It was indeed, a full week of VBS - two evenings at L church, 2 mornings at M church, and Friday evening (my day off) at L church. I just couldn't abandon the kids!!!
At L church the second night of VBS coincided with our monthly free community dinner which
serves not only the indigent in our community but has included, widows, widowers, one man with a wife in a nursing home, and a few senior couples who all like to eat together. So, although we may have begun this ministry and mission with one need in mind - it has flowered open to include those whose needs we didn't originally know to serve.
Well, there was an older woman there that night and saw the kids eating dinner too, for VBS and
asked if her granddaughters could stay to attend to VBS. She was given a resounding YES! So, those girls were with us the rest of the week. They were visiting from out of state, had something fun and
interesting to do in the evening with other kids. Grandma got free entertainment in the evening for her granddaughters, and a bit of respite. The girls had such fun and enjoyed VBS so much, that grandma told me, they just jibber-jabbered away on the phone with their mom!!!
Remember those twin boys that were a handful? Well, they have vision problems and also
most likely ADHD. On Wed. evening, the bible lesson person had set up 4 little orange cones and a small soccer ball that they kids were to lightly tap around the cones. She chose one of the twins to
start - the boys aren't very athletic - probably due to their vision problem. He struggled some but
we encouraged him. His twin was next and had problems also, but encouraged him. When the next
child went up, those two twin boys - shouted his name, and go and yay! They cheered every single child in the group as they took their turns. They were the cheering section and got the others to cheer for each one. The very gift of encouragement displayed, given, lived and offered. They have that gift of encouragement a thousand-fold! I had tears in my eyes! What a gift they gave each child as they
cheered them on. They tried harder and did better because of all the encouragement they received.
I believe those twins taught us the lesson that evening! What if we encouraged others in that same way in our own lives? What if we encouraged our parishioners that way? Hmmmm….Who were the ones who encouraged us? How do we live the gift of encouragement given to us?
What a grace unfolded in VBS! God is full of surprises even in the most unlikely persons!
On a side note, I would encourage manufacturers of VBS materials - no matter which company -
that most kids, even in a week, cannot perform the songs and dances that are choregraphed mini
Disney numbers. Are you for real? Come on! Make the songs simpler with less wordy verses, a
catchy refrain and bit less choregraphy. Keep it simple so they can learn it and perform it. Even M church with 107 kids - didn't get the movements down and lyrics down in the week. (They used a different program than L church). The kids just ended up bopping to the music. In an effort to make the music jazzy and modern - you have left most kids behind - who aren't able to replicate the video.
Retool and rethink your music sections!
I am ever amazed at the grace of VBS whether 20 kids or 100 kids - all the learnings, seeds of faith planted, fun, and the way God ever continues to be a part of it all and working ever in our midst.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
MANIC MONDAY
It's just another manic Monday...as the song goes, so did my Monday. Back from a short vacation, I was in the office catching up and working on Sunday's service. The secretary tells me someone wants to see me - an indigent seeking money. I inform him of the two services in town and give him directions. Back to work. Then the secretary tells me that the parishioner who died while I was on vacation is being buried at the national cemetery at 1;30 pm. I call the widow, did she want me there to do the committal service, yes she would. I check with her son who had made all the arrangements and didn't want to step on the toes of the pastor who did the funeral service.(the son's pastor). Nope, that pastor wasn't going to be there, and yes, they would like that. So, I gather up my things, drive home, gulp down some lunch, change into clergy duds, and off I go. Despite construction on the way, I had no delay through town and got to the cemetery too early. The group ahead was escorted out. I stayed to the side and noticed a car ahead of me also stilled pulled over, then the woman looked oddly familiar. One of our parishioners who was related to the deceased (which I didn't know). Finally all had gathered at 1:15 pm, then we waited until 1:30 pm when we were escorted to the shelter for the military farewell and the committal service. I was watching the clock a bit as I had a scheduled appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. Although it was all fairly short, I had to follow folks out and all the way through town, get home, change out of black (it was near 90 degrees that day) and put on my linen dress and other sandals, fill my water bottle with ice and off I went. I was to be at the doctor's office (part of a major clinic) at 2:45 pm for a 3 pm appt. I got there with a couple minutes to spare, got checked in and had to fill out a form and then waited...waited...finally got called and put in an exam room. The nurse did her routine, then said I needed to get my left foot xrayed
there for better viewing than the ones I brought in. After another wait, I was taken for the xray, then back to exam room to wait and wait some more. My husband calls, where are you? I'm still at the doc's office, well, his car is ready to be picked up after a side mirror replacement, can you drive me?
They close at 5 pm. Don't know, haven't been seen and it is 4 pm. Finally the doc comes in and shares the disheartening news - not as minor as I thought. Major foot surgery, collapsed metatarsal arch, bunion and fix two toes. Out for 6 weeks - crutches, walker, etc. Need to do a CAT scan yet on the foot. Sends nurse back in to schedule CAT scan and give me 2 metatarsal pads. Off I hobble to the car, a little dazed. Drive home and it is 4:45 pm I honk as I pull up the driveway. No response. I open the door of the house and yell for LH, no answer. He must've gotten a ride from the fix-it place.
I refill water bottle with fresh ice and off I go to church for VBS opening night! I get there at 5:15 pm and thinking I got there with 15 minutes to spare only kids were already eating. They started at 5 not 5:30! (That was a mistake on a sign - and now they start at 5:30 pm) I eat my chicken nuggets and tater tots and we're off. I am the guide leader for the 1st & 2nd graders with two twin boys who are
a handful. I know why Mom signed them up - she needed a couple hour's break!!!! Go through all the stations and at the close 8:10 pm, I'm off to Walmart to replenish snacks for our DD group of 3 who are working at the church all July - weeding & cleaning mostly. I supply a snack for them - nutrigrain bars, granola bars, muffins etc. I also needed to pick up 4 gallons of blue raspberry punch for VBS.
I load up the snacks and find the juice - it's refrigerated! I don't have room in my fridge for 1 gallon jug let alone 4. So, I drive back to the church to drop off the juice in the church fridge. I get home, and a little after 9 pm. I wash the coffee pot and a couple miscellaneous things, put my foot up for an
hour and the make my salad for the next day's lunch. At 11:20 pm I am off to bed, exhausted.
I am thankful, I was able to officiate this parishioner's committal as I felt so bad at his death while I was gone - it was sudden and unexpected. I am thankful for all the children who are taking part in
VBS. I am thankful that I know what is wrong with my foot since December when I injured it running through an airport terminal. It has gotten worse over time. So, inspite and despite all the
mania of Monday, I am thankful and grateful, especially the God was with me throughout the day, and for a blessed night's sleep!
Tuesday morning was VBS at the other church! Tonight, another round of VBS at L church and tomorrow morning the last day of VBS for me at M church! Always a busy, blessed time with VBS!
there for better viewing than the ones I brought in. After another wait, I was taken for the xray, then back to exam room to wait and wait some more. My husband calls, where are you? I'm still at the doc's office, well, his car is ready to be picked up after a side mirror replacement, can you drive me?
They close at 5 pm. Don't know, haven't been seen and it is 4 pm. Finally the doc comes in and shares the disheartening news - not as minor as I thought. Major foot surgery, collapsed metatarsal arch, bunion and fix two toes. Out for 6 weeks - crutches, walker, etc. Need to do a CAT scan yet on the foot. Sends nurse back in to schedule CAT scan and give me 2 metatarsal pads. Off I hobble to the car, a little dazed. Drive home and it is 4:45 pm I honk as I pull up the driveway. No response. I open the door of the house and yell for LH, no answer. He must've gotten a ride from the fix-it place.
I refill water bottle with fresh ice and off I go to church for VBS opening night! I get there at 5:15 pm and thinking I got there with 15 minutes to spare only kids were already eating. They started at 5 not 5:30! (That was a mistake on a sign - and now they start at 5:30 pm) I eat my chicken nuggets and tater tots and we're off. I am the guide leader for the 1st & 2nd graders with two twin boys who are
a handful. I know why Mom signed them up - she needed a couple hour's break!!!! Go through all the stations and at the close 8:10 pm, I'm off to Walmart to replenish snacks for our DD group of 3 who are working at the church all July - weeding & cleaning mostly. I supply a snack for them - nutrigrain bars, granola bars, muffins etc. I also needed to pick up 4 gallons of blue raspberry punch for VBS.
I load up the snacks and find the juice - it's refrigerated! I don't have room in my fridge for 1 gallon jug let alone 4. So, I drive back to the church to drop off the juice in the church fridge. I get home, and a little after 9 pm. I wash the coffee pot and a couple miscellaneous things, put my foot up for an
hour and the make my salad for the next day's lunch. At 11:20 pm I am off to bed, exhausted.
I am thankful, I was able to officiate this parishioner's committal as I felt so bad at his death while I was gone - it was sudden and unexpected. I am thankful for all the children who are taking part in
VBS. I am thankful that I know what is wrong with my foot since December when I injured it running through an airport terminal. It has gotten worse over time. So, inspite and despite all the
mania of Monday, I am thankful and grateful, especially the God was with me throughout the day, and for a blessed night's sleep!
Tuesday morning was VBS at the other church! Tonight, another round of VBS at L church and tomorrow morning the last day of VBS for me at M church! Always a busy, blessed time with VBS!
Wednesday, May 02, 2018
SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG!
Yay! Here it is May 2nd and finally, there is sunshine and warm weather. The Bradford pears burst into full bloom yesterday and it is a lovely sight to see them line the long street in our subdivision.
That didn't happen last year due to a late frost, but this year they are glorious; a showy white.
I haven't done much in the flowerbeds or garden because its been so cold. I have pulled some weeds, many more to go, and grass that needs to be dug up - why does it grow where it shouldn't and doesn't grow where it should? - and planted a couple hardier herbs - curled parsley, tarragon, rosemary and got carried away and planted the dill. I'm not sure the dill made it. I have to put in the crumbled egg shells and top it with Sweet Peet - best compost ever.
I'll need to pick up a couple more herbs and my tomato seedlings, plus plant my flower seeds.
Sigh, all in the month when there is so much going on.
I make a list to remember everything I need to do in a triage fashion.
Friday - raffle drawing for lift ride at church - should be there 8:30 pm at our downtown First
Friday - need to call winner immediately since the lift ride is 1 pm next day.
Sat - at church 12:30 pm, to meet the mayor who is doing the first lift ride at 1 pm,
roofer will stay a couple hours and offer lift rides for $5.00 to see town from
on high. I may just do it - for the once-in-a-lifetime experience but am a bit
scared of heights!
Tues - Lunch Bunch at M church, need to cook chicken taco meat Monday evening
May 12 - Car Show at church - stop in for lunch, see some cars, & take a swing at
smashing a car
May 13th - Mom's Day, Grad recognition - wrap gift, sign card, bring in Teacher Thanks
gifts, bring in paper tea cups (presently cutting them out - then folding, cutting
slit, and putting a tea bag between the cups and threading the bag tea onto
the front of one cup, then glue dotting the tea tag to the cup and glue dotting
the folded cup together) why do I find this stuff and then spend time doing it
all? Because I love and care!
May 20th - Pentecost and Confirmation - would love to hang strips of red, yellow, orange
crepe paper but haven't figured out where and how - since this is a cathedral
church. Make up gift bags for confirmands and sign their cards.
Somewhere along the way, I need to reschedule my massage, and I'm due for a pedicure, maybe after I clean house next Friday!
May is a busy month in the life of the church, in the lives of people in the church, so much
going on in the schools as everything comes to a hilt before summer break.
But it is a beautiful time of year and I am savoring green grass, the flowering trees and all that's
finally coming into bloom - COLOR! How it brings the soul to sing to see it all!
