Tuesday, April 15, 2014
A Week in the Life - Saturday
As previously mentioned (Monday), Pastors should have more than one day off a week. It becomes challenging to keep two days off (one for Sabbath rest, one for laundry, errands, etc.), but I try my best. After a morning run, I spend Saturday with my family. Work creeps in a bit as I have coffee with my brother-in-law and his fiancée. I'm officiating their wedding, and we need to plan out their wedding liturgy. Other than that, the Saturday is spent restfully enjoying shopping, eating, and catching up with loved ones.
The alarm is set awfully early, and Sunday comes before I know it!
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
A Week in the Life - Friday
Whew... the days fly by right before Holy Week. Sorry for the delay, but here is Friday!
9 a.m. - Arrive in the office. Have conversation with supervising pastor about footwear. He's shoe shopping. Hysterical.
9:15 a.m. - Coffee made, to-do list being worked through. Specific items being worked on are: communicating with hosts for the upcoming week of IHN hosting, small group rosters and leadership, organizing for a young clergy gathering, communicating with team serving dinner at a community shelter, and archiving emails.
At some point during all of this, another staff member arrives, talking supervising pastor out of the shoes that office administrator and I had talked him into. We're back to square one.
11:30 a.m. - Leave office to make hospital call. On our staff we each have an "on call" day, and Friday is mine. I'm headed to Riverside Hospital, just a quick drive from my office. The hospital is under a great deal of construction and parking is a bit hairy, but I'm glad to have the extra steps on my pedometer.
12:30 p.m. - Eat my quick lunch (packed) and head to the gym. I also run home to let the dogs out and get ready for the evening.
3:00 p.m. - Spend some time in prayer at home. It just feels necessary today for some reason.
4:00 p.m. - Arrive back at church to meet volunteers fixing dinner for an event. I let them in, check in with them, and then head upstairs.
4:30 p.m. - Palm fronds have arrived, and we're folding crosses to give to the children during worship on Sunday. While folding, supervising pastor, office administrator, and I have great conversation about where the church used to be and where it is now. I'm encouraged. We also have the debate:
vs.
Executive pastor and I have never been in a church using primarily the latter before coming to King Avenue. Supervising pastor seems to think that the former is an abomination to Palm Sunday worship (we all know that he really just thinks the latter are better for childlike hitting).
5:30 p.m. - Head down to fellowship hall for dinner and our event. It is a lively night of fellowship! Event is still running strong at 8:30 p.m., but I've got to head home. My partner's parents, brother, and future sister-in-law have arrived.
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
9 a.m. - Arrive in the office. Have conversation with supervising pastor about footwear. He's shoe shopping. Hysterical.
9:15 a.m. - Coffee made, to-do list being worked through. Specific items being worked on are: communicating with hosts for the upcoming week of IHN hosting, small group rosters and leadership, organizing for a young clergy gathering, communicating with team serving dinner at a community shelter, and archiving emails.
At some point during all of this, another staff member arrives, talking supervising pastor out of the shoes that office administrator and I had talked him into. We're back to square one.
11:30 a.m. - Leave office to make hospital call. On our staff we each have an "on call" day, and Friday is mine. I'm headed to Riverside Hospital, just a quick drive from my office. The hospital is under a great deal of construction and parking is a bit hairy, but I'm glad to have the extra steps on my pedometer.
12:30 p.m. - Eat my quick lunch (packed) and head to the gym. I also run home to let the dogs out and get ready for the evening.
3:00 p.m. - Spend some time in prayer at home. It just feels necessary today for some reason.
4:00 p.m. - Arrive back at church to meet volunteers fixing dinner for an event. I let them in, check in with them, and then head upstairs.
4:30 p.m. - Palm fronds have arrived, and we're folding crosses to give to the children during worship on Sunday. While folding, supervising pastor, office administrator, and I have great conversation about where the church used to be and where it is now. I'm encouraged. We also have the debate:
vs.
Executive pastor and I have never been in a church using primarily the latter before coming to King Avenue. Supervising pastor seems to think that the former is an abomination to Palm Sunday worship (we all know that he really just thinks the latter are better for childlike hitting).
5:30 p.m. - Head down to fellowship hall for dinner and our event. It is a lively night of fellowship! Event is still running strong at 8:30 p.m., but I've got to head home. My partner's parents, brother, and future sister-in-law have arrived.
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
Thursday, April 10, 2014
A Week in the Life - Thursday
8 a.m. - alarm goes off. I snooze... loaf... linger...
9 a.m. - arrive at office. Thursdays are the day that the UMW sorts for their rummage sale, so I know there is coffee. I open up the office and then head downstairs to "make the rounds" (AKA, small talk over coffee).
9:30 a.m. - I have a blissful day of no appointments, lunches, coffees, meetings. I make good progress on my to-do list. I learned how to better manipulate our database software, but other than that, it is email, brainstorming, reading, studying...
1:30 p.m. - Head home for a little bit. It is a beautiful day, and I'd love to get some extra steps this afternoon. Lola, G (he took a little time off) and I walk the neighborhood. We cross paths with the pastor of the United Methodist Church in our neighborhood. I suspect he's hunting coffee... I can spot an addict a mile away.
5:45 p.m. - TurboKick! My favorite time of the week.
6:35 p.m. - I have to duck out of class early. I have a speaking engagement at 7:30 p.m. to prep for.
7:00 p.m. - Arrive at my speaking engagement... at the nursing home... Please don't laugh. So the drama of the night is that they can't get into the conference room (which limits attendance), and so they'll need to meet in the auditorium. The normal 20 people is now 30. I love it.
7:45 p.m. - By the time relocating the walkers and wheelchairs happens, the 7:30 conversation group gets underway. I'm there to lecture about millenials, the church, and the decline of American religion (their title, not mine). It is great conversation, minus the one person who declares that we (American Christians) are at war with Islam.
8:45 p.m. - Formal conversation ends, and I do the usual dance of meeting people and answering their lingering questions. Highlight though? A 90 year old widower from my previous congregation was there, and he hard charges for me after the talk to brag about his new iPhone. Awesome.
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
9 a.m. - arrive at office. Thursdays are the day that the UMW sorts for their rummage sale, so I know there is coffee. I open up the office and then head downstairs to "make the rounds" (AKA, small talk over coffee).
9:30 a.m. - I have a blissful day of no appointments, lunches, coffees, meetings. I make good progress on my to-do list. I learned how to better manipulate our database software, but other than that, it is email, brainstorming, reading, studying...
1:30 p.m. - Head home for a little bit. It is a beautiful day, and I'd love to get some extra steps this afternoon. Lola, G (he took a little time off) and I walk the neighborhood. We cross paths with the pastor of the United Methodist Church in our neighborhood. I suspect he's hunting coffee... I can spot an addict a mile away.
5:45 p.m. - TurboKick! My favorite time of the week.
6:35 p.m. - I have to duck out of class early. I have a speaking engagement at 7:30 p.m. to prep for.
7:00 p.m. - Arrive at my speaking engagement... at the nursing home... Please don't laugh. So the drama of the night is that they can't get into the conference room (which limits attendance), and so they'll need to meet in the auditorium. The normal 20 people is now 30. I love it.
7:45 p.m. - By the time relocating the walkers and wheelchairs happens, the 7:30 conversation group gets underway. I'm there to lecture about millenials, the church, and the decline of American religion (their title, not mine). It is great conversation, minus the one person who declares that we (American Christians) are at war with Islam.
8:45 p.m. - Formal conversation ends, and I do the usual dance of meeting people and answering their lingering questions. Highlight though? A 90 year old widower from my previous congregation was there, and he hard charges for me after the talk to brag about his new iPhone. Awesome.
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
A Week in the Life - Wednesday
The best kinds of nights are the ones where you come home after a great night completely spent and fall into bed. Hence a blog post about Wednesday on Thursday...
5:00 a.m. - alarm. ouch.
5:30 a.m. - This zombie arrives at the gym for an hour or so of exercise. My new friend, Max, is also excited. I rack up more than 10,000 steps before 7 a.m.! At the close of the day I only have around 17,500.
7:20 a.m. - Arrive at the church. I'm waiting for a friend to arrive. We're carpooling to a funeral. In the meantime, I finish folding IHN laundry, and I do what's left of the dishes from campus ministry dinner the night before. Our custodian is the only other person in the building, and we have a quick catch up about the most recent Captain America movie.
8:00 a.m. - on the road for the home town.
8:20 a.m. - Pitstop for coffee. Thank. God.
