Well . . . I am NOT sure if the folks here are GLAD they chose to come w/ me on the trip or not . . . certainly if someone else was the lead on the team then there would have been greater odds of NOT getting up at 3am to go to Stumpy Point to catch an early ferry to get to Rodanthe.
However . . it is me . . . and when the Disaster Response Coordinator called today around 11am and asked if we would consider not staying long-term in Wanchese/Manteo but going on to Rodanthe - how could we say no????
"Not many are willing to go the 2 hour ferry ride so if you guys could that would be great. They only opened the road back up last week so there is much to be done. Many have lost everything."
Well - that's all I needed to hear . . .until she said "You will need to catch the ferry. Leave the church at 3:30 and hopefully you will be in line for the ferry @ 4 and should arrive @ 6."
I wondered . . .why would they send us over at 6pm? We would lose an entire day of work . . .
After a few more minutes of conversation I realized "hmmmmm, I don't think it is 6pm . . . i think she may mean 3:30 AM!" So I asked for clarification and then she said "oh no . . it's AM."
So I lamented for a few minutes internally and then whined audibly to those unfortunate folks around me (Thank you Lee & Season for listening) and then off we came.
When we arrived they offered us the option of working here instead of going to Rodanthe . . . and I KNOW what the easy decision would be . . . but we were asked to "go" and that was no hesitation. . . . it's what we will do!
The decision was confirmed as we were at dinner b/c I took a phone call and was chatting about the ferry ride, etc. w/ some folks and the hostess heard me.
She said, "Oh, you must be going to Rodanthe! Are you here to help?"
"Yes mam." I replied. "Our church was here last week and another team is here now and we are travelling over in the morning to Rodanthe after we stay at Bethany UMC."
"That's where I go to church! I am so glad you all are going over there . . my daughter and son-in-law live there . . they own a building supply company and also some cottages. They have lost everything."
We chatted for a few minutes and then right before I walked away she said, "Oh, you know one thing . . . even though many here have lost all their things no one lost their lives. No one lost what mattered. We have been blessed."
It was at that moment that the 3am alarm time didn't matter to me, nor did the 2 billion mosquitoes that were circling my entire being like I was fresh bait.
What did matter was that I am the one blessed enough to do this "for a living."
And blessed to be surrounded by a church that is supportive of trips like these . . .
And now to be blessed by a staff @ West and a team of volunteers that carry on the ministries and enable me to regain my focus on the things nearest and dearest to my heart!!!!!
No longer do I wear "all the hats" but am able to share those very freely and am so grateful for this as a reminder of who we are and who we are called to be!
Tomorrow we will encounter those who have lost all their worldly possessions . . . and for them we will have the honor and privilege of being the hands, feet, eyes, and voice of the one who said those earthly things don't matter . . . what matters is the issue of the heart.
May our hearts both here in Wanchese, NC, @ WCUMC both West & Brawley, and ALL over be full of love & selfless giving of monetary resources, time, and our personal gifts of talents. Let us Change Lives & Change the World through Christ" so that all may see and know there is SOOO much more . . . .
Grace & Peace,
Andrea
The verse
About Me
- Andrea
- So grateful for passionate people and a passionate place in which to be in ministry . . . West is ONE YEAR OLD!!!! YEAH! And looking forward to a great year ahead . . .
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Bash'11
Today I attended the WCA Leadership Summit, held as a satellite venue on the Grace Covenant Campus. While walking down the hall I ran into Jennifer, one of the amazing volunteers from last weekend's Bash!
She attends Grace Covenant. I'm not sure how she got hooked up w/ Bash but the stories she shared today were unforgettable, as have so many of your stories been!
I'll confess, I didn't have a lot of time to see the "God moments" b/c I ended up dealing w/ issues that came up . . . . but to hear the stories of those who served, those are the "goosebump" stories that remind me of the vastness and greatness of God's love!
Today Jennifer shared that after she prayed w/ the little boy she had put shoes on his feet, he grabbed her hands and said, "Let us pray . . . Dear God, thank you for ALL these people who were so kind to share their stuff with us. Thank you for all the fun things we get to do here. Thank you for the food. Thank you for the school supplies. This is just the best day ever God so thank you SO MUCH!"
NOW . . . if that wasn't the voice of Christ nudging OUR hearts . . . I don't know what was or IS! To have the one being served then take it upon himself to share prayers of gratitude and blessings on those who are serving . . . . it is a reminder that amazing things happen . . . LOVE happens, when we work together in a common purpose and mission!
2700+ Kids were served!!!!
Over 500 haircuts!!!
AND I already have at least 10 emails from folks saying, "I would LOVE to serve on the vision team for this event in 2012!" THAT is the BEST NEWS EVER to my ears!!!! What started as 4 people around a table in a restaurant in 2010 . . . . that went to a team of 20 in 2011 and transposed to over 750 volunteers . . . . will now be UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!
Last week when Leslie said in the video "I'm ready to start working on Bash'12 tomorrow!" I thought "ARE YOU CRAZY??????" But honestly, after worship on Sunday @ West . . . I was ready to get started immediately!
In fact - Bash'11 IS NOT DONE!!!!!
WC was contacted by an organization in Statesville, associated w/ the Statesville Housing Authority. They are hosting a Bash in one week and asked if we had any left over supplies!
Here are the God things in that conversation and circumstances:
- We actually had supplies left OVER for the first time ever!!!! HOW we don't know . . . short of a miracle. BUT we do. AND we will be donating those to the Statesville Kids!
-I asked what the organizational structure is for this Bash b/c I wanted to make sure that the kids actually receive the items! They are SO similar to the way we are doing it and I asked her if she would like to partner with us for next year so we could actually serve the entire county - not just one little part! SHE READILY AGREED!!!!!
You see - she attends The Cove, which is one of our partners! Her vision is the same as the Bash'10 and Bash'11 vision . . . so now we will begin working together to ensure that for Bash'12 we don't have to turn ANYONE away!!!! ALL ISS schools will hopefully be able to be served!!!!
IRONIC that happens today as I listen to leaders declare we need to have BOLD vision and we need to "DO SOMETHING!"
It is an honor and privilege to be a pastor at a church where folks are NEVER afraid to DO SOMETHING!!!!!!!!
I can't wait to see where God takes this over the next year! Thank you for YOUR support of the Bash!!!!
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
She attends Grace Covenant. I'm not sure how she got hooked up w/ Bash but the stories she shared today were unforgettable, as have so many of your stories been!
I'll confess, I didn't have a lot of time to see the "God moments" b/c I ended up dealing w/ issues that came up . . . . but to hear the stories of those who served, those are the "goosebump" stories that remind me of the vastness and greatness of God's love!
Today Jennifer shared that after she prayed w/ the little boy she had put shoes on his feet, he grabbed her hands and said, "Let us pray . . . Dear God, thank you for ALL these people who were so kind to share their stuff with us. Thank you for all the fun things we get to do here. Thank you for the food. Thank you for the school supplies. This is just the best day ever God so thank you SO MUCH!"
NOW . . . if that wasn't the voice of Christ nudging OUR hearts . . . I don't know what was or IS! To have the one being served then take it upon himself to share prayers of gratitude and blessings on those who are serving . . . . it is a reminder that amazing things happen . . . LOVE happens, when we work together in a common purpose and mission!
2700+ Kids were served!!!!
Over 500 haircuts!!!
AND I already have at least 10 emails from folks saying, "I would LOVE to serve on the vision team for this event in 2012!" THAT is the BEST NEWS EVER to my ears!!!! What started as 4 people around a table in a restaurant in 2010 . . . . that went to a team of 20 in 2011 and transposed to over 750 volunteers . . . . will now be UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!
Last week when Leslie said in the video "I'm ready to start working on Bash'12 tomorrow!" I thought "ARE YOU CRAZY??????" But honestly, after worship on Sunday @ West . . . I was ready to get started immediately!
In fact - Bash'11 IS NOT DONE!!!!!
WC was contacted by an organization in Statesville, associated w/ the Statesville Housing Authority. They are hosting a Bash in one week and asked if we had any left over supplies!
Here are the God things in that conversation and circumstances:
- We actually had supplies left OVER for the first time ever!!!! HOW we don't know . . . short of a miracle. BUT we do. AND we will be donating those to the Statesville Kids!
-I asked what the organizational structure is for this Bash b/c I wanted to make sure that the kids actually receive the items! They are SO similar to the way we are doing it and I asked her if she would like to partner with us for next year so we could actually serve the entire county - not just one little part! SHE READILY AGREED!!!!!
You see - she attends The Cove, which is one of our partners! Her vision is the same as the Bash'10 and Bash'11 vision . . . so now we will begin working together to ensure that for Bash'12 we don't have to turn ANYONE away!!!! ALL ISS schools will hopefully be able to be served!!!!
IRONIC that happens today as I listen to leaders declare we need to have BOLD vision and we need to "DO SOMETHING!"
It is an honor and privilege to be a pastor at a church where folks are NEVER afraid to DO SOMETHING!!!!!!!!
I can't wait to see where God takes this over the next year! Thank you for YOUR support of the Bash!!!!
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
Friday, August 5, 2011
Is the Thunder REALLY all that necessary?
It really did seem like things were moving a little too smoothly!
Yes there were the normal kinks . . . we needed more supplies, we needed more money, we needed more hair cut people . . and EACH time we needed something more - God provided.
In fact, it made the Charlotte Observer last Sunday (I found this out today) that one of the businesses helping with the event said, "I think they bit off more than they can chew."
Well, our human selves may have bitten off more than we can chew but what that lady did not seem to remember is that we are not in this whole "Bash'11" thing alone! God is a LOT bigger than we are and as a volunteer shared this morning as we had the first of many "crisis points" of the day . . . God never "bites off" more than God can chew!
It did seem like if it "could" go wrong - it DID go wrong this morning . . . grill issues, charcoal issues, water issues, forklift issues, generator issues (that was the biggest!!!!!) . . . and each time we turned around something else was wrong!
However, the most amazing thing was and is that at every turn where there was a problem - God was also working w/ us to provide solutions. And the solutions were far bigger and better than the original one each time!!!!!
