tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50742292314087752112024-03-05T08:24:21.038-05:00Work in ProgressAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-20605065506464633482016-02-10T17:28:00.003-05:002016-02-10T17:28:48.740-05:00Ashes<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Joel 2:15-17a</span><div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: black; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">"Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; </span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: black; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even infants at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her canopy. </span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: black; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep..."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: black; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">This reading, read every year on Ash Wednesday, took on particular significance as I heard it read today by one of the lay readers. This is my first year leading an Ash Wednesday service as a mother, just 2 weeks into my new call as Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Literally about 10 minutes before the service I called to check in with my husband, whose phone call I had missed. I left him at home this morning with our toddler who had a fever and wasn't feeling well. The poor boy wanted only for me to hold him this morning, as I was running around trying to get ready, feed his baby brother, and cuddle with him while trying to keep the baby away from his germs. Andy told me that the diagnosis was flu. Flu? But he got the flu shot! That was supposed to protect him! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: black; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">My meeting with the worship team had run right up to the service time, and both the sanctuary and the commons had to be set up for the meal. My baby who had been sleeping peacefully for most of the meeting was starting to stir, and most certainly hungry. I had no time. I obviously couldn't assist with giving medicine to the toddler, who refuses to take it. I didn't have time to nurse the baby, which would have made both of us more comfortable. And I didn't have time to prepare myself to lead this first worship service of the Lenten season. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: black; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">It turned out to be one of those services that was a true gift to the pastor leading it. We had space for silence. Simple Taize songs that I could sing from heart. Other members of the worship team to lead readings. Simplicity all around. The service was a gift. The chair of the search committee that brought me into this wonderful call, herself a grandmother separated by too many miles from her own grandchildren, had held my son through the meeting, and continued to hold him through the worship service. He was awake, a bottle nearby, but happy to be held and loved.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: black; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">In the passage from Joel, a solemn assembly is called together and ALL members of the community are summoned - even the children and infants at the breast. This week I've been experimenting with burning palms branches to ready the ashes for today. It's been messy. I've got a sick toddler at home, and a breastfed infant who is expert at both input and output. I'm always exhausted, and feeling like I'm falling short in everything, but I suppose that is par for the pastor mama course. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-size: 14.6667px;">This passage from Joel reminded me that we are all called into the worshipping community, in all of the messiness and business of life. Nursing infants. Those who have been around the block a few times. Noisy kids. We need each other. God knows it. And Lord knows I'm learning.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-49189822519334996482013-05-12T20:37:00.001-04:002013-05-12T20:37:30.869-04:00It almost happened...This pastor was almost late for church this morning. I could blame it on the fact that I was in St. Louis last week for training and so still an hour behind. But really, I think it might have been pregnancy brain instead. Last night, as I set my alarm - something I have been doing in order to get to worship at this particular call for 6 months now - I just set it for the wrong time. I did the math wrong in my head. So I woke up, got ready, got my husband up, gave him the 15 minute warning, and was just getting my things together to leave and mentally thinking through my morning schedule. I was wondering if I wanted to get a little bit of coffee from Starbucks, or an iced tea from McDonald's, and then marveling that I somehow felt better rested than I usually do on Sunday mornings. Bam. That's when it hit me. I was better rested because normally I get up an hour earlier. The church I am serving is a 70 mile drive from our home, and I made this realization approximately an hour and fifteen minutes before worship was to start. Needless to say, I guiltily prayed through the whole drive for no speed traps, cops, construction, or other issues. Thankfully, I made it just in time to use the bathroom (a must at 30 weeks), robe up, and get ready to process with the choir. Whew! Also needless to say, after an hour of driving on pure adrenaline and then going straight into a service where we were celebrating communion and welcoming a new member into the church, I was beat. So much for feeling better rested after my extra hour of sleep.<br />
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Back when I started supply preaching around the presbytery, I became increasingly worried from week to week that I would miss or be late for worship. After all, I was going to many places I had never been, relying on Google maps to give me an accurate travel estimate, using an old GPS, traveling on many back roads where one slow Sunday driver could make or break it all, AND finally arriving at churches that started at various times in the morning. What if I went to the wrong church? Or showed up to Church X but at Church Y's starting time? Now that I am back in one place, my worry is that I will oversleep. I'm not a morning person, and worship at this church starts at 9:30am. I usually am there early to get ready and run through with the worship team, and when you factor in the 70 mile drive, there is always some element of stress until I pull into the parking lot.<br />
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So far, I've made it. Could I give myself grace if I didn't? I am confident I would have received grace this morning if I had been a few minutes late, but certainly not from myself. Thankfully, even when I am running late, harried, and otherwise distracted, even on the days when I show up in body but not necessarily in spirit (don't we all have those?), the Holy Spirit still shows up. And usually right on time. Thanks be to God.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-67173656593165601482013-03-24T12:04:00.000-04:002013-03-24T12:04:03.126-04:00Palm Sunday - from Palms to Crosses to AshesThis morning our children and youth waved palms in celebration of Palm Sunday. This afternoon, I used some of those palms to make palm crosses (an instructional video can be seen below), which I put in small glass containers with rocks. At our evening service, which starts with dinner gathered around fellowship tables, these will be our centerpieces. We will be doing stations of the cross via power-point using<a href="http://www.fulcrum-anglican.org.uk/717" target="_blank"> images from painter Jonathan Hutchins</a> with selected readings from the gospels. At the end, participants will be invited to carry the palm crosses with them throughout Holy Week. The palms that are not used will be burned and used for ashes for our next Ash Wednesday service.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JcmeCOf-b4k" width="420"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-11732532834981622382013-03-12T21:30:00.003-04:002013-03-12T21:31:25.953-04:00A New ThingToday was my first meeting as moderator of the Presbytery of Transylvania. It is the practice here for the moderator to preach the sermon, as well. The text of my sermon is pasted below. Here is a link to the <a href="http://sermon.net/sorgewing/sermonid/1199983803" target="_blank">audio file</a>.<br />
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<span class="citation"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 14pt;"><b><u>Isaiah 43:16-21s</u></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
</span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 14pt;">43:16 Thus
says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 14pt;">who brings out chariot
and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are
extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or
consider the things of old.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 14pt;">I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you
not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water
in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-size: 14pt;">the people whom I
formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“A New Thing” – Stephanie Sorge Wing, 3.12.13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> This
summer, I attended General Assembly on behalf of the Special Committee to Study
the Nature of the Church in the 21<sup>st</sup> Century. For two years our
committee met regularly for study, prayer, and discernment. We struggled over
two main questions: “Where is God at work in the world today? And, How are we,
the Presbyterian Church (USA), being called to partner in that work?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It was quite the task. We frequently got bogged down
talking about what is NOT going well in the church, how we have NOT been
responding to the changing contexts of ministry, how we are failing to reach
out to entire generations of people, and how we are failing in our charge to go
and spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all people, not just the ones who
look like us and think like us already. We also began to grow in hope as we saw
glimpses of the new thing that God is at work doing, in and through different
communities of faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The very theme of the General Assembly was hope, taken
from the prophet Isaiah: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their
strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow
weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I can tell you that, especially as Assembly business
stretched into the wee hours of Friday night and Saturday morning, weariness
was all around. It wasn’t just because of the late hour. It was because of the
intense debates, discussion, and frankly, the division, on a number of
different issues. These travelers who began the week running, leaping, and
soaring braced themselves for crash landing at the end of General Assembly. In
the end, not much happened – at least, not much changed. But sometimes that’s
the best you can hope for, right? Maintaining?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In a little while we will look at the proposed
amendments to the Book of Confessions and Book of Order, but, truth be told,
for many of us in Transylvania Presbytery, we don’t have much connection with
what is happening in the greater church. Even so, many of us are feeling the
same kind of weariness felt by those at General Assembly this year. It’s a
weariness born of spinning wheels and dwindling resources. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Ever since I joined this Presbytery, I’ve heard the
financial reports warning that we can’t continue to do business in the same
way. We’re running out of money. We need more volunteers to serve on
commissions and ministries – especially younger ruling elders. Where are they,
anyway, and why can’t each of them serve on three or more presbytery groups?
It’s tiring to come to Presbytery and hear the same pleas and prods, especially
as we’re facing the same problems in our own congregations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Most, if not all, of our congregations are facing
budget shortfalls, increased expenses, and the same problems finding volunteer
and lay leadership that we experience at the Presbytery level. What happened to
the good old days? And whose fault is the decline? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It’s easy to point fingers. Blame Presbytery for lack
of congregational support. Blame General Assembly for being too liberal or too
conservative. Blame Pastors for failing to come in and provide vision and
leadership to right the sinking ship. Blame Ruling Elders for failing to be the
spiritual leaders that they are called to be. Blame the older members for
refusing to change. Blame the younger members for not carrying their fair share
of the financial or work loads. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The blame game is easy enough to play. But while we’re
at it, why don’t we go ahead and blame God? After all, this is God’s church,
right? So has God forgotten us or forsaken us? As Mainline Protestant
Christians in the 21<sup>st</sup> Century, we are a people in exile. We are far
from the golden days of Christendom, struggling to stay relevant – and even to
stay open – in a world that seems indifferent, at best, to our presence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It’s not quite the exile of the Israelites in Babylon,
but it is exile nonetheless. Second Isaiah writes to the exiles who are being
called back home. Words of comfort and assurance are abundant – God has not
abandoned you, and God will restore you once again. But, this restoration won’t
be to the former glory days of Jerusalem. God says, “Don’t recall those former
things. Don’t look back. I am doing a new thing!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Exile is painful. Difficult. Exhausting. And many of
us wish for a return to the days when church budgets were flush, pews were
full, and the big problem was a lack of space for the many children and youth.
When Presbytery had plenty of money and resources to share. When we felt
connected to each other, not just in name, but in spirit. But God says to us,
don’t recall the former things. I am doing a new thing! Do you not perceive it?
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Congregations and the denomination are in decline, but
God says, “I am doing a new thing!” Budgets are dwindling, reserves are drying
up, and yet God says, “I will make rivers in the desert.” We are facing
challenges unlike any the church has known in our time. Has God forsaken us, or
is God doing a new thing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This summer the PC (USA) launched an initiative known
as 1001 New Worshipping Communities. There are new worshipping communities that
reach out to immigrant populations, others that meet in art galleries, bars, or
coffee shops. One new worshipping community based in Louisville is building
community among endurance athletes, many of whom are often competing or
training on Sunday mornings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Now, why on earth would we be starting new worshipping
communities when we can barely keep open the ones we have? But congregations
and presbyteries have actually found that supporting new worshipping
communities not only reaches out to entire groups of people who are not being
drawn into traditional church forms, but it also revitalizes the work and
ministry of existing, more traditional congregations. Let me say that again. As
new ministries and worshipping committees are birthed, existing congregations
also find new life, new mission, and a renewed hope and strength, just as God
promised through Isaiah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Third Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA is a 1300
member church. A few years ago, they called an Associate Pastor who had a real
vision for community-based ministry in a rough neighborhood of Richmond. He had
his family followed Jeremiah’s lead – they bought land, and had sons and
daughters, and sent those sons and daughters to the local public schools. They
began developing relationships and partnerships in the community. Soon Third
Pres recognized the gospel potential there. Now the church pays the Associate
Pastor and another local pastor in that neighborhood entirely for their work
with the new worshipping community. A new community is thriving, but so is the
mission and vision of Third Presbyterian Church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">And it isn’t just the big churches than can support
the new work that God is doing. Northminster Presbyterian is a 60 member
congregation in Chattanooga that is providing support for a brand new church
development to the artistic community in Chattanooga called Mercy Junction.
