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Friday, March 31, 2006
Interesting Quote
Francis of Assisi is often quoted as saying, "Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words." I thought you might be interested in one person's experience of a woman who tries to do just that. It's from a Fark post from a while ago--recently rediscovered in my personal files--
Francis of Assisi is often quoted as saying, "Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words." I thought you might be interested in one person's experience of a woman who tries to do just that. It's from a Fark post from a while ago--recently rediscovered in my personal files--
the person in my life who i've had the most respect for as an individual was a devout catholic woman. my respect for her was nothing to do with her religion, it was because of the way she lived her life, and drew on religion for support and compassion when she couldn't get such from any humans. she didn't push her religion at all, though she would sometimes disaprove of some behavior that went against religious teachings, she would keep from expressing her displeasure as displeasure, but would occassionaly offer, without any force, what in her mind would be a less radical middle way.
i had more respect for her than damn near everyone else i've ever met put together. and it is from that, and because of that, when i compare her to others, that i believe strongly that religion should be a personal thing. her belief was a far stronger, more honest belief than that of those people ive met who seek to influence others by talk, or advertising, rather than their own humility and action
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Inclusion II
Was chatting w/Rob about yesterday's post, which leads me to suggest some corrections and additions:
I've been in many churches that used more than one type of music, to add variety and to make the culture/language/symbolism more inclusive. Unfortunately, the white churches I've been in usually aren't very good at non-hymn music. I'm thinking of a particularly dirge-like version of the peppy Brazillian song "Cantad al Senor."
However, this practice of taking hymns from a variety of traditions does, ultimately, make worship better, I think. So there's another piece of the puzzle--drawing elements of the service from other cultures, while retaining the basic framework of the main culture.
I was in Minnesota at a pretty white church that shall remain nameless. After we'd sung a gospel benediction, the pastor said, "You're almost there. You really want it--you're about to break out. I can feel it!"
Hopefully, we really are almost there.
Was chatting w/Rob about yesterday's post, which leads me to suggest some corrections and additions:
I've been in many churches that used more than one type of music, to add variety and to make the culture/language/symbolism more inclusive. Unfortunately, the white churches I've been in usually aren't very good at non-hymn music. I'm thinking of a particularly dirge-like version of the peppy Brazillian song "Cantad al Senor."
However, this practice of taking hymns from a variety of traditions does, ultimately, make worship better, I think. So there's another piece of the puzzle--drawing elements of the service from other cultures, while retaining the basic framework of the main culture.
I was in Minnesota at a pretty white church that shall remain nameless. After we'd sung a gospel benediction, the pastor said, "You're almost there. You really want it--you're about to break out. I can feel it!"
Hopefully, we really are almost there.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Inclusion
The new UCC God is Still Speaking ad was released Monday, and will start airing on April 4th. I saw it Monday night at an area church meeting. It's pretty funny. (Watch it here.)
One of the key points in the commercial is making sure that everyone feels welcome, not rejected. But I was thinking about how hard this is to do, and how often churches look very homogenous. I think it boils down to one major factor: culture. How you speak about God, life, and other deep/important things is going to be determined very much by culture. Music, language, participation, interaction among congregants: all these things are guided--if not determined--by culture.
So, what's a well-meaning, inclusiveness-desiring church to do? There's a limit on how many cultures can be crammed into one church service, after all.
Maybe the hospitable way of doing things is not (initially, anyway) to do an overhaul of the church's culture, but to make that culture understandable to the new people who have to negotiate it. Explanations about the traditions of a church give them new meaning for everyone, and make space for newcomers to be integrated quickly.
The new UCC God is Still Speaking ad was released Monday, and will start airing on April 4th. I saw it Monday night at an area church meeting. It's pretty funny. (Watch it here.)
One of the key points in the commercial is making sure that everyone feels welcome, not rejected. But I was thinking about how hard this is to do, and how often churches look very homogenous. I think it boils down to one major factor: culture. How you speak about God, life, and other deep/important things is going to be determined very much by culture. Music, language, participation, interaction among congregants: all these things are guided--if not determined--by culture.
So, what's a well-meaning, inclusiveness-desiring church to do? There's a limit on how many cultures can be crammed into one church service, after all.