I guess the final straw came for me when I got an email chastising us for not "qualifying the children" so we could make sure we were helping only the poor! The individual was disgusted with the way we went about it, felt we were misadvertising, etc. The email left me greatly, greatly unsettled!
Yet - there was God again! Which is why the blog is called, "Its those things again." Those things - are GOD things!!!! God really does not ever let us fall . . . .
As soon as I read the email that stung pretty badly . .. there was one from a new West family -
"I really enjoyed Sunday’s message and as I sat there thought about how incredibly lucky to have such a passionate and talented woman helping me in my faith. I hope life hasn’t hit your blind side too hard this week."
I don't know what tomorrow will bring . . . . but as I sit in my office and hear the thunder outside I am reminded of the Mercy Me song, "Bring the Rain." It's all good - b/c really - the fact that we have:
Bash’11 has collected over $15,000 from area churches and business organizations . . .
Bash’11 has over 550 DIFFERENT people being the hands and feet of Christ . . .
Bash’11 will serve over 3000 students in our local community with either school supplies, shoes, and haircuts . .. or for many – all 3!
Bash’11 has 45+ different people to come cut hair on a church property . . . .less than ideal “salon” circumstances . . .
Bash’11 will show folks in our community what it means to show love and generosity in the name of Christ.
ALL that is a God thing!!!!
So . . . go ahead . . . and let it rain!
Yes there were the normal kinks . . . we needed more supplies, we needed more money, we needed more hair cut people . . and EACH time we needed something more - God provided.
In fact, it made the Charlotte Observer last Sunday (I found this out today) that one of the businesses helping with the event said, "I think they bit off more than they can chew."
Well, our human selves may have bitten off more than we can chew but what that lady did not seem to remember is that we are not in this whole "Bash'11" thing alone! God is a LOT bigger than we are and as a volunteer shared this morning as we had the first of many "crisis points" of the day . . . God never "bites off" more than God can chew!
It did seem like if it "could" go wrong - it DID go wrong this morning . . . grill issues, charcoal issues, water issues, forklift issues, generator issues (that was the biggest!!!!!) . . . and each time we turned around something else was wrong!
However, the most amazing thing was and is that at every turn where there was a problem - God was also working w/ us to provide solutions. And the solutions were far bigger and better than the original one each time!!!!!
I guess the final straw came for me when I got an email chastising us for not "qualifying the children" so we could make sure we were helping only the poor! The individual was disgusted with the way we went about it, felt we were misadvertising, etc. The email left me greatly, greatly unsettled!
Yet - there was God again! Which is why the blog is called, "Its those things again." Those things - are GOD things!!!! God really does not ever let us fall . . . .
As soon as I read the email that stung pretty badly . .. there was one from a new West family -
"I really enjoyed Sunday’s message and as I sat there thought about how incredibly lucky to have such a passionate and talented woman helping me in my faith. I hope life hasn’t hit your blind side too hard this week."
I don't know what tomorrow will bring . . . . but as I sit in my office and hear the thunder outside I am reminded of the Mercy Me song, "Bring the Rain." It's all good - b/c really - the fact that we have:
Bash’11 has collected over $15,000 from area churches and business organizations . . .
Bash’11 has over 550 DIFFERENT people being the hands and feet of Christ . . .
Bash’11 will serve over 3000 students in our local community with either school supplies, shoes, and haircuts . .. or for many – all 3!
Bash’11 has 45+ different people to come cut hair on a church property . . . .less than ideal “salon” circumstances . . .
Bash’11 will show folks in our community what it means to show love and generosity in the name of Christ.
ALL that is a God thing!!!!
So . . . go ahead . . . and let it rain!
Monday, July 11, 2011
It Comes Full Circle
The Jamaica Mission Team is working away in the mountains of Jamaica surrounded by the Deaf Village that has become a part of the heart of WCUMC.
Look on the right of the page for the link to their blog!
One of the components of the trip is to visit the Infirmary and spend time with them on Sunday afternoon. Then return mid-week and take them a meal and continue hanging out and building relationships.
The most interesting component of this is the "Infirmary" is a cross between a nursing home and mental ward. Never in America would there be ANY place like this - conditions are abhorable and the people, for the most part, lie there waiting to die, flies, heat, and hopelessness surrounding them. Or so it seems . . .
For any American it would seem that hopelessness abounds . . . yet upon some time with the people you quickly learn they are not immersed in anything other than peace. They derive their peace from a source much bigger than themselves so it matters not that they have nothing but a bed and maybe, if they are lucky, a plastic box with a few possessions, they are at peace with who and where they are.
The most interesting thing to me, however, is that when the team arrived there yesterday (a year after the last visit w/ NO communication during the year - there's no way to communicate with them) . . the people of the infirmary, the men and women lying in their own states of helplessness called the people from WC by name.
They greeted our people by name.
They remembered.
I really, really, really try hard to remember people's names when I meet them! Unfortunately sometimes I "rename" people because I forget . . but more often than not I forget completely . . I struggle to remember, even though it is something I really want to do!
How is it that men and women in another part of the world, marked by cultural differences,distance,and failing health can remember a 1 hour visit and call the people by name?
Obviously something happens in that one hour visit that is a catalyst for changing someone's life.
I'm not sure quite yet what that means for me . . . but what I do know is that I hope every encounter I have can be a catalyst for change. Not just for who I am "encountering" . . . because frankly, that's the least of my concern . . . the change needs to happen within me.
Whereas I pray for the folks in the infirmary that they will feel God's peace, strength, encouragement, etc. I may want to revisit that prayer . . the ones who have nothing, who are presented with days lined with no hope out of a dismal situation, are the ones who are content. At peace.
I struggle a bit because my entire family is out of the country, on a trip I hold so dear to my heart, and I'm here . . . alone . . . little "pity party" can we say? And then I read their blog post - and I am reminded . . . like the Apostle Paul said,
"For me, to live is Christ. To die is gain."
Maybe my focus shouldn't be AT ALL on me! That's where the contentment comes from . . . . may God KEEP reminding me of that and may God keep on using those folks in the villages of Jamiaca to draw all people to the peace and perseverance that only God provides.
Grace and Peace, A
Look on the right of the page for the link to their blog!
One of the components of the trip is to visit the Infirmary and spend time with them on Sunday afternoon. Then return mid-week and take them a meal and continue hanging out and building relationships.
The most interesting component of this is the "Infirmary" is a cross between a nursing home and mental ward. Never in America would there be ANY place like this - conditions are abhorable and the people, for the most part, lie there waiting to die, flies, heat, and hopelessness surrounding them. Or so it seems . . .
For any American it would seem that hopelessness abounds . . . yet upon some time with the people you quickly learn they are not immersed in anything other than peace. They derive their peace from a source much bigger than themselves so it matters not that they have nothing but a bed and maybe, if they are lucky, a plastic box with a few possessions, they are at peace with who and where they are.
The most interesting thing to me, however, is that when the team arrived there yesterday (a year after the last visit w/ NO communication during the year - there's no way to communicate with them) . . the people of the infirmary, the men and women lying in their own states of helplessness called the people from WC by name.
They greeted our people by name.
They remembered.
I really, really, really try hard to remember people's names when I meet them! Unfortunately sometimes I "rename" people because I forget . . but more often than not I forget completely . . I struggle to remember, even though it is something I really want to do!
How is it that men and women in another part of the world, marked by cultural differences,distance,and failing health can remember a 1 hour visit and call the people by name?
Obviously something happens in that one hour visit that is a catalyst for changing someone's life.
I'm not sure quite yet what that means for me . . . but what I do know is that I hope every encounter I have can be a catalyst for change. Not just for who I am "encountering" . . . because frankly, that's the least of my concern . . . the change needs to happen within me.
Whereas I pray for the folks in the infirmary that they will feel God's peace, strength, encouragement, etc. I may want to revisit that prayer . . the ones who have nothing, who are presented with days lined with no hope out of a dismal situation, are the ones who are content. At peace.
I struggle a bit because my entire family is out of the country, on a trip I hold so dear to my heart, and I'm here . . . alone . . . little "pity party" can we say? And then I read their blog post - and I am reminded . . . like the Apostle Paul said,
"For me, to live is Christ. To die is gain."
Maybe my focus shouldn't be AT ALL on me! That's where the contentment comes from . . . . may God KEEP reminding me of that and may God keep on using those folks in the villages of Jamiaca to draw all people to the peace and perseverance that only God provides.
Grace and Peace, A
Sunday, June 26, 2011
On "Fire" for Jesus . . . or Feeling like it anyway!
When West was created we said we wanted to be "Different" . . . certainly today was testimony to the DNA of a different church! I don't think I could have been more frustrated by the end of the sermon. Then this afternoon I received a "forward" from a friend and it was a devotion by Saddleback and it was entitled "Jesus laughed." He reminded me that today Jesus would have laughed and it would have been ok!!!! And he was right . . .
That, along with feedback from the Leadership Team, has reminded me that it is ok to laugh . . . it is ok for bizarre Sundays! Because even in the "differences" there were the "God moments" that won't be easily forgotten!
There is something powerful and spiritually moving when a faith community unites together to lift up people within the community in prayer.
I know that Don, Jake, and Jason felt the power of prayer from their faith community. And despite the CRAZINESS of the day . . . the heat, the phantom microphone muting, the random flying objects, etc. somehow we ended up in a place and time of worship! Thanks for being a part of West!
Now . . . for a bit of humor from the day . . . my top "10" list of why it was fine for there to be ZERO air @ West today!
The Top 10 Reasons that No Air @ West was a Good Thing!
10. All participants in worship or Wired/Sparked lost a guaranteed 1.5 pounds.
9. In addition to teh new weight loss, an additional 200 calories were burned as a result of fanning.
8. If you are unable to experience vacation in a tropical area you were able to experience what one could potentially feel like and not spend a DIME!
7. You had the opportunity to see first hand how many different colors the shirts of the band/worship team could be, depending on degree of sweat.
6. It allowed you an opportunity to sit close to the stage without seeming like an "over-eager" worshipper. (Don't you want to sit that close every week?)
5. Many were able to reminisce to the days of their childhood of "No Airconditioning."
4. Those who load/unload the trailers and experience new body smells after they are done w/ the physical labor now have something in common with the rest of those who attend West.