In the busyness of all you are a part of this month - look around you! See the color, notice
what is blooming and growing, let it fill you, speak to you of new life and energy. Be grateful
and appreciative and feel blessed.
That didn't happen last year due to a late frost, but this year they are glorious; a showy white.
I haven't done much in the flowerbeds or garden because its been so cold. I have pulled some weeds, many more to go, and grass that needs to be dug up - why does it grow where it shouldn't and doesn't grow where it should? - and planted a couple hardier herbs - curled parsley, tarragon, rosemary and got carried away and planted the dill. I'm not sure the dill made it. I have to put in the crumbled egg shells and top it with Sweet Peet - best compost ever.
I'll need to pick up a couple more herbs and my tomato seedlings, plus plant my flower seeds.
Sigh, all in the month when there is so much going on.
I make a list to remember everything I need to do in a triage fashion.
Friday - raffle drawing for lift ride at church - should be there 8:30 pm at our downtown First
Friday - need to call winner immediately since the lift ride is 1 pm next day.
Sat - at church 12:30 pm, to meet the mayor who is doing the first lift ride at 1 pm,
roofer will stay a couple hours and offer lift rides for $5.00 to see town from
on high. I may just do it - for the once-in-a-lifetime experience but am a bit
scared of heights!
Tues - Lunch Bunch at M church, need to cook chicken taco meat Monday evening
May 12 - Car Show at church - stop in for lunch, see some cars, & take a swing at
smashing a car
May 13th - Mom's Day, Grad recognition - wrap gift, sign card, bring in Teacher Thanks
gifts, bring in paper tea cups (presently cutting them out - then folding, cutting
slit, and putting a tea bag between the cups and threading the bag tea onto
the front of one cup, then glue dotting the tea tag to the cup and glue dotting
the folded cup together) why do I find this stuff and then spend time doing it
all? Because I love and care!
May 20th - Pentecost and Confirmation - would love to hang strips of red, yellow, orange
crepe paper but haven't figured out where and how - since this is a cathedral
church. Make up gift bags for confirmands and sign their cards.
Somewhere along the way, I need to reschedule my massage, and I'm due for a pedicure, maybe after I clean house next Friday!
May is a busy month in the life of the church, in the lives of people in the church, so much
going on in the schools as everything comes to a hilt before summer break.
But it is a beautiful time of year and I am savoring green grass, the flowering trees and all that's
finally coming into bloom - COLOR! How it brings the soul to sing to see it all!
In the busyness of all you are a part of this month - look around you! See the color, notice
what is blooming and growing, let it fill you, speak to you of new life and energy. Be grateful
and appreciative and feel blessed.
Monday, April 09, 2018
EASTER SEASON
Thankful that I survived another Lent, Holy Week and Easter!
I promptly got sick Holy Saturday and managed to get through 2 Easter services with a breakfast in between. Came home exhausted and slept on the couch! Our Easter dinner got put on hold for a couple days, as I just didn't have any appetite.
Went to the Doc on Monday (after cancelling a long awaited massage) and have an upper respiratory virus. I took Tuesday off since I was sick all morning long. Can't make any visits or else I will infect the frail and elderly.
I did make the Tuesday evening Bible Study to finish up the 7 Deadly Sins.
This Sunday was Joy Sunday and it took everything I had to have the energy to do it. This virus is going to take some time to get over. But it went well, except for the acolyte who fell asleep during worship! Never have I had that happen! I had to really prod him awake for the sharing of the peace!
Things will be in Easter season mode until May 6th when the Bishop will preach & preside - he's not known for short sermons!
Then there will be Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday, May 20th. Just two girls this year.
The Youth (well,, 4 of them) will head to Houston for the ELCA Youth Gathering the end of June,
then VBS when they return. Oh, and the town parade before the Youth Gathering.
The church has a car show the Sat. before Mom's Day and I just have to put the themed raffle basket together.
The church roof repair is costing an incredible amount and we are trying to find creative ways to raise money. We did a Lenten Challenge of each day in Lent - 10 cents on day one, 20 cents on day two, thirty cents day three, etc. The last two weeks of Lent were the most challenging. Those who tried it, raised $82.00 in 40 days! We have raised over $2,000.00 through the Lenten Challenge.
Our next push is a raffle ride on the roofing lift to see the town from a bird's eye view. We've even got the Mayor to go up on the lift. It's off to a slow start.
Any body have any ideas for future fund raisers?
So, there always seems to be something happening.
Sadly, we have no real Sunday School and young families are lacking. It is a real shame.
The church participates in most First Fridays which our town is doing to bring people to downtown business. That has gone well. And our monthly free community dinners are going well also and meeting a need.
All good, blessed and wonderful things.
Me, I'm just tired. I think it's mostly the virus at this point. Hopefully, this too, shall pass, and I can enter new life before the Easter season is over!
Spring is late this year. Too much cold and snow or snow flurries. March was like February, and
April has felt like March. Maybe, one of these days, it'll warm up and spring will bust out all over!
I promptly got sick Holy Saturday and managed to get through 2 Easter services with a breakfast in between. Came home exhausted and slept on the couch! Our Easter dinner got put on hold for a couple days, as I just didn't have any appetite.
Went to the Doc on Monday (after cancelling a long awaited massage) and have an upper respiratory virus. I took Tuesday off since I was sick all morning long. Can't make any visits or else I will infect the frail and elderly.
I did make the Tuesday evening Bible Study to finish up the 7 Deadly Sins.
This Sunday was Joy Sunday and it took everything I had to have the energy to do it. This virus is going to take some time to get over. But it went well, except for the acolyte who fell asleep during worship! Never have I had that happen! I had to really prod him awake for the sharing of the peace!
Things will be in Easter season mode until May 6th when the Bishop will preach & preside - he's not known for short sermons!
Then there will be Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday, May 20th. Just two girls this year.
The Youth (well,, 4 of them) will head to Houston for the ELCA Youth Gathering the end of June,
then VBS when they return. Oh, and the town parade before the Youth Gathering.
The church has a car show the Sat. before Mom's Day and I just have to put the themed raffle basket together.
The church roof repair is costing an incredible amount and we are trying to find creative ways to raise money. We did a Lenten Challenge of each day in Lent - 10 cents on day one, 20 cents on day two, thirty cents day three, etc. The last two weeks of Lent were the most challenging. Those who tried it, raised $82.00 in 40 days! We have raised over $2,000.00 through the Lenten Challenge.
Our next push is a raffle ride on the roofing lift to see the town from a bird's eye view. We've even got the Mayor to go up on the lift. It's off to a slow start.
Any body have any ideas for future fund raisers?
So, there always seems to be something happening.
Sadly, we have no real Sunday School and young families are lacking. It is a real shame.
The church participates in most First Fridays which our town is doing to bring people to downtown business. That has gone well. And our monthly free community dinners are going well also and meeting a need.
All good, blessed and wonderful things.
Me, I'm just tired. I think it's mostly the virus at this point. Hopefully, this too, shall pass, and I can enter new life before the Easter season is over!
Spring is late this year. Too much cold and snow or snow flurries. March was like February, and
April has felt like March. Maybe, one of these days, it'll warm up and spring will bust out all over!
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
ANOTHER YEAR OLDER
Celebrated or did I, my birthday this past Sunday. So it was a work day, with worship and confirmation class. I did enjoy a nap that afternoon! LH bought me a bouquet of red roses on Saturday and there was a frozen chocolate cake in the freezer which he thawed. We went out for
dinner on Friday night after I cleaned house most of the day and ran two errands.
Saturday morning I ran to Kohl's since I had a $10.00 free card from Kohl's and bought a new bra!
Not too exciting but practical. I did manage to find birthday gifts for my great-niece and great nephew and even a Christmas gift for him come Dec. I shop all year round and try to get the best bang for my dollar.
Then had worship Saturday night.
The best part about my birthday, was the bluebird who sat on the shepherd's hook, that holds bird feeders, in the morning. I hope it portends happiness for the year. Late afternoon, I heard and saw the first redwing blackbird of the season in our birch tree and in our neighbor's maple tree. Sure hope he doesn't regret coming up north this early, even though yesterday was over 70 degrees. It's getting colder even as I write - afterall it's still Feb.
Today will be the first Lenten service and luncheon. It is a bit rainy/drizzly and grey and about 50 degrees. Hope we get a good turn-out. I fixed up my sermon a bit so it isn't as bad as I perceive it
to be - hopefully!
As I live into this new year of my life - I pray, that God will provide another position when this
one ends. I pray that I will serve faithfully and with imagination and wisdom and zeal. I find I get more tired after a long day.
I'm beginning to think about no longer dying my hair as of next year's birthday and go grey. I'm tired of the mess of coloring my hair. But how old will it make me look? Next year, I enter a new decade and my sister will have a biggish birthday - think retirement age or what used to be retirement age. Thinking of ways for us to celebrate - any ideas out there?
Well, duty calls and I have to set up things for worship. May Lent unfold with blessing to bring us all to new life.
dinner on Friday night after I cleaned house most of the day and ran two errands.
Saturday morning I ran to Kohl's since I had a $10.00 free card from Kohl's and bought a new bra!
Not too exciting but practical. I did manage to find birthday gifts for my great-niece and great nephew and even a Christmas gift for him come Dec. I shop all year round and try to get the best bang for my dollar.
Then had worship Saturday night.
The best part about my birthday, was the bluebird who sat on the shepherd's hook, that holds bird feeders, in the morning. I hope it portends happiness for the year. Late afternoon, I heard and saw the first redwing blackbird of the season in our birch tree and in our neighbor's maple tree. Sure hope he doesn't regret coming up north this early, even though yesterday was over 70 degrees. It's getting colder even as I write - afterall it's still Feb.
Today will be the first Lenten service and luncheon. It is a bit rainy/drizzly and grey and about 50 degrees. Hope we get a good turn-out. I fixed up my sermon a bit so it isn't as bad as I perceive it
to be - hopefully!
As I live into this new year of my life - I pray, that God will provide another position when this
one ends. I pray that I will serve faithfully and with imagination and wisdom and zeal. I find I get more tired after a long day.
I'm beginning to think about no longer dying my hair as of next year's birthday and go grey. I'm tired of the mess of coloring my hair. But how old will it make me look? Next year, I enter a new decade and my sister will have a biggish birthday - think retirement age or what used to be retirement age. Thinking of ways for us to celebrate - any ideas out there?
Well, duty calls and I have to set up things for worship. May Lent unfold with blessing to bring us all to new life.
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
JUST TIRED THINKING ABOUT IT...
Yup, just thinking about Lent is making me tired this year.
I have already contacted 4 downtownish churches in town to do a mid-week Lent service and lunch and got them all scheduled - not always a minor feat!
The L church is always host for the 5 weekly Wednesday noon services. I worked up a liturgy to use each week - this would be so much easier if there was a handy resource! I have made a list of hymns (we sing 2 at each service) that could be used. Hard to choose one of the hymns without knowing what the other minister will be preaching on. The theme is Living a Holy Lent. I will focus on living more green. Hopefully, there will be a focus on prayer, generous giving, fasting, etc. Will be interesting to see what they latch onto. I'm hoping the SA will not ramble too long this year. The service is usually about 25 minutes long - so brief messages - and he went on and on and on, preached for about a 1/2 hour and some folks had to get back to work. (And yes, he was told how short the services are!)
Have put together the Ash Wednesday service which will be held jointly with our Episcopalian neighbors across the large community parking lot. The good father will preach at both noon and 7 pm services. I preached last year. For the Call to Observe a Holy Lent - since it is Feb.14th - everyone will get a post-it heart on their bulletin and write on it their commitment to living in Lent - forgo
negativity, fast complaining, walk 5,000 steps a day, etc. We will gather them and stick them on the altar - a rending of our hearts and not our clothing.
