Endangered Species: Church

Off the Grid.

2009-01-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

I've been off the grid for awhile. Attending to my ailing mother and cerebrally-absent almost-97-year-old grandmother. Not to mention my almost-6month-old, church, husband, dog....and me.

I'm sure I've learned something along the way. Bet there's a lesson in there....somewhere.

All I know is that I'm thankful to that things seem to be calming down an eensie bit so I can perhaps think and blog and pray a bit more. (Okay, I've been praying A LOT over the past few months!)

Someone emailed this to me, and I wanted to get your opinion:

"One of my observations about a postmodernism worldview is that it's reliance on inward validation (it's true because I believe it to be true) as opposed to outward validation (it's true because it corresponds to known facts) enables one to insert into that worldview whatever ideology they like, kind of a convenient coincidence."

What do you think of this observation? Do you agree or disagree? How does this impact the way we do theology and biblical criticism? Discuss....

Ode to the Business Card

2008-11-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

I've not written here for awhile...not because I've not had things to say, but because my mom has been in the hospital, mostly in ICU, since October 24th. She is making small strides which are encouraging....and I can attest to the power of prayer throughout all of this. Taking care of my 3 month old, being back at work and caring for my 96 year old grandmother with dementia on top of it all has been quite challenging...
Now onto what I really want to talk about: business cards. I've not been one to go out and get cards made up right away once I've shown up at a church. Why? It seems like every time I get business cards, something changes. Once it was my name (after I got married), a couple of times it has been my email address. I always seem to have to change something on my cards. But I've realized throughout this time with my mom why it is so important for pastors to have business cards.
WHY?
Well, there was some confusion about whether my mom's pastor visited her in ICU. Another pastor was kind enough to contact her church and the pastor to let them know she was very ill. She's been awesome about checking in with me and offering care to me throughout all of this (and visited my mom a couple of times, too!) Having heard nothing from the pastor, I thought for sure he had not visited. I asked her nurses who said they had not seen anyone but my brother and I...so I was puzzled. (I was there in the beginning almost twelve hours a day--husband and baby in tow...) When I talked to him he said he had seen her and then described an accurate picture of what he experienced (and I knew he had been there because it matched her condition at the time!). Had he left a business card somewhere in the room (on the little table, tacked to the board, etc.) letting us know he had been there, it would have offered a little bit of spiritual relief. Instead, we went on the notion that he had not gotten over to see someone from his congregation who was in critical condition. (Not a good image for a colleague to have of another!) I share this not to criticize my colleague who I respect, but to encourage all of us to see how this is a helpful practice!
The moral of the story: even if your card is inaccurate and the person you visit seems to be coherent, leave a card so that the family knows you have been there to see their loved one. It may seem silly, or simple, but an easy way to provide pastoral care.

A Post Worth Taking a Look At...

2008-10-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

Check out Molly's post about CA prop 8. Worth your time!

Economical Turmoil

2008-09-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

While I have been on maternity leave I've had the opportunity to spend plenty of time watching what is happening in the world around me on television while I bond and FEED my daughter. (She's quite a good eater, I might add...meaning I spend A LOT of time feeding her!) I've watched carefully these past few weeks as the economy has wobbled and the government bailed out this group and that. I've had a friend lose his job as a result of the latest market craziness. And our President came on television today to say, and I paraphrase, (I used the DVR 8 second button to make sure I heard him right) "we will persecute those (CEOS) who knowingly take advantage of investors." (He really did say persecute instead of prosecute. Yep, he is still our president until January.)
In her book Tribal Church, Carol Howard Merritt talks about the complex economic realities facing not only young people but all generations. Her words about how issues around money get lost in translation between generations is important for all folks in the Church to hear. She talks about how it is almost impossible for single young people to live on the salaries they make these days (which she points out is why many couples move in together before they marry-- it is a practical issue-- they can't afford not to!) She clearly states the way that Boomers are not willing to loan their children money to put a down payment on a house or to buy a sensible vehicle because they are scared to dip into their savings for retirement. (Though their parents loaned them the money at their children's age to do the same!) Since Boomers are living longer there is a need and desire to have adequate savings so that they can live comfortably into their golden years.
This brings me back to the rocky market and buyouts. Because of the way things have been handled, an already unsteady situation for many people in our pews has become even more so. As the Church, facing smaller tithes and offerings because of the financial hardship facing many faithful disciples, we are challenged to find ways to pay our bills and lovingly respond to the stewardship issues and crises facing our people. How do we respond when someone is about to lose their house because of the mortgage crisis? Are there ways for the Church to translate faithful stewardship in ways that doesn't sound self-serving?