3. We now know how much it takes to send Andrea to the edge in worship . . .
a. Heat that takes your breath away when you walk on stage
b. Tons of movement in front of people's faces so no eye contact can be gauged.
c. Flying insects coming in from all the open doors that have potential to sting consistently flying in Andrea's face, around her body, and refusing to leave her alone until she yells at it and offers up a prayer, "God I need a break!"
d. Hearing every outside noise possible because of all the open doors.
e. Actually having written out a sermon while on vacation only to have the inability to focus and "engage" because of the bizarre circumstances
2. IF the theology of West was a "Fear Based Theology" today would have been a prime opportunity to preach on Hell. AND we will always have this to fall back on as an example.
1. I've always wanted to be a "Hot" preacher w/ a "Hot" church! ;)
Seriously - We have now witnessed that we can withstand LOTS of factors!
a. Worship Leader Interview in worship in which he ignored every direction of worship team and pastor
b. The beautiful rendition on the Sunday before Christmas of "She's Got Legs" and "If You Wanna Be My Lover" playing pre-worship and then during the announcement video
c. The Palm Sunday experience in which we sang 9,423 choruses of "He Reigns" while waving palm branches in the air because the children forgot to leave.
d. The Palm Sunday monologue in which Andrea was being rolled out on a bed w/ curlers in her hair, pajamas, fuzzy bedroom shoes, and a face mask as she is sitting up in the bed yelling at the Worship Team to "sit them down" because the congregation was still standing and it was time for the monologue.
d. Today.
And each time those who make "West" "West" carry themselves with grace. I am not exactly sure what grace I carried w/ the whole bee/wasp thing . . .because at that point I wanted to just give up . . . but I decided that was not my best option!
I am grateful for the folks that come and fill those seats each week . . . and believe it or not - we had a first time worshipper today and her quote to someone was . . .
"Well, it was a little warm but we had a great day at church!"
So . . .there you go! God does work through and in all things!
I'm so blessed to be able to be a pastor at such a amazing church!
That, along with feedback from the Leadership Team, has reminded me that it is ok to laugh . . . it is ok for bizarre Sundays! Because even in the "differences" there were the "God moments" that won't be easily forgotten!
There is something powerful and spiritually moving when a faith community unites together to lift up people within the community in prayer.
I know that Don, Jake, and Jason felt the power of prayer from their faith community. And despite the CRAZINESS of the day . . . the heat, the phantom microphone muting, the random flying objects, etc. somehow we ended up in a place and time of worship! Thanks for being a part of West!
Now . . . for a bit of humor from the day . . . my top "10" list of why it was fine for there to be ZERO air @ West today!
The Top 10 Reasons that No Air @ West was a Good Thing!
10. All participants in worship or Wired/Sparked lost a guaranteed 1.5 pounds.
9. In addition to teh new weight loss, an additional 200 calories were burned as a result of fanning.
8. If you are unable to experience vacation in a tropical area you were able to experience what one could potentially feel like and not spend a DIME!
7. You had the opportunity to see first hand how many different colors the shirts of the band/worship team could be, depending on degree of sweat.
6. It allowed you an opportunity to sit close to the stage without seeming like an "over-eager" worshipper. (Don't you want to sit that close every week?)
5. Many were able to reminisce to the days of their childhood of "No Airconditioning."
4. Those who load/unload the trailers and experience new body smells after they are done w/ the physical labor now have something in common with the rest of those who attend West.
3. We now know how much it takes to send Andrea to the edge in worship . . .
a. Heat that takes your breath away when you walk on stage
b. Tons of movement in front of people's faces so no eye contact can be gauged.
c. Flying insects coming in from all the open doors that have potential to sting consistently flying in Andrea's face, around her body, and refusing to leave her alone until she yells at it and offers up a prayer, "God I need a break!"
d. Hearing every outside noise possible because of all the open doors.
e. Actually having written out a sermon while on vacation only to have the inability to focus and "engage" because of the bizarre circumstances
2. IF the theology of West was a "Fear Based Theology" today would have been a prime opportunity to preach on Hell. AND we will always have this to fall back on as an example.
1. I've always wanted to be a "Hot" preacher w/ a "Hot" church! ;)
Seriously - We have now witnessed that we can withstand LOTS of factors!
a. Worship Leader Interview in worship in which he ignored every direction of worship team and pastor
b. The beautiful rendition on the Sunday before Christmas of "She's Got Legs" and "If You Wanna Be My Lover" playing pre-worship and then during the announcement video
c. The Palm Sunday experience in which we sang 9,423 choruses of "He Reigns" while waving palm branches in the air because the children forgot to leave.
d. The Palm Sunday monologue in which Andrea was being rolled out on a bed w/ curlers in her hair, pajamas, fuzzy bedroom shoes, and a face mask as she is sitting up in the bed yelling at the Worship Team to "sit them down" because the congregation was still standing and it was time for the monologue.
d. Today.
And each time those who make "West" "West" carry themselves with grace. I am not exactly sure what grace I carried w/ the whole bee/wasp thing . . .because at that point I wanted to just give up . . . but I decided that was not my best option!
I am grateful for the folks that come and fill those seats each week . . . and believe it or not - we had a first time worshipper today and her quote to someone was . . .
"Well, it was a little warm but we had a great day at church!"
So . . .there you go! God does work through and in all things!
I'm so blessed to be able to be a pastor at such a amazing church!
Monday, May 2, 2011
No Fluff Stuff -
Time is of the essence and being away last week at a Conf. for new church starts has just taken a TOLL on my email and time . . .BUT . . . want to make you aware of how YOU can be a part of helping folks locally that have been impacted by the recent storms!!!!!
Thanks!
Entire Church Group at Williamson's Chapel UMC
Message from: Joan Finn
Happy Easter Season!
We are in the season of Easter and while we celebrate the joy and hope of having a resurrected Messiah we also recognize so many of our brothers and sisters are hurting and experiencing a “new normal” in life! Their homes, lives, and many families have been impacted if not destroyed by the severe storms that have hit our community and neighboring states.
We as a faith community want to do all we can to make a difference in the lives of those who are hurting! We have several things going on right now to make a difference:
Items for Relief for Alabama:
Bring Items To The Fellowship Hall By Tuesday, May 3rd
ITEMS NEEDED:
• coolers
• sunblock
• baby wipes
• energy bars
• canned goods
• baby food
• diapers
• paper products
• hand sanitizers
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes (adults/children’s)
• deodorant
• soap
• Bibles
These will be loaded tomorrow from the Fellowship Hall at the Brawley Campus at 3pm on Tuesday. ANYONE who would like to help load, please drop by at 3pm.
PLEASE DROP OFF ALL ITEMS by 3pm tomorrow!!!
Early Disaster Response Training:
We are currently working on dates for a training – most likely it will be on a Saturday and it lasts for 4 – 5 hours.
Training is good for 2 years.
NO job skills required – just an "able body" and "willing heart"
Ken Young is our contact for Disaster Response. Email Ken at youngkjem@aol.com
Offerings:
UMCOR is the United Methodist Commission on Relief and they are ALWAYS first on site to share hope with those who are hurting.
The Holy Thursday offerings went to UMCOR Disaster Response for the Tornados but if you were unable to give toward that offering and would like to contribute, please write:
UMCOR Emergency Advance #302132 and this will bring hope to survivors of these devastating storms. One hundred percent of your gift goes directly to the relief of those affected by the 2011 Spring Storms.
Read more about UMCOR at www.umcor.org
If you have questions or have ideas for how we can continue to change lives and change the world through Christ as a missions team, please email Nick Harshbarger at nicharsh@msn.com or andreasmith@williamsonschapel.org
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
Thanks!
Entire Church Group at Williamson's Chapel UMC
Message from: Joan Finn
Happy Easter Season!
We are in the season of Easter and while we celebrate the joy and hope of having a resurrected Messiah we also recognize so many of our brothers and sisters are hurting and experiencing a “new normal” in life! Their homes, lives, and many families have been impacted if not destroyed by the severe storms that have hit our community and neighboring states.
We as a faith community want to do all we can to make a difference in the lives of those who are hurting! We have several things going on right now to make a difference:
Items for Relief for Alabama:
Bring Items To The Fellowship Hall By Tuesday, May 3rd
ITEMS NEEDED:
• coolers
• sunblock
• baby wipes
• energy bars
• canned goods
• baby food
• diapers
• paper products
• hand sanitizers
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes (adults/children’s)
• deodorant
• soap
• Bibles
These will be loaded tomorrow from the Fellowship Hall at the Brawley Campus at 3pm on Tuesday. ANYONE who would like to help load, please drop by at 3pm.
PLEASE DROP OFF ALL ITEMS by 3pm tomorrow!!!
Early Disaster Response Training:
We are currently working on dates for a training – most likely it will be on a Saturday and it lasts for 4 – 5 hours.
Training is good for 2 years.
NO job skills required – just an "able body" and "willing heart"
Ken Young is our contact for Disaster Response. Email Ken at youngkjem@aol.com
Offerings:
UMCOR is the United Methodist Commission on Relief and they are ALWAYS first on site to share hope with those who are hurting.
The Holy Thursday offerings went to UMCOR Disaster Response for the Tornados but if you were unable to give toward that offering and would like to contribute, please write:
UMCOR Emergency Advance #302132 and this will bring hope to survivors of these devastating storms. One hundred percent of your gift goes directly to the relief of those affected by the 2011 Spring Storms.
Read more about UMCOR at www.umcor.org
If you have questions or have ideas for how we can continue to change lives and change the world through Christ as a missions team, please email Nick Harshbarger at nicharsh@msn.com or andreasmith@williamsonschapel.org
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Mighty Winds . . .
Over the past two weeks life for many has consisted of powerful and often times destructive winds, literally and figuratively. Just this past weekend many of our neighbors in Raleigh lost their lives because of these winds. Not to mention the many all over our country that have gone through similar devastating storms. Our prayers continue for all impacted by the storms.
Here in Mooresville we have been fortunate to circumvent those storms. We find ourselves in the middle of Holy Week. We have been studying the last 24 hours of Christ's life for the past six weeks and now we find ourselves walking through those days, pondering and reflecting the events that changed reality for all who followed and follow him. We get ready to walk through what I believe was one of the darkest storms of humanity . . . when ego, pride, and insecurity won out over meekness, humility, and love. They won for a little while anyway . . .
