A Million Dollar Friday Five

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I Am Ginger? Hmmm

You Are Ginger

Like ginger, you are a total shape shifter. You can be sweet, spicy, mellow, or overpowering. You are both soothing and unique. You are popular... yet you are often overlooked.

What Spice Are You?

Happy Easter

Our sanctuary, just before people started gathering.

I love it when the purple-draped cross with the crown of thorns

becomes the white-draped cross with a royal crown!

My favorite flowers--daffodills--and Easter lilies!

HAPPY EASTER!

Christ is Risen!

Artwork: Easter Morning

by He Qi

At last light came with cold grey dawn;
The women, broken and forlorn,
Departed the city before it was day,
Who would roll the stone away?
But the grave was empty! Their Lord was gone.
An angel was guarding the tomb that morn.

The sun burst forth in warmth and glory
Across the earth it told the story.

Death could not hold our Lord for long,

"The tomb is empty! His body is gone!
So sing, all people, let your voices ring,
Sing all people, "Christ is King!"

It is Finished!

And now for a complete change of pace, here is a Petra classic from the Greg X. Volz days! Any Petra fans still around? I remember the first time I heard them, but that is another story.

IT IS FINISHED!

Resurrection Cookies

I thought people knew about these, or I would have explained further. I won't wait till after Easter, because if you want to use it this year you still can do so. Saturday is the day to make 'em. I used it for children's church several years ago. We happened to have something going on for the kids on the Saturday before Easter, so it worked out beautifully to make them that day, seal the church ovens, and then open them during Easter church. I am happy to provide a link to the recipe, and to the directions of how to use scripture reading to tell the story as you make the cookies. I never made them with my own children, because by the time I saw the recipe my kids were grownups. I'd love to hear if some of you use this with children and how it turned out. Maybe someday I'll make them with Trinity--pasturized eggs, huh? :-)

A Good Friday Five

RevHRod from RevGals offers this Friday Five:
As a child the designation "good" for today confused me. How could we call such a somber day, good? Holy, yes. Blessed, yes. But, good? As an adult I understand the meaning of good for this day. It is a solemn day of remembrance but it is also a time for us to stop and recall the great gift of love that we received this day. And that is most certainly good. Our worship today will differ from place to place. Some services will focus on the great litany of prayers. Others will use the seven last words of Jesus. Some of us will walk the stations of the cross. Others will participate in a Tennebrae service of shadows and light. I hope that this Friday Five will be a meaningful part of your Good Friday. God's blessings to you on your journey.

1. Our prayer concerns are as varied as we are this day. For whom would you like us to pray?

My mother, 91, in the nursing home with dementia, lonely and confused.
My husband, several health issues.
My church, renewed hope, energy, finances, people
Uh, how many am I allowed? :-)

2. Are there things you have done or will do today to help the young ones understand this important day in our lives?

Not today, but in the past have made those little resurrection cookies out of egg whites that I now know we shouldn't make due to health concerns...but it sure was a good illustration. Easter Sunday--empty!

3. Music plays an important part in sharing the story of this day. Is there a hymn or piece of music that you have found particularly meaningful to your celebrations of Good Friday?

There are so many hymns I love....we don't do many of them at my church. Last night we sang "At the Cross" - I always get a bit weepy at this time, so the verse, "But drops of grief can ne'er repay the debt of love I owe. Here, Lord, I give myselt away, 'Tis all that I can do..." We also sang the chorus "Allelujah" with just guitar, my favortie way.

4. As you hear the passion narrative, is there a character that you particularly resonate with?

Peter. That is because he'd die with the Lord if need be. He had a good heart, a big mouth, good intentions but most of all he was afraid and his fear led him to a failure. That has happened to me more times than I like to remember. Thank God for grace. I also understand the resentment of those who were disappointed and thinking, "Hey, where is God? THIS isn't how it is supposed to be!"

5. Where have you seen the gracious God of love at work lately?

At church I'm watching people begin to connect in good ways. It's God. No other explanation!

And now I have to go prepare for my part in the Tennabrae service. We considered canceling because of snow, but I think we are proceeding, unlike the poor folks south of us who may get up to 15 inches! Blessings to all on this day.

The Darkness

In glory, emptied and releasing,

My throne, my place, my power,

As angels, wondering, watched me go...

Darkness pondered.

In Bethlehem when angels sang,
And Mother rocked, and
Shepherds knelt...

Darkness watched.

That day long past in temple courts,
Conversing with the elders,
I did not dream--of this...!

Darkness saw.

The “Lord’s Anointed!” Could it be?
Such thoughts my heart awoke,
As realization grew, each day...

Darkness shivered.

With John in Jordan’s water,
Even as you spoke my name,
And Spirit came to me with love...

Darkness cursed.

I taught and prayed and healed,
And Peter, John, and others,
Rejoiced to see Your power shown...

Darkness hovered.

There was bread for multitudes to eat,
And wine for wedding feasting,
Women, children, beggars blessed...

Darkness scowled.

Hosannas rang and branches waved,
The people hailed me King!
Yet still they did not understand...

Darkness crouched.

We broke the bread and drank the cup,
We sang a song together,
They could not pray, but took their rest...

Darkness gathered.

Oh, Abba, Father, might it be,
I am a fool -- mistaken?
Can not there be some other way...?

Darkness approaches.

Oh, must I drink this bitter cup?
Must I, alone, be taken?
At sadness, doubt, betrayal, shame...

Darkness laughs!

The cross—Oh God--what cruel pain,
My enemies await me,
I wonder, Father, where are You...?

Darkness sings.

Why did I fail to gather them?
Am I alone? Have I lost all?
Will they remember? Will I live...?

Darkness is here.

Dorcas George

Artwork: Praying in the Garden by He Qi

Suggestions for Complimentarians

It has no direct connection to Holy Week, but I'd like to recommend an article by Cheryl over at the Women in Ministry blog. It's called Godly Complimentarians and "Elvis Has Left the Building."

