Just a little celebration ~go me...go me...~ that I finally managed to get a hyperlink in a post done right. Thank you RevGalBlogPals for teaching me how!
And this quote just captures so much:
"The gentle reader will never, never know what a consummate ass he can become, until he goes abroad." Mark Twain
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Annual Conference, verse three
Still mulling over Annual Conference....
Monday (Memorial Day here in the states) was the first full day of Annual Conference. We opened with the Clergy Session at The Woodlands UMC. Unfortunately, the sign language interpreter did not get the list of traditional questions asked at the clergy session – all of which are answered with lists of names. She needed the spelling of those names, as the person speaking usually knows the clergy and zips through the list quickly. Fingerspelling is a slow process, no matter how fast your fingers work! I went to the back and found her the lists. One of our clergy delegates has a hearing loss that most would not notice. She does just fine in small groups or one on one conversation, but in large settings like Annual Conference, the interpreter is essential for her to catch the whole presentation or speech. One of our lay delegates is Deaf and depends on American Sign Language as her primary language. We have two main interpreters, and on the first day of Conference one goes to the clergy session and one to the laity session. Hard work for our interpreters. They interpret the music so beautifully. I am grateful for their ministry.
The Clergy session is where voting for commissioned members and ordination in full connection happens. It is the culmination of years of work and preparation for ordination. Commissioned elders and deacons will serve under supervision and with the support of covenant groups until ordination in full connection. We used to be called "probationary" and had to work for three years before being considered for ordination. This year at General Conference, they have changed the name to "provisional" elder and deacon. They also shortened the process by a year, which I think is fine. With a clergy mentor and a covenant group, it's a good process. This year dear friends, some of whom worked with great diligence and difficulty through the process were being voted into their order. The papers and oral examination by the Board of Ordained Ministry can be rigorous and exhausting. The look on their faces, shining and humbled, said it all.
Bishop Huie’s Episcopal Address during opening worship - wonderful as always - set the business session in a different tenor than in years past. After last General Conference, I recall that the mood was tense, every one waiting to see how our Conference would play out the divisive issues – would we argue and split or would we hold to the center? This time we are worshipping together – not set one side against the other with the majority in the middle praying we won’t lose sight of what is really important with all our arguing. No, this time we are pointed clearly in the direction of worship and getting to the practices of effective ministry. Gen-X Missional Wesleyan wrote about the difference between leaders and managers and I agree with him.
This morning (June 8) at worship, the children led the entire service. It was great! I had no idea that the senior high class would be preaching. My daughter, up there in the pulpit and me, out there in the congregation! I was surprised, pleased and so proud. She's amazing.
Monday (Memorial Day here in the states) was the first full day of Annual Conference. We opened with the Clergy Session at The Woodlands UMC. Unfortunately, the sign language interpreter did not get the list of traditional questions asked at the clergy session – all of which are answered with lists of names. She needed the spelling of those names, as the person speaking usually knows the clergy and zips through the list quickly. Fingerspelling is a slow process, no matter how fast your fingers work! I went to the back and found her the lists. One of our clergy delegates has a hearing loss that most would not notice. She does just fine in small groups or one on one conversation, but in large settings like Annual Conference, the interpreter is essential for her to catch the whole presentation or speech. One of our lay delegates is Deaf and depends on American Sign Language as her primary language. We have two main interpreters, and on the first day of Conference one goes to the clergy session and one to the laity session. Hard work for our interpreters. They interpret the music so beautifully. I am grateful for their ministry.
The Clergy session is where voting for commissioned members and ordination in full connection happens. It is the culmination of years of work and preparation for ordination. Commissioned elders and deacons will serve under supervision and with the support of covenant groups until ordination in full connection. We used to be called "probationary" and had to work for three years before being considered for ordination. This year at General Conference, they have changed the name to "provisional" elder and deacon. They also shortened the process by a year, which I think is fine. With a clergy mentor and a covenant group, it's a good process. This year dear friends, some of whom worked with great diligence and difficulty through the process were being voted into their order. The papers and oral examination by the Board of Ordained Ministry can be rigorous and exhausting. The look on their faces, shining and humbled, said it all.