Maybe the hospitable way of doing things is not (initially, anyway) to do an overhaul of the church's culture, but to make that culture understandable to the new people who have to negotiate it. Explanations about the traditions of a church give them new meaning for everyone, and make space for newcomers to be integrated quickly.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Suffering
I was reading a story about Henri Nouwen, a writer and chaplain who taught briefly at Harvard Divinity School, my alma mater. In a set of essays about his time there, this quote from Nouwen stuck out for me:
What caught me, first, was the idea I think hidden in many of us that if something bad happens to me, I deserve it. Or at least, that no-one cares about me. What an amazing reminder--that suffering doesn't mean any of that! That instead suffering can bring blessings, and deepen our attachment to God. That we are held safe, we are loved, and so trouble in life is just that: trouble. God's love persists, always; even in the face of suffering.
I was reading a story about Henri Nouwen, a writer and chaplain who taught briefly at Harvard Divinity School, my alma mater. In a set of essays about his time there, this quote from Nouwen stuck out for me:
Many people don't think they are loved, or held safe, and so when suffering comes they see it as an affirmation of their worthlessness. The great question of ministry and the spiritual life is to learn to live our brokenness under the blessing and not the curse.
What caught me, first, was the idea I think hidden in many of us that if something bad happens to me, I deserve it. Or at least, that no-one cares about me. What an amazing reminder--that suffering doesn't mean any of that! That instead suffering can bring blessings, and deepen our attachment to God. That we are held safe, we are loved, and so trouble in life is just that: trouble. God's love persists, always; even in the face of suffering.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
If only, indeed
Slate's take on some of the mistakes made in the war in Iraq.
What's upsetting to me is that a lot of these things should be common sense: understand the society of the country you're going into. Allow local elections as soon as possible. Have people in the armed forces who speak the native language. Plan for enough troops for the occupation, not just for the invasion. Happy 3rd Anniversary, Iraq war.
Slate's take on some of the mistakes made in the war in Iraq.
What's upsetting to me is that a lot of these things should be common sense: understand the society of the country you're going into. Allow local elections as soon as possible. Have people in the armed forces who speak the native language. Plan for enough troops for the occupation, not just for the invasion. Happy 3rd Anniversary, Iraq war.
Hey, this is cool
Scientists have discovered the bones of a dinosaur with a really long neck. I'm inclined to say that this is proof that God:
a. is really creative and
b. has a sense of humor
:-)
Scientists have discovered the bones of a dinosaur with a really long neck. I'm inclined to say that this is proof that God:
a. is really creative and
b. has a sense of humor
:-)
Friday, March 17, 2006
Seminary Attendance Up, Pastor Numbers Down
Saw this in the NY Times. Students Flock to Seminaries, but Fewer See Pulpit in Future.
Apparently, there are plenty of young people who go to seminary, but fewer and fewer are becoming pastors. It seems like they mostly covered Methodists, with a passing shot at evangelicals who go into parachurch organizations. But I know this holds true in the UCC, too--not very many clergy under 30. I worry, though, that this is a sign of churches being less responsive to young people, pushing them toward seminary for theological training.
Hmmmmm.....
Saw this in the NY Times. Students Flock to Seminaries, but Fewer See Pulpit in Future.
Apparently, there are plenty of young people who go to seminary, but fewer and fewer are becoming pastors. It seems like they mostly covered Methodists, with a passing shot at evangelicals who go into parachurch organizations. But I know this holds true in the UCC, too--not very many clergy under 30. I worry, though, that this is a sign of churches being less responsive to young people, pushing them toward seminary for theological training.
Hmmmmm.....
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Something Inane
I don't know if any of you watched Project Runway, but Chloe won. Congratulations to her--I think she was probably the best one, as far as being able to sew well and execute her vision. I was suprised that Danny didn't win, though, considering some of the neat stuff I saw him make.
Oh well.
Finally, for your enjoyment, a piece from one of the non-winning collections:
I don't know if any of you watched Project Runway, but Chloe won. Congratulations to her--I think she was probably the best one, as far as being able to sew well and execute her vision. I was suprised that Danny didn't win, though, considering some of the neat stuff I saw him make.
Oh well.
Finally, for your enjoyment, a piece from one of the non-winning collections:
Friday, March 10, 2006
Community Response to Arson
The New York Times has an article up about the college where the suspected Alabama church arsonists either attend or attended in the past. At College, Moral Obligations are Felt on Church Burnings Two were current students when they were arrested.