It was a thought provoking list for me, and I hope it will be for others.

I just wish we could stop calling non-egalitarians "complimentarians." I believe, as does every egalitarian I know, that women and men were designed by God to compliment one another, to complete the creation, to fully express the image of God.

Could we please call them something else? Patriarchialsts lite or patriarchalists heavy, or traditional genderist, or....something?

God So Loved the World

I just thought this was so lovely that I would share it with you.

Whatever Became of the Celebration? A Meditation for the Beginning of Holy Week

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 (See post below for these verses.)

This day is called Palm Sunday, and most Christians celebrate what is called the “Triumphal Entry” of Jesus into the City of Jerusalem. All four Gospel accounts tell the story. The imagery is joyful—palm branches waving, people shouting praises and acknowledging Jesus as Christ (the Messiah), and King.

This dramatic demonstration marks the beginning of the final week of Jesus’ ministry. The joy ends all too soon. Luke’s Gospel tells us that Jesus stopped at the top of the hill overlooking the city and began to sob as he grieved for Jerusalem. This is only the first of several dramatic events. There are disagreements about the exact chronology of the last week of Jesus’ life, but here is a summary of some of the events of the week:

Palm Sunday: Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a colt (Matthew 21:1-11). He is accompanied by crowds of people who create a path for him with their cloaks and branches cut from trees.

Monday: Jesus “makes a scene” when he drives the money changers from the temple. Later he spends the night in Bethany (Matthew 21:12-17). While in Bethany, at the home of Simon the Leper, Mary anoints him for his burial by pouring spikenard over his head. It is a lavish (and for some, disturbing) display of love and devotion.

Tuesday and Wednesday: Jesus continues to teach in Jerusalem (Matthew 21:18-26:16). The chief priests and Jewish religious elders form a plot “to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him” (26:1-5). Judas agrees to be a conspirator and to hand Jesus over to them (26:14-16).

Thursday: Jesus has his last meal during his earthly ministry with the disciples. He washes the disciples’ feet and institutes the Lord’s Supper or Communion.

After teaching and encouraging them, he goes to Gethsemane, where he prays in anguish. He is arrested by the Jewish temple police and is taken to the Sanhedrin, where he is condemned (Matthew 26:17-75).

Good Friday: Jesus is shuttled between Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas. Pilate finally orders Jesus to be beaten and then crucified. Jesus dies in the late afternoon on Friday. Around sunset, Jesus is buried in the tomb (Matthew 27:1-61).

Saturday: Jesus’ body rests in the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66).

Easter Sunday: Jesus is resurrected (Matthew 28:1-15).

So many events in one short week! What happened to the celebration? How did the shouts of praise so soon turn to cries of “Crucify him?”

What happened to Judas? The disciples were with Jesus during his entry into Jerusalem. Judas was probably caught up in excitement along with the others. Yet two days later he made a deal to betray Jesus. What happened in the meantime? Judas was possibly from a family who resisted Rome and plotted overthrow. Judas had been getting disillusioned. A weeping Messiah was not what he expected to see on the road into Jerusalem! At Bethany Jesus rebuked him in front of everyone, and again spoke of his own death. This was not was Judas signed on for.

What happened to Judas? Resentment.

What about Peter? After al, Peter was in the Lord’s “inner circle” and loved him deeply. Peter was in the crowd too. I can picture him shouting louder than anyone else did as he enjoyed the impromptu parade of adoration. In addition, during this week he even specifically told Jesus he would never leave him, never betray him, in fact he would even die with him if need be. A short time later, he cursed and swore and said he did not even know Jesus. He did this not just once but three times! Things looked different as he realized that Jesus was being mocked in a “trial” and that he really was about to suffer and die. He could have been indicted along with him!

What happened to Peter? Fear.

The crowd along the road on Palm Sunday seemed to realize that Jesus was fulfilling an ancient prophecy. He was declaring himself Messiah. The hosannas and cries of him being King were really an appeal for Jesus to help them, to deliver them from their hated oppressors, the Romans. Later, after Jesus was arrested, the religious rulers stirred up the crowds and enflamed them into crying angrily “Crucify him!” This pitiful man couldn't overthrow anyone! This was no conqueror. They had been fooled!

What happened to the people? Disillusionment.

And speaking of the religious rulers, the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees, most of them probably knew that Jesus was a good man. He was, after all, a miracle worker. Perhaps some knew, or at least suspected that he was the promised one. Why didn’t they help him? Why didn’t they rejoice? Because they had become, more than anything, a political party. They were interested in their own power and prestige. This Jesus would have upset the situation and destroyed the delicate balance with Rome. He had to go.

What happened to the religious leaders? Selfishness, jealousy, and pride.

From our vantage point, it is all too easy to look at the characters in the Passion drama and wonder what was wrong with them, and marvel at why the could not seem to see the truth.

The truth is, we are like them. The truth is we all struggle with the same things—with resentment, fear, disillusionment, jealousy, and pride. To look at the crowd on the road is to look into our own hearts.

For many of us, this week began with praises. We sang joyful songs and we remembered how Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph with shouts, acclamation, and branches waving.

Bue we cannot forget that Jesus spoke repeatedly of his death. His last supper was an occasion of love and grace as he told his followers of a new covenant. Yet it also became a night of deception, agony, weakness and injustice. The tortures of Friday were unimaginable, brutal, and despicable. His death was shocking. How soon the shouts of "Hosanna!" had given way to demands to "Crucify him!”

Perhaps you might like to join me in reading the passages above over these next few days. Try imagining yourself in the scenes of Holy Week. Spend some time in stillness, reflection, and prayer. Realize anew that the love of God extends to you. Recall the words of the beautiful Christmas song we sang a short few months ago “What Child is This.” It reminds us, “The cross he bore for me, for you.”