First Presbyterian in Warner Robins, Georgia worships 70 on Sundays. They
noticed that the rapidly growing younger population in their area wasn’t being
drawn into their worship. They responded by starting something new, a coffee
shop. Both ministries are thriving. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">College Park Presbyterian Church was like many other
Presbyterian Churches – aging, dying out, and in a neighborhood that was
rapidly changing around them. They came to realize they could either continue
to maintain and die down until the last of their resources were used, or they
could try something radically different. That began a ministry and outreach to
the growing Hispanic population in College Park, Georgia. They intentionally
changed their worship and programming to meet the needs of the changing
community. They hired a Hispanic Co-Pastor. Their ministry had a huge impact on
the lives of those in the community, and the church grew and grew. In ministry,
at least. Financially, many of the new members were living below the poverty
line, and despite their generosity, the church finally had to confront
budgetary realities and sell their aging building. They did so, and the
ministry continues to thrive and grow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I understand the realities that our congregations and
this presbytery are facing. I am not a pie in the sky optimist saying, “Don’t
worry – the money and the people will come!” I don’t know about that. But what
I do know is this – God is doing a new thing! Do you not perceive it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There are new things happening around the Presbytery.
I don’t know all of the stories, but you know some. I can tell you about
London, where I am currently serving. Each week there are half a dozen to a
dozen teenagers that sit in the front two pews for the traditional service.
They are faithfully there, and participate in the work and ministry of the
church. The members of the congregation value them, and want to respond to
their needs for spiritual development and growth. Back in January, we began a
new evening service. It is based on the same texts and themes of the morning
service, grounded in reformed theology and tradition, but uses a variety of
creative and different elements in worship that engage all the senses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We begin with a wonderful fellowship meal that is
prepared by church members each week, and then extend our fellowship into
worship. Members of all ages are involved in every aspect of the service, from
planning to leading. We hope to invite more people to get to know God in a
setting that might be less intimidating than a more traditional service. I can
tell you that in London, God is doing a new thing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There are other stories in this presbytery of the new
thing that God is doing, such as the ministry of the Ashland Area Presbyterian
Ministries that we will experience later today. I hope that as the day
progresses, you will take time to talk with leaders from other congregations
and share stories of the new thing that God is doing in your midst. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We also have a Strategic Planning Task Force at work
in the Presbytery. They have already done great work, but have been hampered by
lack of participation and response. They need our help and input! They need
more eyes and ears to help discern the new thing that God is doing in our
Presbytery! Our new Manual of Operations takes advantage of the newfound
flexibility in the Book of Order. There are more opportunities for everyone to
get involved in the various ministries of the Presbytery. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">What else could God be doing in our midst? Across the
denomination more congregations are having to move to various models of shared
or bivocational ministry. That’s been the reality in this presbytery for a
number of years. Why can’t we, Transylvania Presbytery, lead the way in
exploring new and creative avenues for pastoral ministry? With our proximity to
Louisville Presbyterian and Lexington Theological Seminaries, why can’t we
partner more creatively with those schools? We could provide a rich and
valuable training ground for seminary students as they seek to answer questions
of how we can lead the church in changing times. Might God be doing a new
thing? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As financial realities force us to face tough
decisions at the congregational and presbytery levels, will we keep looking
back and lament what has been lost, or will we come out of exile to proclaim,
“See, God is doing a new thing!”? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Ways will be made in these mountains, and streams of
abundance and new life will flow where the waters have seemingly run dry. Do
you not perceive it? Let us joyfully come out of the exile of fear and decline,
to proclaim the good news, that God is doing a new thing! Amen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-842910395068230732012-11-04T22:00:00.000-05:002012-11-04T22:00:18.205-05:00The Board of Pensions and MeYesterday I wrote a post with a fictional – though quite
common – ministry scenario in response to the Board of Pensions plan (pending
approval) to eliminate full medical coverage for dependents of plan members.
Today I tell another story – my own. It is not just my story; it is a story I
have heard echoed in many others’ experiences, as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband and I are both ordained in the PC (USA), and we
took our first call as Co-Pastors to a small church in central Kentucky. After
three years working in that call together, for a number of reasons – including
budgetary concerns – I left that position at the end of 2011. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had a number of other projects on my plate, and so I knew
I wouldn’t be bored, but I had no idea just how busy I would be. I was serving
on the Presbytery’s Commission on Ministry. I was chairing a Task Force to
write a new Manual of Operations for the Presbytery. I was serving on a Special
GA Committee, to Study the Nature of the Church in the 21<sup>st</sup> Century,
and I was serving with a few others within that group in the writing and
editing of our final report and recommendations. None of these were paying
positions, but they certainly kept me busy and engaged. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition, I quickly found a great demand for supply
preaching. Over the past 10 ½ months, I have preached nearly every weekend at
different churches throughout the Presbytery. I preached thirteen Sundays in
churches that were without any pastoral leadership or in transition. On five
Sundays, I made official church visits for the Commission on Ministry – being
with congregations in worship, visiting and meeting with Sessions, sharing
fellowship meals with church members, and providing presbytery support as
needed. I preached four additional Sundays at churches where I serve as COM liaison.
I preached an additional 12 Sundays in churches when pastors were out of town,
sick, or otherwise indisposed. I gave three Sundays at events in service to the
church, including General Assembly in Pittsburgh. That adds up to 37 weeks of service to the church since
early January – almost every single Sunday when I myself wasn’t on the road. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition, I have been grateful to find some contract work
in service to the church, mostly writing curriculum for Adult Sunday School
classes that is used extensively throughout the PC (USA) and other
denominations. It is work that pays a bit, but is really still service to the
larger church. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Including the paid work of writing and supply preaching, I
have worked more than full time, on average, since I left my installed call,
almost entirely without any pay at all. I am aware that it truly is a privilege
– and I use that word very intentionally – to have been in a place of relative
security to enable that service to the church, and yet it has been disheartening
at times. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We live in a small town in a region full of small towns and
high unemployment. Jobs aren’t plentiful, and each time I considered applying
even for a part-time position to add to our family income, I held back because
of how it would have interfered with the other work that I was engaged in, even
if it was unpaid. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband barely makes above presbytery minimum right now,
which is a major financial stretch for us, but a major security net has been
full coverage for both of us in the healthcare plan of the Board of Pensions.
If we had been in a position of having to pay part of my coverage, we would
have had to have made some very different financial and vocational choices, any
of which would have had an impact on our ability to serve the church as we feel
we have been called to do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through these challenges, I have also been supported by the
strength of a connectional church, including the communal system of care for
its members and their families through the Board of Pensions. I believe that my
service has strengthened the connectional fibers of a church that is feeling
the strain of denominational discord, dwindling resources, and anxiety in
changing times. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have heard similar stories from many other clergy,
particularly from clergy couples and female clergy. One spouse has a call in a
particular geographic area that doesn’t have ample opportunities for full time
work for the other spouse. Or perhaps one spouse is financially able to take a
part-time call with no Board of Pensions coverage because the family is
covered, medically, under the other’s call. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again, I recognize and I am grateful for the privilege that
I have had to have served the church for the past year without having a call
and commensurate income, but it has also been a major financial stretch for us
– it has eaten away at our short-term savings, nearly halted our retirement
savings, not to mention pension credits that I haven’t been earning in my time
of service. It really isn’t sustainable. And yet, I have been amazed at how God
has provided for our needs during this time. One of those means of provision
has been through the current Board of Pensions plan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my colleagues on the Special Committee to Study the
Nature of the Church in the 21<sup>st</sup> Century has similarly given years
of her time, energy, and gifts in service to the church, thanks to a spouse
with a secular job and large income. We don’t have that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know of any young adult clergy who have that kind of
financial security. We are graduating with unprecedented levels of educational
debt and entering the worst economic landscape in decades. We are postponing
marriage and raising children, often for financial reasons. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yet, we continue to discern our call to serve God
through the church, knowing the bleak outlook for full-time ministry, knowing
that we can’t rely on the same kind of vocational or financial security that
our predecessors have enjoyed. Still, the benefit of participation in a plan
that provides coverage for some of the basic needs of a clergy and family, goes
a long way in providing the basic security that will enable more clergy – young
and not so young – to answer the call to ministry in a rapidly changing
landscape that will demand more creativity and flexibility than ever before. </div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-63082000577585995562012-11-04T20:19:00.002-05:002012-11-04T20:19:28.788-05:00There is EnoughSermon preached Sunday, November 4th at Hunter Presbyterian Church, Lexington, for their Consecration Sunday. I can't help thinking about how this speaks to the current Board of Pensions issue, as well.<br />
<br />
Texts: 1 Kings 17:1-16 and Luke 12:22-34<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">“Why Give?” – Stephanie Sorge Wing, 11.4.12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">When Jason invited me, a number of months ago, to
preach for this consecration Sunday, I immediately said yes. “I love preaching
about money!” I said. Besides, this might be a rare occasion when a sermon
about money meets with some relief – at least it’s a break from politics!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Actually, Jesus had more to say about money than
anything else, except for the kingdom of heaven. So the thought that we have a
money sermon just once a year is quite out of step with the gospel that we
preach! I trust that you have heard more about money and stewardship over the
course of the year, but I know that it is often difficult to move from the
sermon over to the bottom line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Our relationship with possessions and money is about
so much more than the bottom line. In fact, dare I say it, the budget doesn’t
matter! I know many churches that put out a proposed budget and ask for pledges
to support it, as if the budget is the goal of giving. But it’s not. A budget
is important for good practices of stewardship, and it is also a moral
document. One can, in theory, look at any budget – household or church – and
tell where the priorities are. That’s pretty much what our final verse from
Luke says – that we put our money where our hearts are. But, it’s not about the
budget. So what gives? Why give?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Throughout our faith history, God has invited God’s
people to give, at times even sacrificially. Look at the widow from our first
reading. In a time of severe drought and famine, there is a widow living with
her son, running out of food and time. She has done all that she could to keep
him alive. Imagine the nights she rocked him to sleep, singing to him so that
her song would be louder than his rumbling, empty stomach. Friends or family
members, if she had any to begin with, had already given all they could, or so
they said. There simply wasn’t enough. But at least she would give her son one
final meal, see one final smile on his face, and hold back her own tears before
holding him in a final, eternal embrace. This widow has nothing to her name but
two fire-starting sticks, and a little oil and flour. And God, through Elijah,
asks for it. God asks for it. For everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It is reminiscent of the story from a lectionary
reading a few weeks ago, a familiar story about a rich young man who comes to
Jesus. He asked what he had to do to inherit eternal life, and when Jesus says
he must sell all of his possessions and give the money to the poor, this poor,
rich, young man balks, and goes away, dejected. Jesus asked for it. For
everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">God invites us to give sacrificially, not just to
support some good work, but because our very souls are at stake. It is so easy
to find our comfort and security in our material possessions, rather than
trusting in God’s providence and care for all of life. Remember the birds, and
the lilies, and the grass of the field? Does God forget about them? No! God
knows what we need, and delights in providing for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Imagine God’s delight in providing for the widow and
her son, in displaying such a providential miracle of oil and flour that didn’t
run out. What if she had missed out on that? What might we miss out on, if we
resist God’s call to give, not just out of our abundance, but of our substance?
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I’m not suggesting that sacrificial giving is rewarded
with financial or material wealth. That’s not the gospel. But when we give with
open hands, our open hands and open hearts are able to receive blessings that
clasped hands simply can’t hold onto. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">What a blessing to see an immediate impact that our
giving can make, or even to trust the impact that we may never see. As a
pastor, I’ve had perhaps more opportunity to see how the mission and ministry
money of the church impacts others, such as the families in need of heating
oil, or the communities who receive an outpouring of support and assistance
through the Presbyterian Disaster Agency. To these people, the money and help
is literally a God-send. And isn’t it, after all, sent from God? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Another reason that God calls us to be generous givers
is because it reminds us of where our help comes from – the Lord, who made
heaven and earth, who clothes the lilies and feeds the birds. We recognize that
what we have is not simply ours to give, but that everything belongs to God. We
are entrusted with great resources not for our own gain, but to practice wise
and faithful stewardship of God’s bounty. Giving back a portion of what we have
helps to remind us that all that we have belongs to God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Giving is also an important spiritual discipline. It
helps us to cultivate lives and attitudes of generosity. We have been created
in the image of a God who is lavishly generous, having freely given us all that
we have, and more importantly, that which we could never secure on our own –
grace, mercy, and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, who gave his very life in
the ultimate show of loving generosity. Having been created in the image of
such a generous God, we, too, are called to be generous people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Those are all good reasons to give. But there is
another very important one that we don’t often consider. We live in a society
that is ruled by a mindset of scarcity. The message that we hear in society
today is that there simply is not enough for everyone to have what they want or
need. We hear this in the political rhetoric. We see this scarcity mindset at
work in the economy. Executive compensation in the richest companies is as high
as it ever has been, and economic disparity in the country is epidemic. Is
there really not enough? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The scarcity mindset has very little to do with actual
scarcity. In fact, studies routinely show that Americans with the lowest
incomes – including those below the poverty level – give a higher percentage of
their income to church and to charity than do those in any other earnings bracket.
