Songbird challenged us of the RevGalBlogPals with the following:
This weekend I must do the dreaded college FINANCIAL AID paperwork for my oldest. Even though it is the third time around, I am no better at it than I was the first. I suspect I will be practicing avoidance and getting it done at the last.possible.moment.Thus our Friday Five: name five things you do when you are trying to avoid doing what you really need to do.
So what are the five things I do to avoid doing what I really need to do:
1. I am suppose to be finishing things up for Sunday morning worship, and instead I am blogging.
2. I sleep.
3. I clean, no joke, well I at least sort through the pile of papers and mail everywhere.
4. I surf the web.
5. I surf the tv. M-M-M maybe this is the actually #1
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Friday, April 28, 2006
Bishop Will Willimon's recent article about the ordination of women
Every week Bishop Willimon writes a message about ministry, which is sent out by email to whomever subscribes to it. There are archives kept as well. This is his most recent article. He tells about his wife's, Patsy, grandmother; who was the first ordained woman in South Carolina Methodism. Since 1956, the Reverend Bessie B. Parker set a high standard of Christian ministry. This was an article he previously wrote for the Christian Century. Thanks be for women like Bessie B. Parker. Patsy Willimon told me that clergywomen hold a special place in Will's heart.
When the Bishop came to our conference 2 years ago he came and spent an afternoon with the clergywomen at their retreat. He shared about his wife's grandmother. He was affirming of us women. But, he was clear that appointments were to be made on the basis of gifts and graces not on gender or color. He was also clear he was going to push forward the younger clergy.
For the women who had been laboring through the "good ole boy network" for years, that was hard yet good to hear. And he has been true to his word. But I and some of the other women have still heard from the Cabinet, that there are still churches that don't want a woman. The conference, and the cabinet still have a ways to go as far as the issue of appointing women goes. I had hoped we would get one of the women Bishops, but I now see that God sent us Bishop Willimon to bring us forward on this issue and other issues, and to lead us through the changes we as ministers and churches need to make. Thanks, God.
I shared in a previous post about my process as a clergy woman in the Baptist church. I was often either the only woman or with a few women in my Seminary classes. It wasn't until I got training in Chaplaincy that I was able to get a job in ministry. I had the privilege of serving with some fine clergy women who were serving as Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors. I was the first clergy women to work at St. John UMC in Columbus, GA, there was a minister of music, Sandra Henryon staff also, is now a Deacon and serves at St. Luke. (Thanks Creede Hinshaw who was willing to give Sandra and me a place to serve!) I had the privilege of working under a wonderful clergy woman, Marcia Cochran while she was at Epworth UMC in Col. GA, presently serving Waycross 1st UMC. (A fine preacher, there is a link at the church's website to listen to her sermons.) I followed three other women associates at Aldersgate UMC in Huntsville, AL; Susie Knedlick, Lynn Dimon, and Carole Elrod, all still serving in the NAL conference. I was the first woman here at Wadley 1st UMC. And now I am moving to St. John in Florence where I will be the first clergywoman. However I am excited that the Lay Leader is a woman, June Montgomery, who is also a certified layspeaker; and has herself spoken the word of God for them. I feel so honored and privileged to be serving God. I thank all the churches, women and men who have paved the way, supported, encouraged and stand by other clergywomen and me.
When the Bishop came to our conference 2 years ago he came and spent an afternoon with the clergywomen at their retreat. He shared about his wife's grandmother. He was affirming of us women. But, he was clear that appointments were to be made on the basis of gifts and graces not on gender or color. He was also clear he was going to push forward the younger clergy.
For the women who had been laboring through the "good ole boy network" for years, that was hard yet good to hear. And he has been true to his word. But I and some of the other women have still heard from the Cabinet, that there are still churches that don't want a woman. The conference, and the cabinet still have a ways to go as far as the issue of appointing women goes. I had hoped we would get one of the women Bishops, but I now see that God sent us Bishop Willimon to bring us forward on this issue and other issues, and to lead us through the changes we as ministers and churches need to make. Thanks, God.