Oh the passion, oh the wonder, oh the fiery love of Christ! He chose the difficult path, a way of loss and pain, but a path which ultimately led, and still will lead, to joy unspeakable and full of glory!

Hosanna!

Matthew 21:7-11

They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!" When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

Hark! how the children,

Shrill and high,

Hosanna cry!

Their joys provoke the distant sky,

Where thrones and seraphims reply,

And their own angels shine and sing

In a bright ring!

Such young, sweet mirth

Makes heaven and earth

Join in a joyful symphony!

Henry Vaughan 1622-1695

It's an Almost Palm Sunday (Yikes!) Friday Five

Mother Laura from Rev. Gals is struggling a bit with adjusting to Daylight Savings Time. She's astounded (aren't we all!) that Palm Sunday is arriving in two days. And she's also been thinking about the Gregorian Calendar. So she offers us these questions about time and transitions,to help us "adjust and enjoy the process." Hmmm...think it'll work? I have my doubts, but on with the questions..

1. If you could travel to any historical time period, which would it be, and why?

Oh, that is a tough one, because I find many periods of history fascinating. I would not like returning to a time when women were disregarded, at best, but other than that I think I'd like to visit Colonial America. Or, of course, I'd like to travel back to Jesus' time so I could see the human, son-of-Mary version. Or then again I could just go back a short time to 1967 and meet Ken all over again.

2. What futuristic/science fiction development would you most like to see?

You know the thingy that Dr. McCoy used in Star Trek? That little clicking box that both diagnosed and healed in a matter of moments? That would be fabulous. Then again, the transporter would be really cool too.

3. Which do you enjoy more: remembering the past, or dreaming for the future?

I'm sentimental, and I get nostalgic, I must confess. However, I got positively gloomy tonight watching PBS' broadcast of Bob Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival in '63, '64 and '65. It was fun for a bit seeing the Dylan of the photo, the skinny boy from Minnesota, and watching his evolution from newly-discovered Woodie Guthrie wanna-be to songwriter to folk rocker...and the historic transition from acoustic to electric...and so on. I enjoyed it for a bit, and then the announcer said, "This is wonderful footage, and just think, it happened almost 50 years ago yet we can watch it today...yada yada yada... Yikes! That did it. I am OLD! Gotta dream for the FUTURE! Otherwise you become a fossil!

4. What do you find most memorable about this year's Lent?

It seems to have happened too fast. It feels like we went from Christmas straight to Lent, and I felt disoriented. This has been the longest winter I recall since leaving North Dakota after graduation from Trinity, and that was years ago. I just want the dark to be gone, and the victory and the new life to come. Physically, emotionally and spiritually. I'm not there yet, but hoping.

5. How will you spend your time during this upcoming Holy Week? What part do you look forward to most?

I have planned some different kinds of things at church this year. In the early part of the week, just for myself, I want to read a chronological account of the time from Palm Sunday till Easter. I'm looking for my "Harmony of the Gospels" and can't find it. Anyway, Thursday we will have a candlelight communion and consecration service which I am hoping will be significant in helping us move on together as a church. Friday I'll take part in an ecumenical Good Friday service, as I do each year. This one will be a Tennabrae. And then--Resurrection Sunday and joyful music and a church full of the sight and aroma of flowers. It will brighten all of our spirits, even if there is snow on the ground outside the windows!

Do You Hear What I Hear?

It didn't start off to be a happy day. I did not sleep well and I awoke feeling depressed and troubled about a conversation from yesterday. It was gray out (as usual)."Oh drat!" I muttered as I grumpily realized that Ken is out of town--AGAIN--so I needed to get the trash out to the curb.

I stepped carefully because there are at least two inches of ice below the driveway. No amount of ice chipping, salt, sand or grumbling has been able to clear it out. The snow banks by the drive are still over three feet tall, and the tops are a dirty black. Sigh.

I returned to the house, made coffee, showered and dressed. Beginning to wake up, I climbed into our increasingly creaky minivan. Uh oh! It did not want to start, but after some threats of heading to the junk yard it decided better about it and cranked to life.

I headed out of town for a clergy meeting at Little UCC in the Country. I'd never been to the church before. I got lost (as usual.

Arriving late, which made me even grumpier, I hopped out of the van and headed towards what I hoped was the proper door to enter. Why in the world can't people put signs up when there is more than one door, anyhow?

Then it happened--the thing which turned my day around, made me smile, renewed hope in my spirit, and helped me start to make a badly-needed attitude adjustment.

Cheeeer Cheeeer! In the bare branches of a nearby tree perched a Cardinal. He called his unmistakable warning, to me I guess, since I saw no other signs of life around.

One lone cardinal trilling his territorial mating song in a bare, grey landscape! Life got instantly better.

And a few minutes ago I passed the bank with the big time and temp sign. It's forty degrees!

Ah, spring will come!

The Gospel of Matthew on Video

"The Visual Bible" put out a four-volume video series several years ago of the Gospel of Matthew. My mother purchased it. I had watched bits and pieces, and I once used a portion of the Sermon on the Mount for a Bible study class. Yesterday I pulled it out looking for something for Palm Sunday. (It is available on DVD now--sure wish I had that instead.) I I found myself captivated by something in Bruce Marchiano's portrayal of Jesus. I did a little research and found this statement:

"He researched the character of Jesus and discovered a very human personality trait: joy. Instead of depicting Jesus as pious and aloof, Bruce based his portrayal on the cornerstone of joy."

That was it! How often we have seen Jesus portrayed as "aloof"-- a trait that does not draw crowds, children, or hurting people. Marchiano portrays Jesus with a broad range of emotions, and Jesus smiles a great deal, laughs aloud at a blind man's healing, and tells parables with humor.