9:30 a.m. - Arrive at the small town Baptist church for the funeral of our friend. He was our high school prom king. It may not sound like much, but our class voted for him because he had a rough life battling multiple handicaps and maintaining the most beautiful spirit. On the drive up my friend and I talk about what we expect at the funeral. Unfortunately, we were right. We got to witness some beautiful memories shared, and a family coming together at the loss of their light. We also got, unfortunately, a call to repentance and a reminder of hell. I reflect on my own theology of care around death, and remember the many funerals at which I have had the honor of officiating.
11:15 a.m. - Friend and I decide we'd rather not stay for the funeral dinner. We opt for meeting my dad for lunch at the local Bob Evans' instead. Hot topic is equal pay for women. He disagrees with me and my friend (both professional women), but we laugh it off.
2:00 p.m. - Arrive back at the office. Things on my to-do list are: studying my monologue ("His compassion-could I forget? *sit; to Jesus, humbled* Is it I?"), returning a few emails, continuing (starting over) the required book I'm supposed to be reading, and outlining a presentation for tomorrow night.
3:15 p.m. - A friend calls. She serves in a church in Kansas, working in middle school youth ministry (God bless her). This is the second time this week that she's consulted on me for a disciplinary question. This time she's pondering confirmation and professions of faith. Her colleague, also a friend of mine, laughs that I am the go-to person for questions of United Methodist Discipline. We have a really great conversation about the role of the church in nurturing young people. We even talk about our theology of baptism.
4:00 p.m. - Senior pastor has a question about Max (pedometer). We troubleshoot and have a mini computer tutorial. I also take the opportunity to remind him that I have more steps than him.
4:30 p.m. - Head home for the evening.
5:00 p.m. - Decide to walk up to downtown from home to get more steps. I have a night without a church commitment, so I'm going out with my "fit fam" (AKA, friends from the gym). It is nice to see everyone in "normal" clothes. I think we look quite attractive when we're not sweaty. We have drinks and play video games at a barcade, head to dinner where G and I give everyone a tutorial on poutine, and then decide afterward that we need cake. We wrap up the evening at our favorite spot in town.
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
5:00 a.m. - alarm. ouch.
5:30 a.m. - This zombie arrives at the gym for an hour or so of exercise. My new friend, Max, is also excited. I rack up more than 10,000 steps before 7 a.m.! At the close of the day I only have around 17,500.
7:20 a.m. - Arrive at the church. I'm waiting for a friend to arrive. We're carpooling to a funeral. In the meantime, I finish folding IHN laundry, and I do what's left of the dishes from campus ministry dinner the night before. Our custodian is the only other person in the building, and we have a quick catch up about the most recent Captain America movie.
8:00 a.m. - on the road for the home town.
8:20 a.m. - Pitstop for coffee. Thank. God.
9:30 a.m. - Arrive at the small town Baptist church for the funeral of our friend. He was our high school prom king. It may not sound like much, but our class voted for him because he had a rough life battling multiple handicaps and maintaining the most beautiful spirit. On the drive up my friend and I talk about what we expect at the funeral. Unfortunately, we were right. We got to witness some beautiful memories shared, and a family coming together at the loss of their light. We also got, unfortunately, a call to repentance and a reminder of hell. I reflect on my own theology of care around death, and remember the many funerals at which I have had the honor of officiating.
11:15 a.m. - Friend and I decide we'd rather not stay for the funeral dinner. We opt for meeting my dad for lunch at the local Bob Evans' instead. Hot topic is equal pay for women. He disagrees with me and my friend (both professional women), but we laugh it off.
2:00 p.m. - Arrive back at the office. Things on my to-do list are: studying my monologue ("His compassion-could I forget? *sit; to Jesus, humbled* Is it I?"), returning a few emails, continuing (starting over) the required book I'm supposed to be reading, and outlining a presentation for tomorrow night.
3:15 p.m. - A friend calls. She serves in a church in Kansas, working in middle school youth ministry (God bless her). This is the second time this week that she's consulted on me for a disciplinary question. This time she's pondering confirmation and professions of faith. Her colleague, also a friend of mine, laughs that I am the go-to person for questions of United Methodist Discipline. We have a really great conversation about the role of the church in nurturing young people. We even talk about our theology of baptism.
4:00 p.m. - Senior pastor has a question about Max (pedometer). We troubleshoot and have a mini computer tutorial. I also take the opportunity to remind him that I have more steps than him.
4:30 p.m. - Head home for the evening.
5:00 p.m. - Decide to walk up to downtown from home to get more steps. I have a night without a church commitment, so I'm going out with my "fit fam" (AKA, friends from the gym). It is nice to see everyone in "normal" clothes. I think we look quite attractive when we're not sweaty. We have drinks and play video games at a barcade, head to dinner where G and I give everyone a tutorial on poutine, and then decide afterward that we need cake. We wrap up the evening at our favorite spot in town.
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
A Week in the Life - Tuesday
4:30 a.m. - Alarm goes off... wishful thinking. I was hoping I'd get to the gym early today. I opt to sleep a little more.
6:00 a.m. - Alarm goes off again. I get up this time and make myself presentable.
6:45 a.m. - Arrive at church and hunt coffee before our sermon starter Bible study. I'm not preaching this Sunday, so I get to just participate. It is a great study, except I inadvertently derail the conversation... whoops...
8:00 a.m. - Head upstairs to grab the laundry from our week of hosting with the Interfaith Hospitality Network.
8:10 a.m. - Straighten up my desk. After Sunday it is usually a disaster.
8:20 a.m. - Return and archive emails.
8:45ish a.m. - On today's list is wedding stuff. I type send scripture suggestions and some vow options to couple 1 (July wedding). I finalize the liturgy for a couple 2 (May wedding), and look over ecumenical prayers for couple 3 (July wedding... my brother-in-law). Spend some time in prayer for a lot of people I know who will be getting married.
I remember I need to go fold laundry. No matter how many times I watch it on youtube.com, I'll never be able to fold a fitted sheet...
10 a.m. - Weekly check in with my supervising pastor. Today's meeting is mostly casual and consists of me setting up his pedometer (read yesterday's blog post).
10:30 a.m. - Spend some time reading a required book for a conference I'll be attending in a few weeks.
11:30 a.m. - Get so hungry I break into my lunch early. Study my monologue for Maundy Thursday drama. I'm Philip!
1:00 p.m. - Head to the gym. I go for a run and struggle with my new pedometer. Remind myself that I've been living a healthy lifestyle for two years, so a pedometer won't break me!
3:00 p.m. - Coffee meeting with pastors who are in a similar appointment as me. At 4:00 our "ring leader" shows up.
4:30 p.m. - Coffee check-in officially ends, and I linger to have another conversation with said "ring leader." He's a valued colleague, and we pack so much into that ten minutes standing outside Panera.
4:45 p.m. - I've lingered too long, and now I rush through the grocery shopping to feed our college small group. Tonight we're having a salad bar. Usually I have more "fun" food, but I personally can't handle a night of bad for me food.
6:00 p.m. - Arrive at church to set out dinner. Can't find can opener in the church kitchen. Sheesh...
6:30 p.m. - Students arrive. We spend a half an hour catching up. They ask me which is more stressful in the life of a pastor, Christmas or Easter? I ponder. I answer "Advent."
7:00 p.m. - Spend the hour on session 4 of Living the Questions: Painting the Stars. These students are smart cookies.
8:00 p.m. - Wrap up and clean up. I've forgotten to turn on the dishwasher to heat up, so I guess I'll do the dishes tomorrow...
8:15 p.m. - Run a few errands before home.
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
6:00 a.m. - Alarm goes off again. I get up this time and make myself presentable.
6:45 a.m. - Arrive at church and hunt coffee before our sermon starter Bible study. I'm not preaching this Sunday, so I get to just participate. It is a great study, except I inadvertently derail the conversation... whoops...
8:00 a.m. - Head upstairs to grab the laundry from our week of hosting with the Interfaith Hospitality Network.
8:10 a.m. - Straighten up my desk. After Sunday it is usually a disaster.
8:20 a.m. - Return and archive emails.
8:45ish a.m. - On today's list is wedding stuff. I type send scripture suggestions and some vow options to couple 1 (July wedding). I finalize the liturgy for a couple 2 (May wedding), and look over ecumenical prayers for couple 3 (July wedding... my brother-in-law). Spend some time in prayer for a lot of people I know who will be getting married.
I remember I need to go fold laundry. No matter how many times I watch it on youtube.com, I'll never be able to fold a fitted sheet...
10 a.m. - Weekly check in with my supervising pastor. Today's meeting is mostly casual and consists of me setting up his pedometer (read yesterday's blog post).
