one another. It's known as Mix it Up. I would love for that to happen more often in school cafeterias...starting on day one. I know that to sit with someone outside your group can be damaging to your rep, but what's more important...a bit of discomfort now or living a life by Jesus' example? It will be hard, but we've been told that time and again as Christians. And while this example is directed at the youth who are reading this, the same is true for all the adults...
Having an open and welcoming place such as your church on Sunday morning is great. I wish more people would be open to inviting and accepting each other's way of worship as legitimate and enriching. But if we don't take this home with us for the other days, we aren't being welcoming or open at all.
May God be with all of you as we begin another year of education...within the walls of school, church, and in our communities.
Amen.
I read this in staff devotions this week and came up with these thoughts...stewardship, humility, service. Later that afternoon, I attended an anti-racism workshop at Lutheran and left a little bit shell-shocked,but not as much as others. The new information that they got included most of what I had been teaching in 7th grade history so I was a bit amazed by what gets taught/doesn't get taught...which, of course is another blog/rant. What really hurt, though, was seeing that the information that we had talked about seemed to polarize certain groups even further and it was apparent that evening at dinner in the refectory.
Friday morning came and Pastor Shafer asked me to listen to his sermon. His challenge for Trinity this week, month, forever, was to make sure that our church and our sanctuary were open, welcoming places for all people..skin color included. Being on the fringe of Pennsylvania Dutch country, there is still overt racism and exclusion. It may even be getting more pronounced as Latino and Asian immigrants move into the area to work at the local meat-packing plants and other industries.
So here's the crux of the argument...Jesus usually ate with and always would invite those that society deemed unacceptable and outcast. In his eyes, all are equal and entitled to the meal of love and forgiveness. Food always hits the reader in the gut...literally and figuratively. Eat those people? What about my standing? They don't do things the proper way! The imagery of being filled and nourished is one that is extremely important. Why shouldn't we share our bounty with others?
But we like to be comfortable and inviting people not like us in can be uncomfortable. We may ignore their presence or go out of our way and smother them...both approaches scaring them off. How do we open our table and our hearts so that all are truly welcome?
It starts with communion...coming together as one people to receive the body and blood of Christ. It continues with conversation around the table...much like a huge family meal. It goes out into the schools and lunch rooms as we take a step out of our comfort zone and try something new.
School starts for 85 % of the country tomorrow. Lunch at these institutions of learning is loud, chaotic, and sometimes out of control. It is also very segregated. Having done lunch duty for 6 years in a middle school, I can tell you that you might see racial diversity, but you'll still find other types of segregation and the damaging ideals that come with it. Teaching Tolerance, a publication from the Southern Poverty Law Center, supports a day where students attempt to switch tables and get to know one another. It's known as Mix it Up. I would love for that to happen more often in school cafeterias...starting on day one. I know that to sit with someone outside your group can be damaging to your rep, but what's more important...a bit of discomfort now or living a life by Jesus' example? It will be hard, but we've been told that time and again as Christians. And while this example is directed at the youth who are reading this, the same is true for all the adults...
Having an open and welcoming place such as your church on Sunday morning is great. I wish more people would be open to inviting and accepting each other's way of worship as legitimate and enriching. But if we don't take this home with us for the other days, we aren't being welcoming or open at all.
May God be with all of you as we begin another year of education...within the walls of school, church, and in our communities.
Amen.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Where did summer go?
I'll admit it...I am a little lost when I look back to June, July, and August and now it's September 1 and cool and...SUMMER'S OVER!
I got home, when to West Virginia, and had people visit. I also got a new job and accepted to seminary. And a new niece was born. Yea, Vivi! It's been whirlwind, and I have not yet caught my breath.
School starts officially on Tuesday. I am a little excited (okay...I"m planning my back to school outfit cuz old habits DIE really hard...thanks mom!).
Off to do laundry and clean up all the summer dust...It's supposed to be Labor Day to honor work but I'm going to do a lot of house work!
What about you?
Happy Weekend!
T.