Yesterday I watched the scene of the Last Supper. As Jesus says to Judas, "You are the man" his eyes fill with tears, and he hugs Judas and weeps silently as he caresses his face. Judas has travelled as one of Jesus' close friends, and now he is going to betray him. Would Jesus have sat stoically and intone, "You are the man" with an emotionless face? Probably not.

Anyway, I am highly recommending the series. The script is the NIV version of Matthew, verse by verse. Bruce Marchiano hopes to produce a Gospel of John if the money can be raised. I hope it happens.

I'm posting a promotional clip below. It's an advertisement, and it is a bit exaggerated and pompous, but it will give you a taste of what I'm talking about. If you would like to see the triumphal entry section, we'll be watching it as part of our worship service. :-)

Getting My Head on Straight and Pondering the Future

I spent several months coming to terms with resigning. And now that I have "un-resigned" I am feeling a bit disoriented. This weekend we had planned (I thought I'd be unemployed) a short trip to Minnesota, and we decided not to change the plans. On Saturday I'll be going with Kris and Daryl to Seed of Abraham, a messianic congregation, and later babysitting Trinity while her mommy and daddy take some time to themselves. If it works out, I'd like to connect with cyber buddies Ruth and Nightmnare. I hope this will all help me readjust a bit.

Welcome to Jubilee! Spring will come again!

Yesterday was a great day in that process. I drove through the countryside (and SUNSHINE--yee haw!) to a town near Stevens Point for a meeting. Yeah, I know. But this was a good meeting.

Our speaker, Mark Batterson, was one of the authors on the (now defunct) "Future AG" blog you might have seen in my links a while back. Future AG was designed as a place in the blogosphere for us to discuss our direction as we headed into our 2007 General Council.

Mark is one of the newer breed in the Assemblies of God. He's an author, energetic, articulate, intelligent, creative, and young. Listening to him makes me wish even more than ever that I had my 57-year-old wisdom (?) and experience but was in my 30s again! Man! How'd I get old so fast? I admit, I never thought I'd see the day when a guest speaker at an AG meeting dressed in faded blue jeans. We used to be pretty stuffy. That's changing, and that's a good thing.

It is exciting watching the new ways church is being done. Check out National Community Church where Mark is lead pastor. It's one church in several locations, and as I listened to Mark yesterday and then surfed around the church's website today--all I can say is, "I WANNA GO THERE!" We lived in Washington DC for several years when Ken was still in the USMC. I loved it-- and I hated it--but I'm so excited about the idea of church at Union Station! Their church is mosty 20-30 year olds. Think they will let me in if I visit? ;-)

What does this have to do with me? Well, as I focus, once again, on the future of my own congregation, I have to ask, "Can a church of under 100 in cow country really be relevant? Can we be creative? Can an AG church with a difficult history and that is over 30 years old find a new niche, and can a late middle aged woman pastor possibly reach out to a new generation? Won't our Catholic and Lutheran neighbors just be even more concerned about what is happening in that little church on the corner? Why am I still here?"

Of course, to ask myself those questions I have to stop whining, "How did I, a city girl, manage to turn into a small-town pastor? I'm too old, to tired, too ________. Why can't I be ministering to a diverse population? Wah, wah, wah..."

Yesterday got the creative part of my brain lighting up again. I'm feeling energized and enthusiastic. Hopeful. Kind of joyful.

Thanks, Mark! And thanks, God!

Just be sure to make a little room at the table for the 50-somethings (or more) among us who have young hearts and ideas. I'm so glad you like our new leader, George Wood, as much as I do. And I'm so excited about the AG's future if guys like you are at the center of the action.

As for me, I'm off to unpack my packed books and set up my office again.

Saying the "Sinner's Prayer"

Is a sinner's prayer a good thing or a bad thing? I've pondered this for some time now, and wrote about it a while back. (I think it is both.) My earlier thoughts are here.

I'd like to recommend an article by Dr. Larry Moyers, offered on the Internet by Sermon Central.com It is interesting and thought provoking, as are the comments that follow.

Here is Dr. Moyers article.

Appeals to make a decision to become a Christian believer are part and parcel of the spiritual tradition and practice of many of us who find ourselves (more or less) in the "evangelical" branch of Christianity. Sometimes these appeals are called an "invitation" and sometimes an "altar call" but every evangelical knows what is meant by a sinner's prayer. That is a prayer for forgivness of sin and asking Jesus to come into your life as Savior.

In my denomination some of us were even taught that we should never have a service that did not conclude with an "altar call."

There is much to think about in Dr. Moyers short article, but I'm specifically thinking about baptism. As one of the commenters noted, have we replaced the symbolism of baptism and "new life" with the sinner's prayer?

I've long been bothered by the fact that so many of "my people" wait so long to be baptized. Whatever your views regarding infant versus believer's baptism, I think we can all agree that baptism was never intended to be some sort of "add on" that occurred months or years after belief in Jesus Christ as Lord.

Remembering Larry Norman

If you note such things, you have already heard that Larry Norman, the so called "Father of Christian Rock Music," passed away a few days ago. He was sixty. Sixty? How strange.

My maiden name was Norman. Partly for that reason I once found myself sitting on the floor in a California church basement with a bunch of other kids, listening in mild amazement to the hippie-type guitar player. He talked and joked in a soft voice and he sang about wishing we'd all been ready, and about walking backwards down the stairs, and being a servant, and (my favorite) the sweet, sweet song of salvation. I think it was 1968.

I had no idea that I, for good or ill, was watching the first part of a revolution in the Christian music world. But I remember saying to those with me, "I have NEVER heard anything like this."
In my world there was a widening variety of popular music. We had crooners like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra and Doris Day. We all knew about Elvis, even though he was beginning to be a bit of a joke. Everyone liked the smooth vocalizations of Nat King Cole, and the color line was eroding, as far as music was concerned. The Beatles had changed our ideas of chord progressions and the Beach Boys had brought surfer music, and psychedelic music was growing in popularity. And of course there was classical and "easy listening" (boring elevator) music.