10:30 a.m. - Spend some time reading a required book for a conference I'll be attending in a few weeks.
11:30 a.m. - Get so hungry I break into my lunch early. Study my monologue for Maundy Thursday drama. I'm Philip!
1:00 p.m. - Head to the gym. I go for a run and struggle with my new pedometer. Remind myself that I've been living a healthy lifestyle for two years, so a pedometer won't break me!
3:00 p.m. - Coffee meeting with pastors who are in a similar appointment as me. At 4:00 our "ring leader" shows up.
4:30 p.m. - Coffee check-in officially ends, and I linger to have another conversation with said "ring leader." He's a valued colleague, and we pack so much into that ten minutes standing outside Panera.
4:45 p.m. - I've lingered too long, and now I rush through the grocery shopping to feed our college small group. Tonight we're having a salad bar. Usually I have more "fun" food, but I personally can't handle a night of bad for me food.
6:00 p.m. - Arrive at church to set out dinner. Can't find can opener in the church kitchen. Sheesh...
6:30 p.m. - Students arrive. We spend a half an hour catching up. They ask me which is more stressful in the life of a pastor, Christmas or Easter? I ponder. I answer "Advent."
7:00 p.m. - Spend the hour on session 4 of Living the Questions: Painting the Stars. These students are smart cookies.
8:00 p.m. - Wrap up and clean up. I've forgotten to turn on the dishwasher to heat up, so I guess I'll do the dishes tomorrow...
8:15 p.m. - Run a few errands before home.
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
Monday, April 7, 2014
A Week in the Life - Monday
Monday is one of my days off. Days. Plural. Pastors, if you're reading this you should be taking two!
Anyway (steps off of soap box)...
9:00 a.m. - Out of bed. I'd lay there longer, but the hounds desperately need fed.
10:00 a.m. - Depart on a long walk with my older dog, Lola. We enjoy a stroll through the neighborhood and only manage to get rained on for the last four blocks.
Other activities of the day include: sorting mail, folding laundry, trying to rent a car (customer service left something to be desired), a trip to the library, reading blogs...
2:00 p.m. - Meet friends for coffee. This turns into a bit of work talk, but I don't mind. Mid-conversation, however, I get a phone call from a number I don't know. I answer (which is out of character for me). I shouldn't have. I ended up on the phone for 15 minutes, not able to be attentive to my friends... live and learn, I guess.
3:45 p.m. - Arrive home to get the mail. My new pedometer has arrived. Our household is joining many clergy in the West Ohio Conference in a health tracking system. We've been living quite the healthy lifestyle for the last few years, but a new challenge always spices things up!
5:45 p.m. - The favorite part of my Monday... TurboKick at the gym! So. Many. Burpees.
7:45 p.m. - Home for dinner and relaxing.
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
Anyway (steps off of soap box)...
9:00 a.m. - Out of bed. I'd lay there longer, but the hounds desperately need fed.
10:00 a.m. - Depart on a long walk with my older dog, Lola. We enjoy a stroll through the neighborhood and only manage to get rained on for the last four blocks.
Other activities of the day include: sorting mail, folding laundry, trying to rent a car (customer service left something to be desired), a trip to the library, reading blogs...
2:00 p.m. - Meet friends for coffee. This turns into a bit of work talk, but I don't mind. Mid-conversation, however, I get a phone call from a number I don't know. I answer (which is out of character for me). I shouldn't have. I ended up on the phone for 15 minutes, not able to be attentive to my friends... live and learn, I guess.
3:45 p.m. - Arrive home to get the mail. My new pedometer has arrived. Our household is joining many clergy in the West Ohio Conference in a health tracking system. We've been living quite the healthy lifestyle for the last few years, but a new challenge always spices things up!
5:45 p.m. - The favorite part of my Monday... TurboKick at the gym! So. Many. Burpees.
7:45 p.m. - Home for dinner and relaxing.
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
Sunday, April 6, 2014
A Week in the Life - Sunday
Urban legend is that pastors only work one hour a week. I find that hysterical, as does probably every person to ever work in a church.
4:40 a.m. - Alarm goes off. I had meant to get up early enough to re-write the last paragraph of my sermon. I don't much care for what I have written.
4:56 a.m. - Wake up, resolve to stay awake, and read PostSecret. It is a Sunday morning ritual, of sorts.
5:10 a.m. - Fire up the computer. Re-read sermon, make a few edits (left the last paragraph alone, for the most part), upload to dropbox, and make sure that file opens on my tablet.
5:40 a.m. - Begin to get ready. This particular Sunday includes putting on my clerical collar. The clergy staff at King Avenue United Methodist Church (KA) has taken this on as our collective Lenten Discipline.
6:40 a.m. - Arrive at church. I check on the family that is experiencing homelessness that KA has been hosting for the week through the interfaith hospitality network. J, a 4 year old, flies down the stairs to hug me. Mom is not happy to be awake yet. I can't say that I blame her.
7:00 a.m. - Hunt coffee. Am successful.
7:10 a.m. - Pre-worship touch base with KA pastors. We divide up announcements, double check details of the order of worship, and usually catch up about what we did on Saturday night.
7:40 a.m. - Head down the the worship space. Greet ushers, top off coffee, check in on Foursquare (I'm the mayor... gotta protect my domain). J finds Chris, our music director, and gets a behind the scenes tour of the drum set and tambourine. J is adorable, and has now hugged every single person in the worship space.
8:00 a.m. - Early risers worship begins. I'm preaching. I don't particularly love my sermon, but I always love presiding at communion.
8:45 a.m. - Early risers worship concludes and we make transitions for Morning Blend service. I switch from coffee to water. Pastor John corrects a few of the details that I spaced on during announcements. They're correct the next time.
9:15 a.m. - Morning Blend worship begins. Sermon is better this time, but communion is still the highlight.
10:00 a.m. - Head upstairs to drop off stuff, recoup before next worship service, and touch base with a few folks. There's a meeting I'm supposed to be in, but a pastoral care follow-up arises.
11:00 a.m. - Traditional worship begins. For most of this service I get to sit and enjoy worship while my awesome colleagues lead. Linda and John are such incredible Pastors. I see them both get emotional at a particularly moving moment in our congregation's life. I do head up serving communion at the "back" station.
12:00 p.m. - Worship ends. I try to get to my noon meeting as promptly as I can. I am so thankful that the lay leader of this group is always thoughtful enough to bring snacks. Communion wasn't enough to keep my stomach from growling until then.
12:40 p.m. - Wrap up my mission leads meeting. I quickly head over to drama practice for Maundy Thursday. I get to play the part of Philip. I don't have my monologue memorized, but I'm working on it! I take a moment to be thankful for the leadership of the laity in my congregation. Some of them have been at church as long as I have today!
1:30 p.m. - Walking out of church with my partner. He's lucky that I have restraint. I was so hungry I could have eaten his arm off.
2:30 p.m. - After snarfing Chipotle, I head to the gym. I bang out a rough mile run, then hit the elliptical for a bit. Sunday workouts are usually short, but I'm glad that I got it done.
4:30 p.m. - Head back to church for our healing service. It is my first time at KA's Lenten Healing service. Before the prelude, I quickly run upstairs to make sure the room is set for our IHN family to stay for their final night. I always know we only get to host them for a week, but I've so enjoyed getting to know these women.
6:00 p.m. - After a moving service (and having communion for the 4th time), I head to dinner. G and I have decided that we'll hit one of our favorite eateries in the Short North. I'm still wearing my clerical collar. This isn't a usual thing for me, so I'm surprised when I sit down and the server says, "What's with the priest get-up?" We laugh it off, but I can tell he's a little embarrassed. I'm a little uncomfortable with the attention that the collar attracts. Does that ever go away? This is my 5th year serving as clergy, but I can count the times I've worn my collar outside the church on one hand.
7:30 p.m. - Nope. Walking through the aisle's at Kroger I'm still getting looks. I'll claim that I'm probably over-analyzing.
8:30 p.m. - Home. Stretchy pants on, collar off. Long day.
9:30 p.m. - Engage in my favorite Sunday night ritual: turn off the alarm for Monday. A blissful Sabbath awaits..
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
4:40 a.m. - Alarm goes off. I had meant to get up early enough to re-write the last paragraph of my sermon. I don't much care for what I have written.
4:56 a.m. - Wake up, resolve to stay awake, and read PostSecret. It is a Sunday morning ritual, of sorts.
5:10 a.m. - Fire up the computer. Re-read sermon, make a few edits (left the last paragraph alone, for the most part), upload to dropbox, and make sure that file opens on my tablet.