Those who genuinely have the least may struggle with scarcity, but by and large
they see that there is still enough to give. The only correlation between true
scarcity and the mindset of scarcity is that living in the mindset of scarcity
encourages us to hoard and look out for ourselves, which really can diminish
the resources available for the most vulnerable in our midst. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Our culture says that there is not enough. We hear it
everywhere we turn. And we hear that more and more in the church. Many churches
are struggling with budgetary concerns, having to cut down to the bare bones.
We see this in congregations, in the Presbytery, and at the Denominational
level. It’s easy to say, “There simply isn’t enough.” Of all the cultural lies
that the church might buy into, this is perhaps the most pervasive, and the
most damaging. Not only does it impact the ministries that the church can do,
it also perpetuates a lie about God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">When we say, “there isn’t enough,” we deny the
sovereignty of God. When we say, “there isn’t enough,” we deny that through
God, all things are possible. When we say, “there isn’t enough,” we deny that
it is God who calls us to, and enables us for, ministry as the body of Christ.
I honestly believe that if God is calling us to particular forms of ministry,
that God will provide abundantly all that we need and more than we can imagine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I heard recently of a church in a very poor, urban
area that has developed a huge outreach to the neighborhood, even though most
of the people that attend the church live at or around the poverty level. One
ministry of this church is a health clinic that houses a doctor, a nurse,
mental health counselors, and more. The doctor who serves in this ministry was
making good money in a private practice, but felt that God was calling her to
do more. This doctor now joyfully gives of her time and money in full time work
at this clinic. It actually costs her $12,000 per year personally to work
there. A while back, it looked like funding was finally running out. The pastor
of the church, meanwhile, had a lunch meeting that had been set up by someone
in the church with a local business person. The pastor shared about what was
happening in the life of the church, and the business person asked, “What’s got
you down?” The pastor responded, “Well, we have this great clinic, but it looks
like we’re going to have to close it unless we get some money, and soon.” This
business person responded, “My company is looking for a place where we can make
a charitable contribution. Perhaps we can help!” Later that afternoon, the
pastor returned from the corporate office with a check for $5000, exactly what
was needed to keep the doors open. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">That isn’t to say that we have unlimited resources to
do whatever <i>we</i></span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> want. But if God is
calling us to do something, there is enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It is remarkable that there are enough resources in
the world to go around, so that no one would be without the basic necessities
of life. God, who created the world, gave us everything we needed for life to
be sustained and enjoyed. And yet, we don’t need to look far to see that there
are so many people who do not have what they need. And maybe we start to
believe that there just isn’t enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I am sure you have been moved by the images coming out
of the eastern seaboard this week, particularly in New York and New Jersey.
Some areas are receiving the aid that they need, while others are being
ignored. Emergency supplies run out. The answer: there just isn’t enough. I’ve
also heard inspiring stories of neighbors helping neighbors. They might not
have much to give, but they are giving what they have. They aren’t worried
about there not being enough; they are more concerned with sharing what they
have. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In one way or another, we constantly hear the message
that there simply isn’t enough. Because there isn’t enough, we have to compete
for what we want, hold onto it tenaciously, and not let go. But we worship a
God who created all that we have and all that we need, a God who, throughout
history, has demonstrated abundance in the face of scarcity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We already heard about the widow and her flour and
oil. There wasn’t enough. There also wasn’t enough food for Jacob and his
family, but they found abundance and reunion with Joseph in Egypt. There wasn’t
enough food and water in the wilderness, and yet the Israelites had all that
they needed – water from rocks, and bread and meat from heaven. In fact, if
they tried to save it, to build up a stash, it rotted within a day. These
Israelites, who left slavery in Egypt, had nothing, and yet when it came time
to build the tabernacle, riches beyond the wildest imagination were brought
forth as joyful offerings. There wasn’t enough food to feed the crowd of
thousands who gathered to hear Jesus, and yet when one little boy brought
forward his meager lunch, it was enough. Time and time again, the mindset of
scarcity is trampled by the truth of God’s abundance. There is enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">There are many reasons for us to give generously to
and through the church, but perhaps one of the most important reasons is because
it is an affirmation of faith. Our generous giving affirms that, contrary to
what our cultural wisdom tells us, there is enough. God is sovereign. God calls
us to faithful discipleship and action in this world. And for that call, God
gives us all we need. Our generous – and perhaps, at times, sacrificial –
giving, is a resounding, “Yes! There is enough.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In a few minutes we will celebrate communion. Back in
the early church, a full Eucharistic meal was shared from the gifts and
offerings brought by the people. Leftovers were sent out to the sick or shut
in. This was part of the way that the early church insured that everyone had
enough to eat. The message at this table was, “There is enough.” We also
understand this table to be a foretaste – just a hint – of the great feast that
awaits us, the Messianic banquet, when Christ’s reign is established once and
for all among us. We believe that there will be a greater abundance than we can
ever imagine: abundance of life, of joy, and of justice. One day, there will be
far more than we can imagine. But for today, there is enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-76091476672770118482012-11-03T14:45:00.001-04:002012-11-03T19:07:42.011-04:002% - the new 1%?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week, the Board of Pensions of my denomination, the
Presbyterian Church (USA), <a href="http://www.pcusa.org/news/2012/11/2/board-pensions-unveils-new-2014-healthcare-dues-st/" target="_blank">announced a plan </a>to change the current medical
coverage plan in what amounts to a radical way. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, I should say that the
Board of Pensions is a wonderful service and safety net for Presbyterian clergy, active and retired, and in far better shape than the plans of many other
denominations. One reason for this health is good management. Another reason is
the community nature of the plan itself. All churches are required to pay into
the plan a percentage of the salary paid to pastoral staff, regardless of
church size or anything else. This covers medical care, pension, and death and
disability coverage for plan members. A church pays the same percentage whether
its pastor is healthy or chronically ill; whether the pastor is single with no
children or married with many dependents. All pastors who are members of the
Board of Pensions then receive the same medical benefits (varying by state),
regardless of whether they serve a small, rural congregation or a large church
with a multi-million dollar budget. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Imagine a pastor who is called to a small, rural church. The
church can’t afford to pay much more than the presbytery minimum (a minimum
salary that varies from presbytery to presbytery, or region to region), and
that isn’t much money. She still has outstanding debts from her undergraduate
and seminary education, and her husband has some educational debt, as well.
They have one baby and hope to expand their young family in the near future.
The salary the church offers isn’t much, and the couple knows that taking this
call will require living very simply and making certain sacrifices. Despite a
having a professional degree equivalent to that of a lawyer, this young woman
has known that her salary will likely never be commensurate with her level of
education and experience. Still, she and her husband feel called to serve in
this particular place, and so she accepts the position, knowing that at least
that their basic needs will be covered – food, shelter, and health care. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The couple move, and the husband isn’t able to find full
time work in the new community. In fact, the work he is able to find pays
barely enough to cover the cost of childcare so that he can go to work. Money
is tight, but at least their basic needs are met. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The church has been struggling financially for some time.
The dues that the church pays to cover the pastor under the Board of Pensions
are not insignificant, but they are at least scaled to the salary offered. A
large church down the road pays its pastor twice what this small church can
pay, but at least the small church can offer the same medical coverage to a
pastor, making the playing field a little more level. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This scenario plays itself out in churches across the
country. In the PC(USA), more than 50% of our congregations have fewer than 100
members, and more than 50% of those are under 50. While our church is working
to establish 1001 new worshipping communities, these new worshipping communities
are often ministering to the people who are most in need of the outreach, but
often least able to financially sustain pastoral leadership. The disparity of
salaries between ministers at “large steeple” churches and the rest of us is
huge, even if education levels and years of experience are the same. There is
still a wide pay disparity between men and women, and between white,
non-Hispanic pastors and pastors of other races or ethnicities. For a church
that prides itself on being “connectional,” we are full of inequalities that
reflect both changing realities and institutional injustices. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I understand that the Board of Pensions dues are a financial
burden for many smaller churches, in particular. This proposed change would
reduce the medical portion of those dues from 21%, where it currently stands,
to 19% of effective salary. This is being celebrated as a way to reduce the
costs of dues. What this does is rather shifts the burden of the costs of
medical care from congregations to the pastors that serve them.</div>
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The Board of Pensions coverage will still cover 100% of the
costs of health insurance for the member (note that this does NOT include
deductibles, co-pays, and all of the other costs associated with health care),
but only 65% of the cost for dependents. The member can choose to add full
dependent coverage by paying a “fixed premium/flat dollar amount” at different
levels: member plus partner, member plus child/ren, member plus family (partner
plus child/ren). The more dependents, the higher the cost. </div>
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This means that plan members will face the same costs
regardless of salary, removing the protective aspect of percentage-based fees
that churches enjoy. Whatever this fee ends up being, it will require a much
bigger percentage of the salary of a pastor who is working at presbytery
minimum than a pastor whose salary is two or three times presbytery minimum or
more – a pay disparity that is <b>quite common</b> across the country. This means that those who have the very least to
begin with are more disproportionately hurt by this proposed change. </div>
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Also, the change allows for the church to pick up the
additional cost – something that is far more likely to happen in wealthier
congregations than in most others. It is not uncommon for clergy who are
well-compensated to negotiate these kinds of extras in the package – things
like optional dental coverage, a larger “professional expenses” allowance, more
money for continuing education. That is great, but what it means is that in
many cases, pastors who are already making far less money also have more
expenses out of pocket that aren’t covered by the church, such as this
additional premium charge. This continues to give large churches an additional
advantage in clergy recruitment and retention, while smaller churches (and the
pastors that serve them) suffer.</div>
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Going back to the communal nature of the plan, it is true
that churches who pay higher salaries and have more staff pay more into the
Board of Pensions. But, there is a cap. So the churches that pay the highest
salaries are actually protected from paying the regular percentage of dues.
These churches are going to be least affected by raises in the dues structure.</div>
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It is usually the smallest churches that feel most acutely
the burden of rising dues. So while it seems to offer some relief to those
churches, at a second look, it is still the larger, wealthier churches that
come out ahead. In my presbytery, the minimum “effective salary” (this is cash
salary, including the housing allowance, or cash salary plus the value of the
use of a manse, if applicable) is $33,600. For a person coming out of 7 years
or more of higher education, this is not much, and yet at least 2/3 of the
congregations in our presbytery are unable to afford even the minimum,
resulting in many part-time calls, difficulty finding trained pastoral
leadership, etc… At any rate, this proposed change would reduce the medical
portion of dues paid for presbytery minimum salary from $7,056 a year to $6,384
a year, a savings of $672 a year. I don’t know what the premium costs will be
for adding dependent coverage, but I am willing to bet that it will be more
than $672 a year. Even if the church wanted to offer to cover the additional
dependent coverage, they would likely be unable to do so.</div>
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On the other hand, for a pastor making $75,000 a year (and
there are a few in our presbytery that make more than that), medical dues would
go from $15,750 down to $14,250 – a savings of $1500. That would be closer to
the cost of covering dependent coverage, and it probably wouldn’t make much of
a dent for the church to assume those costs. </div>
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Of course, if the plan continues to go unchanged, the folks
at Board of Pensions know that the medical dues percentages will have to be
raised, perhaps up to 25%. That does add to the burden that churches have to
pay, but it would allow smaller congregations to continue to offer competitive
health care coverage, which would free more candidates to serve those churches.