However, "Christian" or "religious" music was still narrowly defined. We had books containing hymns and gospel songs. Mostly "white" churches had pianos and/or organs and sang anthems. Mostly "black" churches sang "gospel" and the music had more of a beat. Still, they had pianos and organs, albeit the organs were played quite differently. I had never heard of a worship team or a praise band. I had never seen a guitar played in church, nor drums. For a change we might listen to a "southern gospel" quartet such as The Blackwood Brothers or The Statesmen.

Larry Norman was fascinating. Partly that was so because I just knew he was some sort of distant cousin. He looked very much like my Norman relations. I bought the record album with the blue cover that you will see below. It was clear in the picture on the album that he had the same "Norman family nose" (slight crease) that my dad and my sister and I had. Cool! Even more interesting and astonishing was his music. The music was unlike anything I'd ever heard. Oh, I had heard guitars and folksy stuff, and rock too. But NEVER with lyrics about God or Jesus or salvation or eternity. That was radical indeed. Not far into the future we had the Second Chapter of Acts, Randy Stonehill, Love Song and Petra. But on that summer night in California listening to Larry, we had no idea of what was coming .

Larry's voice could be sweet and light, as when he sang "I am Your Servant" or low and rough-edged. He was quite versatile. I tried to find a clip of "Sweet Sweet Song of Salvation" or one of his more hard-edged music stylings, but this will have to do. Rest in peace, brother Larry. And thank you for broadening our understanding

"Curiouser and Curiouser" -- I''m Still the Pastor

That is our district superintendant (like a biship) up front, not me. (LOL) He was here some time back as we rededicated our building after major remodeling.

Readers of this blog know that I recently resigned as pastor of my church. My last Sunday was supposed to be this next one, March 2nd. I know that many people, some who know me in real life and many who do not, have been concerned and have been praying for me and for the church. I thank each of you for the prayer, and for the encouragment and emails, and so on.

No one was more surprised than I was when things began to change. I don't know how to explain it, so I'll just post an edited version of the letter I wrote to the church.

Dear Jubilee Congregation,

... I intended to share...last week, but the ice storm prevented us from having a church service. Today I am in Seattle because of my sister’s funeral. Next Sunday was scheduled to be my last day as your pastor.

...I was sensing something new. I contacted our deacons and asked them to pray earnestly with me for God’s direction...I am going to stay as your pastor, if you will permit me.

As I have already told you, I left for my sabbatical feeling deeply disturbed...I believe the Holy Spirit spoke two things to me. That is not a phrase I use lightly....

The second was that I needed to “step out of the road.” I returned...still unclear about what to do...I wanted to be sure not to make a mistake...I simply had to trust and obey God. This realization brought peace, even though I was sad.

So I resigned and tearfully told you all good bye...

Almost immediately, I began to notice...new resolve, new commitment, new generosity, and new love among us.

Resigning was not a mistake—it was a strange part of what needed to happen here. It helped many of us wake up and face facts. Something happened in your hearts...Something also happened in me as I surrendered each of you completely to God. For reasons only God fully knows, I had to take that...step. You had to take it with me. And somehow in the middle of it all, God was at work.

God may keep me [at the church] for six months, a year, or ten years. We will leave that in God’s hands. Meanwhile, let’s love each other and love our Savior with all our hearts. Let’s work side by side. Let’s pick up our spiritual armor and put it on once again. I will stand together with those of you who will join me.

Pastor "SingingOwl"

Well, I said it was edited. :-)

I know, lots of you know my real name, but that is beside the point.

I still expect some change in my life. I intend to do some writing, and perhaps there will be something that Iwill do (ministry-wise) that is in addition to pastoring here, or perhaps it will be totally new but will come to my attention some time in the future. Or perhaps none of that will happen. I don't know. We are not "out of the woods' here at my church, but we will see what we will see. Meanwhile, here I am.

Life is strange, you know?

Back From Washington

Thank you so much to all who told me, one way or another, of your thoughts and prayers and well-wishes. They truly did warm my heart.

The Washington weather was wonderful. After days of sub-zero temps, 45 degrees feels warm! In Seattle the grass is green and even though the trees are bare there are buds on flower bushes. Approaching the Seattle/Tacoma airport is interesting, because the flight is over some of the glorious Cascade Mountains, and at this time of year their craggy peaks are snow-covered and magnificent. Then comes Puget Sound and the beautiful water, and then the green of Seattle, a classy city.

My brother in law, Larry, pictured here with me on the day of the memorial service, picked me up, along with my nephew's wife, Jessica. You see Jessica, my nephew, Grady, and me, below.

I thought it would be difficult to arrive at my sister's home, but I wasn't sad. I wasn't much of anything. I just--was. What a disconcerting feeling that was--feeling nothing much at all. I know it was a defense of my mind and emotions, and it worked, but I didn't much like it because it felt like I didn't care. I've never experienced anything quite like it before. That feeling, or lack thereof, did wear off, but it took a couple of days.

Later, Adryenne (Grady and Jessica's 18 year old daughter) came over and we all drove to the cemetery where Darlaine's ashes will be placed. It is a beautiful site. Here is the view looking towards the exit. I know Darlaine probably has much more wondrous vistas to admire, but I liked that Mt. Rainier is sort of watching over the place where her earthly remains will be. Like me, Darlaine loved the mountains.

Later, family arrived. Larry's son Dan and his French Canadian wife, Sylvie, Larry and Darlaine's daughters Shantell, and Franchesska (Frankie), Frankie's husband Matt and their two children. Others came the day of the service, and afterwards Larry's little place was packed with family.