I shared in a previous post about my process as a clergy woman in the Baptist church. I was often either the only woman or with a few women in my Seminary classes. It wasn't until I got training in Chaplaincy that I was able to get a job in ministry. I had the privilege of serving with some fine clergy women who were serving as Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors. I was the first clergy women to work at St. John UMC in Columbus, GA, there was a minister of music, Sandra Henryon staff also, is now a Deacon and serves at St. Luke. (Thanks Creede Hinshaw who was willing to give Sandra and me a place to serve!) I had the privilege of working under a wonderful clergy woman, Marcia Cochran while she was at Epworth UMC in Col. GA, presently serving Waycross 1st UMC. (A fine preacher, there is a link at the church's website to listen to her sermons.) I followed three other women associates at Aldersgate UMC in Huntsville, AL; Susie Knedlick, Lynn Dimon, and Carole Elrod, all still serving in the NAL conference. I was the first woman here at Wadley 1st UMC. And now I am moving to St. John in Florence where I will be the first clergywoman. However I am excited that the Lay Leader is a woman, June Montgomery, who is also a certified layspeaker; and has herself spoken the word of God for them. I feel so honored and privileged to be serving God. I thank all the churches, women and men who have paved the way, supported, encouraged and stand by other clergywomen and me.
Why do the Methodist ordain women?
Go here to find out why we do ordain women.
The whole issue of the May/June 2006 Circuit Rider is dedicated to "Women Called and Ordained." You might want to check it out: it has stories, history, thoughts, and musings.
Here is what Rev. Frank Gulley has to say about it. "Now, more specifically on the question of the ordination of women. Methodists begin by underscoring the point that all baptized Christians are ministers of the gospel. “Our links with the apostolic faith... lead us solemnly to affirm… that all who are baptized into Christ are members of Christ’s ministry....” (Social Principles, 153) Hence, all of us--men and women--in the Methodist fold are called to witness to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Further, we believe that in the sight of God all--men and women--are equal. “We affirm with Scripture the common humanity of male and female, both having equal worth in the eyes of God.” (Social Principles, 35) If these affirmations are taken seriously, it is only logical that our Church would conclude that ordained ministry should be open to both men and women--regardless of what some texts of Scripture might suggest to the contrary."
Rev. Dr. Steve Harper throws his hat into the ring to comment on the ordination of women in the UMC. He uses one of my favorite verses, Acts 2:17 -18 that has spoken to me from the time I was called by God. He draws on some of the other verses in the Bible as well. Well worth the read. 17" 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. " Dr Harper says, "The Greek word for “prophesy” is broader than the role of the prophet, and is used to speak of the general communication of the gospel message."
I'd say that is a pretty big statement that Peter tells the crowd about the fulfillment of Joel's prophesy on the day of Pentecost. That passage has been an affirmation of God's call on my life; when times were tough, when I wasn't so sure about my call, when the doors were closed, when negative things were said to me about women being called, when my family even questioned my call, when I have come close to walking away from my call and ministry.
The whole issue of the May/June 2006 Circuit Rider is dedicated to "Women Called and Ordained." You might want to check it out: it has stories, history, thoughts, and musings.
Here is what Rev. Frank Gulley has to say about it. "Now, more specifically on the question of the ordination of women. Methodists begin by underscoring the point that all baptized Christians are ministers of the gospel. “Our links with the apostolic faith... lead us solemnly to affirm… that all who are baptized into Christ are members of Christ’s ministry....” (Social Principles, 153) Hence, all of us--men and women--in the Methodist fold are called to witness to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Further, we believe that in the sight of God all--men and women--are equal. “We affirm with Scripture the common humanity of male and female, both having equal worth in the eyes of God.” (Social Principles, 35) If these affirmations are taken seriously, it is only logical that our Church would conclude that ordained ministry should be open to both men and women--regardless of what some texts of Scripture might suggest to the contrary."
Rev. Dr. Steve Harper throws his hat into the ring to comment on the ordination of women in the UMC. He uses one of my favorite verses, Acts 2:17 -18 that has spoken to me from the time I was called by God. He draws on some of the other verses in the Bible as well. Well worth the read. 17" 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. " Dr Harper says, "The Greek word for “prophesy” is broader than the role of the prophet, and is used to speak of the general communication of the gospel message."