5:40 a.m. - Begin to get ready. This particular Sunday includes putting on my clerical collar. The clergy staff at King Avenue United Methodist Church (KA) has taken this on as our collective Lenten Discipline.
6:40 a.m. - Arrive at church. I check on the family that is experiencing homelessness that KA has been hosting for the week through the interfaith hospitality network. J, a 4 year old, flies down the stairs to hug me. Mom is not happy to be awake yet. I can't say that I blame her.
7:00 a.m. - Hunt coffee. Am successful.
7:10 a.m. - Pre-worship touch base with KA pastors. We divide up announcements, double check details of the order of worship, and usually catch up about what we did on Saturday night.
7:40 a.m. - Head down the the worship space. Greet ushers, top off coffee, check in on Foursquare (I'm the mayor... gotta protect my domain). J finds Chris, our music director, and gets a behind the scenes tour of the drum set and tambourine. J is adorable, and has now hugged every single person in the worship space.
8:00 a.m. - Early risers worship begins. I'm preaching. I don't particularly love my sermon, but I always love presiding at communion.
8:45 a.m. - Early risers worship concludes and we make transitions for Morning Blend service. I switch from coffee to water. Pastor John corrects a few of the details that I spaced on during announcements. They're correct the next time.
9:15 a.m. - Morning Blend worship begins. Sermon is better this time, but communion is still the highlight.
10:00 a.m. - Head upstairs to drop off stuff, recoup before next worship service, and touch base with a few folks. There's a meeting I'm supposed to be in, but a pastoral care follow-up arises.
11:00 a.m. - Traditional worship begins. For most of this service I get to sit and enjoy worship while my awesome colleagues lead. Linda and John are such incredible Pastors. I see them both get emotional at a particularly moving moment in our congregation's life. I do head up serving communion at the "back" station.
12:00 p.m. - Worship ends. I try to get to my noon meeting as promptly as I can. I am so thankful that the lay leader of this group is always thoughtful enough to bring snacks. Communion wasn't enough to keep my stomach from growling until then.
12:40 p.m. - Wrap up my mission leads meeting. I quickly head over to drama practice for Maundy Thursday. I get to play the part of Philip. I don't have my monologue memorized, but I'm working on it! I take a moment to be thankful for the leadership of the laity in my congregation. Some of them have been at church as long as I have today!
1:30 p.m. - Walking out of church with my partner. He's lucky that I have restraint. I was so hungry I could have eaten his arm off.
2:30 p.m. - After snarfing Chipotle, I head to the gym. I bang out a rough mile run, then hit the elliptical for a bit. Sunday workouts are usually short, but I'm glad that I got it done.
4:30 p.m. - Head back to church for our healing service. It is my first time at KA's Lenten Healing service. Before the prelude, I quickly run upstairs to make sure the room is set for our IHN family to stay for their final night. I always know we only get to host them for a week, but I've so enjoyed getting to know these women.
6:00 p.m. - After a moving service (and having communion for the 4th time), I head to dinner. G and I have decided that we'll hit one of our favorite eateries in the Short North. I'm still wearing my clerical collar. This isn't a usual thing for me, so I'm surprised when I sit down and the server says, "What's with the priest get-up?" We laugh it off, but I can tell he's a little embarrassed. I'm a little uncomfortable with the attention that the collar attracts. Does that ever go away? This is my 5th year serving as clergy, but I can count the times I've worn my collar outside the church on one hand.
7:30 p.m. - Nope. Walking through the aisle's at Kroger I'm still getting looks. I'll claim that I'm probably over-analyzing.
8:30 p.m. - Home. Stretchy pants on, collar off. Long day.
9:30 p.m. - Engage in my favorite Sunday night ritual: turn off the alarm for Monday. A blissful Sabbath awaits..
(A week in the life is a blog series I'm writing to share what a normal week in the life of this pastor looks like. I serve as the Minister of Discipleship and Mission at King Avenue UMC in Columbus, Ohio.)
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
The Last Ten Years…
I’m sitting in my office on my 28th birthday. For
some reason this number has grated on me, and upon self-reflection and silence,
I’ve learned that it is because it feels like the end of an era. The 10th
anniversary of my 18th birthday is upon me, and I can’t help but
feel like a chapter is closing…
Allow me some reflections on the last decade.
Family
The biggest shift for most young adults in the United States
journeying from 18 to 28 is a shift in family. Mine has been no different. At
18, my immediate family was my mother, my father, and my brother. We were all
living in the same home we had lived in since my birth. Things were far from
perfect, but life was good.
At 19 my mother died.
At 20 my father (with the blessing of my brother and I) sold
the house we grew up in.
At 22 my father remarried, and I married my incredible
partner (gaining an awesome set of parents and a brother in the deal).
Also, 22 held the death of my maternal grandmother.
Also, 22 held the death of my maternal grandmother.
Mid-20’s held lots of shifting family dynamics. Those don’t
need re-hashed in the public forum.
At 25 (two years ago, today, to be exact), my paternal
grandmother died.
Now, at 27 my immediate family is my partner and best friend,
Garrett. 11 collective moves have brought us to the home we enjoy now. We look
forward to the addition of a sister to our family when Garrett’s brother
marries an incredible woman this year. We’ve both adjusted to the shift in
family, but neither of us takes for granted a moment of the experience of
growing up in the families we did. Even with the dysfunction (hey, every family
has a weird mouth-kissing uncle, right?), we are who we are because of them.
Education
10 years ago I was finishing up High School. I knew that I’d head to college, but it was my intention to study education. Following in my mother’s footsteps,
I had chosen the classroom. The first week of classes held a different call,
however. I quickly realized my call was not to the classroom, but to the
church. College blessed me with so many people to walk alongside me as I discerned.
Now, three pieces of paper later (HS diploma, B.A. and
M.Div.) I’m not currently in school. I know I have more education in my future,
but I love not stressing about grades.
Vocation
Similar to education, I’m in a different place vocationally
than I thought when I was turning 18. I am an ordained elder in the United
Methodist Church. I’ve worked in so many incredible churches, and I can’t
imagine myself doing anything else. If you’d asked me 10 years ago if I knew I’d
be sitting at a desk with a scattering of books (commentary, hymnal, Bible)
preparing for a sermon, I’d have laughed at you. Now, I’ll still laugh, but it
would be with you. You may think that I’m a strange person to be a pastor, but
thank God for grace, right? More on that topic Sunday (I’m preaching at King Avenue UMC. You should join us).
Friends
Of all of the lessons that the last decade has taught me, I
think friendship lessons have been the hardest to learn. When my mother died,
so many of her friends came to us and said, “Your mother was my best friend.” I
have always admired that my mother maintained so many intimate friendships. The
reality has sunk in though on how hard that is. I’ve had some really wonderful
friendships end, some just by falling apart from one another, some by
separations, some by life changes. And all the while I hear Michael W. Smith
singing, “Friends are friends forever if the Lord’s the Lord of them.” I beg to
differ, MWS. Sometimes we need to let friendships die with dignity, honoring
the life they held and looking fondly back upon the roadtrips and inside jokes
without taking heroic measures to bring it back to the poor quality of life
that they would hold.
I’ve learned to invest in life giving friendships. Accountable friendships. Healthy friendships. And with the friends that I’ve established at this stage in my life, I can humbly say that I’m not sure why they keep me around. I’m generally a mess. But really, aren't we all?
I’ve learned to invest in life giving friendships. Accountable friendships. Healthy friendships. And with the friends that I’ve established at this stage in my life, I can humbly say that I’m not sure why they keep me around. I’m generally a mess. But really, aren't we all?
Health
I heard a proverb this year:
Birthdays are good for your health. The more you have, the longer you’ll live.
So. True. And if I want to keep having birthdays, I need to treat my body with the respect it deserves. Some days that means skipping the tasty sweet laid out in the church office, and some days it means heading to the gym even though I don’t want to. I want to be around to support the awesome family and friends that surround me. I want to be healthy enough to engage in ministry for years to come. I want to be that woman with grey hair she earned and wears proudly.
So on this, the 10th anniversary of my 18th birthday, maybe now I can consider myself an adult. But I hope that I never fully grow up.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Where do you come from?
I come from Upper Sandusky, small town Ohio at its finest. I still remember the birthdays of my elementary classmates. I can still sing the songs that Mrs. Minehart taught us in the John Stewart UMC junior choir. I remember the names of each of my pastors, and I remember the laughs of each of their wives.