Bishop Huie’s Episcopal Address during opening worship - wonderful as always - set the business session in a different tenor than in years past. After last General Conference, I recall that the mood was tense, every one waiting to see how our Conference would play out the divisive issues – would we argue and split or would we hold to the center? This time we are worshipping together – not set one side against the other with the majority in the middle praying we won’t lose sight of what is really important with all our arguing. No, this time we are pointed clearly in the direction of worship and getting to the practices of effective ministry. Gen-X Missional Wesleyan wrote about the difference between leaders and managers and I agree with him.
This morning (June 8) at worship, the children led the entire service. It was great! I had no idea that the senior high class would be preaching. My daughter, up there in the pulpit and me, out there in the congregation! I was surprised, pleased and so proud. She's amazing.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Bookshelf
One thing that is really hard about having homes in two places (aside from being apart from my husband) is that my books are in two places.
I collect books like other women collect pretty plates or jewelry. I love reading and re-reading my books.
Tonight I went through the ones here in Boston and put them on my "Shelfari". When I get to Houston, I'll add the rest. I own the complete works of Agatha Christie, all of Laura Ingalls Wilder, a bunch of Nancy Drew books, as well as lots of theology. Some of my favorites are what we've kept from when the girls were young enough to be read to each evening. I miss that.
The local high school graduation ceremony is tonight. Celia and I saw the football field preparations when I picked her up from violin lesson. Two years from now, we'll be sitting there watching her graduate. For tonight though, she's off to a friend's house for pizza and Rock Band. Lucky me, she's getting a ride home. I just don't have the energy to be out driving tonight.
The Boston basketball team is in the playoffs or something. My upstairs neighbor watches all the Boston sports teams. Last night's game must have run late and been very exciting, if the expletives and applause are any measure. Just as I dropped off to sleep, something worth cussing or cheering would happen...rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat.
I'm going to cuddle up with one of my books now, and hope that the basketball game is NOT on tonight. Sleep is beckoning, and dreams of Jamie and Claire await......
I collect books like other women collect pretty plates or jewelry. I love reading and re-reading my books.
Tonight I went through the ones here in Boston and put them on my "Shelfari". When I get to Houston, I'll add the rest. I own the complete works of Agatha Christie, all of Laura Ingalls Wilder, a bunch of Nancy Drew books, as well as lots of theology. Some of my favorites are what we've kept from when the girls were young enough to be read to each evening. I miss that.
The local high school graduation ceremony is tonight. Celia and I saw the football field preparations when I picked her up from violin lesson. Two years from now, we'll be sitting there watching her graduate. For tonight though, she's off to a friend's house for pizza and Rock Band. Lucky me, she's getting a ride home. I just don't have the energy to be out driving tonight.
The Boston basketball team is in the playoffs or something. My upstairs neighbor watches all the Boston sports teams. Last night's game must have run late and been very exciting, if the expletives and applause are any measure. Just as I dropped off to sleep, something worth cussing or cheering would happen...rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat.
I'm going to cuddle up with one of my books now, and hope that the basketball game is NOT on tonight. Sleep is beckoning, and dreams of Jamie and Claire await......
Random
Your regularly scheduled Annual Conference blog posts will be back shortly.
Random stuff in my head today:
It's June. The temps here haven't made it out of the 50's in four days. Woohoo! I've never lived in a place that has highs in the 50s in June. It's cool!
There are way more sparrows than other birds. At least at the feeders in Boston and Houston.
I worry about freckles and moles. Should go see a dermatologist once a year. Can't wait for the insurance to get sorted out. It's past time for another mammogram too. I don't want to worry if something weird is growing in there, especially after last year. Wish the doctor would call with the pap results.
Weight. ARGH!!! I don't have a scale in my house and now I know why. It's exactly the same number that it has been for the past two and a half years. It's beyond frustrating!
