Thankful Thursday!

1. The ability to run...

2. Warm fuzzy striped purple socks from a friend...

3. For the church!

4. For good friends who offer different perspectives

5. For craisins... my God, thank you! So delicious.

The Daily Office...

A tutorial is being compiled at this website to help walk a newcomer through the Daily prayers. Morning, Noon, Evening, Compline. It helps to make time for the sacred in the busyness of our daily lives. It's a form of worship practiced for ages, and ages, and ages...

This helps to make it comprehensible.

Daily Office Tutorial

A Call to Prayer!

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sudan/

Please join me in praying over this referendum and the consequences likely. The Anglican Bishop of Sudan has issued a call to prayer and I, for one, will respond.

Menu Planning Monday on Tuesday + ramblings

Sunday: Dh forgot I had chili in the crockpot so when he and ds left the coffee hour, they picked up a rotisserie chicken. Ah well... we had the chili for supper that night instead, and he took leftovers for lunch.

Monday: Pasta bake: It's my favorite way to use extra spaghetti sauce. Boil a lb of whatever pasta you have on hand, add spinach, lowfat or fat free cottage cheese, and mix together. Top with cheese if you wish, or skip it. We've now got half a pan of leftovers for later in the week. WOOT!

Tuesday: Beef crockpot stew

Wednesday: Steelhead trout, Kashi pilaf, broccoli

Thursday: Catfish gumbo over rice

Friday: Date night-- children can eat leftovers, dh and I will prolly pick up a sub.

Saturday: leftovers or if it's nice, I may try to talk dh into grilling some chicken drumsticks which we'll serve with mixed veggies and roasted potatoes.

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Ramblings:

I've sort of alluded here to the fact that I'm embarking on a new educational project for myself. It's called Education for Ministry. It is a four year long course on the Bible, Old and New Testaments, the history of the church, and finishes with theology. I'm in year 1. The Old Testament.

It is absolutely eye-opening to me. There is much about the make-up of the Bible that laypeople are not taught. I wonder if this is why we have so much anguish in the church over literalism, and inerrancy.

The course is offered through Sewanee. I've just received my New Oxford Annotated Study Bible in the New Revised Standard Version 4th edition. Whew! Say that 5 times fast!! I dare ya. No, seriously, try it!

The other part of what I'm learning comes from my fellow students. I'm seeing how hurtful the "church's" stance on certain issues is. The lack of acceptance, the lack of showing real Christian love, is keeping people from the love of Christ... causing them to reject Him. We, after all, are His body here on earth. We act in His name.

If ministry can be viewed as anything that a Christian does to another person (a line from the EfM materials) ... well, what does my ministry look like? Am I bringing the love Christ has for all to them? Or am I standing in His way as He tries to reach them?

These are just a few of the things I've been pondering and wrestling with lately. I'm sure there will be more.

The Friday 5 10/22/10

Holy Moly!

1. What gives you the heebie-jeebies?

2. When were you most recently in double trouble?

3. What puts you in the mood for hanky panky?

4. What easy breezy task is still a pain in the neck to accomplish?

5. What area in your life seems especially rife with mumbo-jumbo?


http://www.friday5.org/

When Did You Choose to Be Straight?

Purple!

As a redhead, I always thought that purple was an unfriendly color for me and my complexion. Turns out it's fine. My half-sister Penny showed me that. RIP+

Yesterday was a day many united to wear purple to show support and love to teens/persons bullied because of either real or perceived LGBT issues. I had many friends who did because they wanted to take a stand against bullying for any reason. Not just because of LGBT issues, but because hatred and intolerance are simply wrong.

It would be wrong to bully an overweight person to the point that suicide was preferable. It would be wrong to bully a black person to the point that suicide was preferable. Bullying is quite simply wrong. I applaud my friends who chose to take that stand.

At the same time, though, they still argue that there is something "wrong" with being LGBT. All the other differences are viewed through another lens. Racial differences, well, we can't help being born. Overweight, well, we all know persons who are and we love them.

LGBT, however, occupies a unique space in our minds. It is the last bastion. In the refusal of the religious right to allow candid discussion of sexuality; implicit permission for bullying is given. We humans fear difference.

We've been taught to accept racial differences, religous differences, cultural differences, but this is the last hold out. How can we expect our children to respect a different sexuality while we tell them it is immoral and wrong? How can we expect them not to fear that difference if we never tell them that it is okay?

We do that with race. We tell our children that God made us all differently and wonderfully. We do it with size. We do it with religion (well, some of us do... but I digress). We don't do this with issues of sexuality.