What I find encouraging about the story is that the college, rather than distancing itself from the entire affair, is taking corrective action. There is a public petition for people to sign in protest against the arsons, the college has established a fund for rebuilding the churches, and plans to recruit student and alumni volunteers to help with the labor.
Clearly, a new building does not replace the memories and history of the lost churches. However, it's refreshing to see community leaders - in this case, Birmingham-Southern's administration - accept responsibility and act decisively to help repair the harm, whether or not they are technically or legally to blame.
The New York Times has an article up about the college where the suspected Alabama church arsonists either attend or attended in the past. At College, Moral Obligations are Felt on Church Burnings Two were current students when they were arrested.
What I find encouraging about the story is that the college, rather than distancing itself from the entire affair, is taking corrective action. There is a public petition for people to sign in protest against the arsons, the college has established a fund for rebuilding the churches, and plans to recruit student and alumni volunteers to help with the labor.
Clearly, a new building does not replace the memories and history of the lost churches. However, it's refreshing to see community leaders - in this case, Birmingham-Southern's administration - accept responsibility and act decisively to help repair the harm, whether or not they are technically or legally to blame.
What I really gave up for Lent
Thought you'd be interested to know how my Lenten practice is going so far.
It's harder than I expected.
The plan was: spend 10 or 15 minutes each day going through a corner in the apartment to see what I really need and what I really don't need. My dresser is a little neater now, which is a good thing, and I even got rid of a bell-necklace that would've been cool among 40-year-old women in 1991.
But what this is really teaching me is that I have a tendency to procrastinate (which I already knew, okay, but it's so much more obvious now). I'll think of all these little corners with things in them that I've been meaning to do something with: the pile of books to be sold on half.com; the boxes that should probably just be thrown out; the loud humidifier that needs a new filter; and so on. So, this is as good exercise for me. For Lent, I'm giving up some procrastination. Believe it or not, it's probably almost as difficult as giving up chocolate.
Blessings,
Amy
Thought you'd be interested to know how my Lenten practice is going so far.
It's harder than I expected.
The plan was: spend 10 or 15 minutes each day going through a corner in the apartment to see what I really need and what I really don't need. My dresser is a little neater now, which is a good thing, and I even got rid of a bell-necklace that would've been cool among 40-year-old women in 1991.
But what this is really teaching me is that I have a tendency to procrastinate (which I already knew, okay, but it's so much more obvious now). I'll think of all these little corners with things in them that I've been meaning to do something with: the pile of books to be sold on half.com; the boxes that should probably just be thrown out; the loud humidifier that needs a new filter; and so on. So, this is as good exercise for me. For Lent, I'm giving up some procrastination. Believe it or not, it's probably almost as difficult as giving up chocolate.
Blessings,
Amy
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Counterfeit!
Friends,
You will be sad to learn that I've become a victim of a crime: counterfeiting. About a week ago, I got change for a twenty when I was buying a falafel sandwich for lunch. This place at the mall sells them, and they are SO delicious. Anyway, the guy gave me 3 fives as change. Later, though, I was looking at one of the fives and it just didn't look right. So I compare it to one of the other ones. Sure enough: it was too small, and it just didn't look as clear. Plus the paper didn't feel the same. I showed it to some friends, and one smelled it. She said it smelled all right, but otherwise it was just off. So, here's what my choices were:
1. Pay for something using my phony five, and pass the problem on to somebody else.
2. Use the five to buy another delicious falafel sandwich, passing the problem on to the next wrap customer with a twenty.
3. Turn it in to a bank or something.
It was quite a dilemma. So, I started with the internet. A google search for "What to Do with a Counterfeit" turned up a couple of responses. I was to either contact the local police or the Secret Service. Wow!
When I called the Secret Service, I talked to a real friendly guy who basically looked up the serial number on the front of the bill to see if it was in his database. It wasn't. I thought it was cool, though, that they have a nationwide database of counterfeit bills. It seems likely to me that five-dollar bills are under the radar screen for this kind of thing. He suggested I try taking it to my bank to see if they'd trade me for it. Unfortunately, I bank by mail, so my bank was helpful, but they couldn't arrange it. (Unless I wanted to fly to San Antonio. This is one of the first times I've ever regretted not having a local bank.)