The weather continued to be beautiful for the entire time I was there. The day of the service was no exception, and the sunshine buoyed our spirits. The chapel was full of people, and that made us all glad. The service was truly a celebration, and many people shared how Darlaine had ncouraged them in their faith and blessed their lives in various ways. The time at Larry's place with family after the reception was enjoyable as well. After many years of hearing about them, I met Larry's brother, Tony, and Tony's wife, Marie. There was other family there too, nearly 20 of us. We laughed and talked and enjoyed one another. (Hallelujah!) God was with us.

It was a little hard to leave. I don't know if I will ever visit there again, and good-byes are difficult. The flight was long but uneventful till icy rain caused delay at one of the connecting airports. It ended up that I missed the plane to Milwaukee. However, even that wasn't all bad, because I was in Minneapolis. So my son-in-law, Daryl, picked me up and I spent the night on the couch. Next morning I ate breakfast with Kris and the beautiful and charming Trinity Ann before dashing off to the airport for the final stretch.

I did well during the trip, but did not sleep much for about four nights, and when I finally arrived home yesterday afternoon I crashed. I emptied my suitcase and dropped into bed and slept for hours.....uh oh. I thought that would mean I wouldn't sleep last night, but I did.

This morning I am looking out on deep snow. The roads are icy. The sun is shining but it is cold. My car won't start--again! I think a new battery is in order. For now, I have a charger on it, and I'm waiting. I have lots to do, so it won't be so bad if I'm unable to get to the office. Sermon notes are here, and laundry, and....home again, home again.

Once again, thanks to all who prayed and wished me well.

A Few Pictures for the Family

Grady is a lot like his mother--nose in a book!

Adryenne gives Sylvie a manicure. I got one too.

Grady, Jessica, Adryenne, Dan, Sylive

Two beautiful women, Franky and Marie

Franky's husband, Matt, and their cute little daughter, Skyler. They also have a little boy, Micah, but I did not manage to get a picture.

Larry's brother, Tony, and Jessica. Tony is a funny guy.

Shantell and Larry.

A Heavenly Friday Five

I am in Seattle assisting with family stuff and preparing to attend a memorial service (Saturday) for my sister who died of complications of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. I am not grieving much, since the shock and tears and goodbyes and losses have been many and have occurred for a long time now. I am mostly relieved that my wonderful sister and best friend is free from pain and confusion, and I am thinking of eternity. That sounds somber, but I don't mean it to be. I decided to have a little fun with the idea. So how about we share five "heavenly" things? These can be serious or funny or a combination of the two.

What is your idea of a heavenly (i.e. wonderful and perfect) :

1. Family get-together

All the family will be there. That includes those who have passed on, but also present ones. That way my grandfather could meet his new great great granddaughter, Trinity. We will be at his home in Texas, like in days long past. We will eat perfect fried chicken with all the southern side dishes. We'll finish with my grandmother's pecan pie, and none of it will have calories. There will be music and singing and games and laughter. We will have time to talk with everyone. There will be NO mosquito's and no chiggers!

2. Song or musical piece

That will be a large choir, singing in a cathedral with wonderful acoustics and beautiful surroundings. There will be a pipe organ, but also drums. The music will be written and directed by my friend, Psalmist, who will have become a famous composer.

3. Gift

Homemade but beautiful. Doesn't matter what it is.

4. You choose whatever you like-food, pair of shoes, vacation, house, or something else. Just tell us what it is and what a heavenly version of it would be.

How about a heavenly makeover. Let's see. I'll weigh 135. I will have no wrinkles and no turkey neck. I'll be a wonderful singer who can preach with such power that people all know God is present. I will not have glasses but 20\20 vision, no bunions or walking problems, be graceful, organized, patient, loving, and creative. Ah, that's a makeover. And I'll get a manicure and a pedicure and a great massage as part of the deal.

5. And for a serious moment, or what would you like your entrance into the next life to be like?
What, from your vantage point now, would make Heaven "heavenly?"

Being with God will be joy "unspeakable and full of glory." Besides that I will enjoy love without misunderstanding and miscommunication. The earth will be new, beautiful as only God could create, without the messes we have made. I hope my dog, Cassie, will bark a greeting as she sees me coming, and I hope we really will be able to pet a lion. People who have gone before me will watch for me, and there will joy all around as we get to know one another again. And creativity, the joy of discovery, work to do, worship without earthly restraints and limitations--and my sister and I will talk like we used to, only better.

I am not sure how much time I'll have on my BIL's computer, but will read as many responses as I can, and I'll look forward to reading others when I get home next week.

Voting and Leaving

This morning I headed off to the polls to vote in the primary. I was done and off to work by 8 a.m. This afternoon I recieved calls from Hillary C., Mike H. , John McC. and and Barak O. I must be very important, don't you think? Oh well, too late. Voted already.

I'm heading off to Milwaukee to spend the night in a motel. Tomorrow before daylight (my husband, the ex Marine says, "at O dark thirty") I leave for Seattle where I will attend my sister Darlaine's memorial service. I'll be back in a week.

Blog on.

A Baptism Friday Five

REVHROD over at Rev. Gals & Pals gives us baptism questions this week;

For today's five, tell us about your baptismal experiences.

1. When and where were you baptized? Do you remember it? Know any interesting tidbits?

I was baptized at First Baptist Church, Pacoima, California by my beloved pastor Rev. L. Stanley Polk.

I was six years old, but I remember it vividly. A week or so before, "Brother Polk" was preaching about baptism, and I was sitting between my parents listening intently. We always had an "invitation" at the close of the service in those days at First Baptist--a time to come forward and pray with someone, to tell the pastor of a decision, etc. I recall tugging at my dad's sleeve and saying "I am getting baptized! I am a Christian and Jesus is my Savior. Why am I not baptized?" My dad said something about my young age, and I said, "I am a Christian!" And out the row I went and straight up to the pastor, where I shook his hand and whispered "I am here to tell you I am a Christian and I want to be baptized." Remembering this, and knowing what a timid little thing I was, I must have really felt it all quite strongly! Makes me smile to recall it.