So while I applaud the outward display of purple, let's not forget that unless we start to accept our LGBT youth for who they are-- bullying for this will still be seen as acceptable. Because, after all, they chose this.

Wasteland Wednesday

April is the cruellest month (T.S. Eliot, The Wasteland) not so much because lilacs begin to bud, nor because Easter signals our rebirth (yes, sometimes that happens in March, it's poetic license) and we fall back to the same sins we seek redemption for; but rather because we find it a time of new beginnings. A time to cast off the old and move to the new.

Some of our members now contemplate leaving if "progress" however they define it has not happened by Easter. That raises a question for me. Do we trust God? Do we think that He has a plan for us? Do we think that we can with brute force and threats single-handedly move His church forward?

The really heartbreaking part is that several of us do seem to hold the opinion that we can do so. I am not at all certain that those who have left will return if we make "progress". In fact, I'm fairly certain that they will not as they recognize that TEC as a whole is the issue for them. It isn't the local congregation. It's the governing body that has departed their understanding and makes it increasingly clear that there is no place for them-- unless they are willing to simply pray, pay and obey. A criticism leveled often enough against the Catholic church with respect to it's members can also been to apply to TEC today.


So... how long til we make progress happen? And will progress mean regressing, that is to say... giving the building back to the diocese and looking for a place to hold an Anglo-Catholic rite once in a while? It might.

Menu and Musings Monday on Tuesday! Woo-hoo!

Procrastinators of the world, unite... but maybe tomorrow!

I realized yesterday that Mondays have become chock a block full. Between the need to provide timely feedback to students in my classes, and attending Education for Ministry, and restoring the house from the inevitable chaos that visits each weekend... blogging just isn't a priority.

So... first the Menu, then the musings.

Monday: Ravioli, tomato sauce, green salads.

Tuesday: chicken and rice/ Arroz con pollo style with extra veggies

Wednesday: Stirfry veggies, noodles, beef/pork

Thursday: Spaghetti

Friday: Date night

Saturday: leftover spaghetti

Sunday: breakfast for supper-- eggs, sausage, salsa burritos

Musings--

The budget situation is truly just as dire as I feared. We can sustain ourselves as a church until 2015 at which point we will fade out of existence. My heart is broken about that. Still, I need to remember it isn't my church, or anyone else's for that matter... we are God's church.

What is His will for us? Are we asking? Are we instead trying to force our own way? I think some of us are. No, let's be frank here... I know some of us are. If we are to survive, though, we need His direction. So friends... please pray for the Church of the Holy Apostles. Ask that God would make His will for us clear and unmistakeable. Ask that we would have the wisdom to see which paths should be followed.

The second part of my musings revolves around, EfM course I'm taking. I truly benefit from this experience. First, it is exciting to be in a room of people with faith. Second, since so much of my work is done from home and on a keyboard, actual physical content with others is a blessing to me.

It's also eyeopening as I learn more about the Old Testament. I've never been very comfortable with the rules/law. I'm looking forward to gaining more perspective, and to being able to articulate what is taking place in greater detail. In other words, getting a better sense of who I am as a person of God.

The only way to understand that is to first consider who the people of God were when they were chosen. The people chosen to be the path through which Jesus would save people of all types and historical traditions.

My nervousness stems a bit from the fact that next week, I have the privilege/challenge of presenting my spiritual biography. I could use prayers over that. I tend to want to do and say the right things... and worry that my biography might not be "right" if you will. So I do desire your prayers for me over this.

Tasha with psychedelic rainbow cake

Tasha with psychedelic rainbow cake
Originally uploaded by bgill_78

So... what does a feast day at the Church of the Holy Apostles look like? Well... it's pretty special. Our Easter Vigil culminates in a feast to end all feasts. There's lamb, there's salads, there's wine and cheese, beer, sherry... we are breaking a fast, and we do it with style!!

Last year was my darling daughter's first foray into contributing... and she made the world's most amazing four layer psychedelic rainbow cake. It almost matched her shoes.

Truth be told... this is what I'll miss if the church goes under. And it's looking mighty grim, friends. Mighty grim. I

I'll miss the people, but we'll still connect. I'll miss the ritual, but we can get close. I'll miss the building. What I'll truly miss though is the complete joy present in these celebrations.

Pray for us please, we desperately need it!

Christian Education-- the rubber meets the road!

In a small church, people of necessity wear many hats. For example, I teach the primary school children and sit on the Bishop's committee. A colleague sits on the Bishop's commitee and acts as our catechist. This leaves my daughter, age 16, in charge of Sunday School for one Sunday a month. Fortunately, since we are a small church there are only about 6 children... still, with the differences in ages... it's a challenge.