I come from Ohio Northern University, when the chaplain had a granddaughter named Anna. I learned from some of the best professors I know, some of whom gave me A's. I stayed up late giggling with my Kappa Phi sisters, eating Waffle House with the brothers of Sigma Theta (never mind the ones I dated). Under the chapel bells I found my second home, from late night prayers to Unlimited Sharing retreats. I made friends who are my dearest friends to date.
I come from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, where I met people both people I dislike and people I enjoy, all of whom will make great pastors, partners, counselors, and dedicated lay servants. Again, I learned from some of the best educators, some of whom gave me A's.
I come from the Darby Plains Larger Parish, my first congregations. They listened to some really awful sermons, but saw my honest tears as I cried with them in joyful baptisms and sorrowful losses. I flubbed charge conference paperwork, and moved slowly through my process towards Ordination. They made delicious cake to celebrate my seminary graduation, and they graciously waved as I drove away for my next appointment.
I come from North Broadway UMC. They, too, listened to some really awful sermons, but they loved me even when I broke Wesley's arm. Their pastor taught me more than a I could have ever learned on my own. They prayed me through my Ordination interviews, and allowed their own CB to carry my banner. I can't wait until I see his banner.
I come from King Avenue UMC where my shoes and my diction never go unappreciated. I don't simply pray for this incredible church, I pray with it. The people at KA are so devoted to their faith and community. They smile when I still get giddy over wearing stoles. Does it ever get old? I already dread the day I get reappointed.
What I know is that from all the places I come, I don't journey alone. Thank God for the path, both what is behind me and what is before me.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
A Hummingbird's Call
Nestled in the village of Upper Sandusky is a one room church. Unless you knew this church existed, you might miss it amid the forest of grave stones that surround it. This small church, known as the "Old Mission Church." The church was founded by John Stewart in 1816 as a mission to the Wyandot Indians. It was soon recognized as the first official mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America. This church holds a great history for many, and I am no exception.
Though the building functions mostly as a historical site, during the summers, churches from the community come together to worship once weekly, early Sunday morning. In my childhood, I looked forward to getting up early and making the drive with my father to Old Mission. We parked at the edge of the cemetery and walked up the stone path that my family helped lay. My father and I always arrived early, often beating Jean, the keeper of the building, to the door. We would spend a few moments sitting on the benches outside the building, enjoying the morning sunrise as the mist rose over the grave stones.
The Sunday I most looked forward to each summer was the Sunday closest to the 4th of July. It was on that Sunday that my dear "grandpa" was invited to speak.
Eagle-Bear is a proud Wyandot Indian and a United Methodist lay speaker in the East Ohio Conference.
In both of our younger years, I would wait patiently next to my father to watch "Black-Horse" (his motorcycle) crest the hill and drive the winding path to the church. I knew we would catch up, asking how his wife, Precious-Moments, was. He would then turn his attention to me. To meet my youth, he always had a small gift. A peacock feather, a small raccoon pin, a small stitched doll handmade by P-M, and other trinkets are still reminders of those days. The most lasting gift came, however, after we walked into Old Mission.
Eagle-Bear always put me to work. Whether handing out bulletins, passing out hymnals, or passing the plate, I knew that I was important to Eagle-Bear in the work of bringing the Gospel. I never felt patronized for being a child or for being a girl, but instead felt a respected member of the community of faith.
When it came time to choose my confirmation sponsor in the fall of 1997, I knew no other choice than Eagle-Bear. He was not only a grandfather to me (having not had much relationship with my biological grandfathers), but also a faith giant. I recalled the passion with which he would sign the Lord's Prayer. I remember how he would preach himself exhausted. I remember how he met each hug and handshake with grace and peace. He represented his people and his God. He radiated love.
On the day of my confirmation, Eagle-Bear gave me the greatest gift. He presented me with a Wyandot name. "Little Hummingbird." Hummingbirds are creatures of color and energy, agility and grace, bearing witness to their creator. Though the name seemed "Little," it felt like a lot to live into.
From then on Eagle-Bears visits did not contain physical gifts, but contained messages and encouragements. Even throughout college I valued the few words that Eagle-Bear and I exchanged. Though at times his health wavered, his spirit and passion never did. Though there are many mentors I can thank for nurturing my call into ministry, Eagle-Bear was the first. I remember the joy on his face as I told him one July morning that I was entering the process toward ordained ministry. He clasped my face in his hands and said, "You're a beautiful woman of God. You always have been. This is what you're meant for."
Yes, friend, this is what I was meant for. I will be ordained as an Elder in Full Connection in the West Ohio Annual Conference on June 11, 2013. As I reflect on the many people who nurtured my call, Eagle-Bear stands out. Thanks, Grandpa, for seeing something in me before I saw it in myself.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| The Old Mission Church and Cemetery. I helped lay that stone path when I was just a few years old. |
Though the building functions mostly as a historical site, during the summers, churches from the community come together to worship once weekly, early Sunday morning. In my childhood, I looked forward to getting up early and making the drive with my father to Old Mission. We parked at the edge of the cemetery and walked up the stone path that my family helped lay. My father and I always arrived early, often beating Jean, the keeper of the building, to the door. We would spend a few moments sitting on the benches outside the building, enjoying the morning sunrise as the mist rose over the grave stones.
 |
| Sorry, pictures of pictures are never great quality, but this is a photo of me and Eagle Bear. I'm holding a doll that P-M made for me. |
The Sunday I most looked forward to each summer was the Sunday closest to the 4th of July. It was on that Sunday that my dear "grandpa" was invited to speak.
Eagle-Bear is a proud Wyandot Indian and a United Methodist lay speaker in the East Ohio Conference.
In both of our younger years, I would wait patiently next to my father to watch "Black-Horse" (his motorcycle) crest the hill and drive the winding path to the church. I knew we would catch up, asking how his wife, Precious-Moments, was. He would then turn his attention to me. To meet my youth, he always had a small gift. A peacock feather, a small raccoon pin, a small stitched doll handmade by P-M, and other trinkets are still reminders of those days. The most lasting gift came, however, after we walked into Old Mission.
Eagle-Bear always put me to work. Whether handing out bulletins, passing out hymnals, or passing the plate, I knew that I was important to Eagle-Bear in the work of bringing the Gospel. I never felt patronized for being a child or for being a girl, but instead felt a respected member of the community of faith.
When it came time to choose my confirmation sponsor in the fall of 1997, I knew no other choice than Eagle-Bear. He was not only a grandfather to me (having not had much relationship with my biological grandfathers), but also a faith giant. I recalled the passion with which he would sign the Lord's Prayer. I remember how he would preach himself exhausted. I remember how he met each hug and handshake with grace and peace. He represented his people and his God. He radiated love.
On the day of my confirmation, Eagle-Bear gave me the greatest gift. He presented me with a Wyandot name. "Little Hummingbird." Hummingbirds are creatures of color and energy, agility and grace, bearing witness to their creator. Though the name seemed "Little," it felt like a lot to live into.
 |
| The Hummingbird necklace that I often wear. |
From then on Eagle-Bears visits did not contain physical gifts, but contained messages and encouragements. Even throughout college I valued the few words that Eagle-Bear and I exchanged. Though at times his health wavered, his spirit and passion never did. Though there are many mentors I can thank for nurturing my call into ministry, Eagle-Bear was the first. I remember the joy on his face as I told him one July morning that I was entering the process toward ordained ministry. He clasped my face in his hands and said, "You're a beautiful woman of God. You always have been. This is what you're meant for."
Yes, friend, this is what I was meant for. I will be ordained as an Elder in Full Connection in the West Ohio Annual Conference on June 11, 2013. As I reflect on the many people who nurtured my call, Eagle-Bear stands out. Thanks, Grandpa, for seeing something in me before I saw it in myself.
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| Eagle Bear, 2006 |
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This blog post is part of the Exploration 2013 synchblog calling ordained and commissioned clergy to talk about “who called you on your journey of ministry?” Join the synchblog (even after today!) here.
Exploration is a three-day event for young adults age 18-26 to hear, discern, and respond to God’s call to ordained ministry and to explore their gifts for service as a deacon or elder in The United Methodist Church. If you have sensed God might be calling you to ordained ministry, wondered what ministry in The United Methodist Church is all about, would like help sifting through issues involved in an ordained vocation, or want to learn more about The United Methodist seminaries and theological schools, this gathering is for you. Sign up today.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Election Day
If you don't want to hear my whining and excuses for why I haven't written, skip down to below the line...
I am making an effort to blog at least once a week. I am doing a lot of writing otherwise and should make this a discipline. I've found myself in situations thinking, "I'd really like to blog about that." So, friends, here it goes (again). *good luck getting this out of your head*
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Cue John Mellancamp (Cougar? No Cougar? Who can be sure?)