About a month later, I was baptized in the baptismal pool, one of those kind that is raised above the congregation on the wall. I wore a white robe, as did Bro. Polk, and I had to stand on a couple of cinder block bricks because I was so short. I had a moment of panic as I looked out at the people, but it was short lived. My dad later told me that the congregation could see my little feet as I paddled back to the steps to exit after I was immersed.

2. What's the most unexpected thing you've ever witnessed at a baptism?

Top half, pierced nipples. Bottom half: orange swimming trunks with palm trees on them. No, we don't usually baptize folks half nekkid. Don't ask.

3. Does your congregation have any special traditions surrounding baptisms?

Not so much. Sometimes in summer we do them out at a lake not far from church. Those are my favorite kinds of baptism services. We always sing "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." And usually I do not pray for the baptismal candidate, but someone who knows them well or has had a significant role in their spiritual life does the honors.

4. Are you a godparent or baptismal sponsor?

Well we don't baptise infants, but we do dedicate them, and odly enough, no, never been a godparent. Phooey!

5. Do you have a favorite baptismal song or hymn?

See number three. :-) Not my favorite, but what sticks in my mind because we always sing it.

BakerWoman God

My friend Tom's post about being a puzzle in God's hands reminded me of a poem. Another friend, Ruth, posted this poem "BakerWoman God" on another site long ago and far away. Initially, I was a bit uncomfortable with the poem's feminine imagery for God.

I said it was long ago. :-)

BakerWoman God

Bakerwoman God,

I am your living Bread.

Strong, brown, Bakerwoman God.

I am your low, soft, and being-shaped loaf.

I am your rising bread,

well-kneaded by some divine and knotty pair of knuckles,

by your warm earth-hands.

I am bread well-kneaded.

Put me in fire, Bakerwoman God,

put me in your own bright fire.
I am warm, warm as you from fire.

I am white and gold, soft and hard, brown and round.

I am so warm from fire.

Break me, Bakerwoman God!

I am broken under your caring Word.

Bakerwoman God,

Remake me.

Alla Bozarth-Campbell

I am still most comfortable with calling God "Father" because that is what Jesus did. However, I am also enriched by understanding that God's divine image is reflected in both male and female. As I searched the internet for this poem, I came across a site which called it "blasphemous godess worship." How sad. If you need a scripture reference where God was portrayed as female, I offer some wisdom from Dr. Ben Witherington.

One of the things scholars have noted about...parables is that Jesus seemed to like to tell them in pairs. In this case we have the parable of the lost sheep, paired with the parable of the lost coin, and in fact the real meaning of these two parables is basically the same—God seeks and saves the lost. But why tell that story in these two different ways? One reason, clearly enough is that Jesus was a radical. He is the first Jewish teacher we know of that had both men and women as disciples, and indeed not just casual disciples, traveling disciples (see Lk. 8.1-3).

Strikingly, in the first of these two parables God is portrayed as like the male shepherd, leaving behind the 99 sheep to go and find the one lost one, whereas in the second parable he is said to be like the woman who is frantically sweeping the dirt floor of her house looking for a lost coin. We have here God portrayed as both a man and a woman seeking the lost.

This must have surprised quite a few people... It doesn’t surprise me though—not only was Jesus an equal opportunity redeemer of all sorts of people, both male and female, God, who in the divine nature is Spirit, neither male nor female, has no problems with being said to be like either a man or a woman who seeks to find what is lost. It’s some of us that get hung up on such a notion.

(That was an exerpt from a sermon, posted here, just in case you'd like to read the whole thing).

As I reread the "puzzle" post this morning I found myself remembering this poem about being kneaded and shaped--just how I feel right now. I hope you enjoyed it.

The Puzzle

One of my "church guys" was thinking about God's plans after we had a phone converstion, and he sent his thoughts in an email. I liked what he worote and asked if I could share it here. He agreed, and so I have a guest blogger for the first time. Welcome, Tom D.

Our lives are similar to a jigsaw puzzle!

At our birth, God opens a new box of pieces and dumps them haphazardly upon the worktable. At first look, the disarray of pieces seems utterly and completely confusing,but God in His wisdom can already envision His finished handiwork. He only needs us to comply with His will. Some people are willing to comply with His plan from the onset; others will withstand at first and then comply, and some will continually resist His construction for eternity. Yet throughout the lives of those "unwilling" (and often the willing) God returns to their puzzles periodically to give them another opportunity to allow God to resume His work. But the choice to be assembled by God will always be ours - our free will.

As we begin our lives, God slowly begins to assemble the pieces. He carefully aligns each piece to interlock with the consecutive pieces. Sometimes He assembles the easy parts first. Sometimes He concentrates on assembling the difficult parts. But once each piece is completed and secured into place, He picks another piece and begins again. Slowly, as each area is assembled, a part of "the big picture" is revealed.

But we anxious and impatient humans often neglect to take the time to look at what God has accomplished to this point. Instead we want to rush to the completion. We want to see the whole picture before we continue -- we crave security-- even though God has promised to complete us in His time.

Sometimes when we arrive at difficult parts of the puzzle, we want God to rush to the completion of that portion. We take matters into our own hands and choose pieces of the puzzle that look as if they might fit together, trying to force them to fit the way we want reality to fit. We then have choices. We can allow God to remove those pieces and assemble them properly acording to His plan, or we can live with the reality that our completed puzzle might not be all that God planned for us.

Even though we may refuse to be reassembled, God sent His Son to cover those parts for us. As God assembles each significant piece of our puzzle, we must learn to trust His workmanship and accept each individual piece placement. We need to be patient - not usually one of our greatest human attributes.