I burned some palms last Friday since it was such a gorgeous day and have some fresh ash. I still have to order the bread for communion and bring in an extra chalice and a couple napkins to hold the bread. (notes to self!)
Since the L church has had to do some major roof repair, there will be a church dinner and presentation on the cost still needing to be covered. Thus, was born the Lenten Challenge!
What Lutheran doesn't like their coffee? So, we have coffee cups with lids that will sport a label
with the Lent Challenge and a calendar of Lent beginning with Ash Wednesday as Day 1, Feb. 15th as Day 2, etc. all the way through Holy Saturday. The idea being to put in 1 dime on Ash Wednesday, on Thursday to deposit 2 dimes, the next day 3 dimes, and so on throughout the 40 days.
By the end of Lent it is about $80-$81.00 that has been collected. If 20 people do it, we will have raised $1,600.00 already. I didn't want to make too oppressive because by day 20 and beyond you are putting in over $2.00 & $3.00 a day - but it all adds up. I'm hoping that they'll see how a little can truly add up, engage in generous giving and a Lenten discipline and to live into a challenge. We shall see what happens. One can do the same with nickels or pennies - just a lesser amount.
I still have to work on my Lenten midweek message. Mulling it all around in my head.
We are one week away from what will be a very busy and tiring season, but also very full of grace and blessing.
Have to start working on Holy Week, Easter Sunday and of course, Joy Sunday - the Sunday after Easter. Hmmm...maybe right after I take a quick nap!!!!!!!!!!!
I have already contacted 4 downtownish churches in town to do a mid-week Lent service and lunch and got them all scheduled - not always a minor feat!
The L church is always host for the 5 weekly Wednesday noon services. I worked up a liturgy to use each week - this would be so much easier if there was a handy resource! I have made a list of hymns (we sing 2 at each service) that could be used. Hard to choose one of the hymns without knowing what the other minister will be preaching on. The theme is Living a Holy Lent. I will focus on living more green. Hopefully, there will be a focus on prayer, generous giving, fasting, etc. Will be interesting to see what they latch onto. I'm hoping the SA will not ramble too long this year. The service is usually about 25 minutes long - so brief messages - and he went on and on and on, preached for about a 1/2 hour and some folks had to get back to work. (And yes, he was told how short the services are!)
Have put together the Ash Wednesday service which will be held jointly with our Episcopalian neighbors across the large community parking lot. The good father will preach at both noon and 7 pm services. I preached last year. For the Call to Observe a Holy Lent - since it is Feb.14th - everyone will get a post-it heart on their bulletin and write on it their commitment to living in Lent - forgo
negativity, fast complaining, walk 5,000 steps a day, etc. We will gather them and stick them on the altar - a rending of our hearts and not our clothing.
I burned some palms last Friday since it was such a gorgeous day and have some fresh ash. I still have to order the bread for communion and bring in an extra chalice and a couple napkins to hold the bread. (notes to self!)
Since the L church has had to do some major roof repair, there will be a church dinner and presentation on the cost still needing to be covered. Thus, was born the Lenten Challenge!
What Lutheran doesn't like their coffee? So, we have coffee cups with lids that will sport a label
with the Lent Challenge and a calendar of Lent beginning with Ash Wednesday as Day 1, Feb. 15th as Day 2, etc. all the way through Holy Saturday. The idea being to put in 1 dime on Ash Wednesday, on Thursday to deposit 2 dimes, the next day 3 dimes, and so on throughout the 40 days.
By the end of Lent it is about $80-$81.00 that has been collected. If 20 people do it, we will have raised $1,600.00 already. I didn't want to make too oppressive because by day 20 and beyond you are putting in over $2.00 & $3.00 a day - but it all adds up. I'm hoping that they'll see how a little can truly add up, engage in generous giving and a Lenten discipline and to live into a challenge. We shall see what happens. One can do the same with nickels or pennies - just a lesser amount.
I still have to work on my Lenten midweek message. Mulling it all around in my head.
We are one week away from what will be a very busy and tiring season, but also very full of grace and blessing.
Have to start working on Holy Week, Easter Sunday and of course, Joy Sunday - the Sunday after Easter. Hmmm...maybe right after I take a quick nap!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, January 11, 2018
LIKE A CRAZY WOMAN
A new year begins and I have been like a crazy woman since our return from our anniversary trip to Grand Cayman. The moment I stepped off the plane, it was insane busy. My first Sunday back was the 2nd Sunday of Advent, meaning Advent was half over!
There were gifts to wrap and pack in boxes to send. Oh, wait. What boxes? They were filled with china and crystal from the china cabinet and in the family room. I managed to snag two boxes from church and find another in the garage causing the tower of boxes to tumble and then they had to be restacked and the box I was going to use emptied of all the Styrofoam peanuts in it! Nothing is ever easy! Got the three boxes ready to go by spending a couple hours every night wrapping and bowing.
Snow day on a Tuesday! Church was closed. I wrote my Christmas cards and addressed envelopes for cards and letters. That night they were stamped and ready for mailing.
The week after we returned, the floor people came to install the wood floor in the dining room. I come home for supper, the floor undone. Seems they had the wrong nail gun. They returned on Saturday and it was a noisy day. I left for worship at 4 pm(thankful to leave the noise and the stink of
wood planks being cut) only to return home around 6:40 pm to find the guys are still there, cleaning up. The floor is in! The door from the house to garage is cracked and broken. It wasn't cracked or broken when I left, but was now. They denied breaking the door. But no one else used it. Jerks.
Still waiting to hear about our door replacement.
Two weeks of an Advent Study were completed.
Fourth Sunday of Advent worship done, and two Christmas Eve services done.
Slept on Christmas day and did nothing but talk on the phone with family, open presents, and make dinner.
Tuesday after Christmas the church was closed. Yay! I emptied boxes of china and crystal, washing and drying every piece- service for 12. 12 dinner plates, lunch/dessert plates, soup/salad bowls, saucers, cups, fruit cups and bread plates, serving bowls, platter, 12 beverage crystal glasses, 12 crystal wine glasses, assorted glasses, champagne glasses, items on china display shelves. At least
5 boxes emptied and put in china cabinet. Next two nights - 3 boxes emptied. Leaving one box
of every day ware, service for 8. Most of that is still sitting in a box in the family room.
Made star words, cut all the replenishment star words for worship. Shoveled church entryways.
Sat. evening worship, Sunday morning worship. A quick nap after lunch. Made cheeseball for family Christmas gathering on Jan. 1st. Was on the verge of brownie making, when the call comes - my sisters-in-law are terribly sick with colds and can't make it. First time in 30 years.
Make sweet & sour meatballs for dinner (yes, rolling lots of meatballs), clean up and catch my breath.
Champagne toast at midnight along with heated Panettone.
On New Year's Day we still made the ham, scalloped potatoes, and simply cooked green beans rather than make the green bean casserole.
Rescheduled Christmas gathering for Jan. 20th as a luncheon - there will be ham sandwiches and soup served in the dining room using the china and crystal that now sparkles.
Made sausage bread for the M church lunch bunch. This Saturday will be the L church potluck and another sausage bread.
One funeral and committal officiated.
And been contacting other downtown churches to schedule the Lenten Lunches & brief services and left a message with the Episcopal priest for a joint Ash Wednesday service.
I have been like a crazy woman (not to mention the 3 weeks of cleaning in a row - sometimes just 1/2 day and 1/2 the house so that I still had time to run errands).
Advent came and went in a flurry of activity and was far from contemplative. I missed that.
Even this New Year has begun in a less than contemplative way. I pray this does not portend the way this year will go. I need some time and space to breath, to just be. Maybe that's where my star word enters in - TRUTH. Perhaps, I need to honor that truth. My other word for the year is- HOPE.
I hope that the truth is this year, that I won't be a crazy woman like the past month plus! I think God and I can work on that together, one day at a time. Just have to heed God's voice and give God some more of my time.
May the New Year bring you what you need and may God guide you through each day. Even if sometimes you are like a crazy woman!
There were gifts to wrap and pack in boxes to send. Oh, wait. What boxes? They were filled with china and crystal from the china cabinet and in the family room. I managed to snag two boxes from church and find another in the garage causing the tower of boxes to tumble and then they had to be restacked and the box I was going to use emptied of all the Styrofoam peanuts in it! Nothing is ever easy! Got the three boxes ready to go by spending a couple hours every night wrapping and bowing.
Snow day on a Tuesday! Church was closed. I wrote my Christmas cards and addressed envelopes for cards and letters. That night they were stamped and ready for mailing.
The week after we returned, the floor people came to install the wood floor in the dining room. I come home for supper, the floor undone. Seems they had the wrong nail gun. They returned on Saturday and it was a noisy day. I left for worship at 4 pm(thankful to leave the noise and the stink of
wood planks being cut) only to return home around 6:40 pm to find the guys are still there, cleaning up. The floor is in! The door from the house to garage is cracked and broken. It wasn't cracked or broken when I left, but was now. They denied breaking the door. But no one else used it. Jerks.
Still waiting to hear about our door replacement.
Two weeks of an Advent Study were completed.
Fourth Sunday of Advent worship done, and two Christmas Eve services done.
Slept on Christmas day and did nothing but talk on the phone with family, open presents, and make dinner.
Tuesday after Christmas the church was closed. Yay! I emptied boxes of china and crystal, washing and drying every piece- service for 12. 12 dinner plates, lunch/dessert plates, soup/salad bowls, saucers, cups, fruit cups and bread plates, serving bowls, platter, 12 beverage crystal glasses, 12 crystal wine glasses, assorted glasses, champagne glasses, items on china display shelves. At least
5 boxes emptied and put in china cabinet. Next two nights - 3 boxes emptied. Leaving one box
of every day ware, service for 8. Most of that is still sitting in a box in the family room.
Made star words, cut all the replenishment star words for worship. Shoveled church entryways.
Sat. evening worship, Sunday morning worship. A quick nap after lunch. Made cheeseball for family Christmas gathering on Jan. 1st. Was on the verge of brownie making, when the call comes - my sisters-in-law are terribly sick with colds and can't make it. First time in 30 years.
Make sweet & sour meatballs for dinner (yes, rolling lots of meatballs), clean up and catch my breath.
Champagne toast at midnight along with heated Panettone.
On New Year's Day we still made the ham, scalloped potatoes, and simply cooked green beans rather than make the green bean casserole.
Rescheduled Christmas gathering for Jan. 20th as a luncheon - there will be ham sandwiches and soup served in the dining room using the china and crystal that now sparkles.
Made sausage bread for the M church lunch bunch. This Saturday will be the L church potluck and another sausage bread.
One funeral and committal officiated.
And been contacting other downtown churches to schedule the Lenten Lunches & brief services and left a message with the Episcopal priest for a joint Ash Wednesday service.
I have been like a crazy woman (not to mention the 3 weeks of cleaning in a row - sometimes just 1/2 day and 1/2 the house so that I still had time to run errands).
Advent came and went in a flurry of activity and was far from contemplative. I missed that.
Even this New Year has begun in a less than contemplative way. I pray this does not portend the way this year will go. I need some time and space to breath, to just be. Maybe that's where my star word enters in - TRUTH. Perhaps, I need to honor that truth. My other word for the year is- HOPE.
I hope that the truth is this year, that I won't be a crazy woman like the past month plus! I think God and I can work on that together, one day at a time. Just have to heed God's voice and give God some more of my time.
May the New Year bring you what you need and may God guide you through each day. Even if sometimes you are like a crazy woman!
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
IS IT THE SEASON ALREADY?!!?
Hard to a believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving!
I have already cooked up 2 kinds of rice and made fresh turkey stock. Tonight I will make the stuffing, dessert and spinach dip. That will leave the turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy for tomorrow, plus sanitizing bathrooms, putting out towels, cleaning clutter off the kitchen table and back of the couch.
