Crashed.

My office computer, less than a year old crashed yesterday, taking EVERYTHING with it. Right before maternity leave. Really. Sigh.

31 and Nominated.

I'm listening to the Annual Conference Sessions out in the heat of Redlands. I knew it was likely to happen last night and it did. Molly, 31, was nominated for endorsement as Bishop. If she went forward she would be eligible to serve as Bishop for 40 years. YIKES! The Spirit of the Conference is wonderful-- they want to encourage and empower young people. Just what I've been working and praying for....
Molly withdrew her name not long after hearing the names read. I'm still proud of her and proud of the Spirit of the community for acknowledging her gifts and leadership qualities.
And, she can't blame me for this...I'm not there! :)

Church and gas prices

Today and tomorrow United Methodists from all over my Annual Conference region will be driving out to Redlands, CA, for the Annual Conference Sessions meeting. That's a lot of money spent on gas alone! While me and my hybrid (still covered in bird poo, though the bird has not been back for about a week now) sit comfortably in my office much closer to the beach than Redlands (I'd die from the heat out there-- it is expected to be over a 100 today!), I can't help but think about gas prices, the environment, the economy and the future...
There was an interesting article in the LA TIMES today about gas prices and how it is impacting faith communities throughout the land. It talks about how preachers are finally engaging communities about gas prices now that they've reached and passed $4 a gallon. The article does seem to imply that one of the main reasons clergy are finally addressing the issue is that collections are down, as is church attendance. People don't want to do an "extra" driving and it appears that for some, that means forgoing worship. Other pastors in the article make a clear commitment to continuing transportation ministries even if it means depleting their bank accounts to do so.
Yesterday, Honda unveiled its Hydrogen powered Civic. There are promises from automakers to have electric cars on the market again in 2010.
In the middle of watching the Angels play the Mets last night, a commercial ran multiple times asking viewers if they had mutual funds...and letting those who own mutual funds know that this meant they probably owned a piece of the fuel/energy business in this country. In other words, if you are lucky enough to have some investments, you are benefiting from the gas prices. What?!?
We're in a lick of trouble right now. I think it is important as clergy to help lead conversations about stewardship of all kinds. We have to be realistic about what people can and cannot do or afford to do. And it may be the perfect time to encourage folks to think outside the box about a lot of things we take for granted.
What do you think?

Not going to miss it...

Next week is the Annual Conference Sessions for my Annual Conference-- the once a year meeting of clergy and designated laity to do the work of the Annual Conference. It is held in Redlands, CA on the campus of the University of Redlands. The campus is beautiful and accommodates the needs of the conference pretty well. But Redlands is smoggy and hotter than .... hell. Usually by the end of Annual Conference my sinuses are a mess (and I have a sinus migraine for about a week because of the smog) and the heat practically melts away any ounce if "nice" left in my soul. The schedule is long and challenging even for the healthiest of people. I've been a part of the Annual Conference Sessions planning team and the agenda chair. I've been on the floor pushing legislation and getting folks elected. And, I have had plenty of time to catch up with people I don't get to see very often.
This year I've decided not to go out there at all. The primary reason: we're in week 36 next week. It's a matter of time. While things are going well, I don't want to be out in the stress/smog/heat two hours away from my doctor and husband and hospital. The downside: I miss spending time with my friends for a few days-- time that we usually expect to spend together. I'll miss banana pancakes in the apartment with Molly, Karen, Amy, Joel and Krista. (Krista is in Germany now, so she's already done AC in German...I doubt she'll miss ours!) I'll miss seeing Camille get commissioned this year. I'll miss spending time with Nicole drinking Americanos talking about..well, everything. I'll miss catching up with people like Sandie who were an important part of my spiritual formation. I'll miss giving Gary grief and visiting the Conference staff in their air conditioned offices! I'll miss seeing Caroline and the youth who are in leadership I've grown to love and respect ...you get the idea....Conference is about relationships above everything else. But even as deep and wonderful as these relationships are, (after all, many of these people are like family!) I'm still quite fine with missing out this year.
It's been tough for people to get that I'll be absent this year. No matter how many ways and times I tell them, there is still scheming going on about how to get me there. My hope is that they care enough about me to just let me be!
I am excited to be around for something I've not been able to witness before...6th grade promotion at Joel's school! My husband always finishes the school year with me about 100 miles away. I plan to go and celebrate with him and his students this year.... as the commute is only a couple of miles...and support him. Not a bad trade off, I think....
For those who have gone or are preparing for Conference, blessings be with you!

Crazy Bird!

I interrupt my usual banter about the Church to share with you about this little crazy bird. It's a beautiful little bird....you can see it has some different colored brown markings on the backside....and a gorgeous orange belly.
A week ago I was sitting in my office with my car (a Honda Civic Hybrid...ah, what a lovely car indeed) sitting in its usual parking spot right outside my back door. I had my door open and the screen locked....providing me with some nice cool air (a true blessing these days with the added heater I have!). All of the sudden I heard something that sounded like a woodpecker--only it did not sound like it was hitting wood. And, what would a woodpecker be doing in Torrance-- part of the urban Los Angeles landscape? Thinking it could be someone working on the condos behind the church, I took the opportunity to stand up and stretch and take a look outside. Rather than finding a woodpecker or someone working next door, I found this little bird, tapping at the front passenger side window of my car! The minute I opened the door, the bird flew over to the top of the fence you see behind my car....
Needless to say, this went on for about an hour-- I'd hear the noise, get up from my desk, go out and find the bird on either the passenger side or the driver side of my car going nuts!
I had no idea how to deal with it. I tried to give it a little water, but nothing seemed to stop it. And then, as suddenly as it came, it left.
Of course trying to explain it to people left them perplexed and ready to share various conspiracy theories.
The bird came back Sunday as I was parking my car. (and left its calling card all over my freshly washed passenger side!) And Monday, it was back. Tuesday, again. Yesterday. And, today. I've tried eliminating the "mirror effect," to no avail. All I know is that this little bird comes, does this crazy little routine to my car, and disappears.
So, is this a sign? Many seem to think it is!