I'd say that is a pretty big statement that Peter tells the crowd about the fulfillment of Joel's prophesy on the day of Pentecost. That passage has been an affirmation of God's call on my life; when times were tough, when I wasn't so sure about my call, when the doors were closed, when negative things were said to me about women being called, when my family even questioned my call, when I have come close to walking away from my call and ministry.
Why do the Methodist ordain women?
Go here to find out why do we ordain women.
The whole issue of the May/June 2006 Circuit Rider is dedicated to "Women Called and Ordained." You might want to check it out: it has stories, history, thoughts, and musings.
Here is what Rev. Frank Gulley has to say about it. "Now, more specifically on the question of the ordination of women. Methodists begin by underscoring the point that all baptized Christians are ministers of the gospel. “Our links with the apostolic faith... lead us solemnly to affirm… that all who are baptized into Christ are members of Christ’s ministry....” (Social Principles, 153) Hence, all of us--men and women--in the Methodist fold are called to witness to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Further, we believe that in the sight of God all--men and women--are equal. “We affirm with Scripture the common humanity of male and female, both having equal worth in the eyes of God.” (Social Principles, 35) If these affirmations are taken seriously, it is only logical that our Church would conclude that ordained ministry should be open to both men and women--regardless of what some texts of Scripture might suggest to the contrary."
Rev. Dr. Steve Harper throws his hat into the ring to comment on the ordination of women in the UMC. He uses one of my favorite verses, Acts 2:17 -18 that has spoken to me from the time I was called by God. He draws on some of the other verses in the Bible as well. Well worth the read. 17" 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. " Dr Harper says, "The Greek word for “prophesy” is broader than the role of the prophet, and is used to speak of the general communication of the gospel message."
I'd say that is a pretty big statement that Peter tells the crowd about the fulfillment of Joel's prophesy on the day of Pentecost. That passage has been affirming for me in my ministry, when times were tough, when I wasn't so sure about my call, when the doors were closed, when negative things were said to me about women being called, when my family even questioned my call, when I have come close to walking away from my call and ministry.
The whole issue of the May/June 2006 Circuit Rider is dedicated to "Women Called and Ordained." You might want to check it out: it has stories, history, thoughts, and musings.
Here is what Rev. Frank Gulley has to say about it. "Now, more specifically on the question of the ordination of women. Methodists begin by underscoring the point that all baptized Christians are ministers of the gospel. “Our links with the apostolic faith... lead us solemnly to affirm… that all who are baptized into Christ are members of Christ’s ministry....” (Social Principles, 153) Hence, all of us--men and women--in the Methodist fold are called to witness to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Further, we believe that in the sight of God all--men and women--are equal. “We affirm with Scripture the common humanity of male and female, both having equal worth in the eyes of God.” (Social Principles, 35) If these affirmations are taken seriously, it is only logical that our Church would conclude that ordained ministry should be open to both men and women--regardless of what some texts of Scripture might suggest to the contrary."
Rev. Dr. Steve Harper throws his hat into the ring to comment on the ordination of women in the UMC. He uses one of my favorite verses, Acts 2:17 -18 that has spoken to me from the time I was called by God. He draws on some of the other verses in the Bible as well. Well worth the read. 17" 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. " Dr Harper says, "The Greek word for “prophesy” is broader than the role of the prophet, and is used to speak of the general communication of the gospel message."
I'd say that is a pretty big statement that Peter tells the crowd about the fulfillment of Joel's prophesy on the day of Pentecost. That passage has been affirming for me in my ministry, when times were tough, when I wasn't so sure about my call, when the doors were closed, when negative things were said to me about women being called, when my family even questioned my call, when I have come close to walking away from my call and ministry.
More thoughts on 50 yrs of ordaining women in the UMC
I am glad to be part of this fine church, The United Methodist Church that has been ordaining women for 50 years. Women of all ages and stages in life still continue to be ordained. I will be giving you a brief history but you can find out more here.
You see, from the beginning Clergywomen have been a part of the United Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies since Methodism's earliest days in the United States. In 1761, Sarah Crosby became the first woman licensed to preach by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.