Have I not completely changed my diet and lifestyle? Twice or more a week Whataburger lunch? No more. Once a week Tex Mex lunch? No more. Greasy pizza buffet? No more. Twice a week or more Starbucks? Down to once a month or less. Use more vinaigrette than ranch dressing. Cut out carbonated drinks altogether.
I take the stairs whenever possible. Drink plenty of water. Started a regular exercise program. Eat more salads. And yet .... there is it.... that number.... mocking me! ~sigh~
James and the girls said (independent of each other) "muscle weighs more than fat". Ok, fine. So explain how that number can be EXACTLY the same? Sheesh.
I can just hear James cueing up his best Scar (from Lion King) imitation... "Life's not fair!" and he's SO right.
Random stuff in my head today:
It's June. The temps here haven't made it out of the 50's in four days. Woohoo! I've never lived in a place that has highs in the 50s in June. It's cool!
There are way more sparrows than other birds. At least at the feeders in Boston and Houston.
I worry about freckles and moles. Should go see a dermatologist once a year. Can't wait for the insurance to get sorted out. It's past time for another mammogram too. I don't want to worry if something weird is growing in there, especially after last year. Wish the doctor would call with the pap results.
Weight. ARGH!!! I don't have a scale in my house and now I know why. It's exactly the same number that it has been for the past two and a half years. It's beyond frustrating!
Have I not completely changed my diet and lifestyle? Twice or more a week Whataburger lunch? No more. Once a week Tex Mex lunch? No more. Greasy pizza buffet? No more. Twice a week or more Starbucks? Down to once a month or less. Use more vinaigrette than ranch dressing. Cut out carbonated drinks altogether.
I take the stairs whenever possible. Drink plenty of water. Started a regular exercise program. Eat more salads. And yet .... there is it.... that number.... mocking me! ~sigh~
James and the girls said (independent of each other) "muscle weighs more than fat". Ok, fine. So explain how that number can be EXACTLY the same? Sheesh.
I can just hear James cueing up his best Scar (from Lion King) imitation... "Life's not fair!" and he's SO right.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Annual Conference, next verse please
Sunday morning in Houston I went to worship at a church where a few years ago, I was youth director. I had no idea how many years ago! One of my then junior high students is now graduating and will be attending my undergrad alma mater as an elementary education major. Another one of my then junior high students will be President of the rather large high school band next year - her senior year! They have grown into wonderful young women. (Meanwhile, I haven't aged a bit....)
Sunday evening worship at Annual Conference was the Memorial Service for the clergy and clergy spouses who died since last Annual Conference. I'm glad they moved this to the first service. Our preacher was Matt Idom, currently pastor at First UMC Bryan. He was funny, touching, made me think and did a good job of weaving together the scripture and honoring the memory of those who have gone before.
We always begin Annual Conference with “And Are We Yet Alive?” a traditional bit of Methodism. Hearing the whole gathering – clergy, laity and friends – singing so enthusiastically is uplifting. It stirs the soul to hear voices truly raised in praise and joy. Not the sound of those who are wondering what the tune is, or what do these old words mean, or what page is that hymn on again?
All too often we worship without connecting to the congregation – do they know the hymns? Have we taken the time to learn them together? Have we explained the terminology? Seriously, does anyone know what it means “here I raise mine Ebenezer”? I love that hymn and what it means, but my guess is that the vast majority of the congregation is thinking about Scrooge and not the scripture reference! How can you sing as Wesley directed if you don’t know what the words mean?
Wesley’s Rules for Singing are at the front of every United Methodist Hymnal – sing lustily and with good courage! If you don’t know what you’re saying, you can’t follow that rule. I guess I’m calling for United Methodists to teach each other all the marvelous theology and diverse styles of music which is in our hymnal. Oh that everyone could experience worship like we have at Annual Conference!
About that Ebenezer - have a look at 1 Samuel 7.
7 When the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it they were afraid of the Philistines. 8The people of Israel said to Samuel, ‘Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, and pray that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.’ 9So Samuel took a sucking lamb and offered it as a whole burnt-offering to the Lord; Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 10As Samuel was offering up the burnt-offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel; but the Lord thundered with a mighty voice that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion; and they were routed before Israel. 11And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and struck them down as far as beyond Beth-car.