Gratitude: There's a note for that! (Post-it® Notes Contest)

2008-09-03T12:42:00.001-07:00

While a clever commercial for post-its (does post-its really need to advertise?!) this video is a wonderful way to express gratitude. What would you do to express gratitude in this way?
Hat tip to Laura Gordon.

A New Understanding of Connection...

2008-08-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

One thing I read often about my generation and the ones following is that there is a deep longing for connection. This is usually followed by statements about how due to the fact that young people move a lot, don't know their neighbors, don't have smaller communities they gather with (like PTA or church groups), that young people seek ways to connect with each other outside traditional ways. And, because most of these observations are written by people of older generations, there is usually some sort of judgment about how bad these attempts at connection are.
I have to say that I have come to appreciate one of these ways of connecting with people a lot. I joined Facebook to have more ways to communicate with my friend Krista who is serving as a missionary in Germany. I also loved that I could connect with other friends on Facebook--and this has allowed me to have more communication with people I had not had that kind of connection with up to that point. I even recruited my husband Joel to facebook. (And because we run in clergy and teacher circles-- it seems like a lot of clergy and teachers are on Facebook!)
When I went into labor, it was pretty incredible to be sitting in the labor and delivery room updating our facebook status to let our friends know what was happening. We could ask for prayers and let a whole bunch of folks know without making a ton of phone calls. We even were able to post pictures of Kat quick-like so that our friends near and far could see our beautiful daughter not long after her birth.
I've joked with some friends and family that Kat was born via Facebook. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated and continue to appreciate that connection with friends. While I may not see them or talk with them, there is an intimate sense of connection I've enjoyed that's hard to explain. It is amazing to me how the internet can connect people in powerful ways. While it might not be the same thing as sitting across the table from someone in a PTA meeting or a Bible Study, likely drinking bad coffee, applications like Facebook have become a real "third place" for people like me.

Psalm 23 and Pink Floyd

2008-08-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

Between feedings I picked up the latest issue of Christian Century (August 26, 2008) and saw something in the "Century Marks" that caught my attention. There towards the bottom of the page was a note about a question asked by Professor Peter Hawkins of Boston University (my alma mater for seminary). He asked his Intro class on the Bible if they had heard the 23rd Psalm. Apparently, after he recited it, people recognized parts of it-- but did not know that it was originally in the Bible. Students thought it was from a Pink Floyd song, from rapper Coolio's song, "Gangsta's Paradise," or Pulp Fiction (but that was wrong-- that was actually a quote from the cheerful book of Ezekiel). According to Professor Hawkins, "My students knew their movies and their lyrics but not the biblical source of 'the valley of the shadow of death.'"
It strikes me funny that these kind of notes show up in stuff like Christian Century. Why, you ask? Folks within the Church seem to expect that young people will at least know what we would consider to be basic things about the Bible and faith. What this note helps to point out is that we cannot assume people know what we consider to be basic things of faith. That in fact it is modern artists-- movie makers, rappers, rock stars, authors-- who are teaching young people aspects of spirituality. Some of the best communicators of faith in the last generation have been people outside of the Church. (That's not new, but it seems to be new every time I read something like I did in Christian Century!).
It begs us folk on the inside to do a few things-- a gut check about what we assume people ought to know, and also, to realize that art is an important and under-utilized resource/gift. Perhaps it is another nudge to embrace art-- in all of its diversity and creativity!

She's here!

2008-07-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

Katherine "Kat" Janet Gara born 7/21/08....8 lbs 6 oz, 19.5 inches....all doing well!

Thanks for your prayers!

Tinkering...