This will be a more casual Thanksgiving since we'll eat in the kitchen. All good plans go awry sometimes. Our dining room floor is not yet installed. Oh, the flooring arrived 6 weeks ago, but the installer is so busy, we had to wait til after Turkey day - until Dec. 13th.
In the meantime, all the china and crystal is boxed up and all my large boxes are being used.
So it will be everyday dishes and flatware for dinner. I did purchase fall leaves placemats to
dress up the plain table. I'm hoping that all will be done and moved back in place for a grand
new year's day dinner in our new dining room!
Advent begins next Sunday - that short 4 weeks before Christmas. Along with 2 services a week and 2 Tuesday evening Bible studies, there is one potluck Sat. eve at L church, one lunch potluck at M church, 1 staff Christmas party for M church at home of a staff member. It all falls from Dec. 8th-12th. Oh, and the church council bring a treat on Dec. 18th.
I still have my German Christmas letter to write. Print off both English and German, address and mail them along with Christmas cards.
I have 3 boxes of gifts to wrap and send for family.
And...it's our 30th anniversary. We will spend our anniversary on Grand Cayman in the warmth and sun and surf while I try not to think of everything that needs doing that I left behind. Sigh. I hope that I can center and settle my spirit and heart to be in the moment and enjoy this time away with LH.
In this season of waiting and anticipation, I am going crazy! Deep breaths - breathe out the stress and deep breathe in the peace of Christ.
This is one of the craziest, busiest Advent seasons ever. And not even our home is a put together
sanctuary of rest and peace.
I trust that somehow by the very grace of God, I will come through it all and everything will get accomplished if a bit late. Prayers are much appreciated!
I have already cooked up 2 kinds of rice and made fresh turkey stock. Tonight I will make the stuffing, dessert and spinach dip. That will leave the turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy for tomorrow, plus sanitizing bathrooms, putting out towels, cleaning clutter off the kitchen table and back of the couch.
This will be a more casual Thanksgiving since we'll eat in the kitchen. All good plans go awry sometimes. Our dining room floor is not yet installed. Oh, the flooring arrived 6 weeks ago, but the installer is so busy, we had to wait til after Turkey day - until Dec. 13th.
In the meantime, all the china and crystal is boxed up and all my large boxes are being used.
So it will be everyday dishes and flatware for dinner. I did purchase fall leaves placemats to
dress up the plain table. I'm hoping that all will be done and moved back in place for a grand
new year's day dinner in our new dining room!
Advent begins next Sunday - that short 4 weeks before Christmas. Along with 2 services a week and 2 Tuesday evening Bible studies, there is one potluck Sat. eve at L church, one lunch potluck at M church, 1 staff Christmas party for M church at home of a staff member. It all falls from Dec. 8th-12th. Oh, and the church council bring a treat on Dec. 18th.
I still have my German Christmas letter to write. Print off both English and German, address and mail them along with Christmas cards.
I have 3 boxes of gifts to wrap and send for family.
And...it's our 30th anniversary. We will spend our anniversary on Grand Cayman in the warmth and sun and surf while I try not to think of everything that needs doing that I left behind. Sigh. I hope that I can center and settle my spirit and heart to be in the moment and enjoy this time away with LH.
In this season of waiting and anticipation, I am going crazy! Deep breaths - breathe out the stress and deep breathe in the peace of Christ.
This is one of the craziest, busiest Advent seasons ever. And not even our home is a put together
sanctuary of rest and peace.
I trust that somehow by the very grace of God, I will come through it all and everything will get accomplished if a bit late. Prayers are much appreciated!
Friday, October 20, 2017
FUNNY...I DON'T FEEL THAT OLD
Twice in the space of the week, I was reminded that I am near "elderly" and given a "senior" discount. Funny, I don't feel that old yet.
Last Friday, I went to the pharmacy at the local grocery store to get my flu shot. Afterall, I am constantly going into nursing homes, hospitals, and shaking hands on Sat. evening and Sunday mornings. I figured I ought to get the shot. Well, lo and behold, when I asked if the shot was a double strain, I was informed that it was the four strain shot. "When you are 60, elderly, there is a mega
flu shot." Thanks a bunch! Now, I am approaching elderly. Funny, 60 doesn't seem that old anymore and most 60 year olds are an active crowd. I am not there yet. I have more than a year to go. I am not elderly, thank you very much. I am middle-aged. Mature. Well, at least most of the time!
Then, on Wednesday, I stopped at Kohl's to pick up a rectangular serving dish to put my apple strudel on for my husband to take to the church he serves for the Reformation Dinner & Movie (Rick Steve's The Reformation). I had $15.00 in Kohl's cash and there was a white porcelain FoodNetwork serving tray that was on sale. When I checked out the cashier gave me the "senior" discount of 15%.
The dish cost me $2.48! I don't know what qualifies at Kohl's for "senior" status - some places it's 55 years and up and others, it's 60 plus. I got it any way. Apparently, Wednesdays are senior discount days at Kohl's. Who knew?
I don't have gray hair yet. Well...I do, but I color it as close to my natural brown with red highlights. There can be a wee bit of gray at the temples when the dye starts fading. But it's not that noticeable, I think. I'm not full of wrinkles - although I have some - laugh lines. I body lotion my neck every morning so it doesn't look too turkey-like. I know I'm not 40 any more, but really, I don't think I look 60 already. At least not most of the time I look in the mirror. I still feel 45 inside.
I'm not ready to be 60 yet. Give me that year plus to go. I just don't see the 60 look yet.
The woman who gave me the flu shot was no spring chicken, but the checkout gal at Kohl's was younger. Maybe, I look old to the younger folks. I just don't see myself there yet. Or am I fighting it?
Sigh. I've always accepted the age I am, except when I was younger and always wanted to be older.
I think a person live their age and be proud of it. But this 60 thing is a bit unnerving, maybe worse than 50.
Well, if they want to give me the discount, I'll take it. But inside I know, I can still be young, and am still middle-aged. I am not yet "elderly." For gosh sakes, elderly is like 80. And I have a lot of living yet to do before then. Good Lord willing.
Last Friday, I went to the pharmacy at the local grocery store to get my flu shot. Afterall, I am constantly going into nursing homes, hospitals, and shaking hands on Sat. evening and Sunday mornings. I figured I ought to get the shot. Well, lo and behold, when I asked if the shot was a double strain, I was informed that it was the four strain shot. "When you are 60, elderly, there is a mega
flu shot." Thanks a bunch! Now, I am approaching elderly. Funny, 60 doesn't seem that old anymore and most 60 year olds are an active crowd. I am not there yet. I have more than a year to go. I am not elderly, thank you very much. I am middle-aged. Mature. Well, at least most of the time!
Then, on Wednesday, I stopped at Kohl's to pick up a rectangular serving dish to put my apple strudel on for my husband to take to the church he serves for the Reformation Dinner & Movie (Rick Steve's The Reformation). I had $15.00 in Kohl's cash and there was a white porcelain FoodNetwork serving tray that was on sale. When I checked out the cashier gave me the "senior" discount of 15%.
The dish cost me $2.48! I don't know what qualifies at Kohl's for "senior" status - some places it's 55 years and up and others, it's 60 plus. I got it any way. Apparently, Wednesdays are senior discount days at Kohl's. Who knew?
I don't have gray hair yet. Well...I do, but I color it as close to my natural brown with red highlights. There can be a wee bit of gray at the temples when the dye starts fading. But it's not that noticeable, I think. I'm not full of wrinkles - although I have some - laugh lines. I body lotion my neck every morning so it doesn't look too turkey-like. I know I'm not 40 any more, but really, I don't think I look 60 already. At least not most of the time I look in the mirror. I still feel 45 inside.
I'm not ready to be 60 yet. Give me that year plus to go. I just don't see the 60 look yet.
The woman who gave me the flu shot was no spring chicken, but the checkout gal at Kohl's was younger. Maybe, I look old to the younger folks. I just don't see myself there yet. Or am I fighting it?
Sigh. I've always accepted the age I am, except when I was younger and always wanted to be older.
I think a person live their age and be proud of it. But this 60 thing is a bit unnerving, maybe worse than 50.
Well, if they want to give me the discount, I'll take it. But inside I know, I can still be young, and am still middle-aged. I am not yet "elderly." For gosh sakes, elderly is like 80. And I have a lot of living yet to do before then. Good Lord willing.
Monday, October 09, 2017
TRICK OR TREAT
Take your pick - trick or treat!
This is a busy, crazy month for moi! I have Bible Study every Tues. evening and this month,
Early Communion class on Wed. evenings, for the month. Tomorrow is the potluck lunch at
M church - Tailgate Party - is the theme since the Indians are in the playoffs. I'll be making my
spinach veggie dip, and fresh veggies. I figured we needed something healthy along side all the carb laden dishes that will be there. On Thursday morning at M church I will be leading a study lesson for the one women's circle stepping in for the education director who will be out of town.
Next Wednesday evening is a Reformation Dinner at my husband's church (which I will miss since
I have early communion class) and am making an easy apple strudel to go along with their bratwurst dinner. This Saturday morning, I will need to make communion bread for the upcoming early communion class.
On Sunday, Oct. 29th from 3 pm- 6pm, I will be at the church by 2 pm, will be our Reformation Walk sponsored along with 3 other L churches nearby. There will be 7 stops with folks in makeshift costumes as tourists arrive in Wittenburg. They will get a german lesson with Luther's teacher, make
a pretzel in the Café which will get baked and they can eat, Tetzel will be selling indulgences, one
can nail a thesis to a door, meet Martin & Katie Luther, learn and color the Luther Seal, and sing
a verse or two of "A Mighty Fortress". I have put together props, made signs for all the stops in an old script, and even have some items for costuming certain characters. It has taken much time and
organization but it should be fun for the whole family.
In the midst of all this, we are working on our dining room and getting new flooring, a paint job, new light, etc. So, I am in the process of boxing up the entire contents of our china cabinet - 1 complete set of china for 12, along with crystal beverage and wine glasses for 12, some champagne
glasses, another set of dishes for 8, fondue dishes for 6, and an assortment of glass serving plates and bowls, and a couple antique bowls. Yup, I must be totally bonkers! I have about 1 more box or two to
go, and then everything will need to be washed before going back into the cabinet. The dining room
table legs need to be removed in order to move the table out of the room and the china cabinet will
also need to be moved. We bought sliders hoping that once the cabinet is empty, we can carefully
slide the thing into the family room. This is a monumental undertaking at one of the busiest times
of the year. Everything will need to be put back by Thanksgiving!
So, take your pick - is this a trick or a treat? I'm hoping that when all is said and done it will be
a delightful treat that will last for a long time!
May God help me maintain my sanity!
This is a busy, crazy month for moi! I have Bible Study every Tues. evening and this month,
Early Communion class on Wed. evenings, for the month. Tomorrow is the potluck lunch at
M church - Tailgate Party - is the theme since the Indians are in the playoffs. I'll be making my
spinach veggie dip, and fresh veggies. I figured we needed something healthy along side all the carb laden dishes that will be there. On Thursday morning at M church I will be leading a study lesson for the one women's circle stepping in for the education director who will be out of town.
Next Wednesday evening is a Reformation Dinner at my husband's church (which I will miss since
I have early communion class) and am making an easy apple strudel to go along with their bratwurst dinner. This Saturday morning, I will need to make communion bread for the upcoming early communion class.
On Sunday, Oct. 29th from 3 pm- 6pm, I will be at the church by 2 pm, will be our Reformation Walk sponsored along with 3 other L churches nearby. There will be 7 stops with folks in makeshift costumes as tourists arrive in Wittenburg. They will get a german lesson with Luther's teacher, make
a pretzel in the Café which will get baked and they can eat, Tetzel will be selling indulgences, one
can nail a thesis to a door, meet Martin & Katie Luther, learn and color the Luther Seal, and sing
a verse or two of "A Mighty Fortress". I have put together props, made signs for all the stops in an old script, and even have some items for costuming certain characters. It has taken much time and
organization but it should be fun for the whole family.