The Methodist Church voted to give women full clergy rights at its 1956 General Conference. Maude Jensen in the Central Pennsylvania Conference was the first woman to become a full member of an annual conference when she was received on trial shortly after General Conference met.
The United Methodist Church has elected 21 women bishops -- 16 active, 4 retired and one deceased. The UM Church was the first mainline Christian denomination to have a woman bishop, Marjorie Swank Matthews, who was elected and consecrated in 1980.
Did you know? There are around 9,500 clergywomen in The United Methodist Church. Of that number, there were 5,059 elders, 987 deacons in full connection, 1,094 probationary members, 338 associate members, 809 full-time local pastors, and 1,196 part-time local pastors. Almost 21% of United Methodist Clergy are women. The number of women going to Seminary continue to grow.
Let's see, that means I was three years old when they first started ordaining women. I was attending the Southern Baptist church with my parents. I was ordained in 1980 at my home church, First Baptist Church of Crystal River, Florida. I was two years out of seminary, and serving as a Chaplain in Hospital. That means I have been ordained 26 years of the 50 years. Seven years were as a Southern Baptist; and the other 19 have been as an Elder in the United Methodist Church. Wow.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
The workshop that wasn't what it was suppose to be
Have you ever gone to a conference or workshop that was suppose to be one thing, and it turned out to be another? Nah, I doubt that has every happened to you or anyone else. Besides, who goes for the actual sessions? It is suppose to be a "free vacation", isn't it?
Well, the last three days were spent at a workshop that was billed as training for the trainer; but ended up being an overview on the subject, no certification for anything. How disappointing in some ways, but Ms Optimistic here can put a spin on anything.
As you all know, Katrina, Tsunami, other major disasters have changed everything in terms of Disaster Relief/Response/Preparedness. They are rewriting the book on all parts of the picture. My role for the conference on the Disaster Response team will be to train case managers as well as be over the case managers. Due to the rewriting of the book for case managers, and I do mean rewriting the book, the workshop was unable to train the trainers or even certify us as casemanagers. We were told that they are in desperate need of case managers in the effected areas as they enter the Long Term Phase of Recovery.
It was frustrating. It was too soon after we got back from a vacation. It was too soon in the Bonding process with Zach (our new adoptee). I would not have gone to just an overview, I had already read the manuel. I went for a specific reason. And yes I and the others of our team let our feelings and thoughts be known.
Now how did I put the positive spin on it? Hey, I got to see the MERCI center, which is fine example of how well the church can respond to needs and keep responding, and grow to other ministries. I learned a lot about Disaster Response and case management that I will be able to apply when needed. I got to network, yep, that's always a good one. People who are working disaster relief in their annual conferences were there, UMVIM staff were there, UMCOR staff were there, other female clergy were there. (see what I mean.) I was with some good people and friends from our conference, my roommate and co-leader is a female clergy, Sandy West, who I respect. My good friend, Jim Robey, who has started The Attentional Growth Center in Gulf Shores, AL was there. Had some reflection time with others on lots of subjects besides Disaster Relief. Paulette West, who heads up the UMVIM for our conference, who should be running the conference was there. I believe we fixed our churches, the appointment system, small churches, the re-districting situation, the Conference, the United Methodist Church, the Church overall, the war, etc. (You know what I mean.) Doesn't it all feel better. Don't you all feel better? I do, don't seem to be carrying around so many of those worries anymore.
Well, the last three days were spent at a workshop that was billed as training for the trainer; but ended up being an overview on the subject, no certification for anything. How disappointing in some ways, but Ms Optimistic here can put a spin on anything.
As you all know, Katrina, Tsunami, other major disasters have changed everything in terms of Disaster Relief/Response/Preparedness. They are rewriting the book on all parts of the picture. My role for the conference on the Disaster Response team will be to train case managers as well as be over the case managers. Due to the rewriting of the book for case managers, and I do mean rewriting the book, the workshop was unable to train the trainers or even certify us as casemanagers. We were told that they are in desperate need of case managers in the effected areas as they enter the Long Term Phase of Recovery.