We've decided to begin working on an Epiphany play on those Sundays. We're performing a tale of 3 Camels... focusing on the Magi. Well, actually focusing on their camels, but the idea is centered on their travel to worship Jesus! I'm digressing a bit from my point, though, which is this...

So many people talk about how important it is to have a Sunday school, and Christian education program. So many people look for good programs when choosing churches. So many people write curriculums, have outlines, etc. However, so few say yes when asked. I marvel at this, because any time we want to do something in our Sunday school... we are blessed to have volunteers who will help, who will take classes, etc.

I've been in much larger churches where people almost hit their knees to plead for teachers/helpers/and aides. I am a friend with others in other areas who are also struggling with this... especially in big churches.

Truly, I say unto you. the fields are white for the harvest and the laborers are few very few. Luke 10:2

Thankful Thursday and the to do list!

For the example of the Chilean miners... brought from darkness, and the cold of the tomb into the light and life. May it inspire us all to go into dark places to bring the light of the world to the lost.

For my husband...

For my children...

For the cool of a fall morning run followed by a hot cup of coffee, and the luxury of a hot shower. Never underestimate the wonder and beauty of modern plumbing.

For the Church of the Holy Apostles...

For the items on my to do list which remind me I am employed, have friends, and people who depend on me. I am not alone in this world.

______________________________

To do:
2 hours live lecture
grade assignments
trip to post office

Tidy living room
deep clean dining room and bath

Laundry
Reread the EfM assignment

Errand Running Wednesday!

Don't get me wrong... I love being at home and the freedom my job provides to do that while earning a decent income is a huge blessing in my life. However, some days it's nice to get out!

I'm running errands today and the list is longer than usual:

1. Mail church newsletters and directories to those who have not yet picked theirs up at church.
2. Update intercession prayer card at church.
3. Mail my sock swap buddies package!
4. Grocery store/Walmart/liquor store-- I'm making wine braised italian sausages with whole wheat bowtie pasta (recipe courtesy my good friend, Ann) later on in the week and I need the wine to braise the sausages.
5. Coffee with a good friend.
6. Breadsmith

The to do list is also fairly long. Sadly I do not get visits from the laundry fairy. I get visits from the dirty socks laying on my living room floor fairy and enjoy the constant companionship of the shedding dog fairy.

Tuesday Museday and Menu Planning Monday procrastination!

Menu Planning Monday a day late:

Monday: I had leftovers, kids and hubby headed to the in-laws for spaghetti and a look at pictures, which the kids forgot to bring with them. GRRRR!

Tuesday: Crockpot pork carnitas, tortillas, tomatos, onions, peppers.

Wednesday: Roasted eggplant, and garlic pasta ala Norma with cherry tomato sauce.

Thursday: Blackbean/left over pork/ and rice enchiladas with spinach salad.

Friday: Date NIGHT!

Saturday: chili dogs/ nachos (USF homecoming game!)

Sunday: Fend for yourselves (unless I can convince dh to grill something amazing!)
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And now for the museday...

Embarking on new adventures is always a bit of a strain. I'm headed into a world I know very little about, but will undoubtedly find interesting. I've started EfM. Education for Ministry from the School of the South at Sewanee seminary. It's a distance learning project. I'm both excited about the possibilities and terrified.

I'm not at all sure that God has a call on my life for ministry beyond what I already do, but learning more cannot and will not do me any harm. I am hearing from others that He does, like Gideon though... I'd like to see a bit of fire from heaven before I commit myself. This is a four year course and I'm starting to study the Old Testament. I'll likely blog a bit here about my experiences in the course. However, what is said in the class stays in the class... so this will be my online journal if you will about my thoughts and reflections on the biblical material I'm reading.

Since I'm also working on my spiritual biography for the course... I may from time to time post a bit about that. I've got time, but I'm also a crazy overachieving wackjob so... we'll see what we get.

The Friday 5!

1. Have you ever dressed up as a Disney character?

2. Which was your favorite Disney movie growing up?

3. Which Disney character can you most relate to?

4. Have you ever been to a Disney theme park?

5. When does someone become too old for Disney?

My answers:

1. No.

2. Peter Pan

3. Mrs. Potts

4. Yes-- Disney World!

5. Never.

Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for:

the great goodness of God

new adventures

my children and husband

my parish family

the blessing of hot coffee, and warm socks on a chilly morning.

For all these things, make us truly grateful O, Lord.

People Amaze Me.

Recently, in our quiet little neighborhood we've discovered that someone is going into unlocked cars and taking items that he/she (but probably he) deems valuable. Why do I presume he? Well, because most of those who go to work at Labor Ready are male. Especially those who seem to be walking by at around 6:00ish-ly in the a.m. Our alley is a convenient cut through for the walk.