I was born in a small town...
My first experience voting was making the pilgrimage to the basement of the Upper Sandusky Library. It was the primaries before the 2004 election, and I was allowed to vote before I was 18. It was exciting. I wore my sticker proudly.
Through college I dutifully drove home each time there was a vote. I even drove to Marseilles to vote in the fire station with two people working the polls. I was raised to understand that my vote counted, and after living through (albeit not old enough to vote in) the 2000 election, I took my rite to vote seriously.
Fast forward to 2012.
I read a blog post in which a man (white and most likely middle aged) called himself entitled to vote. I was upset... ok, enraged, actually... I have sat through enough classes (thanks, Dr. Person and Dr. Lobody) to know that the right to vote was hard earned by many groups of people. As a woman, I especially loved taking a class in seminary on the Social Gospel Movement, learning the stories of suffragettes who I now hold as mothers of the faith. The tireless work of many have earned the right to vote for the masses.
So as my partner and I drove to the early voting center here in Columbus, I was happy to live into my right to vote. I trudged through the shouters, politely smiled at my political party's offer of a sample ballot, and took my place in the line at the abandoned Kohl's to cast my ballot.
And, as is tradition, I received my "I *shape of Ohio meant to look like a heart*Voting" sticker, I wondered whether I should put it on my shirt right then and there, or wait.
I waited.
I'm glad I waited, because today, watching the news coverage of people standing out in the blustery air waiting to vote, I found myself missing the days of catching up with neighbors while waiting for the red, white, and blue striped curtain to open in the voting booth. I voted early because this is my first presidential election living in the Capitol City of THE swing state. Yes, I know you're jealous.
But regardless, I count myself honored (not entitled) to have cast a ballot in this election. I hope you'll do the same, whether you're walking into the fire station of a one stop sign town or standing in a line wrapped around the city block. Exercise your right. Vote.
I am making an effort to blog at least once a week. I am doing a lot of writing otherwise and should make this a discipline. I've found myself in situations thinking, "I'd really like to blog about that." So, friends, here it goes (again). *good luck getting this out of your head*
---------------------------
Cue John Mellancamp (Cougar? No Cougar? Who can be sure?)
I was born in a small town...
My first experience voting was making the pilgrimage to the basement of the Upper Sandusky Library. It was the primaries before the 2004 election, and I was allowed to vote before I was 18. It was exciting. I wore my sticker proudly.
Through college I dutifully drove home each time there was a vote. I even drove to Marseilles to vote in the fire station with two people working the polls. I was raised to understand that my vote counted, and after living through (albeit not old enough to vote in) the 2000 election, I took my rite to vote seriously.
Fast forward to 2012.
I read a blog post in which a man (white and most likely middle aged) called himself entitled to vote. I was upset... ok, enraged, actually... I have sat through enough classes (thanks, Dr. Person and Dr. Lobody) to know that the right to vote was hard earned by many groups of people. As a woman, I especially loved taking a class in seminary on the Social Gospel Movement, learning the stories of suffragettes who I now hold as mothers of the faith. The tireless work of many have earned the right to vote for the masses.
So as my partner and I drove to the early voting center here in Columbus, I was happy to live into my right to vote. I trudged through the shouters, politely smiled at my political party's offer of a sample ballot, and took my place in the line at the abandoned Kohl's to cast my ballot.
And, as is tradition, I received my "I *shape of Ohio meant to look like a heart*
I waited.
I'm glad I waited, because today, watching the news coverage of people standing out in the blustery air waiting to vote, I found myself missing the days of catching up with neighbors while waiting for the red, white, and blue striped curtain to open in the voting booth. I voted early because this is my first presidential election living in the Capitol City of THE swing state. Yes, I know you're jealous.
But regardless, I count myself honored (not entitled) to have cast a ballot in this election. I hope you'll do the same, whether you're walking into the fire station of a one stop sign town or standing in a line wrapped around the city block. Exercise your right. Vote.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Sneaky
RT @amylippoldt: "God is sneaky. God tends to murmur to our hearts." (rather than call in big obvious ways). #explo2011
This video is titled, "You Sneaky Mom!" When we talked this morning at Exploration about God being sneaky, this is all I can think about.
But in reality, when it comes to our calling, God is sneaky. Sometimes it is by putting us in conversation with someone unexpected. Sometimes it is getting us to an event that we're not sure about but it is life changing.
And sometimes God is most sneaky by leading us gently into what we are called to be and do. I have shared with my small how I was never one to feel scared or try to run away from what God has called for me. God was "sneaky" in the still, small voice that guided me gently but steadily toward vocational ministry.
The paths that we find ourselves on toward ministry are never the same. We have varying reactions to our call to ministry in whatever form that takes. But we are all called.
But in reality, when it comes to our calling, God is sneaky. Sometimes it is by putting us in conversation with someone unexpected. Sometimes it is getting us to an event that we're not sure about but it is life changing.
And sometimes God is most sneaky by leading us gently into what we are called to be and do. I have shared with my small how I was never one to feel scared or try to run away from what God has called for me. God was "sneaky" in the still, small voice that guided me gently but steadily toward vocational ministry.
The paths that we find ourselves on toward ministry are never the same. We have varying reactions to our call to ministry in whatever form that takes. But we are all called.
Dream
(This is my post from last night... I don't have internet access in my room, so I post when I can.)
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. I think that if you were my husband you would disagree. He called me this afternoon to see how my flight was, and I blew him off to talk to someone who had great questions about GCSRW. Telling him I’d call him *right back,* I bid him a good afternoon. Now, it is 11:09 (in St. Louis). Finally calling him back, he answers in a groggy tone. CRAP. I forgot about the time difference. I’ve just disturbed his slumber. But I have so much I want to tell him about today.
I want to tell him that Mark Miller sang one of our favorite songs. “All Are Welcome” has become an instant favorite not only at the church I serve (North Broadway United Methodist Church, a Reconciling Congregation), but also a favorite in our household. I took a video of Mark and the singers performing the chorus and attempted to send it to Garrett, and the video was too large…
I also wanted to tell him that I ran into Andrew, one of the members of my small group in 2007 (who also bought our washer/dryer before we moved). Garrett got to meet him and his fiancé, hear about their journey of faith, and the four of us shared what it was like to be married and in ministry. I tried to text Garrett, but in the lower level of the hotel, I couldn’t get enough signal to send.
I want to share how a woman in my small group has had deep conversations with her husband about the meaning of baptism, and how a man has shared about how he and his wife have had conversations about baptism, children, and in-laws. Another small group member orders her pizza the same way my husband does. I didn’t want to ruin the sacred moments in our small group to reach for my cell phone to text him. I value the sharing that happened and didn’t want to be the one to take us out of the mindset and soul-state that God had called us into.
So many incredible things are already happening at Exploration. I shared with someone today how this is my third Exploration (Florida as a participant, Texas as a recruiter/small group leader, St. Louis as a recruiter/blogger/tweeter/small group leader/agency representative), and how this event holds deep meaning for me. She then said, “I can see how this event has deep meaning for the Church.”
Rev. Hamilton spoke of his hope that of the 600(ish) gathered in the hall for worship, 300 would be called to ordained ministry. He then went on to share that each United Methodist pastor will serve approximately 8 churches (Does my two-point charge count as two? That means I am at three now… see honey, only 5 more churches… 5 more moves… that doesn’t sound too awfully, right?). If the math is correct, that means the ministry of those gathered will touch around 2,400 churches. Do you feel as though that is enough churches to change the trajectory of the United Methodist Church? Rev. Hamilton thinks so. I do, too.
We have each been called to this place not to discern if we are called to ministry, but to discern what our ministry will look like. Each of us was invited to remember our baptism, a calling in and of itself, and dream God-sized dreams for our ministries. Blessings on your dreaming!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
I Am a Woman
I am a woman
born of God
I am a woman
born of love
I am caring and competent
vulnerable and powerful
seeking wholeness
physically, emotionally, and spiritually
I am a woman
reaching out to others
making a difference in myself
my family
community
church
and the world
I am empowering myself
to empower others
I am struggling to accept my anger
and use it to gain strength, confidence,
courage, and intimacy with others
I am a woman
who sees the interconnectedness of all human beings
who values the unique gifts of all
I am a woman who leads and follows
who accepts responsibility for myself
and the choices I make
Yes, I am a woman
who sees each day as a new beginning
a chance to grow in self, love, and service
I am a woman
born of God
I am a woman
born of love
And I can be
All that I am
- Ms Katherine Tyler Scott
This is one of the first prayers in Women's Uncommon Prayers: Our Lives Revealed, Nurtured, Celebrated. I have found many of the prayers in the book moving already, and I look forward to praying many more of them.