In the midst of all this, we are working on our dining room and getting new flooring, a paint job, new light, etc. So, I am in the process of boxing up the entire contents of our china cabinet - 1 complete set of china for 12, along with crystal beverage and wine glasses for 12, some champagne
glasses, another set of dishes for 8, fondue dishes for 6, and an assortment of glass serving plates and bowls, and a couple antique bowls. Yup, I must be totally bonkers! I have about 1 more box or two to
go, and then everything will need to be washed before going back into the cabinet. The dining room
table legs need to be removed in order to move the table out of the room and the china cabinet will
also need to be moved. We bought sliders hoping that once the cabinet is empty, we can carefully
slide the thing into the family room. This is a monumental undertaking at one of the busiest times
of the year. Everything will need to be put back by Thanksgiving!
So, take your pick - is this a trick or a treat? I'm hoping that when all is said and done it will be
a delightful treat that will last for a long time!
May God help me maintain my sanity!
Saturday, September 09, 2017
WEIRD WEDDING
It is just as I suspected. A. Weird. Wedding. Never in my life....I guess there is a first for everything.
I arrived at the church just a couple minutes past six pm for the 6:30 pm rehearsal. The church door was opened and all these cars already there.
The pastor was in the sanctuary with the family and friends. I said hello, and was a bit surprised that so many were already there. He replied that the bride wanted to start at 6 pm. Well, thanks for letting me know, as the host pastor!
I asked if he had the order of service, since his church was doing the bulletins. When we met a month ago, I emailed the pastor - that I would do the welcome, the congregational response - with words all typed out and the congregation's response in bold, and that I would do the prayer of the day.
I never heard back from him. Not even an acknowledgment that he had received what I sent him.
Now, since I am part-time, I confess that I never emailed him again as I have been busy.
So, he hands me a bulletin and says he hopes he spelled my name right. Now, I know my last name has 4 syllables and is also the name of one of the disciples, but it is spelled the way it is sounded.
I look at it and see Pastor (First Name) Greyhound. What the? He automatically assumed because greyhound is part of email address that that was my last name, although I said my name verbally when we met a month ago. If he wasn't sure, he could've 1. emailed me back asking how to spell my last name, 2. called the church and asked the secretary.
I've been called: Rev. Sweet Cheeks, Rev. Hard Nose and now: Rev. Greyhound!
He didn't include the part of the support of the congregation with congregational response. Now I will have to give them the response verbally to repeat. (Stupid)
The service is a mish-mash of all kinds of stuff. There is not one scripture lesson, there is absolutely no message to the couple regarding marriage, relying on Christ, that we love because God first loved us, etc.
The Bridal procession is exactly as I feared - the love song from Beauty and the Beast. (Yuck!)
When I suggested to the Maid of Honor that she may want to be ready to hold the bridal bouquet during the vows (normally the couple holds hands, looks at each other as they repeat their vows), the pastor said they would be facing him while saying the vows. What the? They should be looking at each other and making these solemn promises to each other, not the darn pastor! I always tell the couple to look at each other, they are making these promises to each other and not to me.
Then everyone gathered sings, "In Christ Alone."
There's the Ukranian Hand Tie - looks like a table runner wrapped around the couples joined
hands and then they walk around the altar three times.
The exchange of rings.
And then it all sort of ends with a prayer by the bride's father, pronouncement and kiss.
It is totally weird and if there is no scripture or message, why not get married outside?
I wonder where this pastor went to school - some bible college and no seminary education - although he is 50 ish.
There seems to be a consumer mentality with all this. We're renting the church, so we should be able to use any and all areas (now also using our gathering space for appetizers and drinks - which was not part of the original bargain) and do whatever we want.
Non-member weddings are thankless even if the church gets some money for it - just not worth the hassle, the time, and the demands.
Then, as it neared the end of the rehearsal, the groom's mom asked if I would be coming to dinner - I thought she meant the wedding dinner and I replied that I had a worship service. No, she said, the rehearsal dinner. (by now it was nearly 8 pm), I didn't know I was even invited and replied that I had already eaten (which was true). The rehearsal dinner was at some Christian Church a bit out of town.
I don't think so. I am merely the hostesses, making sure all things for the service are ready and doing my bit part at the beginning.
Oh, and there is glitter all over the carpets, sanctuary floor.
I'll be glad when it's 6 pm - the wedding ceremony over, my worship service done, and I can clean up from worship, and go home! I will even be gracious not to embarrass the pastor and simply introduce myself as "Pastor Barbara of (Blank) L Church." I won't even get into the last name part.
God give me strength and help me be gracious and bite my tongue!
I arrived at the church just a couple minutes past six pm for the 6:30 pm rehearsal. The church door was opened and all these cars already there.
The pastor was in the sanctuary with the family and friends. I said hello, and was a bit surprised that so many were already there. He replied that the bride wanted to start at 6 pm. Well, thanks for letting me know, as the host pastor!
I asked if he had the order of service, since his church was doing the bulletins. When we met a month ago, I emailed the pastor - that I would do the welcome, the congregational response - with words all typed out and the congregation's response in bold, and that I would do the prayer of the day.
I never heard back from him. Not even an acknowledgment that he had received what I sent him.
Now, since I am part-time, I confess that I never emailed him again as I have been busy.
So, he hands me a bulletin and says he hopes he spelled my name right. Now, I know my last name has 4 syllables and is also the name of one of the disciples, but it is spelled the way it is sounded.
I look at it and see Pastor (First Name) Greyhound. What the? He automatically assumed because greyhound is part of email address that that was my last name, although I said my name verbally when we met a month ago. If he wasn't sure, he could've 1. emailed me back asking how to spell my last name, 2. called the church and asked the secretary.
I've been called: Rev. Sweet Cheeks, Rev. Hard Nose and now: Rev. Greyhound!
He didn't include the part of the support of the congregation with congregational response. Now I will have to give them the response verbally to repeat. (Stupid)
The service is a mish-mash of all kinds of stuff. There is not one scripture lesson, there is absolutely no message to the couple regarding marriage, relying on Christ, that we love because God first loved us, etc.
The Bridal procession is exactly as I feared - the love song from Beauty and the Beast. (Yuck!)
When I suggested to the Maid of Honor that she may want to be ready to hold the bridal bouquet during the vows (normally the couple holds hands, looks at each other as they repeat their vows), the pastor said they would be facing him while saying the vows. What the? They should be looking at each other and making these solemn promises to each other, not the darn pastor! I always tell the couple to look at each other, they are making these promises to each other and not to me.
Then everyone gathered sings, "In Christ Alone."
There's the Ukranian Hand Tie - looks like a table runner wrapped around the couples joined
hands and then they walk around the altar three times.
The exchange of rings.
And then it all sort of ends with a prayer by the bride's father, pronouncement and kiss.
It is totally weird and if there is no scripture or message, why not get married outside?
I wonder where this pastor went to school - some bible college and no seminary education - although he is 50 ish.
There seems to be a consumer mentality with all this. We're renting the church, so we should be able to use any and all areas (now also using our gathering space for appetizers and drinks - which was not part of the original bargain) and do whatever we want.
Non-member weddings are thankless even if the church gets some money for it - just not worth the hassle, the time, and the demands.
Then, as it neared the end of the rehearsal, the groom's mom asked if I would be coming to dinner - I thought she meant the wedding dinner and I replied that I had a worship service. No, she said, the rehearsal dinner. (by now it was nearly 8 pm), I didn't know I was even invited and replied that I had already eaten (which was true). The rehearsal dinner was at some Christian Church a bit out of town.
I don't think so. I am merely the hostesses, making sure all things for the service are ready and doing my bit part at the beginning.
Oh, and there is glitter all over the carpets, sanctuary floor.
I'll be glad when it's 6 pm - the wedding ceremony over, my worship service done, and I can clean up from worship, and go home! I will even be gracious not to embarrass the pastor and simply introduce myself as "Pastor Barbara of (Blank) L Church." I won't even get into the last name part.
God give me strength and help me be gracious and bite my tongue!
Wednesday, September 06, 2017
BUSY
Yup. Busy. Busy with the start up of a new program year at the church. Today after working at M church it's off to the L church for a Finance meeting at 6 pm and leading Bible Study at 7 pm. A very long day.
Tomorrow at L church have to pick hymns, write sermon and children's sermon, make a visit.
This weekend is the 'thankless wedding". A non-member of an independent Baptist Church who are very conservative - wife to obey husband. The young gal is kind ditzy. She can't make a decision without her family or groom's family. She wanted her pastor to marry them. She is awed by the cathedral church setting and needed a church large enough to accommodate all invited (their church is too small). Although we have a great pipe organ that fills the sanctuary, she is merely having the piano with a couple classical pieces, a hymn, and a couple of Disney love songs! (ughhh) I am playing gracious host. I will welcome, give a statement, the prayer of the day and give the promise of the gathered congregation - that they will support this couple. Then I can sit and watch it all proceed.
I don't believe there's a message - she said she just wanted this hymn sung. They will do a Ukranian hand tie instead of lighting a unity candle (which is ok). But the whole ceremony is weirdly put together and it will be fascinating to watch unfold. I will open the church an hour before the wedding at 1 pm, get everything ready, be host and part wedding planner. The service is at 2 pm, our Sat. evening worship service is at 5 pm and so I will be there the whole time and get things set up for our worship service to follow. The reception will be in the social hall, so parking will be at a premium for our worshippers. I don't know who's locking up, but I will be out of the church at the end of cleaning up for worship. That's 5 hours of my time, plus 2 hours Friday for the rehearsal. I am only part time.
I am not looking forward to this wedding.
Oh, and the latest is this: the family wants into the church Friday at 9 am to decorate the church,
probably Social Hall as well as Sanctuary - which is ok because after rehearsal we will be free and clear to go.
However the twist is: they want to be at the church Sat. at 7:15 am to do hair, make-up, and get
dressed. Did I mention the wedding is at 2 pm? I don't know, but usually it's an hour for hair and
1/2 hour for make-up and 1/2 hour to dress. Or am I unrealistic? Whatever are they going to do for
6 hours? Wash their hair in the church bathrooms? Who wants to lug all that stuff to the church
and remember to clean it all up and remove it? I don't want our ladies bathroom filled with junk
for our worship service. As it is, they are not using the downstairs ladies bathroom with large area
and mirrors. They are using the parlor with no mirrors, how will the bride check herself? They
blew off our suggestion of downstairs and will use the parlor. The bride is quite a ditz.
The reception should be over and all cleaned out by 9:30 pm.
I don't think the church is getting compensated for an entire day of facilities usage, yes for
a few hours, but this exceeds normalcy on so many levels.
The lighting in the bathrooms isn't even that good for make-up. Maybe they're bringing in their
own lighted mirrors. I just don't see how this will happen and only a couple of gals can be in front of the bathroom mirror at a time. I certainly would want to do all that in the comfort of my own home or hotel room and not a squirrely mess in a church bathroom.
I am not looking forward to this wedding.
Fortunately, the church secretary is here on Friday(my one day off) and will open at 7:15 am Sat.
and lock up at 9:30 pm Sat.
If I never do another non-member wedding again before I retire, it would be a good and wonderful
thing. They are the most thankless, time-sucking ministry I do, and even worse, when their own
clergy is a part of it, and I am just a gracious host, running around making sure the sound is on, and
everything is working, etc.
I wish it were next week and this entire fiasco was over. Pray that I may be gracious and not roll my eyes too much or noticeably during the service.
Tomorrow at L church have to pick hymns, write sermon and children's sermon, make a visit.