</div>
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What is being discussed is a 2% change in medical dues. This
is a very SMALL savings for churches that are already at the low end of the
salary spectrum – the vast majority of our congregations, and a larger savings
for the wealthier churches. This increases the burden particularly on young
clergy, who are more likely to have dependents, who are more likely to be
working at or around presbytery minimum, who are more likely to have crushing
educational debt, and who are less likely to have savings, established
households, and other financial cushions. </div>
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I know that financial realities must be addressed, but this
is the wrong way to do it. When we talk about our responsibility to care for
the most vulnerable in society, may we not forget about our own. </div>
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<br />
Update: If you would like to sign an online petition, <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/board-of-pensions-of-the-presbyterian-church-usa-retain-full-dependent-coverage-in-the-plan" target="_blank">please click here</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
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Additional blog responses are linked below. If you would
like me to add a link, please send it in an email or comment. </div>
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<a href="http://erikanderica.org/erica/2012/11/02/what-dues-plus-would-mean/" target="_blank">Rev. Erica Schemper, a young clergy woman, wife, and mother,responds</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ecclesio.com/2012/11/the-pcusa-board-of-pensions-and-affirming-community-by-cynthia-holder-rich/" target="_blank">Rev. Dr. Cynthia Holder Rich, Executive Pastor, responds</a></div>
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<a href="http://achurchforstarvingartists.wordpress.com/2012/11/02/generation-wars-in-church/" target="_blank">Rev. Dr. Jan Edmiston, Interim Executive AssociatePresbyter, responds</a></div>
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<a href="http://beingrkp.com/2012/11/02/anger-hostility-towards-the-opposition/" target="_blank">Rev. Ryan Kemp-Pappan, Stated Supply Pastor, responds</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.christiancentury.org/blogs/archive/2012-11/changes-pcusa-dues-structurenbsp#.UJWiWbwrHxN.twitter" target="_blank">Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, pastor and writer, responds at the Christian Century</a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-49134619734800917102012-09-30T18:15:00.000-04:002012-09-30T18:17:26.589-04:00The Spiritual Lives of Church LeadersI just returned from the final official gathering of my time in the <a href="http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/theologyandworship/whatwedo-new-pastors/" target="_blank">Company of New Pastors</a>, a wonderful program that brings candidates for ministry together into cohort groups that extend into the first four years following graduation from Seminary. The retention rate for ministers in the first five years of ministry is awful. Around 1/3 of ministers leave the ministry in the first 5 years, never to return to the vocation. Maybe it is wise discernment; maybe it is something else. At any rate, the Company of New Pastors and other programs have been established to try to reverse that trend, to provide the kind of support and nurture that sustains pastoral excellence through the early years and beyond.<br />
<br />
CNP does this particularly with an emphasis on daily prayer and Scripture reading, continued theological engagement, and participation in cohort/covenant groups, which include two seasoned pastoral mentors. This program has been incredibly helpful to me in many ways, and I am profoundly grateful for the gift. It has been life-giving and life-sustaining, and our group gatherings a really critical part of my support network in my first four years of ministry. Participation in this group, along with regular engagement in continuing education, opportunities for my own spiritual nourishment and time for worship have all been crucial for me as a church leader, and as a disciple of Christ. What a privilege it is to go to a preaching conference for a week, for example, where I am able to worship and hear excellent sermons morning, noon, and night! What a joy to have time set aside for my continued education and spiritual development. It is a gift that I do not take for granted. My denomination requires churches to offer a minimum of 2 weeks of paid continuing education time away, and some amount of money to support it. Not every church or denomination requires this, and even among colleagues, I know of many who rarely use this time. What a lost opportunity to continue to be rooted and fed in the vine of Jesus Christ, to grow in the life of the faith to which we have been called in virtue of our baptisms, and to gird ourselves for the particular services of ministry to which we are called.<br />
<br />
And yet... When we talk about empowering or training non-pastoral church leaders (Elders, Deacons, non-ordained individuals), how often do we think about spiritual nurture, time set aside from the business to which we are called to be refreshed and drink from the well of living water? How many leaders in our church see their "jobs" as custodians, managers, volunteer coordinators, non-profit agency board members, etc..., rather than as true spiritual leaders?<br />
<br />
How do we help to cultivate the spiritual lives of all church leaders? What does your church do well (or do poorly)? What kind of difference have you seen with churches that prioritize spiritual formation for all church leaders?<br />
<br />
In January I will be facilitating a spiritual retreat for a group of Elders from a church outside of Atlanta. Their desire is not to do any visioning, taking care of business, or anything like that; they want a retreat specifically focused on spiritual formation. What would you include or want to see included in such a retreat?<br />
<br />
<br />
Feel free to converse in the comments below, or contact me directly (tweet me if you need contact information).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-61934825877403885122012-09-03T11:27:00.000-04:002012-09-03T11:27:40.244-04:00GreenOn this labor day, I look out my window into a sea of green. Green leaves, green grass. The kind of green that only comes after a long, hard, rain. The greens that are still glistening with fat drops of water. It rained yesterday into the night. It poured. I thought of those who were so much closer to the eye of the storm. For those of us further away, the rain provided much-needed relief to a long, hot, dry summer.<br />
<br />
Peeking out from the green, there are flashes of brown. A few brown pine needles that Crayola might call Burnt Sienna, and a handful of light brown oak leaves, clustered together at the end of a dying branch. There are some patches of brown grass, too. Grass scorched too deeply by the summer heat and drought to recover, perhaps for the season.<br />
<br />
I don't know much about nature. I'm pleased to identify the pine, oak, cedar, and magnolia trees in our yard. The black walnut tree took a little longer to identify. I don't know much about nature, but I do know that trees and grass need water, or they will become parched, and perhaps even die. I know that it is better for that water not to come in periodic torrential downpours interspersed by dry heat, but rather to have consistent, gentle watering, along with the sun that feeds the chlorophyll.<br />
<br />
It doesn't take a great leap to get from the movements of nature to the care of our spiritual lives. Torrential downpours, or mountaintop experiences, can do wonders, but it is the balance of daily, gentle watering that sustains our spirits through the seasons and through the years.<br />
<br />
I have heard that if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. I find myself thirsting quite a bit. I tend to push myself too far, too long, ignoring my body's own signals that a break is needed, that nourishment is needed. And I tend to do the same with my spiritual care.<br />
<br />
Jesus said that whoever drinks of the water he gives will never thirst. That water can come in many forms, but drinking regularly from the fountain of the Word will keep one hydrated before feeling the thirst. If you start to feel thirsty, that's an early sign of dehydration. But even in times of drought, there is water enough to quench the soul, and to make all things green.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-33414098085030914852012-08-30T16:09:00.001-04:002012-08-30T16:09:12.435-04:00PrayerGod, you know the desires of my heart. I pray with that assurance, and hesitantly ask for my desires to be transformed, that my chief desire would be to glorify you and enjoy you forever. Amen.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-32347535531672428322012-07-25T15:45:00.000-04:002012-07-25T15:46:41.578-04:00Stuck in the Middle With YouI returned from General Assembly a few weeks ago. During my first week back, I was busy recovering, not just from the week itself, but from a lovely upper respiratory/sinus infection that progressed rapidly on my way back home. The blogosphere, twitterverse, and internet in general were full of responses to what happened - and what didn't happen - at General Assembly. I continued to ponder my own response.<br />
<br />
Though I am very involved in the denomination, it was actually my first experience at General Assembly, and I think it was far different from GAs of the past. I've been processing it ever since. Much could be said, and much has been said already, about the future of the denomination (or denominations in general). I'll refrain from doing so, at least here or now.<br />
<br />
Instead, I was struck by a comment from a colleague about our past. He said that in the grand scheme of things, Presbyterians have historically been slow to respond with prophetic voice. So here we are in the middle, and though I don't want to characterize those on my left or right as clowns or jokers, here I am, stuck in the middle with you (the PC (USA)).<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong - I'm not in the middle, and I'm not neutral on many questions, and yet, I find myself constantly struggling to discern what to say. As a pastor, I have developed a general rule of thumb for what I say from the pulpit and what I post publicly: will those members of the congregation who decidedly disagree with where I stand on any given question still feel as comfortable coming to me for pastoral care after I say, write, or post the statement in question? Will my ministry be less effective than it otherwise could be, now or in the future?<br />
<br />
It's not just people in the church that make me pause before I post, say on Facebook. I am friends with a number of extended family members with whom I disagree on some major issues. I don't really want to engage in the debate; I'd rather just be family and love them. If questions or issues are raised, I want to discuss those face to face, rather than online, but truth be told, I really don't want to address them at all. Not with family, especially.<br />
<br />
And yet, I'm also convicted by those who are hurt by what I don't say. I'm convicted with questions of what I am called to say, and how I might be called to speak a prophetic word. I don't know what the answer is, and I don't feel in any better of a position than my denomination. Here we are - stuck in the middle. May we all continue to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we struggle to be the individuals and the Body of Christ that God created us to be.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-66022688747783071632012-07-02T23:07:00.000-04:002012-07-02T23:08:38.799-04:00An Update from the 21st Century Church ReportI am just getting back to the hotel after spending all afternoon and evening with Committee 16 as they considered the report of the Special Committee to Study the Nature of the Church in the 21st Century. Overall, things went well from our standpoint. No single motion was struck down, though most were amended, usually in small ways, but in some cases, rather significantly. Now the amended motions will go to the floor of General Assembly for recommendation.<br />
<br />
The one recommendation that was significantly amended was one to create a task force to study bi-vocational ministry on many fronts and to report back with recommendations to the next GA in 2 years. The amendment took out the task force language and instead charged the GAMC staff to study bi-vocational ministry, but without any specific deadlines or expectations. This is problematic for a number of reasons. First, the GAMC staff are already overextended in their work, and as Director of Theology, Worship, and Education Chip Hardwick said, passing this recommendation would necessarily mean not doing something that was already being done, which could involve difficult choices with unintended consequences. Second, the GAMC already has the power to work on this, but we are calling for a more comprehensive approach. Third, asking a bunch of well paid, full time employees to study the myriad of issues surround bi-vocational ministry just doesn't make sense. This conversation must include individuals currently working or those with extensive experience in bi-vocational ministry. Fourth, the GAMC is one of just six agencies of the PC (USA), and by restricting the work to the GAMC, there is a risk of foregoing intentional cross-agency collaboration, particularly with the Board of Pensions, which would be an important conversation partner. Fifth, without giving specific expectations or a timeline to report progress, the amended recommendation has no teeth. It is difficult to imagine how significant work will be accomplished in this critical area with the recommendation as amended. I hope that when this recommendation comes to the floor of GA, there will be some opportunity to restore the task force and salvage that important motion.<br />
<br />
When Carol and I spoke to the recommendations at the start of the discussion, I devoted fully half of my time speaking to this particular recommendation, knowing that since it carried budgetary implications it would face a tougher battle. The text of what I said is at the end of this post. Overall, I am very grateful to the Commissioners and Advisory Delegates for their careful consideration of the paper and recommendations, and for their willingness to take the time to struggle with some of these issues rather than taking an easier route.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">"We recommend creating a task force to study and make
recommendations regarding bi-vocational ministry. You can see the specific
charge in recommendation two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Bi-vocational ministry will be a crucial form of
ministry in the 21<sup>st</sup> century. A number of converging factors point
to this necessity and opportunity. Over half of our congregations have fewer
than 100 members, and over half of those congregations have fifty members or
less. With the rising costs of living and the expense of participation in the
Board of Pensions plan, fewer churches are financially able to support a full
time minister. Even when they are able to meet minimum compensation standards
set by Presbyteries, those are often not entirely sufficient for the minister nor
sustainable for the congregation. As we heard yesterday, presbytery leaders
estimate that roughly 600 congregations currently being served by a full time
minister will likely have to go down to part-time or supply leadership after
the current pastor moves or retires. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Those are the facts. They are stark. Churches who have
had full time pastors but can no longer afford one often see going down to part
time ministry as a failure. Teaching elders like myself worry about our current
and future prospects for employment, and the idea of bi-vocational ministry,
quite frankly, scares most of us. We have heard many discouraged Seminary
students and other young people who feel called to ministry – the very ones we <i>most</i></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> need to nurture and support – voice frustration about
being told by institutional leaders (who themselves have enjoyed careers of
full-time employment) that there is no room for them at the table, that they
are welcome to go out and engage in the kind of innovative and creative
ministry that we so greatly need, as long as they don’t expect to be paid or
have health care or other benefits. Though bi-vocational ministry is the norm
for some denominations, for the PC(USA), it may as well be Antarctica – we know
that some people live there, but we’d prefer not to go there ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">On the other hand, there is growing excitement for the
possibilities it presents. We have talked to many individuals who are open to
and even excited about bi-vocational ministry, but hesitant or unable to explore
it without the safety net of benefits, at a minimum. Those who feel called to
bi-vocational ministry have met resistance from many COMs and CPMs, even when
the intentions are good. Though there is a category of “Tentmaking” in the
Church Leadership Connection, a recent search revealed just 19 congregations
nationally in the system. I could probably name 19 congregations in my
presbytery alone who would be interested in hiring a minister part-time. Other
positions listed in the CLC might be part-time positions, but there is no way
to search for those specifically. Seminaries also must be part of the equation
in providing education and nurture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We affirm and celebrate what the Office of Vocation is
currently doing, but we feel strongly that more is needed. The issues,
challenges, and opportunities are so multi-faceted that we need a systematic
approach to addressing and preparing for this growing area of ministry. Such a
task force must include individuals currently engaged in bi-vocational ministry.