It was frustrating. It was too soon after we got back from a vacation. It was too soon in the Bonding process with Zach (our new adoptee). I would not have gone to just an overview, I had already read the manuel. I went for a specific reason. And yes I and the others of our team let our feelings and thoughts be known.
Now how did I put the positive spin on it? Hey, I got to see the MERCI center, which is fine example of how well the church can respond to needs and keep responding, and grow to other ministries. I learned a lot about Disaster Response and case management that I will be able to apply when needed. I got to network, yep, that's always a good one. People who are working disaster relief in their annual conferences were there, UMVIM staff were there, UMCOR staff were there, other female clergy were there. (see what I mean.) I was with some good people and friends from our conference, my roommate and co-leader is a female clergy, Sandy West, who I respect. My good friend, Jim Robey, who has started The Attentional Growth Center in Gulf Shores, AL was there. Had some reflection time with others on lots of subjects besides Disaster Relief. Paulette West, who heads up the UMVIM for our conference, who should be running the conference was there. I believe we fixed our churches, the appointment system, small churches, the re-districting situation, the Conference, the United Methodist Church, the Church overall, the war, etc. (You know what I mean.) Doesn't it all feel better. Don't you all feel better? I do, don't seem to be carrying around so many of those worries anymore.
Monday, April 24, 2006
The Beach Report
I absolutely enjoyed the beach, more than I even thought I would. As predicted I did not get to read a book, nor even a magazine on the beach. I was busy with a 3yr old and 5yr old, who were seeing the beach for the first time. The other dear one, had been before and she had a ball again. We walked the beach, picked up shells, found "jellies" both foe and friendly, built sandcastle after sandcastle, flew kites, tried to ride the waves, chased the birds, and caught some rays. What a wonderful time with them. I felt more rested, relaxed than I have felt in a long time. Katy pronounced that we should move there and live. Bob and I reminded her of the hurricanes and the damage they wreck. In fact they were still repairing 98, building a new NCO club, and lots of new hotels. It wasn't, though at all like the damage down by Katrina. (That's another posting.) Oh, I forgot to mention, we stuffed ourselves on good seafood also. (Don't know how I could forget that.) The last evening we were there, we fed the birds all the leftover bread, chips, you name it. And we got to see Dolphins, and boy do I love Dolphins. Well, the newbies fell in love with them too. It was a glorious time, not very quiet, meditative, but it was great. It felt like we bonded more as a family, and that Zach attached some more.
Hey Vicar Abi, What's the news?
The news is that two things;
1st I am gone to Goldsboro, North Carolina for training at the MERCI center for the North Alabama Conference Disaster Response team. (How did I get myself into this fine mess.)
Secondly, It is that time of year that may be the most anxious for United Methodist Pastors and churches. The big question is will the Pastor move or stay. Last year I was suppose to move to the Big City in one of those Big Steepled churches. After everything was made official, and announced, the move was taken away. The church and I had already begun the grieving transitioning process, so we had to change directions and deal with a myriad of feelings we had with the cabinet. We were able to do that and move forward. This year we both stuck our necks out for a possible change. Yesterday, the PPR chair announced that the change was official that I was moving and a new Pastor was coming. Now I don't need to tell you I am holding my breath due to last year's events. I have not packed a thing this year, last year, I had packed quite a bit. This is really sad.
So here it is, I am moving to Florence, AL to serve as Pastor of Saint John United Methodist Church. Okay, how far from the Big City of Bham can they move me? (Both Kara and Zach see Medical Specialists in Bham.) How far across the state, can they put me? How far from friends and family can they move me? There are some good things; Apparently, Florence is a great place with good schools, medical facilities (maybe a job for Bob, a P. A.), a University, a river, (The Tennessee, yea, we can take our boat.), the church is bigger and in the burbs, near Huntsville, (where there are several UM female clergy), clergy friends in Florence, a library in the town I live, Target, a mall, fine eatery; hey this is starting to add up! I really don't know anything about the church yet, but I will. I will keep you informed.
Bob, get those packing boxes down, we are moving! Call the moving company.
Oh I still promise pictures of the beach, I just ran out of time last night. I made a visit to the hospital, my church member should be coming home from the hospital today, This morning, I got a plane to catch in Bham, 2 hours away.