This weekend is the 'thankless wedding". A non-member of an independent Baptist Church who are very conservative - wife to obey husband. The young gal is kind ditzy. She can't make a decision without her family or groom's family. She wanted her pastor to marry them. She is awed by the cathedral church setting and needed a church large enough to accommodate all invited (their church is too small). Although we have a great pipe organ that fills the sanctuary, she is merely having the piano with a couple classical pieces, a hymn, and a couple of Disney love songs! (ughhh) I am playing gracious host. I will welcome, give a statement, the prayer of the day and give the promise of the gathered congregation - that they will support this couple. Then I can sit and watch it all proceed.
I don't believe there's a message - she said she just wanted this hymn sung. They will do a Ukranian hand tie instead of lighting a unity candle (which is ok). But the whole ceremony is weirdly put together and it will be fascinating to watch unfold. I will open the church an hour before the wedding at 1 pm, get everything ready, be host and part wedding planner. The service is at 2 pm, our Sat. evening worship service is at 5 pm and so I will be there the whole time and get things set up for our worship service to follow. The reception will be in the social hall, so parking will be at a premium for our worshippers. I don't know who's locking up, but I will be out of the church at the end of cleaning up for worship. That's 5 hours of my time, plus 2 hours Friday for the rehearsal. I am only part time.
I am not looking forward to this wedding.
Oh, and the latest is this: the family wants into the church Friday at 9 am to decorate the church,
probably Social Hall as well as Sanctuary - which is ok because after rehearsal we will be free and clear to go.
However the twist is: they want to be at the church Sat. at 7:15 am to do hair, make-up, and get
dressed. Did I mention the wedding is at 2 pm? I don't know, but usually it's an hour for hair and
1/2 hour for make-up and 1/2 hour to dress. Or am I unrealistic? Whatever are they going to do for
6 hours? Wash their hair in the church bathrooms? Who wants to lug all that stuff to the church
and remember to clean it all up and remove it? I don't want our ladies bathroom filled with junk
for our worship service. As it is, they are not using the downstairs ladies bathroom with large area
and mirrors. They are using the parlor with no mirrors, how will the bride check herself? They
blew off our suggestion of downstairs and will use the parlor. The bride is quite a ditz.
The reception should be over and all cleaned out by 9:30 pm.
I don't think the church is getting compensated for an entire day of facilities usage, yes for
a few hours, but this exceeds normalcy on so many levels.
The lighting in the bathrooms isn't even that good for make-up. Maybe they're bringing in their
own lighted mirrors. I just don't see how this will happen and only a couple of gals can be in front of the bathroom mirror at a time. I certainly would want to do all that in the comfort of my own home or hotel room and not a squirrely mess in a church bathroom.
I am not looking forward to this wedding.
Fortunately, the church secretary is here on Friday(my one day off) and will open at 7:15 am Sat.
and lock up at 9:30 pm Sat.
If I never do another non-member wedding again before I retire, it would be a good and wonderful
thing. They are the most thankless, time-sucking ministry I do, and even worse, when their own
clergy is a part of it, and I am just a gracious host, running around making sure the sound is on, and
everything is working, etc.
I wish it were next week and this entire fiasco was over. Pray that I may be gracious and not roll my eyes too much or noticeably during the service.
Thursday, August 10, 2017
SO FRUSTRATING-
It's so frustrating when making visits to elderly members in assisted living or nursing homes and they get moved. Moved where? The facilities, due to HIPPA laws, can no longer tell me, where said member may have gone. I have had to wheedle info out if the person I was visiting had been taken to the hospital. They aren't even supposed to tell you that.
So, the standard response is to get in touch with the family. Easier said, than done!
In the case of the latest person, a woman in her 80's who had been a member of this particular M church from her marriage on, taught Sunday School for years, especially the little ones, and raised four boys with not the most supportive husband (at least parentally speaking, and not the most giving of himself person to her as a partner in life), being involved in church and after her husband's death, finally, giving something back to herself, travelled with the pastor or former pastor to Russia, China, etc., has been at a certain assisted living place for as long as I have been serving as visitation pastor of M church. Over the past year, I could see the decline in her cognitive abilities and that she has lost some weight. She's had memory issues for the past 3 years. She can no longer work on puzzles like she used to, she reads but I'm sure her comprehension is low, and she was not one to take part in facility activities. She enjoyed walking, lots. She used to walk outside for an hour at a time. In the winter, she's walk the hallways. Then it got to be that she just walked the hallways all year 'round.
Now she hasn't been walking all that much.
With vacation and other visits, I didn't get to see her in July, unusual because I'm there every month.
So, on Tuesday, I go to see her, only she's not there, her name was taken off the door, she disappeared just like mist.
Now this facility also has a memory care unit and I'm thinking she might have been moved into there, indeed, I was anticipating that would be happening. But, no. The desk lady said that if that was the case, they could tell me that. She is not here and I should contact the family. Great.
Her family doesn't attend church - although all the boys were baptized, went to Sunday School here, and were confirmed. They have a faith background. Surely they knew all their Mom did in teaching Sunday School and all the group trips made with the former pastor. But they don't attend church anymore.
And it never occurs to them to let the church know where their Mom is, that perhaps, they felt she needed better care or a memory care place that offered her more. I can understand that, but let her church know.
Children of parents need to let the church know where their parent is currently residing. How can we visit that person, or bring them communion if we don't know where they are at? Even memory care patients can often still recite part of the Lord's Prayer, or remember the taste of bread and wine, or find comfort in the words of institution or a verse from scripture.
Auuuughhh...how frustrating it is. They might not think much of faith for themselves, but at the
very least honor your parent's faith, know that faith still means something to them, to be connected to their church family, to be connected to God.
Call the church. Let the church know where your parent is. Help us to continue to include and serve your parent in whatever capacity they are in. We can deal with it - better than you can!
Sigh. I ended up finding the daughter-in-law's address because she has an unusual name on the internet. I hate doing that. I'm disturbed at how easy it was to find her address. I will be sending
the family a card, requesting where their mom is. We'll see if they call me or the church. I hope they will understand and let me know where she is. We had built up a relationship and she doesn't really get any visitors aside from them from time to time.
I pray for this woman, I do.
But mostly, I simply ask that when you move a parent - from their home into a facility, from one facility to another, call your parent's church, let them know so that we can still minister to them, no
matter what stage they are in. It is so simple really. If you love your parent, you know that faith is
important to them, even if it isn't to you. That is but one aspect of loving and caring for your
elderly parent as you make sure they get good care or are surrounded by familiar things, or when you make doctor's appointments for them, or bring them a new pair of slippers that function better for them. Honor and love your parent by letting the church know where they are at, understanding that church and faith in God was an important and often, vital, component of their life.
Off to make another visit...hope they are still in the same place!
Oh, and leave your contact info with the church, in case, something happens, or we notice something, and can let you know.
So, the standard response is to get in touch with the family. Easier said, than done!
In the case of the latest person, a woman in her 80's who had been a member of this particular M church from her marriage on, taught Sunday School for years, especially the little ones, and raised four boys with not the most supportive husband (at least parentally speaking, and not the most giving of himself person to her as a partner in life), being involved in church and after her husband's death, finally, giving something back to herself, travelled with the pastor or former pastor to Russia, China, etc., has been at a certain assisted living place for as long as I have been serving as visitation pastor of M church. Over the past year, I could see the decline in her cognitive abilities and that she has lost some weight. She's had memory issues for the past 3 years. She can no longer work on puzzles like she used to, she reads but I'm sure her comprehension is low, and she was not one to take part in facility activities. She enjoyed walking, lots. She used to walk outside for an hour at a time. In the winter, she's walk the hallways. Then it got to be that she just walked the hallways all year 'round.
Now she hasn't been walking all that much.
With vacation and other visits, I didn't get to see her in July, unusual because I'm there every month.
So, on Tuesday, I go to see her, only she's not there, her name was taken off the door, she disappeared just like mist.
Now this facility also has a memory care unit and I'm thinking she might have been moved into there, indeed, I was anticipating that would be happening. But, no. The desk lady said that if that was the case, they could tell me that. She is not here and I should contact the family. Great.
Her family doesn't attend church - although all the boys were baptized, went to Sunday School here, and were confirmed. They have a faith background. Surely they knew all their Mom did in teaching Sunday School and all the group trips made with the former pastor. But they don't attend church anymore.
And it never occurs to them to let the church know where their Mom is, that perhaps, they felt she needed better care or a memory care place that offered her more. I can understand that, but let her church know.
Children of parents need to let the church know where their parent is currently residing. How can we visit that person, or bring them communion if we don't know where they are at? Even memory care patients can often still recite part of the Lord's Prayer, or remember the taste of bread and wine, or find comfort in the words of institution or a verse from scripture.
Auuuughhh...how frustrating it is. They might not think much of faith for themselves, but at the
very least honor your parent's faith, know that faith still means something to them, to be connected to their church family, to be connected to God.
Call the church. Let the church know where your parent is. Help us to continue to include and serve your parent in whatever capacity they are in. We can deal with it - better than you can!
Sigh. I ended up finding the daughter-in-law's address because she has an unusual name on the internet. I hate doing that. I'm disturbed at how easy it was to find her address. I will be sending
the family a card, requesting where their mom is. We'll see if they call me or the church. I hope they will understand and let me know where she is. We had built up a relationship and she doesn't really get any visitors aside from them from time to time.
I pray for this woman, I do.
But mostly, I simply ask that when you move a parent - from their home into a facility, from one facility to another, call your parent's church, let them know so that we can still minister to them, no
matter what stage they are in. It is so simple really. If you love your parent, you know that faith is
important to them, even if it isn't to you. That is but one aspect of loving and caring for your
elderly parent as you make sure they get good care or are surrounded by familiar things, or when you make doctor's appointments for them, or bring them a new pair of slippers that function better for them. Honor and love your parent by letting the church know where they are at, understanding that church and faith in God was an important and often, vital, component of their life.
Off to make another visit...hope they are still in the same place!
Oh, and leave your contact info with the church, in case, something happens, or we notice something, and can let you know.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
SUMMERTIME-VBS TIME
VBS began Monday evening at L church. I helped serve fruit drinks for supper, and helped with the ketchup dispenser for the hot dogs.
After dinner, I was put to work making yarn pom-poms that would become aliens. We made them ahead for the younger ones. Then I stapled 2 foam bowls together to make a space ship - must have
made about 12 of them. Next, three of us were asked to unroll cotton balls! Unroll a cotton ball? I never knew they could be unrolled. Not as easy as it may seem. Some went fairly well and others ended up in two pieces. We only did half the bag of 400 and there's at least a couple more bags to
go. Looks like I will be at it again tonight as this is for Thursday's craft. Who knew in seminary that
I would be unraveling cotton balls as part of my ministry! At the very least, I know I am doing it for the children in VBS - that they will be amazed at the wonder of the universe when they work on this craft and the wonder of God's love for them, and our love for them. Unravelling cotton balls with an involved member of the church and the council president made for good fellowship. It's amazing sometimes how the simplest, silliest of things can end up being a true ministry. God is always
in the unexpected, in the simple, in the ordinary doing God's thing with us and through us. Nothing is ever too silly, too small, too ordinary, too simple for God not to accomplish God's good work of making God's love, presence and good news in Christ Jesus known, to bring forth hope, peace, grace, forgiveness, blessing, life - new and eternal. It is an awesome thing to see unfold, revealed before one.
It also reminds me of God's delight in the unexpected, in the very small and simple, and of God's mighty sense of humor. "Here, I am, in this little, simple act of unraveling cotton balls. What seems
small and silly to you, is of great significance to others, makes myself be known and discovered, and every act contains great love."
So, I look forward to unrolling those cotton balls this evening! God is there in the midst of it all.