I got home, when to West Virginia, and had people visit. I also got a new job and accepted to seminary. And a new niece was born. Yea, Vivi! It's been whirlwind, and I have not yet caught my breath.
School starts officially on Tuesday. I am a little excited (okay...I"m planning my back to school outfit cuz old habits DIE really hard...thanks mom!).
Off to do laundry and clean up all the summer dust...It's supposed to be Labor Day to honor work but I'm going to do a lot of house work!
What about you?
Happy Weekend!
T.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Heavy Heart
I got a phone call last night from a good friend. She wanted to let me know that a student of ours had committed suicide last week and they thought that the services were to be held today. AR was a great kid with some nasty things to overcome and he tried hard. So did his dad in trying to find help when they moved from VA to MD. I remember AR wanting to help and when things were bad, helping others actually gave him a purpose and a reason to try harder. So I'm sad because this life is gone but am prayerful that he is no longer in pain and is in heaven.
So...if you're reading this and you are despairing about life...ask for help. Email me. Call a friend. Don't stop asking.
It's early and I haven't done a lot of research yet but I'll come back with some resources...both for where I work and nationally. Start here...American Foundation for Suicide Prevention There is a lot of good information as well as links for both people in crisis and those that love and support them. I'll keep looking and keep posting.
I pray that you are all blessed with someone who is looking out for you and I know that God is there for you too.
T.
So...if you're reading this and you are despairing about life...ask for help. Email me. Call a friend. Don't stop asking.
It's early and I haven't done a lot of research yet but I'll come back with some resources...both for where I work and nationally. Start here...American Foundation for Suicide Prevention There is a lot of good information as well as links for both people in crisis and those that love and support them. I'll keep looking and keep posting.
I pray that you are all blessed with someone who is looking out for you and I know that God is there for you too.
T.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Musings in Mission
So...here it is...my very own blog. I hope this space becomes a jumping off point for youth and for adults as we continue to grow and develop our faith lives. And here I go...
I've been inundated with the many -ologies of theology this past week (I started seminary and went through a week of orientation). It's hard not to take the theories and to compare them with current practices in the churches that I attend (yes..churches plural...).
The one that has been on my mind a lot is the idea that church is of the people and by the people and...where are all the people? People my age (early 30s)? Youth (yes...you high school age people)? I realize that there are compromises that one makes about church and other life events/responsibilities, but in ministering to kids and then to adults my age, I feel a void. I also hear that church is boring and has no meaning (which isn't true but that's another post)...which then brings me back to my original question...where are the people?
What would it take to get people to not participate in traveling sports teams - or have those sports teams not have tournaments and games on Sundays? What would it take to get young adults to church on a Saturday night before they head out with their friends? How amazing woul dit be that every worship service ended up with "standing room only"? How do you teach or model that church can actually be interesting if you open your heart and let the spirit in?
So...that's one part of my mission...to bring relevance and importance to church for the youth. Sunday Breakfast club starts soon and I hope that the youth see it as an important venue for asking those questions and trying something outside their comfort zone to get meaning through and out of worship.
I've been inundated with the many -ologies of theology this past week (I started seminary and went through a week of orientation). It's hard not to take the theories and to compare them with current practices in the churches that I attend (yes..churches plural...).
The one that has been on my mind a lot is the idea that church is of the people and by the people and...where are all the people? People my age (early 30s)? Youth (yes...you high school age people)? I realize that there are compromises that one makes about church and other life events/responsibilities, but in ministering to kids and then to adults my age, I feel a void. I also hear that church is boring and has no meaning (which isn't true but that's another post)...which then brings me back to my original question...where are the people?
What would it take to get people to not participate in traveling sports teams - or have those sports teams not have tournaments and games on Sundays? What would it take to get young adults to church on a Saturday night before they head out with their friends? How amazing woul dit be that every worship service ended up with "standing room only"? How do you teach or model that church can actually be interesting if you open your heart and let the spirit in?
So...that's one part of my mission...to bring relevance and importance to church for the youth. Sunday Breakfast club starts soon and I hope that the youth see it as an important venue for asking those questions and trying something outside their comfort zone to get meaning through and out of worship.
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