We recognize that their time for service to the church is more limited because
of their ministry in multiple places, but we feel certain that the passion and
excitement for the task would make it a priority. In addition, if this
committee forwards this recommendation to the floor of GA, we recommend adding
a provision for at least one member of this task force to be a representative
from the Board of Pensions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">We recognize that this recommendation carries
significant budgetary implications, but we feel that it is vitally important.
It also fits right into the church-wide goal of 1001 new worshiping
communities, most of which will be started and led by bi-vocational ministers.
Given the economic realities and shifting understandings of the nature of
ministry in the 21<sup>st</sup> century, this is a critical area of focus for
21<sup>st</sup> century ministry. We need a comprehensive way forward if we are
to honor and nurture it, rather than simply seeing it as a new reality with
which we must deal."</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-15953070428533149282012-07-02T09:41:00.002-04:002012-07-02T09:41:26.016-04:0021st Century ChurchThe following is my portion of a presentation made (with Carol Howard Merritt) during the Riverside Conversations at General Assembly on Saturday, June 30th. We will be meeting with the committee that has been charged to review our report and recommendations this afternoon.<br />
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"Thank
you for coming to engage with the committee to study the nature of the church
in the 21<sup>st</sup> Century! We plan on leaving time at the end for
questions and conversation, but we first wanted to share with you more about
the work of our committee over the past year and a half.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As
we began to meet and worship together, we found ourselves repeatedly drawn to
the second chapter of Acts. The disciples’ world had been forever changed by
Jesus’ ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, and they found themselves gathered
in a room, waiting for what would happen next. As they waited, they prayed, and
prayed, and waited. Suddenly, with the sound of a violent wind, the Holy Spirit
rushed into the room and came upon those gathered together. These followers of
Jesus became the Body of Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The
story could have ended there, with the followers of Jesus worshiping among
themselves, but it didn’t. Instead, the Holy Spirit sent this group of women
and men into the streets of Jerusalem, where a diverse crowd was gathered for
the Pentecost holiday. They began speaking in the languages of those
gathered, and empowered by the
Holy Spirit, these followers of Jesus witnessed to everyone, sharing the good
news that they had come to know through Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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On
that day alone, we read that three thousand were added to their number. They
became brothers and sisters in Christ with a great diversity of people.
Together, they devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread,
sharing resources, and prayer together. And God continued to add to their
numbers, day by day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But
what if they hadn’t left the room? What if they stayed in their small group, in
the enclosed room, not venturing beyond those comfortable walls? Sure, they
probably would have grown a little bit. They may have been welcoming, accepting
visitors and new members – as long as they didn’t try to change anything, and
especially if they looked like and talked like those already in the room. After
a while, they would begin to fight over dwindling resources, fretting over the
future. What if they hadn’t left the room?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As
we prayed about the future of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the 21st
Century, we asked ourselves, “Will we, as Presbyterians in the 21st Century,
leave our rooms? Will we venture from our comfortable sanctuaries? Will we go
out into the streets, learning different languages, embracing diversity,
planting new congregations, and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As
we gathered, we prayed, and prayed and continue to wait for the transforming
power of the Holy Spirit in our midst."<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Carol then shared some of our findings regarding changing cultural and church contexts, current roadblocks in moving forward, and examples of exciting worshipping communities around the country, including a few here in Pittsburgh. </i></div>
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I continued... </div>
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"In
addressing the changing contexts and our challenges in this century, our
committee has come up with a number of recommendations. You can read all of our
recommendations on pc-biz, but we want to highlight a few areas of focus. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A
number of our recommendations respond directly to the need to form and support
a diversity of new worshipping communities. There are immigrant congregations
coming into this country from Presbyterian denominations who want to be part of
the Presbyterian church but face a myriad of obstacles. We need to address and
work to remove those obstacles. We need to adequately resource the development
of new churches and new worshipping committees, in money and other material
resources, but also by working with our Seminaries and presbyteries to help
prepare ministers to plant new churches and to minister in changing contexts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Even
as we are supporting and nurturing new ministries, we recognize that churches
are not called to exist in perpetuity. As many congregations dwindle to the
point of simply maintaining buildings, we call on leaders in the church to
assist those congregations and communities in discerning their call in this
time and place. Some churches will be revitalized in new ways; others may
discern a call to close. As churches close, we call presbyteries to use the
assets to support new church and mission development. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
We
recognize that there are still many inequalities in our society and in the
church, and we call the PC(USA) to a role as social witness. We also recognize
that we must continue to work to identify and support leaders in churches, in
councils, and in our Seminaries from underrepresented populations, and a number
of our recommendations address those needs. We call on the church to repent of
our continued complicity in prejudice and find a need for specific training for
all leaders in the church around issues of privilege, diversity, and
cross-cultural proficiency. We also look at the current communication
strategies of the denomination. While we have made great strides in translating
documents and resources into languages other than English, including Spanish,
Korean, and Portuguese, our overall accessibility to those who speak a language
other than English remains quite low. We have concrete recommendations to
address that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
As
we look at changing needs in church leadership and ministry, we recognize that
bivocational ministry will be a critical component of church leadership in the
coming decades. This is often scary or threatening for many of us teaching
elders, but this will be not just a practical need, but a missional need for
the church. We are calling for the creation of a special task force to look at
bivocational ministry from a holistic standpoint, and from each level of the
church, so that we can better know how to foster and support this emerging
ministry front in our denomination. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Bivocational
ministry is tied into issues of just compensation. Also related are
already-noted concerns of inequalities within our society and in churches,
particularly as women and underrepresented populations are concerned. We offer
a number of recommendations to study and better understand the extent of these
concerns, and to address them through policies guided by a theological
understanding of stewardship and compensation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
One
of the charges given our committee by the previous General Assembly was the
creation of resources that could be used in churches and councils. Given the
timeline and scope of our work, we were not able to do this, and so we suggest
empowering a group, including some members of our current committee, to
continue that work to create and disseminate resources in the church. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
That
is an overview of our work as a committee. We have appreciated the opportunity
to study these important questions, and the conversations that we have had with
so many church members, elders, and leaders throughout the denomination. We
look forward to continuing that conversation."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-26896519404417721942012-05-30T11:16:00.001-04:002012-05-30T11:16:35.415-04:00I think I smell something..."Regardless of the decision you make, for you it will be the right one." If you're choosing between ice cream flavors or DVD rentals, maybe. But that was a comment made to someone who is thinking of leaving his family. Really?<br />
<br />
"If it's hard, then it probably isn't the one." This would be excellent advice for me in selecting a toothbrush, considering that my dentist only wants me to use super soft bristles. However, it was also advice given about a relationship, in this case a long-distance one. Who said that relationships were supposed to be easy, especially long-distance?<br />
<br />
"You should do whatever makes you happy." "As long as you try, that's enough." "You can do anything you want to do, or be anything you want to be!"
All of those statements, in one way or another, are either products of or contributors to the overwhelming culture of narcissism. It's like "I'm ok, you're ok." Self-confidence and self-esteem are important, but I am not always ok and you are not always ok, and to continue to spout these platitudes perpetuates the idea that life is all about how we experience it, and the ultimate goals are to do what you like and avoid what you don't. I call BS.<br />
<br />
Then, there are the theological platitudes...<br />
"I can be a Christian without being involved in church." Actually, you can't. If you believe we're created in the image of a Triune God, then it kind of follows that we were created to be in relationship. If you believe that we are called to be the body of Christ on earth, that requires lots of different members. And if you think that you don't need the support or challenge of being in community with others who are struggling to discern what God is calling us to do, that's kind of like elevating your wisdom and discernment to God's level. It's asserting an independence that just isn't theologically tenable. Once you've decided that you don't need the body of Christ, how much longer before you don't really need God?<br />
<br />
"The Bible says..." The Bible says a lot of stuff. It also doesn't say a lot of stuff. And some of what it says contradicts other things that it says, so it's really never as simple as saying, "The Bible says..." Scripture is authoritative because it reveals to us the living God, and that act of revelation is an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. When I hear the preface, "The Bible says," my BS radar goes on high alert, not because I don't "believe the Bible," but because so often what follows is simplistic proof-texting that really just reflects what "I" believe, now elevated beyond reproach because it is found in the Bible.