After church on Sunday a gentleman introduced himself to me. He had been a member of North Broadway United Methodist Church when he was younger. In the years between then and now, he had dabbled in many denominations and faiths, finding space for worship in the Baha'i faith at times. He was visiting his sister, a member of NBUMC, and he spoke to me of how exciting it was for him to come back to his home church and see worship being led by two energetic, called, and capable women. He talked about how he used to be frustrated when he came "home" to find the wall of pastors filled with the pictures of staunch looking men. We chatted about the place of women within not only the United Methodist Church, but in the Church as a whole and in other faiths as well.
As I walked home (so yes, the walk is short because I live across the parking lot) and the time after, I found myself thinking about how I count myself blessed to work with a female senior pastor. She has journeyed in many places that I myself hope to someday journey, and she has the experiences to share with me as we journey in ministry.
I have so many women in ministry to look up to, so I don't want to sound brag-y about just one. God has placed so many remarkable women in my life. I am so thankful that the United Methodist Church is a place that values and recognizes the call of women. I know that there is still work to be done (shout out to my GCSRW sisters and brothers), but on this particularly mundane Tuesday, I am taking a moment to be thankful for Rev. Dr. Stevens and all the other women with whom I am in ministry. I am blessed to count you as colleagues and friends.
After church on Sunday a gentleman introduced himself to me. He had been a member of North Broadway United Methodist Church when he was younger. In the years between then and now, he had dabbled in many denominations and faiths, finding space for worship in the Baha'i faith at times. He was visiting his sister, a member of NBUMC, and he spoke to me of how exciting it was for him to come back to his home church and see worship being led by two energetic, called, and capable women. He talked about how he used to be frustrated when he came "home" to find the wall of pastors filled with the pictures of staunch looking men. We chatted about the place of women within not only the United Methodist Church, but in the Church as a whole and in other faiths as well.
As I walked home (so yes, the walk is short because I live across the parking lot) and the time after, I found myself thinking about how I count myself blessed to work with a female senior pastor. She has journeyed in many places that I myself hope to someday journey, and she has the experiences to share with me as we journey in ministry.
I have so many women in ministry to look up to, so I don't want to sound brag-y about just one. God has placed so many remarkable women in my life. I am so thankful that the United Methodist Church is a place that values and recognizes the call of women. I know that there is still work to be done (shout out to my GCSRW sisters and brothers), but on this particularly mundane Tuesday, I am taking a moment to be thankful for Rev. Dr. Stevens and all the other women with whom I am in ministry. I am blessed to count you as colleagues and friends.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
You may now kiss...
Oh dear... watch this video:
Apart from being wildly funny (in my opinion), the Improv Everywhere wedding has alerted me to a dilemma for clergy.
Did you see how when they shared their kiss you could see the officiant's head in the background?
You didn't? Watch it again.
Did you see how when they shared their kiss you could see the officiant's head in the background?
You didn't? Watch it again.
I have a picture of myself in the same situation!
Photography by Jennifer Snyder
This beautiful couple had one of the most fun and touching weddings I've officiated! But here, in their stunning first kiss, one can see my crazy mug below their chins and above their shoulders!
And again! When I married my husband's fraternity brother (wait...) When I officiated at the wedding of my husband's fraternity brother and dear friend, it happened again! Two lovely people who now have my right arm forever captured in their photo. UGH!
When the officiant invites the couple to smooch, I don't know many couples who could politely wait to kiss until the officiant steps out of the way of the picture!
Clergy, what do you do? And do you have similar pictures? I'd love to compile them and post another entry of our invasion of first kisses!
Clergy, what do you do? And do you have similar pictures? I'd love to compile them and post another entry of our invasion of first kisses!
Friday, September 23, 2011
top 10 hymns
My friend, Diane (who I've mentioned in an earlier post), just created another brilliant blog experience. She challenged bloggers and friends to list their favorite hymns. Her challenge comes with a few rules:
1 - Hymns must be included in the 1989 United Methodist Hymnal, so no The Faith We Sing hymns may be included (excluding, to my dismay, We Are Called).
2 - It must make your heart thrill to hear/sing it.
3 - You must be able to sing at least one verse by heart.
So, in no particular order, my top 10 favorite hymns:
So, in no particular order, my top 10 favorite hymns:
159 - Lift High the Cross (Newbolt) - Nothing beats the descant from Ada First UMC on this one, but it holds a place on the list for many reasons.
555 - Forward Through the Ages (Hosmer) - This will be sung at my funeral. Take note.
707 - Hymn of Promise (Sleeth)
302 - Christ the Lord is Risen Today (C. Wesley) - There is just something about the Hallelujah's after you haven't sung them for 40+ days.
203 - Hail to the Lord's Annointed (Montgomery)
400 - Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Robinson) - I must say that I hear Sufjan Stevens and/or David Crowder usually when I think of this.
147 - All Things Bright and Beautiful (Alexander)
369 - Blessed Assurance (Crosby) - I don't always love the blood language, but I love Fanny Crosby and I love the tune and I love the song. I stand by my choice.
92 - For the Beauty of the Earth (Pierpoint)
211 - O Come, O Come Emmanuel (15th Century French) - I am an Easter woman, but is it really possible to list ten hymns from the UMH and not include an Advent hymn?
So what are yours? If you are non-United Methodist, your own denominational hymnal will work... even though it won't be nearly as much fun...
Monday, September 19, 2011
-isms
Recently I watched the movie "The Help" (after reading the book, of course). In a scene the main character, Skeeter, is walking through a newspaper office full of cigarette smoke to the enclosed office of the manager. When she opens the door and walks in she does not shut the door behind her. The manager yells at her (and the quote is not exact here), "Shut the door! Eventually they're going to figure out that those things'll kill ya!"
I have just returned home from Crucible, a leadership development program for ordained and provisional members in the West Ohio Annual Conference. The first retreat was a personal development retreat that focused on wholeness, wellness, prayer, and solitude. Among the many topics we addressed, we talked about workaholism.
Our presenter, Ruth Haley Barton, stated that workaholism is the -ism of our generation. It is important for leaders, both secular and religious, need to understand that workaholism is an addiction. It will not only destroy career, but self, family and many other vital aspects of our lives. I was so surprised to hear how many pastors in the room don't take even one day off per week. Many confessed to feeling a drive within them that would lead them into self-destructive behaviors. Perfectionism, overdrive, and technology mix to form a fatal cocktail that will seem successful until the great crash and burn that will cause many to leave vocations, families, and even life behind.
Why don't we understand that workaholism will kill us?
I tweeted last night about being frustrated that I would likely have to do work on my day off as a result of being at the Crucible retreat. One pastor working in a non-parish setting replied, "Day off?" I know that she was joking, but why do we expect pastors and people in so many other vocations to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
I think the attitudes are beginning to shift, but but how can we honestly examine our own work patterns and realize that when our work cannot be accomplished in 50-60 hours it does *not* mean that we should simply work longer and harder! Our spirits, our minds, and our bodies are not made to function as a workaholic.
I have made a few goals to start examining my workaholic ways. Here is one:
I will buy an alarm clock so that I can turn my cell phone off each night. Not just on silent and ignoring it, but turning it off and not attending to twitter, facebook, and email in the middle of the night.
What will you do so that you do not succumb to the addiction of workaholism?
I tweeted last night about being frustrated that I would likely have to do work on my day off as a result of being at the Crucible retreat. One pastor working in a non-parish setting replied, "Day off?" I know that she was joking, but why do we expect pastors and people in so many other vocations to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
I think the attitudes are beginning to shift, but but how can we honestly examine our own work patterns and realize that when our work cannot be accomplished in 50-60 hours it does *not* mean that we should simply work longer and harder! Our spirits, our minds, and our bodies are not made to function as a workaholic.
I have made a few goals to start examining my workaholic ways. Here is one:
I will buy an alarm clock so that I can turn my cell phone off each night. Not just on silent and ignoring it, but turning it off and not attending to twitter, facebook, and email in the middle of the night.
What will you do so that you do not succumb to the addiction of workaholism?
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Passion and Possibility in St. Louis
My name is different. Then? Anna Barrett. Now? Anna Guillozet.
My home is different. Then? Ada, Ohio. Now? Columbus, Ohio.
My status within the United Methodist Church is different. Then? Laity. Now? Clergy.
Of all of the things have brought me to the place I find myself now, Exploration was a stand out experience in getting me to where I am now.