1st I am gone to Goldsboro, North Carolina for training at the MERCI center for the North Alabama Conference Disaster Response team. (How did I get myself into this fine mess.)
Secondly, It is that time of year that may be the most anxious for United Methodist Pastors and churches. The big question is will the Pastor move or stay. Last year I was suppose to move to the Big City in one of those Big Steepled churches. After everything was made official, and announced, the move was taken away. The church and I had already begun the grieving transitioning process, so we had to change directions and deal with a myriad of feelings we had with the cabinet. We were able to do that and move forward. This year we both stuck our necks out for a possible change. Yesterday, the PPR chair announced that the change was official that I was moving and a new Pastor was coming. Now I don't need to tell you I am holding my breath due to last year's events. I have not packed a thing this year, last year, I had packed quite a bit. This is really sad.
So here it is, I am moving to Florence, AL to serve as Pastor of Saint John United Methodist Church. Okay, how far from the Big City of Bham can they move me? (Both Kara and Zach see Medical Specialists in Bham.) How far across the state, can they put me? How far from friends and family can they move me? There are some good things; Apparently, Florence is a great place with good schools, medical facilities (maybe a job for Bob, a P. A.), a University, a river, (The Tennessee, yea, we can take our boat.), the church is bigger and in the burbs, near Huntsville, (where there are several UM female clergy), clergy friends in Florence, a library in the town I live, Target, a mall, fine eatery; hey this is starting to add up! I really don't know anything about the church yet, but I will. I will keep you informed.
Bob, get those packing boxes down, we are moving! Call the moving company.
Oh I still promise pictures of the beach, I just ran out of time last night. I made a visit to the hospital, my church member should be coming home from the hospital today, This morning, I got a plane to catch in Bham, 2 hours away.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
The Vicar is back
Today the Vicar is back from the beach, boo hoo. She Preached to her congregation on the Sin of Anger (actually wrath). She found out she has a member in the hospital in Opelika, AL, so will be going there this afternoon, instead of the regular post-sermon nap.
Later she will post on the Beach Trip.
And later she will post on the news she found out today at church. (Just to keep you guessing.)
Monday, April 17, 2006
Pictures from before
These are from two year's ago vacation, b.k.z. Did not get to go last year due circumstances beyond my control. (Told we were moving so canceled vacation, but didn't move, so lost vacation.) Enjoy. We will beach at the same place the nco club.
The Vicar goes on Vacation
Hi to all the faithful. It is Spring break for the Wadley School. We are gone on vacation to Destin, Florida. I will be doing some serious meditating and reflecting. Not. I will be relaxing though. And I will be soaking up some rays. Playing with the kids, as I enjoy their excitement. This is a first for Kara and Zachary. Katy is an old beach bum so she will be leading the way. Even if I want to read, it will take the two of us to handle the three mousketeers. I am glad to be leaving the pollen as it has seriously messed my sinuses up.
So what are you doing on your Spring Break?
Here is a link to where we will be staying at the Destin Rec Center. It also has link to the area chamber of commerce.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Easter Day the Brightest Morning
Easter day is the Brightest Morning. You can find more on this idea at Explore Faith.org.
Easter is an appropriate time to meditate on the idea that God knows we are a mixture of good and evil, but loves us anyway, says Jane Williams in the Guardian.
And then there is the The Resurrection in Shockwave.
Lest you think I am crazy, I wrote these earlier and then posted them. But truly I am crazy, crazy for Jesus.
Easter Morn
Christ has risen! Alleluia
He has risen indeed! Alleluia
This morning is Easter morn. I am so excited to be worshipping today. I am preaching from the passage I Corinthians 15:1-11 on the Power of the Resurrection over our sins. This is in the series I have been preaching on the 7 Deadly Sins. I usually use the Gospel lectionary passage, and will make references to it. I pray that this is a wonderful blessed Easter for you.
Here is the Easter Day prayer from the U.M. Hymnal
Almighty God,
Through Jesus Christ you overcame death
And opened to us the gate of everlasting life.