In preparing and walking through Holy Week I have to admit my life feels like some giant whirlwind . . .
I can't find things . . . (ANY of the Smith's Social Security Cards - and Andrew would like to get his Driver's Permit sometime this century and YOU HAVE TO HAVE THAT CARD! ARGH!)
I have procrastinated WAY TOO LONG to finish the seminary class I took in Jan and took an incomplete when Scott's mom died . . . if I don't complete all work by Thursday I fail! Way to plan Andrea.
And the other ten billion things that keep swirling through my mind . . .
feels a little harried and windy!
But then I turn on my computer this morning and I get this from Kathy Warner, Williamson's Chapel's liaison with our sister church in Kolkatta, India.
Subject: Prayer for you & your countrymen
Pastor Andrea Smith & Sister Kathy Warner,
Lord’s mighty care be upon you, your ministry and all of your countrymen .
After getting news on 18th April 2011 about the devastating storm for three days in six provinces in your country particularly North Carolina we are worried about you and your ministry where the storm victims are forty four as yet.
As your sister church we always feels pathos for this natural catastrophe. We pray for you & your ministry, and your country. Now I stop my pen with great anxiety for you all.
May Lord save all of you from this catastrophe.
Your in His service
Rev. Jeny
And I am reminded of what matters . . . and what grounds us even in the darkest of storms!
When we were in India we encountered some of the darkest places I believe exist in our world. Walking through the slums where people had nothing but ten people living in a 10x10 space with no water, electricty, food, water, etc. and they also did not know Jesus . . . . there was a darkness that permeated the air.
Then we met Pastor Jeny, her faith community and the children @ her church. Through them, we encountered the light of Christ in such a way it permeated all the darkness that we encountered the days before.
And so today I remind myself that is what it is all about - being grounded in that which matters . . . following the light that broke the darkness in the world . . .
Now, let me share one story about things being "redefined" . . .
ON Sunday after the Egg Hunt at Lake Norman High (which was just an amazing afternoon of fun, community and fellowship) some folks were taking the 6000 eggs back to the West storage unit.
Lance had the eggs in the back of his truck and Scott was following behind. As Lance picked up a little speed all of a sudden the eggs started swirling up in a funnel shape and then flew out of the truck landing in the road and lining the sides of Hwy 150. Scott tried to get his attention to get him to stop and finally, after who knows how many eggs flew out they stopped and fixed the flyaway eggs. They tried to recover as many as they could without causing a traffic jam . . . but they didn't quite get them all.
Last night Scott was on his way home and Layne was talking to him on the phone and asked him where he was . . . typically his directional response is "at the steam station" or "passing over the lake" but yesterday his words were "I'm at the eggs." I thought, "Well, I guess we have a new landmark now. We will always refer to that place as 'The Eggs.'"
This week can pose as a new landmark for each of us . . . it can redefine who we are as followers of Christ. It is my prayer that as we walk through these days, even if they feel like a whirlwind . . .that we will allow the events and the meaning of these days and hours to redefine us and change us . . . . forever.
Thanks be to God!
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
Here in Mooresville we have been fortunate to circumvent those storms. We find ourselves in the middle of Holy Week. We have been studying the last 24 hours of Christ's life for the past six weeks and now we find ourselves walking through those days, pondering and reflecting the events that changed reality for all who followed and follow him. We get ready to walk through what I believe was one of the darkest storms of humanity . . . when ego, pride, and insecurity won out over meekness, humility, and love. They won for a little while anyway . . .
In preparing and walking through Holy Week I have to admit my life feels like some giant whirlwind . . .
I can't find things . . . (ANY of the Smith's Social Security Cards - and Andrew would like to get his Driver's Permit sometime this century and YOU HAVE TO HAVE THAT CARD! ARGH!)
I have procrastinated WAY TOO LONG to finish the seminary class I took in Jan and took an incomplete when Scott's mom died . . . if I don't complete all work by Thursday I fail! Way to plan Andrea.
And the other ten billion things that keep swirling through my mind . . .
feels a little harried and windy!
But then I turn on my computer this morning and I get this from Kathy Warner, Williamson's Chapel's liaison with our sister church in Kolkatta, India.
Subject: Prayer for you & your countrymen
Pastor Andrea Smith & Sister Kathy Warner,
Lord’s mighty care be upon you, your ministry and all of your countrymen .
After getting news on 18th April 2011 about the devastating storm for three days in six provinces in your country particularly North Carolina we are worried about you and your ministry where the storm victims are forty four as yet.
As your sister church we always feels pathos for this natural catastrophe. We pray for you & your ministry, and your country. Now I stop my pen with great anxiety for you all.
May Lord save all of you from this catastrophe.
Your in His service
Rev. Jeny
And I am reminded of what matters . . . and what grounds us even in the darkest of storms!
When we were in India we encountered some of the darkest places I believe exist in our world. Walking through the slums where people had nothing but ten people living in a 10x10 space with no water, electricty, food, water, etc. and they also did not know Jesus . . . . there was a darkness that permeated the air.
Then we met Pastor Jeny, her faith community and the children @ her church. Through them, we encountered the light of Christ in such a way it permeated all the darkness that we encountered the days before.
And so today I remind myself that is what it is all about - being grounded in that which matters . . . following the light that broke the darkness in the world . . .
Now, let me share one story about things being "redefined" . . .
ON Sunday after the Egg Hunt at Lake Norman High (which was just an amazing afternoon of fun, community and fellowship) some folks were taking the 6000 eggs back to the West storage unit.
Lance had the eggs in the back of his truck and Scott was following behind. As Lance picked up a little speed all of a sudden the eggs started swirling up in a funnel shape and then flew out of the truck landing in the road and lining the sides of Hwy 150. Scott tried to get his attention to get him to stop and finally, after who knows how many eggs flew out they stopped and fixed the flyaway eggs. They tried to recover as many as they could without causing a traffic jam . . . but they didn't quite get them all.
Last night Scott was on his way home and Layne was talking to him on the phone and asked him where he was . . . typically his directional response is "at the steam station" or "passing over the lake" but yesterday his words were "I'm at the eggs." I thought, "Well, I guess we have a new landmark now. We will always refer to that place as 'The Eggs.'"
This week can pose as a new landmark for each of us . . . it can redefine who we are as followers of Christ. It is my prayer that as we walk through these days, even if they feel like a whirlwind . . .that we will allow the events and the meaning of these days and hours to redefine us and change us . . . . forever.
Thanks be to God!
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Thoughts from the Last 24 Hours
I am safely at home - getting ready to go get ready for SLEEP but before I turn off my "technology" I wanted to put what was written sometime in the wee hours of the morn in Amsterdam but didn't post . . .
And just fyi - I wrote the majority of this after scanning my email in the airport and read there may be some issues w/ the high school and summer usage. Instead of normal "andrea mode" which would include lots of anxiety and panic - I figured perhaps I should just have faith and trust - and God would use whatever situaiton we found ourselves in for good.
The irony??? I opened my email just a few minutes ago - and there was an email from Mark Jordan - telling me all is well - we are good to go and there are no worries!!!! God was at work all the time - and I didn't have to be involved one iota!!!!!!
So . . . .here are my prior thoughts . . .
I look forward to sharing the Ugandan experience with you!
Take care!
We have been in the bus all day - and soon will be to the airport. Our plane leaves at 1am Uganda time - we fly all night - get home US time tomorrow night around six.
The trip was amazing . . . none of us will leave unchanged.
Yesterday afternoon after we ate a late lunch we went to do one final shoe distribution in Aurua. Way too much to type right now - and would much rather "preach" it than type it because it could easily be misunderstod - but let's just say we saw poverty and desperation in a way none of us ever imagined. Desperation - for a pair of shoes. HUNDREDS of children - at least 500 were on the site of that school by the time we left - all wanting, pleading for a pair of shoes.
The team looks forward to beginning a partnership with WC and Acres of Hope. As we prayed w/ Geoffrey and Stanley over the land Sara Beth told us that it was just August 16, 2010 that she and the Ugandan pastors stood on the land and prayed God would lead someone their way to walk along side them in the journey.
Well . . . . my computer died in the van yesterday when we were typing so the rest of the blog went away . . . sigh . . .
We are now in Amsterdam waiting on another airplane -
We said our goodbyes - hearts were heavy yet also filled with hope of what is to come.
THis is fulfilling what I have envisioned Christ called the church to be . . . NOT just something to "help out" but relationships. Kathy and I have prayed hard for a LONG time that God would bring the right relationships to Williamson's Chapel because you are a church with such a heart for serving people - both in Mooresville and now, truly, all over the world. Partnering with children in Afghanistan, looking to grow in the relationship with Christ Church in Kolkata, and now - partnering with others in the hope of building orphanages with a community of pastors in Nebbi, Uganda - I would say that is pretty close to fulfilling the call of the kingdom . . . to do unto the least of these.
And "the least of these" is what we have seen. Bellies so distended . . . hundreds and hundreds of children that run to us when we appear in an area . . . not running up to beg, mind you, simply running up for the touch of a hand. They all wanted to shake our hands . . . and if they were children who had been under the influence of any adult in their midst - as a sign of respect they would curtsey or bow.
The other children who perhaps had not experienced the presence of a "white person" merely stared but never in an unkind way. A curious way . . . looking . . . anticipating of what might can be.
Some realities are:
THIS OLD GIRL is a WEE BIT TIRED :)
THe other nine people who have given so selflessly of their time and money are exhausted too - not just physically but I think emotionally!
And I realized just now as some woman bowled me over while we were having our things scanned at security I am a bit grumpy too . . . .
BUT - and there is a BIG BUT!!!!
if you had told me even a year ago when we were in Kolkata that I would spend 6 days in the midst of nature - using the bathroom in places that really, REALLY are out of my comfort zone with creatures that I hope to never see again - showering in ways that don't leave me feeling clean - and whoever said "oh it's fine if they do not have hot water, African water isn't cold like you think." REALLY???????? Um, yes, it is a little cold!!!!!!