2008-07-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

While I await the arrival of "the child," I've been reading Robert Wuthnow's book, After the Baby Boomers. (Thanks Lovett, for the suggestion.) The book is about what Wuthnow refers to as "younger adults," a group he defines as persons from 18-45 years of age. (nice large group!) As a sociologist, Wuthnow looks at a variety of issues that he thinks are helpful to understanding this group of people in US America-- and how it affects this generation's practice of religion/spirituality.
In the beginning of the book, Wuthnow introduces a variety of topics he believes makes a difference to younger adults and how they live their lives and see the world. The one that caught my attention is something Wuthnow calls, "tinkering." He describes the younger generations as a group of tinkerers....
Wuthnow says, "a tinkerer puts together life from whatever skills, ideas, and resources that are readily at hand. In a culture like ours, higher education and professional training are valued tinkering may have negative connotations. But it should not. Tinkerers are the most resourceful people in any era. If specialized skills are required, they have them. When they need help from experts, they seek it. But they do not rely on only one way of doing things. Their approach to life is practical. They get things done, and usualy this happens by improvising, by piecing together an idea from here, a skill from there, and a contact from somewhere else." (pp. 13-14)
Tinkerers are able to live without having all the answers, can deal with uncertainty, and rely on resources outside themselves to solve problems. It also means that tinkerers are not going to make a sure and fast decision about things...they are going to talk about it, explore other options, see if they can pull a MacGiver kind of move and using a piece of gum and a fast food receipt, make something useful.
Tinkerers and spirituality, then, translate into a generation of seekers-- who will look to having conversation with others, creating new kinds of social networks, and being okay with not having everything right. Church communities, then, with too much structure, not enough room for creativity and expression, places where connection and relationships are not central-- will not be attractive to tinkerers. Tinkerers need spiritual places to be open and welcoming to a new and different way of approaching faith-- one that takes time and care.
What's clear to me is that the kind of church a tinkerer would be attracted to seems a lot like the kind of vision Jesus had for the kingdom of God!

Exciting Announcement (not about a baby yet!)

2008-07-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend JT (who is in Boston with his daughter at the Boston University Orientation!), I received word that Mary Elizabeth Moore has been named as the new Dean of the School of Theology (my alma mater!). You can read about the appointment here.
Mary Elizabeth is a creative and kind soul-- I'm excited to see where she takes the school. She is also an ordained Deacon in the UMC (I think the first Deacon in the new orders era to be named to this kind of post!)I'm also excited to see STH appoint the first woman to the post!
Congratulations to Mary Elizabeth!

Just about to begin leave...

2008-07-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

Well, it is the beginning of July...and I am about to begin Maternity leave of Monday. My office computer is still down but might be saved by a computer engineer in the congregation who thinks he can save the data files. A miracle that would be, for sure!
Everything is pretty well set, and I've had to go into that all important "trust the process" mode. (No, not a clue that I'm into process theology....rather, a phrase that Joel's mom, who was also a pastor before she passed away a few years back, used to use all the time....)
As Joel and I are in the "hurry up and wait" mode, I have mixed feelings about going on leave. I know I need to do it, but really enjoy the work I'm doing at the church.
I hope you'll hold us in your prayers as we await this exciting and scary new chapter of life! I'll do my best to keep you updated!

Crashed.

2008-06-27T17:19:00.001-07:00

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

31 and Nominated.

2008-06-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-06-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-06-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

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!

Dreaded words...

2008-05-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to David, I was directed to reading this provocative article on the young clergywomen's blogsite, Fidelia's Sisters. Susan Olsen writes about those dreaded words.... sexual harassment. There's lots of stuff that strikes me in this article. She talks about how we've done a good job in the Church in the last decade teaching clergy about how to proper boundaries and understandings of how to relate to lay people so that we're not sexually harassing others. The more interesting thing to me is the good observation she makes about how the Church has not done a good job teaching congregants about how what sexual harrassment is towards their clergy. And as her statistics share, many young clergywomen have experienced some form of sexual harassment (as they understand it), in their ministry context. Everything from comments about dress and appearance to someone talking about being raped by the head of the church's personnel committee are mentioned as experiences young clergy have had to deal with. And, according to her research, older clergywomen experience less harassment-- whether new to ministry or have been at it awhile. Harassment does not seem to play a huge role in the reasons clergywomen leave ministry....
I know I've experienced my share of sexual harassment in my ten years in ministry. In my last appointment I experienced it both from heterosexual people and from gay men in my congregation--which was a wierd and wild thing to behold. In that same appointment I dealt with lay person to lay person sexual harassment-- something that fractured the congregation due to the "he said, she said," nature of the situation...and these were older people involved in it!
All of which is to say-- it is important for the Church to think about ways to talk with congregations about how to treat one another and their pastor. It is a fine and hard line to walk, I realize. Persons often don't think about the comments they make or the ways their interactions with clergy can be perceived. And while it is important for us clergy folk to take a step back and think about where the comments are coming from, sometimes that can be really hard. (Especially if you are pregnant and hormonal! Can I get an Amen?!?)
I hope you will read the article and let me know your thoughts...