Items that have gone missing from my hubby's rag-top (and therefore unlockable vehicle as we'd hate to find it cut into shreds) are: change, a stainless steel coffee mug or two, some razors kept there for emergencies when a) the alarm fails because of either power outage, or inefficient setting, b) snooze is just too attractive or c) the tired wife kills it.

It amazes me that someone feels it necessary to do this. It shocks the conscience. Yet as I was out replacing those items, I thought... maybe desperate people do desperate things. No one was hurt. Inconvenienced, yes, you bet your bippy. But truly harmed, no...

And that brought me to a pondering place. I'm pondering. How desperate are we few Anglo-Catholics? Are we desperate enough to ask leave to sell the church building or turn it over to the diocese? Desperate enough to leave the stranglehold of TEC and move to a different rented location? If we were to sell the building and rent, we could afford a priest-- albeit not one that needed pension or health insurance but a full-time priest. What would or might that mean?

There'd be a lot of pain. The Sudanese would definitely be inconvenienced, as would we... but is that what we may need to do given how thoroughly unattractive TEC is to conservatives who love ritual and Anglo-Catholic rite? I don't know.

Are we desperate enough to take this leap? Is it what God is calling us to do? I dunno... but I think we need to think about it... and it may mean that like my hubby we wind up changing our parking spot in order to avoid the slow attrition of members, funds, and in hubby's case coffee mugs and razors. TEC can keep the change... we can't afford to lose anymore of the other items or we simply won't make it.

There, I said it. We won't make it unless we do something desperate.

Menu Monday and other Musings on 10/4/2010

Well... at least the menu is easy to do...

Monday: Salmon, butter, garlic and parmesan noodles, with mixed frozen veggies.
Tuesday: Pizza Margherita with fresh basil (Thanks Mike and Kim!) and mozzarella
Wednesday: Chicken drumsticks oriental, with rice, and broccoli
Thursday: Beef brisket, swiss chard, and potatoes.
Friday: Date night--
Saturday: Crockpot pork roast so leftovers are available after church on Sunday. Cornbread, and green beans.

Musings--

So, we're getting smaller not larger. Or maybe we're just replacing attrition. In a small church, every member is so badly needed. We simply can't afford to have folks move to the sidelines. All of us are necessary. So... when someone does move to the sidelines... it hurts. A lot.

It hurts because it puts more pressure on already pressured people. One more thing to do, right? It hurts because we miss those people. It hurts because it reminds us of the urgency we face in finding a priest and a focus, etc.

Listen, Pray, Love

When Fr. Shoberg stepped down from his position as priest of our little Anglo-Catholic bunch... that's what he asked us to do. It sounds simple, doesn't it? Listen, Pray, Love. Just three things to do... I'll talk about pray and love in another blog post later.

This is advice given as we embarked on our search for a new priest. We are at the end of our interim priest, and are dealing with division over the ordination of female clergy. We class ourselves as Anglo-Catholic and it seems that we've different definitions of that term in our midst. Some are Angl0-Catholic with regard to liturgy and ritual, and some would say that Anglo-Catholic means we hold all the catholic principles of a Roman Catholic except the tie to Rome.

It's a division... and with division comes some strife. I think this is why that wise man told us to Listen-- and that certainly seems easy enough. But listening is not as easy as it may seem. Listening, if it is to be done well, involves active listening. Making certain that we aren't just hearing, but are participating. If listening is done well than there is an understanding of others positions that comes forward.

Listening today is a much prized skill to those seeking to be heard. The world, on the other hand, encourages us to hear what we want to hear and ignore the rest. Just get the soundbite, ignore the substance. While that may work (albeit dysfunctionally) in politics, in a family such poor listening skills are death.

Perhaps this is why Jesus so often says, "Let him who has ears hear" a recognition that true listening requires more than just hearing. We all have ears but not everyone hears. We must listen.

We also need to listen by being quiet... and sometimes this is the most onerous task of them all. I know I struggle with it. I want to debate, to interject my viewpoint and demonstrate the error in the views of others, but that is not listening. I think if we really listen, we'll find more commonality than difference.

It's also important to note that just because we listen, and develop a better understanding of differing viewpoints; doesn't mean that we'll come to automatic agreement. In fact, all listening does is help to ensure that we're not misrepresenting one another and that we truly do understand the viewpoints of others. Those of us who are speaking must get over the idea that if we could just get the other side to listen or understand, they'd come around to our viewpoint... because it just doesn't work that way. To think it does is hubris. Lord knows there's plenty of that in government, in the upper level echelons of TEC, and elsewhere...