But - despite all those things - I sit here feeling nasty and grumpy but have a heart that is filled with joy and gratitude. I made the mistake of reading a few emails that downloaded and I see what reality awaits in about 10 more hours - - - -
And as a few situations seem insurmountable in the Inbox I remember that I have seen GOd multiply shoes to fit the needs of the children that kept coming . . . I have seen God Provide protection for the team as the earth rumbled a little bit (yes, there was an earthquake in Nebbi on Tuesday - most of the team slept through it but a few of us did not . . .) and I watched God empower two men and some other adults from the US have a vision for no more orphans and hunger in the middle of Africa and God has enabled them to begin on the journey to make that vision a reality.
Those without vision perish.
May we, as we each come home, so grateful to be in step w/ ministry with each of you, continue to see God's vision before us. A vision that is not based on material things or how many shoes and pocketbooks I can have (yes, I have been a bit convicted) but a vision based on using all that we are and all that we have to share God's love through all things - whether it is a single pencil, a "Smartie" (a piece of candy that comes in a pack - we gave each child 1. Not one pack - one piece of candy - and they would wait in line for 15 min to receive one)
Next weekend we will gather to package meals for "Feed My Starving Children." I see there are a few spots still open on Saturday - come join us in making a difference!!!!!!
I have already contacted FMSC to see if the next time (not next weekend, it is too quick to make a reality) but the next time we do this as a church - we can GUARANTEE that the very food we package will be distributed on the ground in Nebbi, Uganda. We also can even potentially schedule a summer 2012 trip w/ the distribution of the meals . . . and also a medical team . . . and a shoe drop. That is the vision for summer 2012. By then, it is my full hope and expectation that the first of the 3 orphanges will be built and children will no longer have names that mean "No Love" because they will be given new names in Christ.
November of this year we look to do another short Africa trip again. A week seems to work if you don't go do any kind of major sightseeing - which we did not do - no "safari's" for us - BUT i don't think a single soul will complain because we saw more animals on the side of the road and in the Nile that I ever imagined . . . .
BUT in November we will take women's dresses. THey do not wear pants . . . so we will do a "woman's dress shop" and let each woman in the village come and pick out an outfit for her! We will not only love those kids - but show love to those that care for them as well!!!!!!
Thank you as a church for supporting this - thank you for not "holding tight" to your dollars but for sharing them so generously with Mooresville and with the world!
Thanks be to God.
And just fyi - I wrote the majority of this after scanning my email in the airport and read there may be some issues w/ the high school and summer usage. Instead of normal "andrea mode" which would include lots of anxiety and panic - I figured perhaps I should just have faith and trust - and God would use whatever situaiton we found ourselves in for good.
The irony??? I opened my email just a few minutes ago - and there was an email from Mark Jordan - telling me all is well - we are good to go and there are no worries!!!! God was at work all the time - and I didn't have to be involved one iota!!!!!!
So . . . .here are my prior thoughts . . .
I look forward to sharing the Ugandan experience with you!
Take care!
We have been in the bus all day - and soon will be to the airport. Our plane leaves at 1am Uganda time - we fly all night - get home US time tomorrow night around six.
The trip was amazing . . . none of us will leave unchanged.
Yesterday afternoon after we ate a late lunch we went to do one final shoe distribution in Aurua. Way too much to type right now - and would much rather "preach" it than type it because it could easily be misunderstod - but let's just say we saw poverty and desperation in a way none of us ever imagined. Desperation - for a pair of shoes. HUNDREDS of children - at least 500 were on the site of that school by the time we left - all wanting, pleading for a pair of shoes.
The team looks forward to beginning a partnership with WC and Acres of Hope. As we prayed w/ Geoffrey and Stanley over the land Sara Beth told us that it was just August 16, 2010 that she and the Ugandan pastors stood on the land and prayed God would lead someone their way to walk along side them in the journey.
Well . . . . my computer died in the van yesterday when we were typing so the rest of the blog went away . . . sigh . . .
We are now in Amsterdam waiting on another airplane -
We said our goodbyes - hearts were heavy yet also filled with hope of what is to come.
THis is fulfilling what I have envisioned Christ called the church to be . . . NOT just something to "help out" but relationships. Kathy and I have prayed hard for a LONG time that God would bring the right relationships to Williamson's Chapel because you are a church with such a heart for serving people - both in Mooresville and now, truly, all over the world. Partnering with children in Afghanistan, looking to grow in the relationship with Christ Church in Kolkata, and now - partnering with others in the hope of building orphanages with a community of pastors in Nebbi, Uganda - I would say that is pretty close to fulfilling the call of the kingdom . . . to do unto the least of these.
And "the least of these" is what we have seen. Bellies so distended . . . hundreds and hundreds of children that run to us when we appear in an area . . . not running up to beg, mind you, simply running up for the touch of a hand. They all wanted to shake our hands . . . and if they were children who had been under the influence of any adult in their midst - as a sign of respect they would curtsey or bow.
The other children who perhaps had not experienced the presence of a "white person" merely stared but never in an unkind way. A curious way . . . looking . . . anticipating of what might can be.
Some realities are:
THIS OLD GIRL is a WEE BIT TIRED :)
THe other nine people who have given so selflessly of their time and money are exhausted too - not just physically but I think emotionally!
And I realized just now as some woman bowled me over while we were having our things scanned at security I am a bit grumpy too . . . .
BUT - and there is a BIG BUT!!!!
if you had told me even a year ago when we were in Kolkata that I would spend 6 days in the midst of nature - using the bathroom in places that really, REALLY are out of my comfort zone with creatures that I hope to never see again - showering in ways that don't leave me feeling clean - and whoever said "oh it's fine if they do not have hot water, African water isn't cold like you think." REALLY???????? Um, yes, it is a little cold!!!!!!
But - despite all those things - I sit here feeling nasty and grumpy but have a heart that is filled with joy and gratitude. I made the mistake of reading a few emails that downloaded and I see what reality awaits in about 10 more hours - - - -
And as a few situations seem insurmountable in the Inbox I remember that I have seen GOd multiply shoes to fit the needs of the children that kept coming . . . I have seen God Provide protection for the team as the earth rumbled a little bit (yes, there was an earthquake in Nebbi on Tuesday - most of the team slept through it but a few of us did not . . .) and I watched God empower two men and some other adults from the US have a vision for no more orphans and hunger in the middle of Africa and God has enabled them to begin on the journey to make that vision a reality.
Those without vision perish.
May we, as we each come home, so grateful to be in step w/ ministry with each of you, continue to see God's vision before us. A vision that is not based on material things or how many shoes and pocketbooks I can have (yes, I have been a bit convicted) but a vision based on using all that we are and all that we have to share God's love through all things - whether it is a single pencil, a "Smartie" (a piece of candy that comes in a pack - we gave each child 1. Not one pack - one piece of candy - and they would wait in line for 15 min to receive one)
Next weekend we will gather to package meals for "Feed My Starving Children." I see there are a few spots still open on Saturday - come join us in making a difference!!!!!!
I have already contacted FMSC to see if the next time (not next weekend, it is too quick to make a reality) but the next time we do this as a church - we can GUARANTEE that the very food we package will be distributed on the ground in Nebbi, Uganda. We also can even potentially schedule a summer 2012 trip w/ the distribution of the meals . . . and also a medical team . . . and a shoe drop. That is the vision for summer 2012. By then, it is my full hope and expectation that the first of the 3 orphanges will be built and children will no longer have names that mean "No Love" because they will be given new names in Christ.
November of this year we look to do another short Africa trip again. A week seems to work if you don't go do any kind of major sightseeing - which we did not do - no "safari's" for us - BUT i don't think a single soul will complain because we saw more animals on the side of the road and in the Nile that I ever imagined . . . .
BUT in November we will take women's dresses. THey do not wear pants . . . so we will do a "woman's dress shop" and let each woman in the village come and pick out an outfit for her! We will not only love those kids - but show love to those that care for them as well!!!!!!
Thank you as a church for supporting this - thank you for not "holding tight" to your dollars but for sharing them so generously with Mooresville and with the world!
Thanks be to God.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Unsettled
For us it is a pipecleaner cross – for them it is the symbol of hope and the resurrection.
Today we met a young boy whose name is Merumbe. It means “without love”
I thought I misheard Stanley – one of the Ugandan pastors we are partnering with – and I asked him to tell me that one more time.
“It means ‘without love’ – his parent named him that most likely because his dad died from AIDS.
After that as we profiled him so he could then be sponsored by someone in the US – hopefully one of you for $31 a day . . . . I wept.
And we found out he lives with his dad and 2 brothers. There is no mom.
And his name is without love. And at some point – if not already – he knows that.
What would we do if that was our name?????
It’s different . . . much easier to blog in India when you go back to a 5 star hotel (granted, in India standards) and you have that environment in which to ponder and write.
Before I left Mark Jordan and I were chatting and he said “Surely it can’t be worse than what you experienced in India.” “Good point.” I responded.
Oh how I was wrong.
But let me say it is not “worse” as in bad . . . but I don’t think there is a human being on this trip that will say their heart remains unchanged. I guess “unbroken” would be the best way I could describe it.
Sunday’s worship was powerful at both churches. One group went to Stanley’s church and another group went to Geoffrey’s. In both worship experiences it was evident that God is universal and bridges all gaps between culture. At Stanley’s, the worship songs were chosen by the congregation (five minutes before the service started – gives new meaning to worship planning) and both languages filled the room as the songs of faith resonated among the people.
I had the privilege of preaching at Geoffrey’s church and other than forgetting that I had to STOP and wait for the interpreter to interpret my words and luckily the Williamson’s Chapel people yelled out “WHOA” it was again evident that God’s presence is far reaching. The praise team sang out “You Are Good” and the familiar lyrics and tune brought a peace that settled the team.
Sunday afternoon brought two more villages - - - one that truly was on the banks of the Nile River. As we stood there among the huts and the sun set over the banks of the Nile it seemed children came from everywhere.
In the thousands of years that we know that humanity has existed in that area I seriously doubt circumstances have changed. And the even more potent part of that realization was the lack of want or need. The villagers had peace. Yet there was extreme excitement as the van rumbled in. Roads? What roads!!?!?!?!?! Some “dirt” paths define roads . . .