<br />
<br />
"God only gives us what we're able to handle." I've heard this a lot. I've heard it in pastoral care situations, when someone going through a very difficult time is trying to look on the bright side, or worse, when a well-meaning friend or relative is trying to provide encouragement. Does that mean that survivals of the horrible atrocities of war, rape victims in refugee camps, children exposed to constant physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, are all just that much stronger? Because God knows they can handle more than we can?<br />
<br />
I'm calling BS. What other phrases would you include on the list?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-750519641781685562012-05-26T23:52:00.002-04:002012-05-26T23:52:54.896-04:00Pentecost Sermon Wordle<a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/5361065/Pentecost_Sermon"
title="Wordle: Pentecost Sermon"><img
src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/5361065/Pentecost_Sermon"
alt="Wordle: Pentecost Sermon"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-11437383739834892442012-05-24T15:20:00.000-04:002012-05-24T15:20:40.058-04:00The most beautiful sounds...A week ago I was in Atlanta for the Festival of Homiletics, an annual event that not only showcases great preachers and lecturers, but also provides opportunities for us preachers to participate in truly amazing worship. On Thursday evening, we celebrated Ascension Day with a nearly 2-hour worship service in a cavernous sanctuary that was packed on all sides. Music was led by members of the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and the joint choirs of the host church, Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. The magnificent pipe organ added to the experience, and I think we might just have been taken up along with Jesus.<br />
<br />
But, there was a baby somewhere in the sanctuary. I had seen at least one mama toting around her young child for much of the conference, so perhaps it was the same baby; I couldn't see from where I was sitting. During this magnificent worship service, at particular moments, silence was pierced by the coos of this pre-verbal child. Who on earth would bring a baby to a two hour worship service?<br />
<br />
I thank God that she did. Of all the beautiful music I heard that night, none was more beautiful than the sound of that baby. In fact, I think that a baby in church might just be one of the most beautiful sounds I can think of.<br />
<br />
I know not everyone will agree. As a preacher, I don't mind "competing" with baby sounds or even the people who can't take their eyes off an adorable child. Particularly in churches where those over 60 vastly outnumber those under 60, a baby in worship is a tangible reminder that life continues, that God is not done with us yet. It also reminds us that of all the beauty that we create in the world - the soaring cathedrals, beautiful works of art, and perfectly executed symphonies - God's created beauty was the first and will be the final word. If we are bothered by the distraction of a baby in worship, then perhaps we need to examine exactly what is holding our focus so tightly that is keeping us from seeing the beautiful distraction that is God's activity in the world.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-49300362710987738982012-05-17T15:52:00.000-04:002012-05-17T15:52:25.488-04:00Consider the Sparrows<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Consider the sparrows... and all the tweeting that has been
going on here at the <a href="http://www.goodpreacher.com/festival/agenda.php" target="_blank">Festival of Homiletics</a>. I have been actively tweeting,
rather easily from the Buckhead Theater, with more difficulty on my crappy cell
phone at Peachtree UMC. Last week I was at another gathering of clergy through
the <a href="http://www.fteleaders.org/" target="_blank">Fund for Theological Education</a>, and again, we were encouraged to tweet
there. I’ve probably tweeted more in the past two weeks than the past two
months. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have enjoyed seeing the comments from others, particularly
those in the other venues. It allows me to be in two or more places at once. I hope that there have been folks not at either of these gatherings who have
gotten something out of my tweets and others. In that way, I saw my tweeting as
a service, and I hope it has been that. It has also been an opportunity to connect with others
virtually, most of whom I haven't connected with in person at the Festival. Maybe a Tweetup would have been nice, but with as many other things as have been going on, not to mention catching up with friends from across the country, I don't know if I would have gone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yet, my tweeting significantly changed and shaped my experience
at these gatherings. I experienced being both present and not present. I got
distracted by technical difficulties, page loading issues on my cell phone, and
refreshing the tweetchat stream. On the other hand, during a certain worship service I was so exhausted and brain drained, but my tweeting somehow enabled me to maintain more focus on the message being delivered. At the end of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-raushenbush" target="_blank">Paul Raushenbush</a>’s presentation
on the Internet, he checked his own tweetdeck, and found that those of us who
had been tweeting had sent him many good questions. Great opportunity for
engaging the audience, but what if he had been following those updates during
his presentation? He would have been all over the place and would not have
covered 80% of what he had prepared. (I’m guessing. I'm sure he is a much better multi-tasker than I am, but there are human limits.) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Towards the end of his presentation, Raushenbush mentioned a statement from another author that the
internet is neurologically changing our ability to think deep thoughts. As a
former philosophy major and current practical theologian, this is a deeply
disturbing thought (or as deeply disturbing as can be, considering the time I
have spent on the internet). So
what’s the verdict? Finding a balance? I’m not sure, but since I’ve been
broadcasting live for the past two weeks, I thought I’d continue in my thinking
out loud.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-26619976466440019812012-05-08T10:13:00.001-04:002012-05-08T10:13:08.287-04:00Sermon WordleHere is a wordle from my sermon on Sunday, <a href="http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=90" target="_blank">Easter 5, Year B.</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/5260466/1_John_4%3A7-21_Sermon" title="Wordle: 1 John 4:7-21 Sermon"><img alt="Wordle: 1 John 4:7-21 Sermon" src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/5260466/1_John_4%3A7-21_Sermon" style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 4px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-14110021366001936512012-04-25T19:02:00.000-04:002012-04-25T19:03:14.976-04:00On the "Family Business"I just read James Howell's <a href="http://www.faithandleadership.com/blog/04-24-2012/james-howell-the-family-business?utm_source=socialmedia&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=facebook" target="_blank">musings</a> on the "Family Business" over at <a href="http://www.faithandleadership.com/" target="_blank">Faith and Leadership</a> at Duke Divinity. Though he married into the business, he now finds himself as the father of a daughter who will be a fourth generation minister. It all made me think about my own foray into the family business.<br />
<br />
My dad is a pastor, and his dad is a pastor. My dad's mother went to Bible school and has functionally been a co-pastor for her whole life, and I believe was even ordained at some point - though I've not heard that from her mouth. My dad's only brother is a pastor, and all three of his kids have spent time in the International House of Prayer ministry in Kansas City. My mom and dad met at Bible college, and of my mom's five siblings, two are career missionaries and another spent a number of years in missions. In fact, on my mom's side, we've traced our lineage all the way back to one of the very first Lutheran priests, who came over from Catholicism during the Reformation in Norway. (or was it Sweden?) So yes, I'm in the family business.<br />
<br />
So is my husband. He is the son and grandson of pastors, and his dad's only brother nearly became a pastor, too. So here we are, two third-generation ministers married to each other, having to negotiate problems in marriage that I think few people have, such as who would marry us (our dads co-officiated) and, if we have children, who will baptize them.<br />
<br />
I can't speak for Andy's experience, but I believe that he had a lot of encouragement towards the ministry growing up. After all, he was a tall, good-looking young man, the first-born, well-behaved, a good listener...<br />
<br />
I, on the other hand, don't ever remember anyone encouraging me to consider ministry when I was growing up. I was also very active in church from a young age, at least until high school, and while I exhibited strong leadership abilities of my own, I was often encouraged into teaching. A few particularly discerning folks said that they could see me as a "teacher of teachers." But a minister? I don't know that it ever crossed their minds. I don't think it ever crossed mine, either! I had never experienced a female pastor, though no one had ever told me it was forbidden (not until later, at least). My sister even went through a small stage of wanting to be a minister. I said to her, "Are you CRAZY?" It turns out that she is quite sane, and really enjoys her work as a clinical laboratory scientist.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, once I discerned my call to ministry, it was quite difficult to emerge from my dad's shadow. And he casts a very big shadow. First of all, he's 6'4'', and more importantly, through the twists and turns of his vocation, he has worked in local churches, for the national denomination, with all of the Presbyterian seminaries, and with so many ministers in the Presbyterian Church and beyond that it was difficult to introduce myself in most church circles without being asked, "Are you by any chance related to Sheldon?"<br />
<br />
I love my dad dearly, and I think that as apples and trees go, well, we wind up sharing a lot of ground. In terms of my vocation and ministerial identity, I've caught a lot from him, and for that and so much more I am incredibly grateful. Still, I've encountered quite a few assumptions and expectations all because I am Sheldon's daughter. Some Seminary classmates would chalk up my achievements to him - "Well, of course when you grow up with Sheldon as a father...," and on occasions when I didn't have some specific kind of knowledge: "How could YOU not know that?" I was pursued for my Seminary internship by a minister who was good friends with my dad. As soon as he discovered that I was in Seminary in Louisville, he badgered my dad for my email address and proceeded to recruit me to work in his church. It was a great experience, and I'm thankful for the doors that have opened through mutual relationships. But there are still expectations that I carry along with the stick straight hair that I can thank him for, too. I even find myself succumbing to the expectations. Like the time I was asked if I considered myself to be a "pre-Barthian, Barthian, or post-Barthian" preacher. I was embarrassed to say I didn't know enough to answer the question, and silently kicked myself. I should have known that - my dad's PhD was on Barth! It's a wonder that when he successfully defended his dissertation when I was 7 years old that the knowledge didn't transfer directly to me.<br />
<br />
One of the best things about being in the family business is that it has introduced me to an even bigger family. Many PKs (and generations thereof) find themselves called into ministry, and PKs can find community with other PKs and other ministers that is quite unique. I call it PK-dar - we somehow gravitate towards each other. I don't know the statistics, but I think there are plenty of PKs who marry each other, or PKs who marry other ministers. In fact, I'm surprised at the number of other female clergy I've met - PK or not - who married sons of pastors. There is something about being in the family business that really unites the family. Perhaps the call into a ministerial family isn't accidental.<br />
<br />
It's also not inevitable. Neither of Andy's two brothers are ministers, nor is my sister, so there is hope. Andy and I don't have children, but hope to some day, and then they'll be - wait for it - DOUBLE Fourth-Generation PKs (if I've got my math right, and it's entirely possible that I don't - I'm a minister, not a mathematician!). I pity those children already for the lines that they will have to hear growing up about following in our footsteps, the inappropriate questions about what <i>kind</i> of PKs they are (goody two-shoes or wild child), the boundary-stomping parishioners with all of the good intentions in the world, and the expectations that will be placed on them by others, by themselves, and hopefully to as little a degree as possible, by us.<br />
<br />
To our unborn (and to clear up ANY confusion, not-yet-conceived) children, I write the following. I'm sorry. You didn't choose to be born into this crazy family business, but here you are. Your father and I have had lots of experience growing up in the church, and we will do our best to nurture you with the same love and support, cradling you in our arms and in our boundaries until you are able to establish your own. You will not have to go to every single church activity, sing in the choir, volunteer in the nursery, or sit in the front pew unless you want to. Though we will be criticized for it, we will not prioritize church work over you, even if sometimes we have to juggle things around. We will always be your parents first. We will do our best to teach you about God, to pass on to you this mantle of faith which we have received. We will fill our home with prayer and worship together, teach you the stories of the faith, not because people will expect you to know Bible trivia (though they will), but because we want you to know from the very beginning who you are and whose you are. We will strive our best to be great pastors, but we will not be pastor to you. To you we will just be mom or dad, but we'll help you find other pastors that can nurture you in your walk of faith. We will love you and support you, and we will never expect or pressure you to go into ministry just because we did. We will try to shield you from the things about church that no one wants to see, but we will be honest about the fact that the church is just a big group of flawed people, all in need of God's help - us included. It's not always easy growing up as a PK, but it's not all bad, either. You'll see. And just wait until you meet the rest of the family.<br />
Love, <strike>Pastors Stephanie and Andy </strike> Mom and DadAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-12215783880591441652012-04-06T15:07:00.001-04:002012-04-06T15:07:19.407-04:00Good FridayWe adore you, O Christ, and we bless you: <b><i>because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
I just returned from a Good Friday service at a local Episcopalian church followed by a walk through the stations of the cross. This particular meditation had fourteen stations, and as I made the journey around the stations, my perspective began to shift. No longer was I standing with Christ at the cross; I became more aware of Christ standing with us in the fleshiness of our own lives, in the dark places.<br />
<br />
<b>One: Jesus is condemned to death</b><br />
Though there are surely times when we feel our lives as we know it are coming to an end, there are some who actually receive sentences of death - some in the halls of "justice," others in the sterile rooms of hospitals and doctors' offices. For others, the death sentence is a sentence of death to life as they know it - a sentence that can come in many shapes and forms. There Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Two: Jesus takes up his cross</b><br />
Jesus willingly accepted his torture and abuse. Some who are tortured and abused today cannot choose otherwise; others who are caught in cycles of abusive systems or relationships feel just as unable to escape. Bearing the abuse and shame, with those who are tortured and abused, there Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Three: Jesus falls for the first time</b><br />
Jesus fell. If the Son of God himself fell in his earthly walk, how do we expect to get through life without taking a fall every now and then? In our falls and in our failures, there Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Four: Jesus meets his afflicted mother</b><br />