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah,* and named it Ebenezer;* for he said, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’ 13So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel; the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14The towns that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites.
15 Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 16He went on a circuit year by year to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah; and he judged Israel in all these places. 17Then he would come back to Ramah, for his home was there; he administered justice there to Israel, and built there an altar to the Lord.
The Israelites looked to their leader to intercede for them. When the conflict was over, that same leader raised a monument - an Ebenezer - because the Lord helped them. According to the Tanakh, the term Ebenezer means "stone of help". A memorial, a stone to remember God's help.
So then, to Robert Robinson's hymn (number 400 in the UM Hymnal, at least until 2008) titled Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - perhaps it will inspire you now that you know more about old Ebenezer!
Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming grace.
Here I raise mine Ebenezer, hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
Thank you Mr. Robinson. The old language rarely connects with my soul, but this hymn sings my heart out to God. Prone to wander? Oh my yes. But by the good pleasure of God, I will make it home yet.
What's your Ebenezer?
Sunday evening worship at Annual Conference was the Memorial Service for the clergy and clergy spouses who died since last Annual Conference. I'm glad they moved this to the first service. Our preacher was Matt Idom, currently pastor at First UMC Bryan. He was funny, touching, made me think and did a good job of weaving together the scripture and honoring the memory of those who have gone before.
We always begin Annual Conference with “And Are We Yet Alive?” a traditional bit of Methodism. Hearing the whole gathering – clergy, laity and friends – singing so enthusiastically is uplifting. It stirs the soul to hear voices truly raised in praise and joy. Not the sound of those who are wondering what the tune is, or what do these old words mean, or what page is that hymn on again?
All too often we worship without connecting to the congregation – do they know the hymns? Have we taken the time to learn them together? Have we explained the terminology? Seriously, does anyone know what it means “here I raise mine Ebenezer”? I love that hymn and what it means, but my guess is that the vast majority of the congregation is thinking about Scrooge and not the scripture reference! How can you sing as Wesley directed if you don’t know what the words mean?
Wesley’s Rules for Singing are at the front of every United Methodist Hymnal – sing lustily and with good courage! If you don’t know what you’re saying, you can’t follow that rule. I guess I’m calling for United Methodists to teach each other all the marvelous theology and diverse styles of music which is in our hymnal. Oh that everyone could experience worship like we have at Annual Conference!
About that Ebenezer - have a look at 1 Samuel 7.
7 When the Philistines heard that the people of Israel had gathered at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the people of Israel heard of it they were afraid of the Philistines. 8The people of Israel said to Samuel, ‘Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, and pray that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines.’ 9So Samuel took a sucking lamb and offered it as a whole burnt-offering to the Lord; Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 10As Samuel was offering up the burnt-offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel; but the Lord thundered with a mighty voice that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion; and they were routed before Israel. 11And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and struck them down as far as beyond Beth-car.
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah,* and named it Ebenezer;* for he said, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’ 13So the Philistines were subdued and did not again enter the territory of Israel; the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14The towns that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites.
15 Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 16He went on a circuit year by year to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah; and he judged Israel in all these places. 17Then he would come back to Ramah, for his home was there; he administered justice there to Israel, and built there an altar to the Lord.
The Israelites looked to their leader to intercede for them. When the conflict was over, that same leader raised a monument - an Ebenezer - because the Lord helped them. According to the Tanakh, the term Ebenezer means "stone of help". A memorial, a stone to remember God's help.
So then, to Robert Robinson's hymn (number 400 in the UM Hymnal, at least until 2008) titled Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - perhaps it will inspire you now that you know more about old Ebenezer!
Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming grace.
Here I raise mine Ebenezer, hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
Thank you Mr. Robinson. The old language rarely connects with my soul, but this hymn sings my heart out to God. Prone to wander? Oh my yes. But by the good pleasure of God, I will make it home yet.