The women made cross necklaces from the pipe cleaners and beads we brought from America and only later did we learn how important that was because the women from a neighboring village/tribe had enough resources to have their own beaded jewelry and the women of this area had nothing but literally the clothes on their backs. But now they have beads – in the shape of a cross. And the woman that I sat beside looked at me and said, “I am a Christian.”
That was all she knew how to say. But for her that was enough!
I only have internet for 1 minute and the team REALLY wants something posted – so this is all for now . . .
But as I leave the internet realm – the things I REALLY DESPERATELY want to never forget –
The group of children with bellies so distended from poverty standing around behind us a we circled today on the land Geoffrey (Ugandan pastor) has already purchased “Acres of Hope” and we blessed and prayed over that land – after we said “Amen” all the children started clapping. They could have NO IDEA what we were doing or saying but their clapping was a true sign from God that hope and joy abounds among the desert and the starvation and the death.
Eryn surrounded by a bunch of African women with smiles so large because they had some beads.
Morgan, Julie, Layne, Andrew, and Lance doing the parachute and the soccer and OF ALL THINGS the “Chicken Dance” without any words to entertain the children – and then the African women RUNNING up so they could do the dance too.
Meeting SaraBeth, Whitney, K.B., and Lacey and seeing their passion and sacrifice for the African people.
Pat, Lance, Scott, Kathy, Eryn, Layne, Andrew, Morgan, Julie and myelf are blessed to be a part of WCUMC. We are sad to get ready to come home but also READY because we have much to share!
Until then...
Today we met a young boy whose name is Merumbe. It means “without love”
I thought I misheard Stanley – one of the Ugandan pastors we are partnering with – and I asked him to tell me that one more time.
“It means ‘without love’ – his parent named him that most likely because his dad died from AIDS.
After that as we profiled him so he could then be sponsored by someone in the US – hopefully one of you for $31 a day . . . . I wept.
And we found out he lives with his dad and 2 brothers. There is no mom.
And his name is without love. And at some point – if not already – he knows that.
What would we do if that was our name?????
It’s different . . . much easier to blog in India when you go back to a 5 star hotel (granted, in India standards) and you have that environment in which to ponder and write.
Before I left Mark Jordan and I were chatting and he said “Surely it can’t be worse than what you experienced in India.” “Good point.” I responded.
Oh how I was wrong.
But let me say it is not “worse” as in bad . . . but I don’t think there is a human being on this trip that will say their heart remains unchanged. I guess “unbroken” would be the best way I could describe it.
Sunday’s worship was powerful at both churches. One group went to Stanley’s church and another group went to Geoffrey’s. In both worship experiences it was evident that God is universal and bridges all gaps between culture. At Stanley’s, the worship songs were chosen by the congregation (five minutes before the service started – gives new meaning to worship planning) and both languages filled the room as the songs of faith resonated among the people.
I had the privilege of preaching at Geoffrey’s church and other than forgetting that I had to STOP and wait for the interpreter to interpret my words and luckily the Williamson’s Chapel people yelled out “WHOA” it was again evident that God’s presence is far reaching. The praise team sang out “You Are Good” and the familiar lyrics and tune brought a peace that settled the team.
Sunday afternoon brought two more villages - - - one that truly was on the banks of the Nile River. As we stood there among the huts and the sun set over the banks of the Nile it seemed children came from everywhere.
In the thousands of years that we know that humanity has existed in that area I seriously doubt circumstances have changed. And the even more potent part of that realization was the lack of want or need. The villagers had peace. Yet there was extreme excitement as the van rumbled in. Roads? What roads!!?!?!?!?! Some “dirt” paths define roads . . .
The women made cross necklaces from the pipe cleaners and beads we brought from America and only later did we learn how important that was because the women from a neighboring village/tribe had enough resources to have their own beaded jewelry and the women of this area had nothing but literally the clothes on their backs. But now they have beads – in the shape of a cross. And the woman that I sat beside looked at me and said, “I am a Christian.”
That was all she knew how to say. But for her that was enough!
I only have internet for 1 minute and the team REALLY wants something posted – so this is all for now . . .
But as I leave the internet realm – the things I REALLY DESPERATELY want to never forget –
The group of children with bellies so distended from poverty standing around behind us a we circled today on the land Geoffrey (Ugandan pastor) has already purchased “Acres of Hope” and we blessed and prayed over that land – after we said “Amen” all the children started clapping. They could have NO IDEA what we were doing or saying but their clapping was a true sign from God that hope and joy abounds among the desert and the starvation and the death.
Eryn surrounded by a bunch of African women with smiles so large because they had some beads.
Morgan, Julie, Layne, Andrew, and Lance doing the parachute and the soccer and OF ALL THINGS the “Chicken Dance” without any words to entertain the children – and then the African women RUNNING up so they could do the dance too.
Meeting SaraBeth, Whitney, K.B., and Lacey and seeing their passion and sacrifice for the African people.
Pat, Lance, Scott, Kathy, Eryn, Layne, Andrew, Morgan, Julie and myelf are blessed to be a part of WCUMC. We are sad to get ready to come home but also READY because we have much to share!
Until then...
Sunday, March 13, 2011
It's Sunday after church
Andrea preached and did a great job. The interpreter did an amazing job translating Andreas sermon.
Their energy and passion for Christ was amazing. They sang and clapped and danced for over an hour! Although we are a world apart the similarities in God’s message clearly cut across cultural bounds.
This afternoon we travel to a town beside the river Nile. We look forward to being in the same waters that Moses was in. In addition to the 100+ shoes we gave away yesterday, today we will again wash feet, share God’s love and give away shoes! We hope to see another elephant and hippo though we cannot take pictures because the government does not allow it unless we are on a paid safari.
Yesterday was totally amazing, crazy, and touched and inspired each of us in a unique and powerful way. Kneeling at the feet of African children and washing the dirt off of them was such a humbling and fulfilling experience. It was not about the shoes but about sharing love in a personal and general way with orphans who have no family unit and rarely receive the touch of a loving individual.
As we played games with the hundreds and hundreds (no lie) of kids the pure joy in their faces was Indescribable especially compared to the daily trials they face. Compared to the USA it is rare for these kids to experience such freedom to be a kid and just have "fun"!
As we have said, power is off here so communication is difficult but we feel the prayers and thank each of you who are continually lifting us up.
Tomorrow we hope to have Internet access at Geoffrey's house. Andrea has a blog post much deeper than this :). This post is submitted by Kathy, Eryn, and Scott on the iPhone and thankfully re-sent by Joan Finn from WCUMC.
If you want to send a text to the team send an email to: 37257710878@SMS.onesimscard.com. A text will come to us at no charge and the email is free for you :)
Their energy and passion for Christ was amazing. They sang and clapped and danced for over an hour! Although we are a world apart the similarities in God’s message clearly cut across cultural bounds.
This afternoon we travel to a town beside the river Nile. We look forward to being in the same waters that Moses was in. In addition to the 100+ shoes we gave away yesterday, today we will again wash feet, share God’s love and give away shoes! We hope to see another elephant and hippo though we cannot take pictures because the government does not allow it unless we are on a paid safari.
Yesterday was totally amazing, crazy, and touched and inspired each of us in a unique and powerful way. Kneeling at the feet of African children and washing the dirt off of them was such a humbling and fulfilling experience. It was not about the shoes but about sharing love in a personal and general way with orphans who have no family unit and rarely receive the touch of a loving individual.
As we played games with the hundreds and hundreds (no lie) of kids the pure joy in their faces was Indescribable especially compared to the daily trials they face. Compared to the USA it is rare for these kids to experience such freedom to be a kid and just have "fun"!
As we have said, power is off here so communication is difficult but we feel the prayers and thank each of you who are continually lifting us up.
Tomorrow we hope to have Internet access at Geoffrey's house. Andrea has a blog post much deeper than this :). This post is submitted by Kathy, Eryn, and Scott on the iPhone and thankfully re-sent by Joan Finn from WCUMC.
If you want to send a text to the team send an email to: 37257710878@SMS.onesimscard.com. A text will come to us at no charge and the email is free for you :)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Limited Communications in Nebbi, everyone is well, no power, posting from cell phone
Everyone is well. On the ride here we saw elephants, baboons, monkeys and hippos. We crossed the Nile river twice.
Accommodations are ok, just generator power for. Few hours each night.
Passing out shoes sat morning and there are hundreds of kids waiting on us. Their eyes light up when they see us.
We will send communications when we can but very limited as we can only do this from the iPhone.
Accommodations are ok, just generator power for. Few hours each night.
Passing out shoes sat morning and there are hundreds of kids waiting on us. Their eyes light up when they see us.
We will send communications when we can but very limited as we can only do this from the iPhone.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
New Appreciation for Nothing But Nets!
We are here in Kampala, landed and got to hotel around 11pm I think . . . now it is after midnight - time for bed as 7am and the 5 hour bus ride to Nebbi tomorrow will come early!
Relatively stress free day - it seems like forever ago when we were in Charlotte - I guess we have spent over 24 hours in travel but we are here safe and sound and so glad!
Staying at a nice hotel . . . . .w/ Mosquito Nets. Now - I have to confess. I've always heard about the "nothing but nets" campaign done through UMCOR and other mission organizations but i don't know what I expected. Truthfully i thought it was a net you put over your body - like you wore it or something - I had no idea. It's a canopy kind of thing! BUT BOY AM I GRATEFUL FOR IT!!!!!!!! Those little mosquitos are EVERYWHERE and all our luggage (with all my bug spray is on the bus)!!!!
So . .. sleeping in my clothes and a net . . . as are most other people. I truly don't think anyone cares!!!!!! We are just so glad to be here and meeting Geoffrey and Stanley - the two Ugandan Pastors has been so cool! They laugh and joke around but their prayer tonight was so beautiful.
I do want to apologize on the front end if you are reading this blog for tidbits of info on your loved ones. I try to give you overviews of safety, etc. but this also serves as my "journal" . . . a way to remember things that happen that I NEVER want to forget . . . so when I wax eloquent - forgive me!
Two quick things happened today that I hope I will always remember.
We had a little passport drama in the Amsterdam airport. One of our team members laid down their bag at one of the little shops in the airport (NO - for once it wasn't me - but so typical of something I would do!)