Some people have "many pieces" puzzles, and some have "few pieces" puzzles, yet we need to accept the puzzle God has provided us. We can earn to respect God's design and anticipate the completion with joy, allowing Him to assemble our puzzles without resistance.

Sometimes God will work on our borders. Sometimes He will piece together part of the left lower corner. Sometimes the upper right corner. Sometimes He works on the center. In confusion, we often question how and if all these portions can possibly fit together. We want a continuous, ordered assembly, an assembly that WE find logical, not chaotic. We yearn for the security of knowing that each piece has a definitive reason for placement. Sometimes we demand an explanation of that specific placement. Yet slowly and gently and methodically, God directs each part for a perfect fit and smoothes the connections once we accept His placement.



Day in and day out, year in and year out, God continues to assemble our puzzle. One day God will place the last piece of our puzzle into place. His masterpiece is completed! He will call us to His side, put His arm around our shoulder and gently say, "See, child? Look and see the beauty of the completed picture my well-placed pieces have formed. What you thought was disarray and confusion has become ordered and beautiful. My completion of your puzzle is perfect. Look! What you once saw as a pile of small, unrelated, scattered pieces now displays my divine workmanship, worthy to displayed and treasured in My house!"

In the Storm

This is for my friends in the storm, especially Much2Ponder.

A Book Meme

Dr. Platypus has tagged me for a book meme. Hey, this is fun!

Pick up the nearest book of 123 pages or more. (No cheating!)

Find Page 123.

Find the first 5 sentences.

Post the next 3 sentences.

Tag 5 people.

Like Dr. P., I am sitting by a bookshelf, so I reached backwards and pulled one out. It is Off-Road Disciplines, and on page 123 Dr. Earl Creps begins a study of "The Discipline of Discernment." Here are the requested sentences:

These tiny mobile billboards also host more aggresive copy: "God was my copilot, but we crashed in the mountains and I had to eat him," or "Sorry I missed church, but I've been studying witchcraft and becoming a lesbian." Eastern spirituality finds expression in stickers like, "That was Zen; this is Tao," and Islam speaks to us at sevently miles per hour with "Man gets and forgets; Allah gives and forgives." Christian fundamentalists push back with slogans such as, "Caution: Non-exposure to the Son will cause burning."
Wow.

I tag Psalmist, Jeni, Kievas, Cheesehead, and Proclaiming Softly.

Wilderness

Matthew 4:1-13

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'People do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' "

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you,and they will lift you up in their hands,so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' "

Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' "

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' "

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Wilderness

Is different from a desert
More cut off
More arid
Closer at hand.

Nothing else is there
Except our doubts
And our wants
And our desire to leave.

There’s only one way out,
To admit that we are there
To be prepared to stay
To lose all fear of being alone.

After we laugh at the liars,
Resist temptation,
Reject earthly power
We are allowed to leave.

~~Elizabeth H. Theofan

This poem was copied from over at RevGals, courtesy of Listing Straight. I am in a wilderness today. It feels like a wilderness of fear, dispair, anger, frustration, walls, prejudice, anger, tears, and anger. And anger? Oh yes.

Perhaps if I can use the anger to spur me on to positive action I can leave the wilderness? Can I prepare to stay, as the poet says? I don't know. I'm not an angry woman, usually. Today I am angry. Perhaps it is righteous anger, or maybe it is just self pity. More likely that.

Do you suppose Jesus was angry during his wilderness experience? Frustrated? Afraid? Or just determined to overcome?

A Little Mahalia Jackson

The late great Mahalia Jackson was among my sister Darlaine's favorite singers. I wish I could have found a clip of "Walkin' in Jerusalem" (a song about walking, talking and singing high up in "Jerusalem" after we die) but this one is a good substitute. It takes me back years ago to Sunday mornings at her house as we blasted gospel music and sang or danced along while we got ready for church. One line in this song used to make my sister smile. It's the one about joining the heavenly choir where we can "sing and never get tired."

The clip is rather poor quality--but oh that voice--!

My Sister is With the Lord

My sister, Darlaine, passed on this morning. Those of you who have known me, or read my blog for a while, know that Darlaine was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

I am not sad. This is the last of so many good byes over the years...so many losses as the disease ravaged her once bright mind and stole her beautiful smile and her humor and simple joy in living. Right now I am rejoicing that she is free from any pain or fear, and most of all free from the terrible confusion that haunted her days for a long time now.

I am sure I will have sad moments. I loved my sister dearly, and I would not be the person I am without having had her loving presence in my life. She was my sister, my friend, and in many ways she was my mother too.

She stored up many treasures in Heaven. Hearing the news of her death, I pictured a welcoming pary sent to the "shore" to welcome her over as she passed from this life to the next. Our "Daddy" was there, with our grandfather and grandmother , friends, several beloved aunts and uncles, a few cousins, a little brother we never knew, and a sister who maybe looks a little like me. :-) . Are twins still twins there? Anyway, I could see them in my mind's eye, looking gleeful and exclaiming, "Oh, here she comes now!" Then hugs, and some happy tears and smiles, much like it was years ago when we showed up at our grandfather's house in Texas.

Darlaine and Baby Me

About Two Years Ago

The Alzheimer's was advanced, but she was still trying to have fun and joke with me. It was a bittersweet day.

Dearest Darlaine,

What joy you must be having as you explore your new world.

Thanks for loving me always and sharing so much of my life. I'm finally reading the book you gave me a few years ago. I couldn't do it till recently, but a few days ago it felt right. As I read it, I'll picture you reading together with me as we so often did.

Hey, sweetie, sing a duet with Mahalia Jackson for me! How about "Walkin' in Jerusalem"? Oh, perfect! I wish I could hear you.

I love you, little big sister. Jesus must have been so happy to see you arrive! I'll be with you soon.

D.