What's your Ebenezer?
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Annual Conference and Other Stuff
Last week I was in Houston for Annual Conference - for you non-United Methodists out there, that's the term for our geographic area (east Texas) and for our once a year meeting with all the clergy from our area and lay representatives from every church in our area. I was glad to go, since I love Annual Conference week, and because I got to stay with James!
Arrived on Saturday 24th, a day full of small happinesses. Shopping together, James treating me to new cell phone, so cute and pink! A tour of his new offices and warehouse – suits him so much, very neat and tidy. Picking out a few groceries together, grilling steaks and corn for dinner. He made me a cup of herbal tea with local honey when my cough started up again. Small happinesses. Years ago he told me that it was the small things all added up that make a difference in life. Certainly spending time doing the everyday things of life with my husband is a well of small happinesses. Oh yeah, don’t forget the Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate ice cream! My, oh my, how I’ve missed Blue Bell ice cream.
Yesterday was our eighth wedding anniversary. The local grocery store has started carrying Appletizer, so the girls and I toasted with a glass of bubbly apple juice, a real taste of South Africa. Yummy. Just like our wedding was more than the day, the celebration this year has been spread out over several days too. Wonderful! We are very blessed.
More posts about Annual Conference and running in Houston to come.
Arrived on Saturday 24th, a day full of small happinesses. Shopping together, James treating me to new cell phone, so cute and pink! A tour of his new offices and warehouse – suits him so much, very neat and tidy. Picking out a few groceries together, grilling steaks and corn for dinner. He made me a cup of herbal tea with local honey when my cough started up again. Small happinesses. Years ago he told me that it was the small things all added up that make a difference in life. Certainly spending time doing the everyday things of life with my husband is a well of small happinesses. Oh yeah, don’t forget the Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate ice cream! My, oh my, how I’ve missed Blue Bell ice cream.
Yesterday was our eighth wedding anniversary. The local grocery store has started carrying Appletizer, so the girls and I toasted with a glass of bubbly apple juice, a real taste of South Africa. Yummy. Just like our wedding was more than the day, the celebration this year has been spread out over several days too. Wonderful! We are very blessed.
More posts about Annual Conference and running in Houston to come.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Too Busy To Blog
It's been a whirlwind week. Seeing my husband again, Annual Conference, doctor visits, catching up with family and friends, and a little work thrown in as well. Whew. There is much to write about, which I hope to do whilst on the plane back to Boston. Got in a couple more runs while in Houston, so there's that too.
Meanwhile, my iPod is charging (and full of James' music library now!) and I've got to get my bags organized for the flight. Reading to do and much writing. I'm glad for a four hour block of work. Can't wait to see my girls again. Our plans are for a fancy dinner out to say "thank you" to Grandma (who has been caring for them in my absence) and to celebrate our anniversary. It's always been a family celebration until this year, with the family two thousand miles apart.
I'm enjoying the people watching at the airport. The young couple in matching blue "Honeymooners" t-shirts, the family with baby in a snugli carrier, the teens with their crammed backpacks, the business travellers off to work, the girl with the big stuffed ladybug, the guy comparing his iPod and DVD player to my computer, iPod, cell phone that plays music and my new tiny MP3 player - such a wide variety of people and styles of travelling!
Meanwhile, my iPod is charging (and full of James' music library now!) and I've got to get my bags organized for the flight. Reading to do and much writing. I'm glad for a four hour block of work. Can't wait to see my girls again. Our plans are for a fancy dinner out to say "thank you" to Grandma (who has been caring for them in my absence) and to celebrate our anniversary. It's always been a family celebration until this year, with the family two thousand miles apart.
I'm enjoying the people watching at the airport. The young couple in matching blue "Honeymooners" t-shirts, the family with baby in a snugli carrier, the teens with their crammed backpacks, the business travellers off to work, the girl with the big stuffed ladybug, the guy comparing his iPod and DVD player to my computer, iPod, cell phone that plays music and my new tiny MP3 player - such a wide variety of people and styles of travelling!
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