They didn't get back to the gate until we had about 20 min to get ready to board the next 8 hour flight. They went to look for their passport but it wasn't w/ all the WCUMC Luggage. They insisted they left it there . . . they KNEW beyond a shadow of a doubt they did not carry their bag around with them.
Thus began an all out search. All the Samaritan's Feet staff, several WC team members, etc. went around looking in bathrooms, near tables, food court, etc. HOPING to find the bag. We also talked to immigration and found out there was no way they could take off on another plane unless that passport was in hand. We didn't know what we were going to do except get a hotel, go to the US Embassy, and get a new one overnighted. To say it was stressful for a few minutes is a slight under exaggeration.
FOr a good 15 minutes 10 different people combed the airport. Finally - the one who originally lost it came back and had it in hand. Sighs of relief rang out.
The irony of the whole thing was something I think we all have that is so blatant in our lives.
That which we think we know with all certainty - is often not absolute.
Had some inisitence not occurred today w/ the whole passport thing and someone insisting that we had to leave and go look for it we would probably still think it was mixed up with someone's carry on.
Yet the nudge was there that it was NOT mixed in - I would have seen it . . . So we kept looking.
I wonder how many times in life - both in the US and for the Ugandan Team - do we miss the things that are so crystal clear and absolute because we inisist on our own ideas and own "way."
It is my prayer this week that we see God with such clarity of vision and purpose and love that there is NO our own way. It is only God's way!
Thank you for the prayers! They are much, much appreciated!!!
Now - off to sleep - up in 5 hours. ;)
Relatively stress free day - it seems like forever ago when we were in Charlotte - I guess we have spent over 24 hours in travel but we are here safe and sound and so glad!
Staying at a nice hotel . . . . .w/ Mosquito Nets. Now - I have to confess. I've always heard about the "nothing but nets" campaign done through UMCOR and other mission organizations but i don't know what I expected. Truthfully i thought it was a net you put over your body - like you wore it or something - I had no idea. It's a canopy kind of thing! BUT BOY AM I GRATEFUL FOR IT!!!!!!!! Those little mosquitos are EVERYWHERE and all our luggage (with all my bug spray is on the bus)!!!!
So . .. sleeping in my clothes and a net . . . as are most other people. I truly don't think anyone cares!!!!!! We are just so glad to be here and meeting Geoffrey and Stanley - the two Ugandan Pastors has been so cool! They laugh and joke around but their prayer tonight was so beautiful.
I do want to apologize on the front end if you are reading this blog for tidbits of info on your loved ones. I try to give you overviews of safety, etc. but this also serves as my "journal" . . . a way to remember things that happen that I NEVER want to forget . . . so when I wax eloquent - forgive me!
Two quick things happened today that I hope I will always remember.
We had a little passport drama in the Amsterdam airport. One of our team members laid down their bag at one of the little shops in the airport (NO - for once it wasn't me - but so typical of something I would do!)
They didn't get back to the gate until we had about 20 min to get ready to board the next 8 hour flight. They went to look for their passport but it wasn't w/ all the WCUMC Luggage. They insisted they left it there . . . they KNEW beyond a shadow of a doubt they did not carry their bag around with them.
Thus began an all out search. All the Samaritan's Feet staff, several WC team members, etc. went around looking in bathrooms, near tables, food court, etc. HOPING to find the bag. We also talked to immigration and found out there was no way they could take off on another plane unless that passport was in hand. We didn't know what we were going to do except get a hotel, go to the US Embassy, and get a new one overnighted. To say it was stressful for a few minutes is a slight under exaggeration.
FOr a good 15 minutes 10 different people combed the airport. Finally - the one who originally lost it came back and had it in hand. Sighs of relief rang out.
The irony of the whole thing was something I think we all have that is so blatant in our lives.
That which we think we know with all certainty - is often not absolute.
Had some inisitence not occurred today w/ the whole passport thing and someone insisting that we had to leave and go look for it we would probably still think it was mixed up with someone's carry on.
Yet the nudge was there that it was NOT mixed in - I would have seen it . . . So we kept looking.
I wonder how many times in life - both in the US and for the Ugandan Team - do we miss the things that are so crystal clear and absolute because we inisist on our own ideas and own "way."
It is my prayer this week that we see God with such clarity of vision and purpose and love that there is NO our own way. It is only God's way!
Thank you for the prayers! They are much, much appreciated!!!
Now - off to sleep - up in 5 hours. ;)
Landed in Amsterdam
We made it to Amsterdam safely. Now a 4 hour layover and another 8 hour flight to Uganda!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
LOTS of SHOES . . . . and HERE WE GO!!!!
Well . . .
We are here . . . and SHOES are everywhere!
We had a "little" counting discrepancy between the Samaritan's Feet office and the bins and bags at WCUMC so when we did the group check in and got near the end we had a few too many bins and a few NOT enough people!!!
We consolidated 2 bins into the rest of the check in luggage that didn't weigh 50 pounds and thought we were GOOD to go!
NOPE!!!!
Still two more bins! Hmmmmmmmm . . . how in the world are we going to get this stuff there? And this is more than just some makeup and construction paper. It was shoes. And for each pair of shoes there is a small person on the other side of the world that has a need. Leaving those behind felt like a HEAVY weight on our hearts!
We TRIED to negotiate a reduced fee - $200 per bag extra. Could we do a "buy one get one free" sale?
***Brief aside - our Ugandan Pastor - Geoffrey is Skyping with us while we sit in the Charlotte Airport! HOW COOL!
Anyway - No Negotiating w/ Delta. :(
So . . . SaraBeth was going to pay for one bin, I was going pay for the other. $400 is nothing compared to 60 or 70 pair of shoes on children's feet!
BUT we spied ALL THOSE CARRY ON BAGS . . . SURELY between the 10 of us and SaraBeth from Samaritan's Feet we could get those shoes on that airplane without spending lots more money!
We have shoes everywhere . . . they are in every crevice of backpacks, pocketbooks, and even took the place of a pillow or two, and we are patiently waiting on our flight to NYC!
We are so blessed by you and your prayers!
This morning the staff of WC and the parents gathered around the team and covered us in prayer.
As Rob closed the prayer his words were beautiful, "And God let the impact of this trip have effects that are eternal in the lives of both those going and those who receive."
Eternal effects . . . by an eternal God.
Let us truly see and experience those effects in every step of the way.
Thank you for keeping the team in your prayers!
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
Team:
Pat Benfield
Lance Armstrong
Eryn O'Brien
Julie Fuquay
Morgan McMahon
Andrea
Scott Smith
Andrew Smith
Layne Smith
Kathy Warner
We are here . . . and SHOES are everywhere!
We had a "little" counting discrepancy between the Samaritan's Feet office and the bins and bags at WCUMC so when we did the group check in and got near the end we had a few too many bins and a few NOT enough people!!!
We consolidated 2 bins into the rest of the check in luggage that didn't weigh 50 pounds and thought we were GOOD to go!
NOPE!!!!
Still two more bins! Hmmmmmmmm . . . how in the world are we going to get this stuff there? And this is more than just some makeup and construction paper. It was shoes. And for each pair of shoes there is a small person on the other side of the world that has a need. Leaving those behind felt like a HEAVY weight on our hearts!
We TRIED to negotiate a reduced fee - $200 per bag extra. Could we do a "buy one get one free" sale?
***Brief aside - our Ugandan Pastor - Geoffrey is Skyping with us while we sit in the Charlotte Airport! HOW COOL!
Anyway - No Negotiating w/ Delta. :(
So . . . SaraBeth was going to pay for one bin, I was going pay for the other. $400 is nothing compared to 60 or 70 pair of shoes on children's feet!
BUT we spied ALL THOSE CARRY ON BAGS . . . SURELY between the 10 of us and SaraBeth from Samaritan's Feet we could get those shoes on that airplane without spending lots more money!
We have shoes everywhere . . . they are in every crevice of backpacks, pocketbooks, and even took the place of a pillow or two, and we are patiently waiting on our flight to NYC!
We are so blessed by you and your prayers!
This morning the staff of WC and the parents gathered around the team and covered us in prayer.
As Rob closed the prayer his words were beautiful, "And God let the impact of this trip have effects that are eternal in the lives of both those going and those who receive."
Eternal effects . . . by an eternal God.
Let us truly see and experience those effects in every step of the way.
Thank you for keeping the team in your prayers!
Grace and Peace,
Andrea
Team:
Pat Benfield
Lance Armstrong
Eryn O'Brien
Julie Fuquay
Morgan McMahon
Andrea
Scott Smith
Andrew Smith
Layne Smith
Kathy Warner
Flight Itinerary
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 6055
Depart: Charlotte Douglas Airport 12:47 PM
Arrive: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport Travel Time: 2:12
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 0070
Depart: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport 4:25 PM
Arrive: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport Travel Time: 7:35
Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:00 AM
Thursday 10 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 9318
Depart: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport 10:15 AM
Arrive: Entebbe Airport Travel Time: 8:00
8:15 PM
Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 9598
Depart: Entebbe Airport 1:45 AM
Arrive: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport Travel Time: 8:30
8:15 AM
Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 0071
Depart: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport 10:25 AM
Arrive: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport Travel Time: 8:40
2:05 PM
Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 3965
Depart: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport 4:00 PM
Arrive: Charlotte Douglas Airport Travel Time: 2:20
6:20 PM
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 6055
Depart: Charlotte Douglas Airport 12:47 PM
Arrive: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport Travel Time: 2:12
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 0070
Depart: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport 4:25 PM
Arrive: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport Travel Time: 7:35
Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:00 AM
Thursday 10 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 9318
Depart: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport 10:15 AM
Arrive: Entebbe Airport Travel Time: 8:00
8:15 PM
Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 9598
Depart: Entebbe Airport 1:45 AM
Arrive: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport Travel Time: 8:30
8:15 AM
Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 0071
Depart: Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport 10:25 AM
Arrive: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport Travel Time: 8:40
2:05 PM
Thursday 17 March 2011
Delta Air Lines Inc - Flight DL 3965
Depart: New York John F. Kennedy Int'l Airport 4:00 PM
Arrive: Charlotte Douglas Airport Travel Time: 2:20
6:20 PM
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Beyond Politics . . .