So, I went to the bank downstairs from where I work. The teller wouldn't trade me for another five, unfortunately. But she did agree to turn it in and make a report. So now I'm out five dollars for being honest. It's a difficult truth, but sometimes virtue requires sacrifice. In this case, that price was five dollars.
At any rate, it was interesting seeing a professional (the teller) explain how she could tell right away that the bill was a fake. "You can just see it--there are no fibers. Oh, and it's been cut. Look--it's not even. Here, feel the paper--it feels different." She went on like that for a while.
Apparently, she said, "Somebody just had too much time on their hands."
So, friends, that is the saga of how I volunteered myself to lose $5, rather than to keep bad money in the system. But now I can imagine the rough justice the Secret Service will dispense with my valuable information:
A SWAT team will come charging into some house in Columbia, MD, gigantic machine guns at the ready--as if to rescue Elian Gonzales. They'll thump down the stairs into a basement, where some kid is making color photocopies of five-dollar bills. (For an approximate cost of $3.50 each, including ink, paper, and printer maintenance). They'll shout: "Along with disrupting the flow of commerce, you screwed Amy __________ out of $5! You have the right to remain silent...."
Awesome.
Friends,
You will be sad to learn that I've become a victim of a crime: counterfeiting. About a week ago, I got change for a twenty when I was buying a falafel sandwich for lunch. This place at the mall sells them, and they are SO delicious. Anyway, the guy gave me 3 fives as change. Later, though, I was looking at one of the fives and it just didn't look right. So I compare it to one of the other ones. Sure enough: it was too small, and it just didn't look as clear. Plus the paper didn't feel the same. I showed it to some friends, and one smelled it. She said it smelled all right, but otherwise it was just off. So, here's what my choices were:
1. Pay for something using my phony five, and pass the problem on to somebody else.
2. Use the five to buy another delicious falafel sandwich, passing the problem on to the next wrap customer with a twenty.
3. Turn it in to a bank or something.
It was quite a dilemma. So, I started with the internet. A google search for "What to Do with a Counterfeit" turned up a couple of responses. I was to either contact the local police or the Secret Service. Wow!
When I called the Secret Service, I talked to a real friendly guy who basically looked up the serial number on the front of the bill to see if it was in his database. It wasn't. I thought it was cool, though, that they have a nationwide database of counterfeit bills. It seems likely to me that five-dollar bills are under the radar screen for this kind of thing. He suggested I try taking it to my bank to see if they'd trade me for it. Unfortunately, I bank by mail, so my bank was helpful, but they couldn't arrange it. (Unless I wanted to fly to San Antonio. This is one of the first times I've ever regretted not having a local bank.)
So, I went to the bank downstairs from where I work. The teller wouldn't trade me for another five, unfortunately. But she did agree to turn it in and make a report. So now I'm out five dollars for being honest. It's a difficult truth, but sometimes virtue requires sacrifice. In this case, that price was five dollars.
At any rate, it was interesting seeing a professional (the teller) explain how she could tell right away that the bill was a fake. "You can just see it--there are no fibers. Oh, and it's been cut. Look--it's not even. Here, feel the paper--it feels different." She went on like that for a while.
Apparently, she said, "Somebody just had too much time on their hands."
So, friends, that is the saga of how I volunteered myself to lose $5, rather than to keep bad money in the system. But now I can imagine the rough justice the Secret Service will dispense with my valuable information:
A SWAT team will come charging into some house in Columbia, MD, gigantic machine guns at the ready--as if to rescue Elian Gonzales. They'll thump down the stairs into a basement, where some kid is making color photocopies of five-dollar bills. (For an approximate cost of $3.50 each, including ink, paper, and printer maintenance). They'll shout: "Along with disrupting the flow of commerce, you screwed Amy __________ out of $5! You have the right to remain silent...."
Awesome.
Monday, March 06, 2006
New Sermon Up
Hi folks--I've posted my sermon from Saturday:
Coming in From the Cold
There are pictures and stories from Florida--go take a look.
Also, for the curious, the next service is on April 1st. (April Fools Day, I know!) Everyone is welcome to come and check it out. If nothing else, I think sermons are even more interesting and enjoyable in person.
Blessings,
Amy
Hi folks--I've posted my sermon from Saturday:
Coming in From the Cold
There are pictures and stories from Florida--go take a look.