Next week is VBS at the M church, but I will be there just on Tues. morning as we leave for vacation on Wed. I've been asked to help prepare snacks for 101 kids that day - grapes and something else. Yet, another, simple, ordinary act full of love and fellowship, profound with meaning, and full of God's presence!
After dinner, I was put to work making yarn pom-poms that would become aliens. We made them ahead for the younger ones. Then I stapled 2 foam bowls together to make a space ship - must have
made about 12 of them. Next, three of us were asked to unroll cotton balls! Unroll a cotton ball? I never knew they could be unrolled. Not as easy as it may seem. Some went fairly well and others ended up in two pieces. We only did half the bag of 400 and there's at least a couple more bags to
go. Looks like I will be at it again tonight as this is for Thursday's craft. Who knew in seminary that
I would be unraveling cotton balls as part of my ministry! At the very least, I know I am doing it for the children in VBS - that they will be amazed at the wonder of the universe when they work on this craft and the wonder of God's love for them, and our love for them. Unravelling cotton balls with an involved member of the church and the council president made for good fellowship. It's amazing sometimes how the simplest, silliest of things can end up being a true ministry. God is always
in the unexpected, in the simple, in the ordinary doing God's thing with us and through us. Nothing is ever too silly, too small, too ordinary, too simple for God not to accomplish God's good work of making God's love, presence and good news in Christ Jesus known, to bring forth hope, peace, grace, forgiveness, blessing, life - new and eternal. It is an awesome thing to see unfold, revealed before one.
It also reminds me of God's delight in the unexpected, in the very small and simple, and of God's mighty sense of humor. "Here, I am, in this little, simple act of unraveling cotton balls. What seems
small and silly to you, is of great significance to others, makes myself be known and discovered, and every act contains great love."
So, I look forward to unrolling those cotton balls this evening! God is there in the midst of it all.
Next week is VBS at the M church, but I will be there just on Tues. morning as we leave for vacation on Wed. I've been asked to help prepare snacks for 101 kids that day - grapes and something else. Yet, another, simple, ordinary act full of love and fellowship, profound with meaning, and full of God's presence!
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
A SAD GOOD-BYE
And so it was last Thursday, after 13 years and 6 weeks, after 2 weeks of growing struggle, we let Jazz cross Rainbow Bridge. I took the day off, and it wasn't til near noon when we knew the time to be at our vet, not until evening.
I worked on a newsletter article, submitted a mileage report, petted and hugged this big, loveable puppy who had an irrepressible spirit and whose body could not keep pace with his spirit. But even last week, his spirit wasn't what it had been.
That greyhound was always underfoot. Wherever we were, he was. He even still managed to come up the stairs until Tues night and sleep at the foot of our bed. And he did have an accident many times before he came up.
That greyhound never had a lick of sense! Stayed out too long when it was cold and then his paws would be pretty cold and he'd lift them funny.
That greyhound was always in the way. In-the-way-Jazz, I called him. By the sink, when I was prepping dinner and needed to be there, by the stove when I was trying to cook and standing in
front of the fridge when I needed to open the fridge door.
That greyhound could exasperate me, but then he looked at me with those big brown eyes, and
I couldn't be mad anymore.
That greyhound was most always in a good mood. He was happy and content just to be, but mostly so, when we were home.
That greyhound was a sturdy fellow, mastered the rhythm of going up and down a fairly steep
flight of stairs. He was bony and bow-legged, not much to look at, but a good spirit with a good heart.
That greyhound was a toy-hoarder. He used to migrate all his fleece toys from bed to dining room and back again. Any new toy that came into the house was his, even those bought and given to
Renoir who has never shown much of any interest in a toy. They all became Jazz's, some more
well-loved than others - especially his most favorite of all - an armadillo we picked out together
at the pet store. That was his absolute favorite one of all - I think because it was just the two of us and he relished getting to pick a toy. I have seen washed this now 3 legged, short-tongued armadillo and it is in my van.
I miss him. Oh, how I miss him and tears still fall and my heart still aches. The house is abit
quieter now.
I get up, and he isn't there at the foot of the bed, trotting behind me going down the steps. I reach
for the water dish no longer there and to put the cup of food where there is now empty space. I have called Renoir, Jazz. He is no longer sleeping in the bed, I've since washed. His toys are still
scattered in the dining room, waiting to washed.
Oh how I miss him. I was with him to the very end. And he knew, he was loved, as ever, for always.
I worked on a newsletter article, submitted a mileage report, petted and hugged this big, loveable puppy who had an irrepressible spirit and whose body could not keep pace with his spirit. But even last week, his spirit wasn't what it had been.
That greyhound was always underfoot. Wherever we were, he was. He even still managed to come up the stairs until Tues night and sleep at the foot of our bed. And he did have an accident many times before he came up.
That greyhound never had a lick of sense! Stayed out too long when it was cold and then his paws would be pretty cold and he'd lift them funny.
That greyhound was always in the way. In-the-way-Jazz, I called him. By the sink, when I was prepping dinner and needed to be there, by the stove when I was trying to cook and standing in
front of the fridge when I needed to open the fridge door.
That greyhound could exasperate me, but then he looked at me with those big brown eyes, and
I couldn't be mad anymore.
That greyhound was most always in a good mood. He was happy and content just to be, but mostly so, when we were home.
That greyhound was a sturdy fellow, mastered the rhythm of going up and down a fairly steep
flight of stairs. He was bony and bow-legged, not much to look at, but a good spirit with a good heart.
That greyhound was a toy-hoarder. He used to migrate all his fleece toys from bed to dining room and back again. Any new toy that came into the house was his, even those bought and given to
Renoir who has never shown much of any interest in a toy. They all became Jazz's, some more
well-loved than others - especially his most favorite of all - an armadillo we picked out together
at the pet store. That was his absolute favorite one of all - I think because it was just the two of us and he relished getting to pick a toy. I have seen washed this now 3 legged, short-tongued armadillo and it is in my van.
I miss him. Oh, how I miss him and tears still fall and my heart still aches. The house is abit
quieter now.
I get up, and he isn't there at the foot of the bed, trotting behind me going down the steps. I reach
for the water dish no longer there and to put the cup of food where there is now empty space. I have called Renoir, Jazz. He is no longer sleeping in the bed, I've since washed. His toys are still
scattered in the dining room, waiting to washed.
Oh how I miss him. I was with him to the very end. And he knew, he was loved, as ever, for always.
Thursday, June 01, 2017
PENTECOST
Here it is Pentecost after a busy Easter season. How do these 50 days go so fast?
So, I am making red fabric prayer ribbons for Sat/Sun. Last night and tonight - cutting red fabric into strips. I will invite the congregation to write their prayer for the church on the strip and then after worship, go into the prayer garden and tie their prayer ribbon onto one of the benches.
The prayer garden is small but a peaceful courtyard with lovely flowers paved patio with somewhat black rusted benches and a non-functioning water fountain with 3 large water jars, one of which is always blown loose and it would roll and rest on its side near the edge of the grass. So now there are only 2 water jars. (or large vases, whatever they are).
I will leave those prayer ribbons out for the summer at least. No one ever goes in there, except for Easter Sunday when the really little kids had their Easter Egg Hunt there.
Maybe it will give folks a chance to express a prayer for their faith community and to see their
prayers be moved by the wind - by the Spirit. I pray that their prayers will be carried to God and healing, hope and vibrancy would take up residence within and around them.
Maybe as I age, I need hope, energy and vibrancy in my self!!! There are days, when I think, I'm getting too old for this!!! And then the Spirit sparks an idea and off I go and cut up 1 3/4 yards of
red fabric into prayer ribbons!!!
Since the church is a cathedral, it is hard to hang stuff without a ladder and help and whatever is hung needs to be long enough. So, I'm a bit challenged in the use of space and fabric. Somehow crepe paper streamers didn't seem quite the thing here as in the previous church. Too bad! With red, orange and yellow, twice as much red as the other colors, they had movement and brought in color which was really pretty neat.
So this year it is red prayer ribbons.
Since I'm only part-time, it also cuts into my creativity and time to do things.
But maybe I should just trust the Spirit where it leads me and if it is red prayer ribbons - then that's what it needs to be. And then allow God's Spirit to do the work!
So, I am making red fabric prayer ribbons for Sat/Sun. Last night and tonight - cutting red fabric into strips. I will invite the congregation to write their prayer for the church on the strip and then after worship, go into the prayer garden and tie their prayer ribbon onto one of the benches.
The prayer garden is small but a peaceful courtyard with lovely flowers paved patio with somewhat black rusted benches and a non-functioning water fountain with 3 large water jars, one of which is always blown loose and it would roll and rest on its side near the edge of the grass. So now there are only 2 water jars. (or large vases, whatever they are).
I will leave those prayer ribbons out for the summer at least. No one ever goes in there, except for Easter Sunday when the really little kids had their Easter Egg Hunt there.
Maybe it will give folks a chance to express a prayer for their faith community and to see their
prayers be moved by the wind - by the Spirit. I pray that their prayers will be carried to God and healing, hope and vibrancy would take up residence within and around them.
Maybe as I age, I need hope, energy and vibrancy in my self!!! There are days, when I think, I'm getting too old for this!!! And then the Spirit sparks an idea and off I go and cut up 1 3/4 yards of
red fabric into prayer ribbons!!!
Since the church is a cathedral, it is hard to hang stuff without a ladder and help and whatever is hung needs to be long enough. So, I'm a bit challenged in the use of space and fabric. Somehow crepe paper streamers didn't seem quite the thing here as in the previous church. Too bad! With red, orange and yellow, twice as much red as the other colors, they had movement and brought in color which was really pretty neat.
So this year it is red prayer ribbons.
Since I'm only part-time, it also cuts into my creativity and time to do things.
But maybe I should just trust the Spirit where it leads me and if it is red prayer ribbons - then that's what it needs to be. And then allow God's Spirit to do the work!
Monday, April 17, 2017
POST EASTER
My, what a busy Lent it was! And then there was Holy Week. Most of which went well - aside from
a memorial service I will prepare and do this coming Saturday. (Not to mention the two in May).
Maundy Thursday went very well and the stripping of the altar done by just two women was efficient and nicely done.
Good Friday was planned very well (by moi). The acolyte attempted to extinguish the first candle to early. The choir (which has just started up after a year or two hiatus) sang (you won't believe this! and try not to cringe!) "In the Garden". I know, the most inappropriate hymn for Good Friday. I would have nixed it, except it was the first time they were singing for a service and I just couldn't in all good conscience, squash their spirit. If I am still there next year - it will be an appropriate piece for Good Friday. Our organist who is a senior at a local university, just the nicest and very talented
young man, still needs some seasoning and has some learning edges. I have never sung, "Ah Holy Jesus" and "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" so fast in my entire career in ministry! I guess I needed to remind him that the service is more contemplative than any other in the church year. I do commend him that he doesn't drag hymns on normal Sundays, however, this was Good Friday! I will speak with him about that this Saturday. He did a great job soloing "Where You There?" in the darkness of the
sanctuary. Oh, and the one working the lights brought up the one aisle light as the organist began to
sang and the acolyte was sent to tell him to turn it off until after the singing! Sigh. What is it with Lutherans not wanting to be in the dark? The last L church had a hard time turning off ALL the lights, and this one turned them all off and too quickly put some back on!!
Easter morning began at 5:20 am for me when I got up. The first worship was at 8 am and it was very good. Then a breakfast followed. An Easter Egg Hunt or rather, Gathering - as they were not hard to spot, took place following/during breakfast. The second service was at 10:30 am. I guess I was a bit tired - and for whatever reason missed saying the Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer. Instead
I nodded to the Organist to play "Holy, Holy, Holy" as within the very first phrase, I realized what
I had done! Mortified I was! As soon as we finished singing, I said the Preface and stated, that we "praised" and "had joined in the song of all the choirs of angels, etc." Then I went into the Words of Institution and all followed well after that. Everyone got their foamie butterfly stickers and enjoyed my Easter message! Thanks be to God! I survived, not without glitches, but with grace beyond me,
and I am ever grateful to God. Several folks mentioned how good Maundy Thurs and Good Friday
services were - despite the choir anthem and singing too fast a couple of hymns. Perhaps, grace
abounds even when and despite things going wrong and the Spirit is at work in spite and despite
us. That's is grace and blessing.