A junior at Ohio Northern University, I journeyed to Tampa in 2006 to hang out with my friends and hopefully try to piece together an identity which would carry me after college. What I got was so much more...
There I met a (now dear) friend who shared with me what it was like to enroll in seminary, have a partner who stood by her but understood that her calling was her own, and what calling looked like in her life.
Three years later, I went to Dallas as a second year seminarian, clear of my calling to the order of elder in the United Methodist Church. I served as a small group leader to eight smart, gifted, and called young adults (with whom I still talk today). I kept in my head the experience I had in Tampa, hoping to be the person who shaped the life of a young person in a way that was meaningful. All eight young adults in my small group are living God's call in their lives in ways that a powerful. Few are pursuing ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church.
I know that as I attend Exploration 2011 I will be the one being blessed. There are few things more sacred than to live among the questions. Young adults from across the country will come together to explore, question, form, talk, laugh, sing, worship and pray together. Of all the ways in which God is calling me to ministry, I am blessed to witness Passion and Possibility.
A junior at Ohio Northern University, I journeyed to Tampa in 2006 to hang out with my friends and hopefully try to piece together an identity which would carry me after college. What I got was so much more...
There I met a (now dear) friend who shared with me what it was like to enroll in seminary, have a partner who stood by her but understood that her calling was her own, and what calling looked like in her life.
Three years later, I went to Dallas as a second year seminarian, clear of my calling to the order of elder in the United Methodist Church. I served as a small group leader to eight smart, gifted, and called young adults (with whom I still talk today). I kept in my head the experience I had in Tampa, hoping to be the person who shaped the life of a young person in a way that was meaningful. All eight young adults in my small group are living God's call in their lives in ways that a powerful. Few are pursuing ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church.
I know that as I attend Exploration 2011 I will be the one being blessed. There are few things more sacred than to live among the questions. Young adults from across the country will come together to explore, question, form, talk, laugh, sing, worship and pray together. Of all the ways in which God is calling me to ministry, I am blessed to witness Passion and Possibility.
I ask that you pray with me. Pray for the young adults attending. Pray for those who will travel to support them in understanding calling. Pray that God will open their hearts to a great calling, unique to each young person. Pray that the young adults leave the event not with answers, but equipped to ask the challenging questions.
What are the meaningful experiences of call in your life? What questions are you still in the midst of asking?
What are the meaningful experiences of call in your life? What questions are you still in the midst of asking?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The "Fat" Stigma
So, I am not a "small" woman. I never have been. I never remember easily finding jeans in my size. I have generally been happy with the shape my body is.
... but I have recently been made aware that in the culture I am immersed in, my body is often the subject of other conversations. Many others believe that my body is not only mine, but theirs to comment upon. I understand that my body shape is not what society is most comfortable or familiar with, but it is real. I have *shape.* I have *hips.* I am *curvy.* That has, on more than one occasion, opened (against my will) discussion about my body. A few times folks have asked me if I am expecting. Surely you can read into all the reasons this is offensive to me, one who has never been pregnant.
Self-confidence issues that resulted from those comments aside, this question is only one of the few times that my body has been the subject of unwanted and uncomfortable commenting.
I recently experienced another instance. I was in a setting where I was not the only overweight person in the conversation. One person (a man... I feel like this is a relevant fact, despite my effort to remain situationally ambiguous) pointed out the fact that not only he was overweight, but I was, too. I believe that I handled the situation with grace. I dealt with his questioning about my healthcare habits in the best way that I could. I stated that I knew that I could stand to lose a few pounds. It was uncomfortable (and I believe inappropriate).
So after the conversation was concluded, and those involved were loitering in a setting with others who were not involved, I found myself with a grumbling stomach. I had not eaten yet that day. As I stood in front of the food/drink spread, I found myself debating between a cookie and a banana. What I wanted was a cookie. What did I choose? A banana. As I peeled and consumed the banana, I kept my eyes on those around me. I chose the banana over the cookie because I didn't want to see the man who had drawn attention to my "fatness" to see the fat woman eating a cookie. "Hey, LOOK AT ME! I chose a banana!"
... but I have recently been made aware that in the culture I am immersed in, my body is often the subject of other conversations. Many others believe that my body is not only mine, but theirs to comment upon. I understand that my body shape is not what society is most comfortable or familiar with, but it is real. I have *shape.* I have *hips.* I am *curvy.* That has, on more than one occasion, opened (against my will) discussion about my body. A few times folks have asked me if I am expecting. Surely you can read into all the reasons this is offensive to me, one who has never been pregnant.
Self-confidence issues that resulted from those comments aside, this question is only one of the few times that my body has been the subject of unwanted and uncomfortable commenting.
I recently experienced another instance. I was in a setting where I was not the only overweight person in the conversation. One person (a man... I feel like this is a relevant fact, despite my effort to remain situationally ambiguous) pointed out the fact that not only he was overweight, but I was, too. I believe that I handled the situation with grace. I dealt with his questioning about my healthcare habits in the best way that I could. I stated that I knew that I could stand to lose a few pounds. It was uncomfortable (and I believe inappropriate).
So after the conversation was concluded, and those involved were loitering in a setting with others who were not involved, I found myself with a grumbling stomach. I had not eaten yet that day. As I stood in front of the food/drink spread, I found myself debating between a cookie and a banana. What I wanted was a cookie. What did I choose? A banana. As I peeled and consumed the banana, I kept my eyes on those around me. I chose the banana over the cookie because I didn't want to see the man who had drawn attention to my "fatness" to see the fat woman eating a cookie. "Hey, LOOK AT ME! I chose a banana!"
And I am not the only person who feels this way. I know of many other situations in which a person does not want to be seen eating a certain item or drinking a certain drink for fear of being stigmatized for being fat.
I am reminded of a recent episode of "What would you do?" on ABC. A larger woman is sitting in a restaurant and orders a large meal (I don't remember exactly what) of fried/fatty food. The server (an actor who is really "in" on the situation with the actor playing the customer) berates the "fat" woman for ordering "fat" food. Very rarely do any of the unsuspecting onlookers stand up on behalf of the customer. If anything, they side with the server.
I am reminded of a recent episode of "What would you do?" on ABC. A larger woman is sitting in a restaurant and orders a large meal (I don't remember exactly what) of fried/fatty food. The server (an actor who is really "in" on the situation with the actor playing the customer) berates the "fat" woman for ordering "fat" food. Very rarely do any of the unsuspecting onlookers stand up on behalf of the customer. If anything, they side with the server.
So here is the question: is this fat stigma in the mind of me, the writer, and other "fat" people, or is this an honest societal issue that needs dealt with?
Sunday, March 13, 2011
On the Eve...
Dear Anna,
Tomorrow is a life changing day.* You're nervous about it, I know. I am telling you the same thing I tell brides and grooms on their wedding day. If you weren't nervous about it, I'd be worried. It is a big day with a lot of meaning.
... that being said, please remember that tomorrow does not define you. A committee can not negate a call. A board can not take away your identity. Sure, they may vote no, but even if they do you will still be a beloved child of God, one who is called and claimed.
You have done the work. You have prepared. You have prayed. You have been prayed for. No matter how tomorrow turns out, you will still be you. The outcome may or may not be what you had desired, but you are a strong woman who will make the best out of whatever may come.
~ Anna ~
Tomorrow is a life changing day.* You're nervous about it, I know. I am telling you the same thing I tell brides and grooms on their wedding day. If you weren't nervous about it, I'd be worried. It is a big day with a lot of meaning.
... that being said, please remember that tomorrow does not define you. A committee can not negate a call. A board can not take away your identity. Sure, they may vote no, but even if they do you will still be a beloved child of God, one who is called and claimed.
You have done the work. You have prepared. You have prayed. You have been prayed for. No matter how tomorrow turns out, you will still be you. The outcome may or may not be what you had desired, but you are a strong woman who will make the best out of whatever may come.
I promise I will always love you for who you are and who God has shaped you to be. No one will change that, no matter what you may be feeling.
Remember the quote you love so much...
"So I walk like I'm on a mission 'cause that's the way I groove. I've got more and more to do. I've get less and less to prove. It took me too long to realize that I don't take good pictures 'cause I have the kind of beauty that moves."
Remember the quote you love so much...
"So I walk like I'm on a mission 'cause that's the way I groove. I've got more and more to do. I've get less and less to prove. It took me too long to realize that I don't take good pictures 'cause I have the kind of beauty that moves."
~ Anna ~
* written on the eve of my interview for commissioning as an Elder in the United Methodist Church
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