Also, for the curious, the next service is on April 1st. (April Fools Day, I know!) Everyone is welcome to come and check it out. If nothing else, I think sermons are even more interesting and enjoyable in person.
Blessings,
Amy
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Lent begins.
If you're a church junkie such as myself, you might know that yesterday, Ash Wednesday, marked the beginning of the church season known as Lent. It's a season of repentance and discipline, and Ash Wednesday kicks it off by reminding us that we are dust and to dust we shall return.
So, you might be surprised to learn that this is probably my favorite season of the church year. Mostly because this is a time when we get together to really be serious about our spiritual disciplines. Not that the rest of the year isn't a good time to have them, but this time of year things are especially focused.
What am I giving up for Lent? I've decided to give up 10-15 minutes a day to practicing simplicity (read: go through my junk piles and get rid of things I don't need). I'm hoping to take just a step or two closer to the recognition that God provides and that I don't need to save everything to have a rich life. In that vein, the 23rd Psalm:
If you're a church junkie such as myself, you might know that yesterday, Ash Wednesday, marked the beginning of the church season known as Lent. It's a season of repentance and discipline, and Ash Wednesday kicks it off by reminding us that we are dust and to dust we shall return.
So, you might be surprised to learn that this is probably my favorite season of the church year. Mostly because this is a time when we get together to really be serious about our spiritual disciplines. Not that the rest of the year isn't a good time to have them, but this time of year things are especially focused.
What am I giving up for Lent? I've decided to give up 10-15 minutes a day to practicing simplicity (read: go through my junk piles and get rid of things I don't need). I'm hoping to take just a step or two closer to the recognition that God provides and that I don't need to save everything to have a rich life. In that vein, the 23rd Psalm:
The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in fields of green grass
and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water.
He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised.
Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, Lord,
for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me.
You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me;
you welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim.
I know that your goodness and love will be with me all my life;
and your house will be my home as long as I live.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Back in Maryland
Hi folks! It was so good to get away for a week and a few days--Heather and I got back Monday night. The trip was wonderful. We worked on a house for a Hurricane Charley survivor--his roof had big holes in it and was full of moldy things. He had been living in a trailer since the storm, which was in August of 2004.
Heather, Tara, Kate, Heather's mom Linda, and I worked together with a big group of UCCers from Connecticut. Us young'uns worked on the roof--tearing off ceramic tiles, then tar paper, then rotted wood. Down below, Linda and a couple other very determined workers helped Dave sort through his things to decide what was trash and what could be kept.
We didn't finish the job in a week--it was just too much work to be done that quickly--but we did get a good start. I think what was most enjoyable and encouraging for me was seeing that our being there helped Dave feel a little less alone in his difficulties. And I think that we all encouraged each other too. There's something very nice about being able to do some short-term work that has tangible results. It's funny, but I think I had more fun that week, working on a roof, than I would've lounging around at the beach.
So that's the short version. I'm sure Heather will also have stories up. And probably pictures, too. But if you're in town, on Saturday at 5:30 I'll be preaching, and I'm going to tell some stories from Florida. So come check it out (the link is to the right).
Hi folks! It was so good to get away for a week and a few days--Heather and I got back Monday night. The trip was wonderful. We worked on a house for a Hurricane Charley survivor--his roof had big holes in it and was full of moldy things. He had been living in a trailer since the storm, which was in August of 2004.
Heather, Tara, Kate, Heather's mom Linda, and I worked together with a big group of UCCers from Connecticut. Us young'uns worked on the roof--tearing off ceramic tiles, then tar paper, then rotted wood. Down below, Linda and a couple other very determined workers helped Dave sort through his things to decide what was trash and what could be kept.
We didn't finish the job in a week--it was just too much work to be done that quickly--but we did get a good start. I think what was most enjoyable and encouraging for me was seeing that our being there helped Dave feel a little less alone in his difficulties. And I think that we all encouraged each other too. There's something very nice about being able to do some short-term work that has tangible results. It's funny, but I think I had more fun that week, working on a roof, than I would've lounging around at the beach.
So that's the short version. I'm sure Heather will also have stories up. And probably pictures, too. But if you're in town, on Saturday at 5:30 I'll be preaching, and I'm going to tell some stories from Florida. So come check it out (the link is to the right).
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