It was not just his own pain and suffering that Jesus had to bear. As he suffered, others suffered with him, and he looked out on their faces of pain, loss, anguish, and grief. We are created to be in bonds of love and compassion with each other. When we see those whom we love in the throes of pain and suffering, often we would gladly take it upon ourselves, or do whatever we could, to relieve their pain. It is a suffering of a different kind, and there, Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Five: The cross is laid on Simon of Cyrene</b><br />
Even Jesus had to ask for help. In the giving and receiving of help along the journey, there Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Six: A woman wipes the face of Jesus</b><br />
There are times when we would like to be invisible, hiding our scars and wounds from the world. In fact, society in general is quite adept at shielding itself from what it doesn't want to see. We consider the "homeless problem" to be solved not when all are housed, fed, and cared for, but when we no longer see the homeless on the streets, with cardboard signs and cries for help. When we no longer smell the stench of urine, body odor, and feces in streets and alleys or at bus stop shelters. Battered, bruised, and bloodied, Jesus is before us, there to be served by a woman with nothing more to offer than a shroud, and the touch of humanity. There Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Seven: Jesus falls a second time</b><br />
As we fall repeatedly, there Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Eight: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem</b><br />
To the sisterhood of women, a group with no power or status, Jesus speaks. With the powerless and voiceless in our society today, there Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Nine: Jesus falls a third time</b><br />
With those who fall, and fail, and fall and fail, and can't seem to get back on their feet again, there Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Ten: Jesus is stripped of his garments</b><br />
Naked. Bared and humbled for all to see. Spat upon. Despised. Ridiculed. Stripped not just of his garments, but of all dignity. With all whose bodies and souls are violated, with all who bear public shame and humiliation, there Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Eleven: Jesus is nailed to the cross</b><br />
Jesus bore the punishment for guilt that was not his. We still live in a world where injustice often reigns, and with the victims of every injustice, great and small, there Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Twelve: Jesus dies on the cross</b><br />
With the dying and with the dead, there Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Thirteen: The body of Jesus is placed in the arms of his mother</b><br />
With the grieving parents of the world, there Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
<b>Fourteen: Jesus is laid in the tomb</b><br />
When it seems as though all hope is lost, the final sentence given, the fate sealed, there Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you: <b><i>because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
Contemplating the cross, we are reminded of the depth and breadth of the pain, suffering, shame, humiliation, and injustice that Jesus experienced. The cross does not make any of that ok. It does not take away the sting of death, it does not justify abuse, torture, and injustice. It does not relieve the pain and suffering that we continue to experience. But it does redeem it. In the depths of whatever we may experience in the world, we know that Jesus stood there, and that God continues to stand with us today. We know that none of those things have ultimate power over us; they are not the last word. Even as we find ourselves in the darkness and despair of Good Friday, we recognize that Easter morning is just around the corner. Our hope lies in the risen Christ, but here, and now, in the depths of all human suffering and despair, we can find comfort, because there Jesus stands.<br />
<br />
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you: <b><i>because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.</i></b><br />
<b><i>Amen.</i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-28114023854863174462012-04-01T14:01:00.000-04:002012-04-01T14:01:34.811-04:00The Inveterate CriticThis morning, Palm Sunday, was the first Sunday since I left my position at UPC that I haven't been preaching somewhere (or doing an official COM visit). My initial thought was to go check out an <a href="http://www.goodshepherdlex.org/" target="_blank">Episcopalian church in Lexington</a> that I have wanted to visit, but the late night, high cost of gas, bad brakes on the car, and rain got the better of me, and I decided to stay closer to home and swing in the total opposite direction: from high church and sung liturgy to no liturgy at a local campus of a Lexington megachurch. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me that I find it difficult to simply visit a church, without critiquing what is going on, what is and isn't being said, sung, etc... Part of that is an occupational hazard, I'm sure, but I think it is mostly my J coming out in full force. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's not the first time I've been to a church like this, and I don't automatically dismiss these shopping center churches as I've heard others do. Still, I left feeling like I still hadn't been to church, and I really miss that on this particular Sunday as the prelude to Holy Week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This church is literally in a shopping center, sharing the same physical plant space as the movie theater, a restaurant, and a now-defunct Food Lion. The entrance to the worship space is bright, clean, and minimal, with computer terminals and information stations to help people connect with what is going on in the church. Upon entering the worship space, there are no visible signs of this being a church. It looks like the inside of a big box store or warehouse converted into a concert venue. Upbeat music is playing - the kind of music that you might hear at beginning of a sporting event. Lighting is pretty low, and so it is easy to be inconspicuous. Churchgoers have two seating choices - at round tables far off to the side, or at any number of chairs set up in rows in the main space. There are coffee urns and muffins available at the back, and two giant screens display announcements of an upcoming "Baptisms at the Pond" next Sunday and other information. </div>
<div>
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My visit came at the end of a four week sermon series: The Fatal Four (of course referencing the NCAA tournament). Today's sermon: "March Madness: When the Call Doesn't Go Your Way." The service opened with two songs which most people didn't seem to know, or at least didn't sing along with, led by a full band and singers on stage. The lighting gets even lower for the worship, with stage lights of various colors illuminating the band up front. One can truly be a spectator here. If you don't know anyone, aren't sure what to think about the whole church thing, it is easy to come, sit, and not feel all eyes on you. </div>
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After two songs, one of the pastors from Lexington comes out and welcomes us, gives some information, and makes a few digs at Louisville fans, cheers for UK's win and the fact that they are one of only two teams to make it to April Madness. I'm not surprised by this - we are in the heart of UK country - and he gets a few rounds of applause. He introduces the sermon and invites us to greet each other for a minute, and then it's showtime. I mean sermon time. </div>
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Except that the video starts with a commercial of sorts - a play on the DirecTV commercials following the moves from getting angry at the cable company to ending up in a ditch, reenacting Platoon with Charlie Sheen, etc... This one starts out, "When you bet on Duke to take it all in your office pool, you end up with a busted bracket and at the bottom of the pool. When you... and so on, until the moral of the commercial: "Ditch Duke and go for another team in Blue." This video gets the biggest cheers of all. Setting aside the fact that I am a lifelong Duke fan, and that I did put Duke winning it all in my horribly busted bracket, the video has nothing to do with anything - not the sermon, nothing happening at the church, etc... So how is this the prelude to the sermon? </div>
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Then the sermon video starts, and the piped-in preacher makes more comments about March Madness, the Final Four, pokes at other teams, and finally says, "Go cats!" More cheers. Clearly he knows his audience, and obviously this is just further proof of what is really religion around here. I can only judge this so far, having been a Duke fan growing up in Durham, a Red Sox fan living in Boston... I can understand the ethos of sport as religion. </div>
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Diving into the heart of the sermon, which is at least half of the service length overall, he talks about anger. There is no central Scripture reading, rather a smattering of verses thrown up on the screen throughout the sermon, interspersed in roughly equal proportions with quotations from other sources, including Eleanor Roosevelt, Dallas Willard, Aristotle (in a paraphrase unlike any I've ever heard), and his own Twitter account. The scripture references come with just one or two verses at a time, and I counted at least 6 different translations (or paraphrases) used over the course of the message, including the New International, Today's New International, Good News, Living Bible, Message, and New Living Translation. </div>
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Anger is a tough topic to tackle, and I was pleased that he recognized that not everyone deals with anger in the same way. He brought in some pop psychology, looking at anger as a 2nd emotion masking whatever is really going on. He also validated righteous anger, like the kind that Jesus had when he entered the Temple and turned over the tables. At this point, he said, "By the way, that was 2000 years ago this weekend," which was the only allusion to Palm Sunday through the whole service. "Palm Sunday" wasn't mentioned at all, and I doubt that most of the congregation would have made that connection, particularly since that particular episode in Jesus' ministry comes either at the beginning or near the end of his ministry, depending on which gospel you read. </div>
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At one point, the preacher said, "You know, this is one of my favorite weeks of the whole year... in sports." For a split second I had hoped for a mention of Holy Week. That was simply his lead in to talk about Bobby Jones, the golfer (and refer to a Happy Gilmore scene shown earlier in the sermon).</div>
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I appreciated his validation of righteous anger - the kind of anger we should feel when we witness violence, injustice, etc... But most of his talk of anger and description of how we experience or express it leaned towards the angry outbursts and stereotypically explosive expressions of anger. The "Game Plan" he offered at the end was a neatly packaged, 3 bullet-point alliterated guide aimed, I think, mostly at the expression of anger: "Reflect before you react," "Remember the results," and "Restrain your remarks."</div>
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All of this perpetuates the idea that good Christians shouldn't get angry. We don't <i>react</i> in anger even if we feel it. We think about the <i>results</i> of our angry actions, and we don't <i>say</i> anything in wrath. The exhibition of anger is seen as something that Christians should avoid at all costs, and I think women in particular have been deeply harmed by messages like these. Undoubtedly many people in the congregation do need to hear a message on anger management, but where is the balance? And where is the gospel message in a sermon on anger management? Where is the good news? </div>
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I thought of the kind of crowds these churches draw and wonder about the spiritual and Christian formation. The Bible was used simply as a kind of instruction book, or even a collection of quotations for positive thinking, without any sense of coherency or history. How is that developed and nurtured? How do members come to understand themselves as children of God, and as part of a much larger story that is revealed to us by God through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit? </div>
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After the sermon, without any kind of preface, introduction, words of institution, or anything, communion was distributed through the rows - tiny cracker like wafers and shot cups of juice all at once. No instruction was given, no articulation of the mystery of faith, no sense of community at all. For those sitting at the round tables, I noticed that they actually had to get up and go to a table where the communion was laying out for self-service, along with an offering basket. Following communion, the band came out and led two more songs, and then the pastor returned to make a few more announcements, including the first verbal mention of next week being Easter Sunday, which means baptisms at the Pond. Yes, that's what Easter Sunday means to me, too. While he was making announcements, I was aware that those of us in the rows were being passed offering pouches - again, no invitation to offering, no mention of our response of Thanksgiving for what God has given, etc... And that was it. Church dismissed. </div>
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Perhaps I should take a cue from the sermon and tone down my criticisms, ask what is really going on here for me, in my critique. I'm sure part of that is a sense of loss of having traveled through the Lenten season. Since I have been in different churches from week to week, I haven't had that sense of continuity. It is a loss. Pastors already face a challenge of being a leader in a worship community and also being part of it; of leading worship and participating at the same time. Guest pastors face that to an even greater degree, I think, because there is a further separation between the preacher and the community of faith. </div>
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Part of me would like to find a regular community of worship. Part of me would really enjoy having a year to just go and visit many different places, to be a fly on the wall, a visitor in the pews, a participant and observer. And then there is the part of me that continues to feel called to preach, to lead worship, and to struggle with what that means for me here, now, and beyond. And so I continue in the Lenten fast of a rather amorphous vocational identity, neither here nor there, but somewhere in between. </div>
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And in my heart, I can still shout my hosannas and wave my palms as we enter into this Holy Week.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-86987538945660981142012-02-20T11:13:00.000-05:002012-02-20T11:13:45.276-05:00The Fast of FreelanceI can honestly say that, nearly two months into my "freelance" season, I am just as busy if not busier than I was before, evidenced in part by the long blog silence. Fortunately, I have continued to be engaged in meaningful and interesting work, a gift for which I am very grateful. Unfortunately, most of it doesn't pay.<br />
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My involvement with committees at the Presbytery and General Assembly level has been particularly intensive these past two months, though the GA committee work will taper sharply once we submit our paper next week. It will be interesting to see how it is received, and to be on the receiving end of the feedback that will be sure to follow. When I was at Big Tent in Indianapolis, I was a bit taken aback by the number of folks who simply expressed their gratitude for the time and energy that our committee was putting into this important inquiry. Once our paper is "out there," I anticipate a more...diverse response.<br />
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I have continued to work every Sunday, preaching every week except for two, and on those two Sundays I was making visits to churches to which I am a liaison through the Committee on Ministry. I am thankful for an upcoming vacation this week, and upon my return, I am again booked preaching in various places through Easter Sunday. I have really enjoyed the experience of preaching in different churches, and I receive it as a gift during this season. It pays a little bit, which helps, too.<br />
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If I were still working in a church full time, much of what I have been doing would be an extension of my service to the church, and through a salary, I would essentially be getting paid to do it. Since I am not currently in an installed position, most of it is volunteer work, and I've got mixed feelings about that. I am thankful to be in a position where I can do it, but it isn't going to be sustainable for long for our family financial situation. Incidentally, I just came across another <a href="http://reyes-chow.com/2012/02/guest-blogger-teresa-blythe-open-letter-to-church-leaders-why-i-cannot-work-for-free/" target="_blank">blog post</a> from a freelance minister speaking to some of the financial and theological implications of freelance ministry.<br />