Grant that we,
Who celebrate the day of our Lord’s resurrection,
may , by the renewing of your Spirit
arise from the death of sin to the life of righteousness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Easter is on Sunday, will your church cancel its worship services?
I read somewhere, and I can’t find the post, that one Pastor told the regular church members to stay away Easter Sunday, so that there would be plenty of room for the *CEO visitors. We were always told come to the early service, and park far away. We won’t have that many visitors due to they just don’t come out and visit here where we are, they are gone to the grandparents. I wondered after I read about the Pastor who told his members to stay away; if then someone would decide to not have church on Sunday, since Easter fell on Sunday, you know, like when Christmas fell on Sunday. Sorry, but we do Sunday no matter what holiday it is. One of the Pastors that was serving here before my time, used to cancel on the 5th Sunday. We, instead have gotten creative with the fifth Sunday, you never know what we are going to do, or how I am going to preach.
Well they did, read the next post to see....
* Christmas and Easter Only
Well they did, read the next post to see....
* Christmas and Easter Only
Top Ten Reasons Why Jesus is better than the Easter Bunny
Thought you might enjoy from Grant's Graceland.
Top Ten Reasons Why Jesus is WAY BETTER Than the Easter Bunny!
10. The Easter Bunny has big feet and a furry tail. Jesus did a big feat with wood and nails!
9. The Easter Bunny proves you can have too much of a good thing (chocolate). Jesus proves you can't have too much of a God thing!
8. No one ever got sick of an over consumption of grace, mercy and forgiveness.
7. What would you rather have--dirty hands, or a clean heart?
6. The phrase, "He who has floppy ears, let him hear..." just doesn't cut it!
5. Rabbits eat their fill from our gardens. Jesus said, "Not my will..." in the garden
4. What would you rather do?--Gain weight, or gain salvation?
3. Kinder eggs have a toy inside. The empty tomb means joy inside!
2. The Easter Bunny hides stuff, but Jesus brings all things to light! "He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men?s hearts."(2 Corinthians 4:5)
And the number one reason that Jesus is WAY BETTER than the Easter Bunny is:
Rabbits twitch their nose; but Jesus arose!
Top Ten Reasons Why Jesus is WAY BETTER Than the Easter Bunny!
10. The Easter Bunny has big feet and a furry tail. Jesus did a big feat with wood and nails!
9. The Easter Bunny proves you can have too much of a good thing (chocolate). Jesus proves you can't have too much of a God thing!
8. No one ever got sick of an over consumption of grace, mercy and forgiveness.
7. What would you rather have--dirty hands, or a clean heart?
6. The phrase, "He who has floppy ears, let him hear..." just doesn't cut it!
5. Rabbits eat their fill from our gardens. Jesus said, "Not my will..." in the garden
4. What would you rather do?--Gain weight, or gain salvation?
3. Kinder eggs have a toy inside. The empty tomb means joy inside!
2. The Easter Bunny hides stuff, but Jesus brings all things to light! "He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men?s hearts."(2 Corinthians 4:5)
And the number one reason that Jesus is WAY BETTER than the Easter Bunny is:
Rabbits twitch their nose; but Jesus arose!
Easter Commercialization
I feel guilty after reading the posts about the commercialization of Easter. I probably have not fought it off that hard for my kids. And frankly I don’t plan to. Katy and I have dyed eggs, hid and hunted the eggs over and over again, given her a stuffed bunny, something “Eastery”, and something Christian. Last year I gave them the new Veggie Tales video about Easter, watched the thing over and over. This year didn’t really buy any toy, and not much chocolate. But we did dye some eggs, and we will hid and hunt them over and over. (I will say, we still find those plastic eggs everywhere.) I guess I believe in moderation in these kind of things. I don’t believe in depriving my kids, but neither do I believe in going whole hog, if you will. There were parents today, that were taking their kids to as many Easter Egg hunts as they could. That’s a little much. But yes, my girls get a new dress, and shoes, I didn’t this time. The boy already has new clothes, doesn’t need anymore.
Hre is how to say Bye Bye to the Easter Bunny. Here is a father who had too much of the Easter Bunny for his own liking. In Touch ministries offers some ideas as to how to change what has priority in your home, the Easter Bunny or Jesus.