A better word?

2008-05-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I've needed time to recover from General Conference and I was not even there! Watching the live stream throughout the event was enough to wear me out. I can understand why it takes as much as 10-12 hours of sleep a day for at least a week to recover. Really, why doesn't General Conference have true Sabbath time? Do they really want people to be crabby when they are earnestly trying to practice holy conferencing?
My father-in-law was one of the delegates from my Annual Conference to General Conference. At a meeting last week he handed us all a packet of goodies-- a FEW of the MANY things discussed over the 10 days. Of course I wanted to know what was decided upon in regards to things like the ordination process. Dan lobbed up a juicy one to me-- the General Conference changed the word for someone commissioned, not fully ordained from "probationary," (like you're in jail) to "provisional," (clearly defined as you're temporary, don't get too comfortable). At first I was just glad to see "probationary" gone-- I hoped to never be on probation in my life or in my work-- so why did the Church decide to use that to describe folks who are in transition and learning? Provisional, while a shiny-happy term, is what in retail the seasonal hires were referred to-- don't expect to see them past New Years kind of deal.
So while I am thankful for the kinder, gentler term, I'm not sure it effectively responded to a major need to re-think and re-imagine our language, process and the like. What do you think?

Completion of Lewis Fellows

2008-04-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

I've been off-line for a bit due to two things: I was a part of a leadership team for a retreat for Middle Schoolers from all over the Annual Conference called, "Spirit Quest," and then I went coast-to-coast for my final time in Baltimore with the Lewis Fellows Program.

One of the highlights was heading to DC to spend time at Wesley Seminary (two colleagues, Bryant and Nathan are seated in the picture at Lovett Weems desk...so a messy desk is a sign of good leadership!), a quick time at the National Cathedral and then up to Baltimore with a group of guys to see an Orioles game.

A sign of a good program is one that leaves you wanting more...that certainly was the case! The Lewis Fellows Program got me reading, thinking and talking about leadership in ways I had not yet engaged. It gave me some good practical wisdom, some confidence and hope. All things I think a program aimed at young clergy would want to do!

One thing I'd recommend to pastors regardless of age or denomination is the new tool the Lewis Center is developing to help pastors assess their leadership called the LPLI. You can learn more about it here.

Like many United Methodists, I'm focused on General Conference and holding our delegation, led by Molly in prayer. It's early on, and so seems like folks are getting along...but once the 7 AM to 11 PM schedule starts wearing on the delegates a bit....that's when prayer will be that much more important.

Continuing the Conversation...

2008-04-09T13:59:00.000-07:00

So, I think talking about the idea of guaranteed appointments has struck a nerve. There has been some interesting comments about it left below. Andy B. also wrote about it and a couple of other issues. What I'm aware of is that there are symptoms of underlying problems-- mostly related in our case to leadership and discerning God's will. There is language in the Discipline to deal with ineffective clergy. There is an over-arching desire by most in the church to work to make sure appointments are good matches for clergy and laity alike (we all want what's going to allow us to make disciples for the transformation of the world). And yet, it is appointment season, and cabinets are working with folks they don't know what to do with-- and will place them with Jesus-loving folks who want leadership to help them grow.
And this does not even address the justice issues raised....
Do we have the leadership to do the tough work and figure this out?

Guaranteed Appointments....good or bad?