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I am thankful for the insight into what we ask of ruling elders in serving on these kinds of committees, and an appreciation for how difficult it would be to fully participate in some of this work if you had a full-time, non-church job, as well. It's no wonder that most of the ruling elders who are active in presbytery are older - either retired, or at a point professionally where they have more freedom and flexibility in their schedule. How can we expect most young people to be able to take off at least one day a month for committee meetings, much less find or make the time for the other work that is expected, both within the committee and in their local church involvement?<br />
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I'm also very grateful to have been given a contract to write 6 Sessions for The Present Word, an adult Sunday school curriculum. I am writing the Student Books, Leader Guides, and Worship Leaflets for one unit of next Spring's study. It was a pinch assignment, and so I've been working nonstop to get it all written in just about a month, and around a busy travel and meeting schedule. Thankfully I really enjoy the work, and thankfully again, it comes with a check.<br />
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This is a new season for me, and one of learning and growth. I'm not entirely sure what my next season will be, but this is a critical time for my discernment, too. It can be scary at times, sure, but I'm grateful for it. For someone like me who likes to have a plan (yes, I'm a J), living fully into an intentional, temporal season of unknowns is a major stretch. In a personal season of waiting, this past Saturday I was feeling particularly anxious in the wait, and I read from the morning Psalm, "And now, O Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you." (Ps. 39:7)<br />
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I am ready for the Lenten journey. I feel like I have already voluntarily traveled to the wilderness, both knowing and not knowing what awaits. In many ways, this season is a fast for me. Landon Whitsitt, current Vice-Moderator of the PC(USA), wrote in a recent <a href="http://landonwhitsitt.com/2012/02/19/giving-up-chocolate-and-beer-for-lent-is-not-what-jesus-had-in-mind/" target="_blank">blog post</a> that a fast "is not about doing without 'something you LOVE,' but about doing without something you <i>need</i>." I am giving up the kinds of security that I think I need - financial, job, etc... - and prayerfully, hopefully, rediscovering and trusting in the sovereignty and providence of God. May it be so!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-73726456437121406432012-01-02T13:13:00.000-05:002012-01-02T13:13:38.597-05:00Happy New Year!It is Monday afternoon, January 2nd, and for most of the day thus far, I have been working to update my online presence to reflect my new "freelance" status. It's amazing how much more work this entails than it did after my last major professional change 3 years ago. I hope that the year ahead will include many more opportunities to update my profiles, statuses, tweets, resume, and everything else.<br />
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I wrote earlier a bit earlier <a href="http://sorgewing.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html" target="_blank">about my decision </a>to leave my position as co-pastor of United Presbyterian Church. After a month and a half navigating through that transition, I am now on the other side, feeling very positive about the present and future. Many have asked me what is on the horizon, and though much of that remains to be seen, here are a few highlights. This Wednesday I will be serving as a convener for the <a href="http://www.academyofpreachers.net/" target="_blank">Academy of Preachers</a> <a href="http://www.academyofpreachers.net/festivals/2012-registration/2012-national-festival-schedule/" target="_blank">National Preaching Festival</a> in Louisville. The AoP is a multi-denominational organization that seeks to "identify, network, inspire, and support" young preachers (ages 14-28). I had the great pleasure of working with members of the Young Preacher Leadership Team last July when I was a preaching coach for their preaching "boot camp." I am really looking forward to being inspired and challenged! If you are in the Louisville area and can steal away for a morning or afternoon, please join us at the Seelbach Hotel.<br />
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I am gearing up for big planning meetings in the next couple of weeks as I chair a task force to write a new manual of operations for the Presbytery of Transylvania. As we think about our particular call for being church together here in central and eastern Kentucky, we are hoping to take advantage of the new flexibility afforded by the new Form of Government. If you are working on similar projects or know of others who are looking at similar questions, please let me know - I would love to connect.<br />
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I continue to serve as a member of the Committee on Ministry, and I have church visits to make and Session records to read! On Sunday, January 15th, I will be supply preaching at <a href="http://mpclex.org/" target="_blank">Meadowthorpe Presbyterian Church</a> in Lexington, which is one of the churches to which I am COM liaison. I had the pleasure - and it was my pleasure! - to share dinner and fellowship with the Session at Pastor Scott Cervas' house at the end of December, and I look forward to filling the pulpit there as Scott is at <a href="http://www.burnamwood.net/" target="_blank">Camp Burnamwood</a> leading their youth retreat. I hope to be engaged in pulpit supply regularly, perhaps even as a stated supply if the opportunity arises.<br />
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For the past year I have also been serving as a member of the General Assembly Special Committee to Study the Nature of the Church in the 21st Century, and over the past few months I have been working as part of the writing team to draft our paper. I volunteered to work with <a href="http://christiancentury.org/About%20Carol%20Howard%20Merritt" target="_blank">Carol Howard Merritt</a>, our very gifted committee moderator, to edit the paper. The committee has a final face to face meeting at the beginning of February, so the next few weeks will be full as Carol and I work together to bring a near-final draft to the group. We will have to turn in our final product by the end of February so that everything can be prepared and assigned for General Assembly, which will meet in Pittsburgh in July.<br />
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Interspersed between committee meetings and projects, in the next few weeks I will also gather with my Company of New Pastors cohort group and an annual study/collegial group comprised of dear Seminary classmates, both of which I am eagerly anticipating. Add to that cleanup from Christmas, various projects around the house that I have been putting off, stacks of books on my reading list, and other resolutions (which I will not call "New Year's Resolutions"), I will not be bored! I also have a few irons in the fire in terms of contract work - writing and/or consulting projects. If you know of opportunities, keep me in mind. I hope 2012 is off to a great start for all. Happy New Year!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-59004893566570438322011-12-31T12:51:00.000-05:002011-12-31T12:51:54.418-05:00On DeathAs we prepare to say goodbye to 2011, images of Old Man 2011 passing the torch to Diaper Dandy 2012 abound. It's a hint at our own mortality - something that is all too rare in our culture that is often preoccupied with immortality of various kinds, or at least in seeming denial about death as a fact of life.<br />
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Though in my three years as pastor I have buried many people, I have been relatively insulated from death myself. Until the death of my grandfather last week, at age 92 1/2, between my husband and me, all of our grandparents were alive and doing relatively well, ranging in age from 81 to 92 1/2. All eight were at our wedding four years ago - something a number of people commented on at the time.<br />
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Longevity runs in my family, on both sides. My grandfather probably would have lived at least a few years longer, but 10 years ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and they decided not to treat it. In the end, the cancer spread, but up to the end he said he wasn't in pain - a real miracle. If they had treated the cancer, I wouldn't have been surprised to see him hit 100. Even so, he was ready to go. He felt that he had lived a nice, long life. He had recently seen most of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he was ready to go home and be with his Creator.<br />
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He was ready to go, and that made it so much easier for the family to accept his death, with grief offset by overwhelming gratitude for his life to the end. Not everyone is ready. A church member stopped by to give his condolences, and he teared up as he said, "I just can't imagine what I'll do when my mom dies. I don't know if I'll ever be ready." His mom will be 96 next week, and I don't think she is any more "ready" to die than he is ready for her to go. As opposed to my grandfather, who opted against life-extending treatments, both would opt to do everything possible to extend her life. She also hasn't wanted to talk about funeral arrangements or her wishes in the event of her death. She doesn't want to think about it or talk about it. And I think that makes it harder for both her and her son.<br />
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Of course everyone deals with death differently, and there is no one size fits all way to look at it. But it seems to me that one way to help our loved ones in the event of our death is to be as ready as we can be for it ourselves. This includes making plans - wills, advanced directives, medical directives, and such - and letting family members know about one's wishes and desires. In times of medical crisis or loss, decision making is particularly difficult, both cognitively and emotionally. I have seen much more peace with families who are able to make decisions knowing that it was what their loved one wanted.<br />
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We all know that death is coming, sooner or later. Some know that it will be sooner, and in those cases, preparing for the inevitable is a gift to loved ones. But we never really know when death will come, and though we may never be "ready," there are things we can do at any age to prepare for it. Make sure your house and finances are in order. Create living wills or advanced directives. Communicate with your family now what your wishes would be in the event of a medical emergency or death. And talk about it. Not morbidly, but openly.<br />
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Churches can do more in this respect. In a culture in which death is almost a taboo subject, in which it is treated like an illness to be cured, the church can speak. Death is part of life as we know it. In the service of witness to the resurrection (the Presbyterian name for the funeral or memorial service), we acknowledge that death is as much a part of life as birth, and that in death, our baptisms are complete. Though we worship an eternally living God, we also follow a savior who willingly gave himself up to die. Even as he spoke, "It is finished," and gave up his last breath, that was not the end of the story. One day we will each breathe a last breath, but that will not be the end of the story. It is a completion of one story and the start of another - of this we are assured through Jesus Christ.<br />
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I don't know what that new story looks like. I don't know when or how this story will end, but I know that it will. And I know that the ending of this story is written as surely as it began. I don't know if I will ever be "ready" - for my death or the death of loved ones - but I want to try to be, as much as is possible. So as the chubby baby ushers in 2012, as we think about new beginnings, maybe we can also think about ending things well. That, in and of itself, feels like a new beginning to me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5074229231408775211.post-7332133115419541312011-12-14T14:25:00.000-05:002011-12-14T14:25:17.870-05:00Advent WaitingI am looking forward to our Blue Christmas service tomorrow night. It is a service (also called "Longest Night") that recognizes that this time of year is not always merry and bright. It's almost always frenetically busy, filled with good things that are accompanied by stress. For some people, this is the most depressing time of the year, for many different reasons. For those who have experienced loss around Christmas, the grief is accentuated in contrast to the joy of the season. For many people, societal and self-expectations of how we "should" be feeling at this time just leave us feeling more empty if we don't. I think for many people, to a degree, this is a very complicated season - one in which joy breaks through and sometimes bombards the spirit, and one in which the fullness sometimes leaves us feeling empty.<br />
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This has been a very complicated season in my life, too. A month ago, I announced my intention to <a href="http://sorgewing.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html" target="_blank">dissolve my pastoral relationship</a> with the congregation that my husband and I have been serving for the past three years. Leaving a call is difficult, and as this has been our first call, it is particularly so. That difficulty is further complicated by the fact that my husband is staying in this position, and will be moving up to full time. I am leaving, but I am not moving. I will continue to live in the same, small town, and now find myself in a new position - that of Pastor's wife. I never wanted to be a "Pastor's Wife" - my call has been to be a pastor! And to further complicate things, though some church expectations are that I will now be the "Pastor's Wife," as soon-to-be-former pastor, I will need to step away from the church entirely, allowing for the necessary transition for Andy and for the congregation.<br />
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I have been in a bit of a lame duck period, still actively engaged in the work that I do here, while also having to hold back, to initiate transitions. I still catch myself saying "Next year we can..." and things like that. I have had people ask what I can and can't do after I leave, and when I can be back in worship. I don't know the answers to those things, in part because I need to feel it out, to discern and exercise discretion, and to play it by ear, case by case.<br />
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I also can't answer those questions because I don't know what the future holds for me. I have said that I definitely won't be in worship between Jan. 1 and Easter, but by March I could have a new call. I hope to continue preaching on a regular basis, and as a member of the Committee on Ministry I will also be visiting the churches to whom I am a liaison. I already have a number of things scheduled for January and February, and with three committees that I am serving on (two Presbytery, one General Assembly), my plate is and will continue to be full. I am also looking into contract work options that I could do from home, or mostly from home, but I don't have anything definite lined up yet.<br />
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In other words, I am waiting. And this waiting stuff isn't easy. There is grieving over my leaving the congregation - on their part and on mine - but there is also some anger. I suppose that is normal. In the midst of this there has been another difficult personnel change - difficult for us, difficult for the person involved, and difficult for the church - and there are complicated feelings about that, too.<br />
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I am waiting, and waiting is not easy. But what better time of year to be in a season of waiting than Advent? And so I wait. I wait for revelation of where God is calling me to be. I wait for better days, and trust that they are ahead. I wait. What more can be done? That's the point, I guess - the waiting is the doing, or at least what must be done. Doing otherwise is just a distraction when what is called for is waiting. And so I wait.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858602327423160958noreply@blogger.com0