And you have got to check Purgatorio out for the absurd of Easter.
Hre is how to say Bye Bye to the Easter Bunny. Here is a father who had too much of the Easter Bunny for his own liking. In Touch ministries offers some ideas as to how to change what has priority in your home, the Easter Bunny or Jesus.
And you have got to check Purgatorio out for the absurd of Easter.
Church Easter Egg Hunt
Well, we did have a good time hunting Easter eggs, eating hot dogs, laughing, and having fun. We had a good little crowd of children and adults, considering we have a small church. We divided the groups up with the little ones from 4 down, and the big ones, 5 up. The little ones did great, of course they had the parents helping. Zachary was really finding the eggs, he caught on quickly to what you are supposed to do. But then he decided to quit after a certain amount. (He still found the most eggs of that group.) While we were waiting inside for them to hide the eggs, I told the kids the story of Jesus, his death and resurrection. Kara kept asking me; Did Jesus really die? “Yes, Kara Jesus did die”. I also explained as best as I could, the connection of Easter eggs. One parent said, “I didn’t know that.” I am not sure I had it exactly right, but pretty close. I am going to look it up and make sure.
Holy Saturday
Today is Holy Saturday. A day of quiet and reflection. A day before the big blow out of Easter Sunday. We don't do a Easter Vigil in our tradition. I usually have gone to an Episcopalian church for the vigil, but there is not one in Wadley or really nearby. I miss that part of Easter worship.
Today, we instead will have the proverbial Easter Egg hunt. I do have to share this with you though, a woman in my church is hosting the hunt on her huge property. I cannot believe it. When I came here, she was so negative about everything, and would not do anything, or give anything extra to the church. She is an older woman who had been hurt by past Pastors and members. She remained a member of the church barely. But as I have been here she has been doing a little more in the church, offering herself and resources more, being present at church. She sure will tell you like it is or how she sees it like it is. I am grateful that she has come to being more involved again. I pray that it is a good Easter Egg hunt today, and that the heart of this faithful woman continues to grow in her servant attitude. People say that older people can't change, don't know people or the work of the Holy Spirit.
You can click on the title Holy Saturday to find some info about this day. Here is another link I found to perhaps use as a meditation on art . This is the Daily Reflection April 15th, 2006 by Andy Alexander, S.J. from Creighton University.
Here is another link for the Daily office from the The Mission of St. Clare . I may be filling you up with a lot of Meditation, but I will be using them myself today. If you have a family, you might go here, and here scroll down to Saturday. All Hallows Leeds has devotionals for Holy Week; scroll down to the one for Holy Saturday. Here is an article Eugene Peterson wrote about Holy Saturday for the Christianity Today series called "The Great Reversal."
Here are some of my favorite places to go on the web to meditate, pray, and seek God's word:
Sacred Space by Irish Jesuits. The neat thing about this site is you go at your pace, there are guides if you not sure what to do, and it is also in other languages.
Daily Prayer online by Catholic News. You can use all the resouces available to pray or you can use what you want.
Like praying the Celtic way here is one offered by the Northumbria Community, it has the Daily Office for the different times of the day.
Here is one for you Genxers out there, "I must be one, but of an older age, so it must be an attitude of state of mind." I do so like this Daily Office.
And lest you are beginning to think, Abi, Vicar of Wadley, must not be Methodist, I point you to the U. M. Upper Room, a very fine daily devotional.
There are a lot of other wonderful devotional sites, meditation sites, bible reading sites out there. I invite you to being to use at least one of them on a daily basis.
Friday, April 14, 2006
More on Good Friday
Of course there is this:
Good Friday Shockwave
We used this in our combined service at Aldersgate UMC, Huntsville, AL , when I served there as an Associate Pastor. It was very effective and powerful.
I will say after you have seen it several times you wonder when they are going to stop killing Jesus, but then you wonder the same thing about us....
Good Friday Shockwave
We used this in our combined service at Aldersgate UMC, Huntsville, AL , when I served there as an Associate Pastor. It was very effective and powerful.
I will say after you have seen it several times you wonder when they are going to stop killing Jesus, but then you wonder the same thing about us....
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