2008-04-01T12:55:00.001-07:00

Thanks to David for the link to this article.
It talks about some of the issues in the UMC around the guaranteed appointment. Since we're under the appointment of our Bishop, once we get ordained, we have what amounts to lifetime tenure. There will always be a job for us, no matter how competent or incompetent we are.
Reading the article, it is clear that this system was originally set up back in the 1950s to help clergywomen get jobs. (There were plenty who would not accept a woman in their pulpit...imagine how they'd feel about a pregnant woman in their pulpit!) I love that the General Conference was able to find a way to make this a justice and equality issue, a way to back up their decision to ordain women.
It is pretty clear today, though, that the guaranteed appointment might be more of a stumbling block to us than a help. Sure, it is still important to help some in our connection-- specifically persons of color and some women-- but for others it almost endorses the notion it does not matter whether one works to grow in competency, faith and leadership--the Church has to provide me with a job.
Of course, I have to quip that considering how little the Church pays and how much they expect, guaranteeing us employment is sort of a perk. What do you think about guaranteed appointments? Do they help us or hurt us?

Funny Thing Heard in Church Yesterday....

2008-03-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

As I was shaking hands with folks following the 9 AM service, a wonderful couple from my church introduced me to the guests that were with them from a friend's church. The guy said, "We wanted to come and see what a pregnant pastor looked like." I laughed and encouraged them to share what they've witnessed, much like the 2 Marys did on Easter morning. People are funny.

Guess I should get a banner made for the front of the church stating, "Now Showing."

New book and link to check out!

2008-03-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting a long time, as others I know have, for the new book by Lovett Weems and Ann Michel on the crisis of young clergy in the UMC. Thanks to Andrew, I've got a link to an interesting interview with Lovett about the new book. I've been fortunate over the last few years to be in conversation with Lovett and Ann about this issue...one that I have a lot of interest and passion for. It is a crisis that is indicative of greater issues in my denomination. (Though mine is not only one facing the crisis!) Check it out!

Special Jesus Suit for Easter?

2008-03-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

Last night as we prepared for our Maundy Thursday service, I got into an interesting conversation with the wife of the lead musician. She's great-- always has great questions and wants to know more about the mainline church... having grown up in an evangelical church in the South. Her latest job has been working to create costumes for the musical, Wicked. And so, she's gotten a good taste of working in the "industry" as we call it here in Southern California.... that also means she's been exposed to a variety of interesting folks!

So she tells me that one of her co-workers just completed a project her priest asked her to do for Easter-- create "clothes" for Jesus on the cross. Her priest wanted Jesus to have on his "Sunday best" for Super Bowl of All Sundays! I inquired a bit as to exactly what this "Jesus Suit" might look like-- a white suit with a pink tie? I was genuinely interested in understanding what this was all about... apparently, the "Jesus suit" is more of a toga/smock than real clothing. The priest asked that it have all the liturgical colors in it-- which of course prompted a quick wit joke about Jesus and Joseph and their technicolor dream coats... the thing that got me was that this was all for real!

So, on this solemn day, I wonder aloud... what would Jesus wear to Easter Sunday in your church, should you have the option to play dress-up? I just bet someone will say a bunny suit!

Blessings to all during this important, holy time!

A Shorter Process?

2008-03-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

One of the things I've been vocal about in terms of the lack of young clergy has to do with the arduous ordination process the United Methodist Church has set up. I remember after the 1996 General Conference meeting with a member from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry who came to explain the new process to us. (I was under the 1992 Book of Discipline so it did not apply to me!) The general sense after he shared the changes with us was that it would take about 10-12 years to complete the process--that's a LONG TIME. On top of that, the General Church and local Annual Conferences continue to add more requirements to the process stating, "if the candidates do X, they'll be better prepared."
While those folks approach these extra hoops with good intentions, let's be honest: what's expected of pastors is overwhelming at best, and impossible at worst. We're expected to be experts of all things (and Lord knows I try!). So here's my hope: that you will take a minute, check out this LINK, and considering signing the petition attached. The recommendation right now to General Conference is that we don't make any changes to the process this year....we wait four years. I hate to break it them, but really don't have any time to waste. We NEED to make changes if we want to have any chance of encouraging young people to consider entering the process. Thanks to the Texas Annual Conference folks for pushing this point and trying to get General Conference to do something about this!