"In the fleeting time that we have here on earth what matters is not wealth or status or power or fame but rather how well we have loved. And what small part we have played in making the lives of other people better."
Politics aside, whether you like him or not, in President Obama's words to the community in Arizona who gathered to mourn the loss of the people killed in such a tragic act of violence he summed up truly who we are called to be . . .
As a people of faith the things that matter are not "things" but the "who" and the "how."
How do we love? How do we show that love? It is in the small things.
I have to "speak" at the clergy meeting tomorrow morning about Williamson's West. I have to share about it . . . not real sure what that means.
Anyway - as I shared in my sermon on Jan. 2, my last encounter with the these clergy was at the District Board of Ordained Ministry and it wasn't what I would call stellar. Debacle would be more like it.
So I'm a bit anxious about what to say . . .
And then I was reminded tonight as I heard the President's words . . . there are only a few things that really, truly matter. Those things are all centered around "love" . . . and how we share Christ's love.
So, tomorrow I'll share how West is a place that shares that love.
I'll share . . .
how people email me asking for prayers for their friends and family.
how this faith community that was barely two months old adopted 60 angels and supplied them with Christmas.
how 25 people came the day after the "big snow of Christmas" to clean up our "stuff" from our Christmas services so the high school could have their basketball tournament and we were finished in less than 45 minutes.
how 29 youth give tirelessly of their time to provide a WIRED ministry for kids grades 1 - 5.
how a group of women asked me to go with them to pray with their neighbor, even though we had never met, because she was waiting on a brain mri to see if her tumors had shrunk.
how amazing volunteers pulled together to create two amazing and moving Christmas services.
how even when "screw ups" happen in worship we find a way, through the power of a spirit much bigger than anything we could create, to experience the presence of a loving, gracious God.
and how even when the pastor (me) was hurling ALL NIGHT LONG in the bathroom on the second Sunday of the new year . . . "worship" of a four month old church happened without MISSING A BEAT because of great VOLUNTEER leaders and a great "preacher's wife" (HA) that pulled together to make things happen.
I am blessed beyond words to be a part of a community that shares love so freely.
Obama also said, "the forces that divide us are not as strong as the ones that unite us."
How true.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Politics aside, whether you like him or not, in President Obama's words to the community in Arizona who gathered to mourn the loss of the people killed in such a tragic act of violence he summed up truly who we are called to be . . .
As a people of faith the things that matter are not "things" but the "who" and the "how."
How do we love? How do we show that love? It is in the small things.
I have to "speak" at the clergy meeting tomorrow morning about Williamson's West. I have to share about it . . . not real sure what that means.
Anyway - as I shared in my sermon on Jan. 2, my last encounter with the these clergy was at the District Board of Ordained Ministry and it wasn't what I would call stellar. Debacle would be more like it.
So I'm a bit anxious about what to say . . .
And then I was reminded tonight as I heard the President's words . . . there are only a few things that really, truly matter. Those things are all centered around "love" . . . and how we share Christ's love.
So, tomorrow I'll share how West is a place that shares that love.
I'll share . . .
how people email me asking for prayers for their friends and family.
how this faith community that was barely two months old adopted 60 angels and supplied them with Christmas.
how 25 people came the day after the "big snow of Christmas" to clean up our "stuff" from our Christmas services so the high school could have their basketball tournament and we were finished in less than 45 minutes.
how 29 youth give tirelessly of their time to provide a WIRED ministry for kids grades 1 - 5.
how a group of women asked me to go with them to pray with their neighbor, even though we had never met, because she was waiting on a brain mri to see if her tumors had shrunk.
how amazing volunteers pulled together to create two amazing and moving Christmas services.
how even when "screw ups" happen in worship we find a way, through the power of a spirit much bigger than anything we could create, to experience the presence of a loving, gracious God.
and how even when the pastor (me) was hurling ALL NIGHT LONG in the bathroom on the second Sunday of the new year . . . "worship" of a four month old church happened without MISSING A BEAT because of great VOLUNTEER leaders and a great "preacher's wife" (HA) that pulled together to make things happen.
I am blessed beyond words to be a part of a community that shares love so freely.
Obama also said, "the forces that divide us are not as strong as the ones that unite us."
How true.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Wrong Line of Work!?!?
Sometimes I wonder if I am in the wrong line of work.
I am in Florida in seminary this week. Taking a theology class the first week after Christmas break was not the BEST of my ideas. But it is the class that is "required." It's a freshman level class that I have waited until I am classified as a senior to take. Seems I consistently do things backwards.
As I drove in this morning I was still trying to find a radio station to listen to. I finally found one that had some peppy music to wake me up and then it went into the "morning talk show."
A lady named Suzanne was fielding calls, answering questions. Now these weren't just any questions, these were questions like, "Suzanne, do you see me making a move this year?" or "Suzanne, I am having a difficult time and trying to decide whether or not to leave Florida. Do you see me leaving Florida?"
Each time Suzanne had an answer. After she gave the answer the person on the other end of the phone sounded relieved, would make a general comment of response, thank her, and hang up the phone.
I thought - "Ok, this has got to be a joke. Surely people don’t' think this is real."
But . . . no joke. The station announcer went on a few minutes later to welcome Suzanne and give her "credentials." I then decided some woman was getting paid money to sit and tell people whether or not they were going to move. I could do that! I could listen keenly to what folks said and then make a guess at what I thought they should do. I'd never "know" them so it wouldn't matter if I got it wrong . . .
When I started thinking about whether or not I would "get it wrong" and I was justifying that it really wouldn't matter (I do realize I have already spent a LOT of wasted time pondering this), I concluded that because of the answers Suzanne gave, the people would gauge their lives and decisions by that advice.
She told one woman that she was going to move in five months so she needed to go ahead and get boxes and start throwing things away she didn't want to take with her. From the excitement in the lady's voice I imagine as I sit here in this chair for the next NINE HOURS (ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh) she will be out procuring boxes and getting ready to move!
I have committed this new year to really engage in personal study and devotion time with God. No more excuses, no "I'll do it later, I need to be devoted to that now. So I'm reading the "One Year Bible - God Sightings" version by Group Publishing. There's a group of folks reading along with me and we will "blog" about it together. It's ironic the first three days of the readings point out how folks from Adam/Eve, people during the time of Noah, and even Jesus were tempted to "achieve" or "receive" more. Jesus is the only one who was not driven by greed and desire.
Keeping that in mind with the fact that some woman is getting paid money to guess people's life decisions it made me think . . . sometimes we want things so badly we will do whatever we have to in order to find the answer or receive the wisdom. Greed doesn't have to be greed of money; it can also be greed of thought or control.
(For more on this read my blog for the one year Bible reading)
I am guilty of greed of "control." I want to know what is going to happen and when. I like being in control of my "days" and my "time" and "situations." BUT . . . I am not called to be in control or worry about tomorrow . . . I am to live in today. Yet not live on my own power . . . I am to live in and for and with the power of God.
John 1 says those who follow Christ are given the right (some translations say "power") of God.
So I don't need a lady on the radio to tell me where I will be in June or what I will be doing. I've got something far greater . . . so I just need to "get over myself" and live. In the HERE and NOW!
So . . . I'll go listen to a professor talk about Plotinus for lots of hours and see what it is God wants me to take away from this.
I am in Florida in seminary this week. Taking a theology class the first week after Christmas break was not the BEST of my ideas. But it is the class that is "required." It's a freshman level class that I have waited until I am classified as a senior to take. Seems I consistently do things backwards.
As I drove in this morning I was still trying to find a radio station to listen to. I finally found one that had some peppy music to wake me up and then it went into the "morning talk show."
A lady named Suzanne was fielding calls, answering questions. Now these weren't just any questions, these were questions like, "Suzanne, do you see me making a move this year?" or "Suzanne, I am having a difficult time and trying to decide whether or not to leave Florida. Do you see me leaving Florida?"
Each time Suzanne had an answer. After she gave the answer the person on the other end of the phone sounded relieved, would make a general comment of response, thank her, and hang up the phone.
I thought - "Ok, this has got to be a joke. Surely people don’t' think this is real."
But . . . no joke. The station announcer went on a few minutes later to welcome Suzanne and give her "credentials." I then decided some woman was getting paid money to sit and tell people whether or not they were going to move. I could do that! I could listen keenly to what folks said and then make a guess at what I thought they should do. I'd never "know" them so it wouldn't matter if I got it wrong . . .
When I started thinking about whether or not I would "get it wrong" and I was justifying that it really wouldn't matter (I do realize I have already spent a LOT of wasted time pondering this), I concluded that because of the answers Suzanne gave, the people would gauge their lives and decisions by that advice.
She told one woman that she was going to move in five months so she needed to go ahead and get boxes and start throwing things away she didn't want to take with her. From the excitement in the lady's voice I imagine as I sit here in this chair for the next NINE HOURS (ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh) she will be out procuring boxes and getting ready to move!
I have committed this new year to really engage in personal study and devotion time with God. No more excuses, no "I'll do it later, I need to be devoted to that now. So I'm reading the "One Year Bible - God Sightings" version by Group Publishing. There's a group of folks reading along with me and we will "blog" about it together. It's ironic the first three days of the readings point out how folks from Adam/Eve, people during the time of Noah, and even Jesus were tempted to "achieve" or "receive" more. Jesus is the only one who was not driven by greed and desire.
Keeping that in mind with the fact that some woman is getting paid money to guess people's life decisions it made me think . . . sometimes we want things so badly we will do whatever we have to in order to find the answer or receive the wisdom. Greed doesn't have to be greed of money; it can also be greed of thought or control.
(For more on this read my blog for the one year Bible reading)
I am guilty of greed of "control." I want to know what is going to happen and when. I like being in control of my "days" and my "time" and "situations." BUT . . . I am not called to be in control or worry about tomorrow . . . I am to live in today. Yet not live on my own power . . . I am to live in and for and with the power of God.
John 1 says those who follow Christ are given the right (some translations say "power") of God.
So I don't need a lady on the radio to tell me where I will be in June or what I will be doing. I've got something far greater . . . so I just need to "get over myself" and live. In the HERE and NOW!
So . . . I'll go listen to a professor talk about Plotinus for lots of hours and see what it is God wants me to take away from this.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)