I am off today to recover. I have a massage scheduled for this afternoon. Thanks to my sister and her gift of a certificate!
Then hopefully, I will be ready for the church council meeting this evening, putting a memorial sermon together for Sat. and all that this week will bring and unfold.
May the grace of Easter abound in your life and bring you to life.
a memorial service I will prepare and do this coming Saturday. (Not to mention the two in May).
Maundy Thursday went very well and the stripping of the altar done by just two women was efficient and nicely done.
Good Friday was planned very well (by moi). The acolyte attempted to extinguish the first candle to early. The choir (which has just started up after a year or two hiatus) sang (you won't believe this! and try not to cringe!) "In the Garden". I know, the most inappropriate hymn for Good Friday. I would have nixed it, except it was the first time they were singing for a service and I just couldn't in all good conscience, squash their spirit. If I am still there next year - it will be an appropriate piece for Good Friday. Our organist who is a senior at a local university, just the nicest and very talented
young man, still needs some seasoning and has some learning edges. I have never sung, "Ah Holy Jesus" and "O Sacred Head Now Wounded" so fast in my entire career in ministry! I guess I needed to remind him that the service is more contemplative than any other in the church year. I do commend him that he doesn't drag hymns on normal Sundays, however, this was Good Friday! I will speak with him about that this Saturday. He did a great job soloing "Where You There?" in the darkness of the
sanctuary. Oh, and the one working the lights brought up the one aisle light as the organist began to
sang and the acolyte was sent to tell him to turn it off until after the singing! Sigh. What is it with Lutherans not wanting to be in the dark? The last L church had a hard time turning off ALL the lights, and this one turned them all off and too quickly put some back on!!
Easter morning began at 5:20 am for me when I got up. The first worship was at 8 am and it was very good. Then a breakfast followed. An Easter Egg Hunt or rather, Gathering - as they were not hard to spot, took place following/during breakfast. The second service was at 10:30 am. I guess I was a bit tired - and for whatever reason missed saying the Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer. Instead
I nodded to the Organist to play "Holy, Holy, Holy" as within the very first phrase, I realized what
I had done! Mortified I was! As soon as we finished singing, I said the Preface and stated, that we "praised" and "had joined in the song of all the choirs of angels, etc." Then I went into the Words of Institution and all followed well after that. Everyone got their foamie butterfly stickers and enjoyed my Easter message! Thanks be to God! I survived, not without glitches, but with grace beyond me,
and I am ever grateful to God. Several folks mentioned how good Maundy Thurs and Good Friday
services were - despite the choir anthem and singing too fast a couple of hymns. Perhaps, grace
abounds even when and despite things going wrong and the Spirit is at work in spite and despite
us. That's is grace and blessing.
I am off today to recover. I have a massage scheduled for this afternoon. Thanks to my sister and her gift of a certificate!
Then hopefully, I will be ready for the church council meeting this evening, putting a memorial sermon together for Sat. and all that this week will bring and unfold.
May the grace of Easter abound in your life and bring you to life.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
10 BUCKS
Here we are in the midst of Lent or just past the middle of Lent and it has been a hectic time. I also had 4 funerals in the space of about 5 weeks and lost three days off!
Our vaccum hose and powerbrush died (central vac system) and after 13 years of faithful service -
had to be replaced, to the tune of $700.00!
Then my laptop got ill and had to get healed - what is it about Advent and Lent that seems to bring my computer down? Not knowing for how long I can trust my laptop, I broke down and bought a new one. I am still working with both of them and having to learn this new one.
The L church I am serving has Wed. noon brief (30 min or less) services and lunches during Lent. Our church is host, and the other mainlines churches lead worship and do lunch on one of the Wed.
Only this year, 3 churches were in transition and one is so small and old they couldn't take on a Wed.
So, I was the one to contact the churches, schedule their Wednesday and got left with doing 2 Wednesdays myself. Today, will be my 2nd Wednesday. Sigh.
The M church I also serve is planning for a mission trip to Liberia this summer and will be doing
2 weeks of VBS. The denomination has a mission school in Liberia. One of M's members has been
over twice and even "adopted" a boy - paying for his schooling.
So this past Sunday, they held a fundraiser after worship. A local soup restaurant donated three kinds of soup and served it to folks. For a $10.00 donation, you could get a plain white paper placemat and decorate it for a Liberian child in VBS. Each placemat will get laminated and given to a child. How cool is that?
Being as I couldn't attend the soup lunch as I am at L church on Sundays, I plopped my 10 bucks
down and took a placemat to decorate at home. Just $10.00 will fed a child in VBS a bowl of soup every day for 2 weeks! It was the best 10 bucks I have ever spent!
How often does 10 bucks slip through our fingers at the gas station, card shop, grocery store, our favorite coffee shop with our hardly even noticing it?
What a difference and what a life those same 10 bucks can have and bring and touch some child half way around the world in one of the poorest African nations?
That's the biggest bang for 10 bucks one can get and oh, the joy it brings and is - to that one
child, and to this one, me.
In these remaining days of Lent, see how you can give and get the best bang out of 10 bucks within your denomination or community. Make it the best 10 bucks you ever spend!
Our vaccum hose and powerbrush died (central vac system) and after 13 years of faithful service -
had to be replaced, to the tune of $700.00!
Then my laptop got ill and had to get healed - what is it about Advent and Lent that seems to bring my computer down? Not knowing for how long I can trust my laptop, I broke down and bought a new one. I am still working with both of them and having to learn this new one.
The L church I am serving has Wed. noon brief (30 min or less) services and lunches during Lent. Our church is host, and the other mainlines churches lead worship and do lunch on one of the Wed.
Only this year, 3 churches were in transition and one is so small and old they couldn't take on a Wed.
So, I was the one to contact the churches, schedule their Wednesday and got left with doing 2 Wednesdays myself. Today, will be my 2nd Wednesday. Sigh.
The M church I also serve is planning for a mission trip to Liberia this summer and will be doing
2 weeks of VBS. The denomination has a mission school in Liberia. One of M's members has been
over twice and even "adopted" a boy - paying for his schooling.
So this past Sunday, they held a fundraiser after worship. A local soup restaurant donated three kinds of soup and served it to folks. For a $10.00 donation, you could get a plain white paper placemat and decorate it for a Liberian child in VBS. Each placemat will get laminated and given to a child. How cool is that?
Being as I couldn't attend the soup lunch as I am at L church on Sundays, I plopped my 10 bucks
down and took a placemat to decorate at home. Just $10.00 will fed a child in VBS a bowl of soup every day for 2 weeks! It was the best 10 bucks I have ever spent!
How often does 10 bucks slip through our fingers at the gas station, card shop, grocery store, our favorite coffee shop with our hardly even noticing it?
What a difference and what a life those same 10 bucks can have and bring and touch some child half way around the world in one of the poorest African nations?
That's the biggest bang for 10 bucks one can get and oh, the joy it brings and is - to that one
child, and to this one, me.
In these remaining days of Lent, see how you can give and get the best bang out of 10 bucks within your denomination or community. Make it the best 10 bucks you ever spend!
Wednesday, January 04, 2017
WELCOME 2017
I survived the Advent/Christmas marathon! Lots of church stuff, services, cooking and cleaning. But now, ahh...a moment's reprieve! A bit of breathing space before planning early communion class and Lent!
In 2016, I ended an extended interim position and begin a new interim position - right in the town where I live. The commute is great - the fishbowlesque life - perhaps not so. I like a low profile and being broadcast on the city's channel is not my cup of tea! The sound person just has to cut my sound before I sing. Or I have to be more on top of turning the mike on and off!
I put together favors for my niece's bridal shower and with several brilliant and resourceful women escaped from the escape room with seconds to spare!
I officiated my niece's wedding - who would've ever thought she'd marry?!!? Surprise! And to a really nice guy. So I enjoyed a wedding I thought would never happen! And got to spend a long weekend with my family! Including Colorado nephew, his wife and my great niece!
I received my first speeding ticket in 28 years and my first ever in a foreign country! If you're gonna get a speeding ticket might as well go all the way. At least it won't show up as points on my driver's license here in OH!!!!
I have cleaned house more times than I can count, cooked more meals than I can remember, and wrapped and packed Christmas gifts which all got to their respective recipients in time for Christmas and the Christmas cards and letters all got sent in time.
I did not get the Siberian Iris leaves cut down before the first snow. I still haven't gotten to them. Now I have to wait until the arctic blast is over. Maybe it will warm up in 10 days.
I was tired a lot in 2016. I think it carried over into 2017! I am beginning to believe that as I slowly approach 60, it's just kinda that way.
So what will 2017 bring?
I pray more time to be: to simply be, to be with God, to be more grounded and not let the days,
weeks, months slip by me.
I pray for good health, employment, time with family, and a summer trip to WI - after all, we
missed out on our garlic dill cheese curds and smoked salmon this year!
I pray for wisdom, creativity, and strength in serving the church I am presently at, and ideas for
the 500th anniversary of the Reformation!
I pray that when the time comes - I will be able to let Jazz go. He will tell me when its time to cross Rainbow Bridge.
To live into my star word of "vitality"!
Mostly, 2017 is in God's hands and I will be content in its unfolding.
May 2017 be a blessing and be blessed to us all.
In 2016, I ended an extended interim position and begin a new interim position - right in the town where I live. The commute is great - the fishbowlesque life - perhaps not so. I like a low profile and being broadcast on the city's channel is not my cup of tea! The sound person just has to cut my sound before I sing. Or I have to be more on top of turning the mike on and off!
I put together favors for my niece's bridal shower and with several brilliant and resourceful women escaped from the escape room with seconds to spare!
I officiated my niece's wedding - who would've ever thought she'd marry?!!? Surprise! And to a really nice guy. So I enjoyed a wedding I thought would never happen! And got to spend a long weekend with my family! Including Colorado nephew, his wife and my great niece!
I received my first speeding ticket in 28 years and my first ever in a foreign country! If you're gonna get a speeding ticket might as well go all the way. At least it won't show up as points on my driver's license here in OH!!!!
I have cleaned house more times than I can count, cooked more meals than I can remember, and wrapped and packed Christmas gifts which all got to their respective recipients in time for Christmas and the Christmas cards and letters all got sent in time.
I did not get the Siberian Iris leaves cut down before the first snow. I still haven't gotten to them. Now I have to wait until the arctic blast is over. Maybe it will warm up in 10 days.
I was tired a lot in 2016. I think it carried over into 2017! I am beginning to believe that as I slowly approach 60, it's just kinda that way.
So what will 2017 bring?
I pray more time to be: to simply be, to be with God, to be more grounded and not let the days,
weeks, months slip by me.
I pray for good health, employment, time with family, and a summer trip to WI - after all, we
missed out on our garlic dill cheese curds and smoked salmon this year!
I pray for wisdom, creativity, and strength in serving the church I am presently at, and ideas for
the 500th anniversary of the Reformation!
I pray that when the time comes - I will be able to let Jazz go. He will tell me when its time to cross Rainbow Bridge.
To live into my star word of "vitality"!
Mostly, 2017 is in God's hands and I will be content in its unfolding.
May 2017 be a blessing and be blessed to us all.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
CRUNCH TIME
Indeed, it is Crunch Time. Thanksgiving is just a week away! Advent starts a week from Sunday!
I am caught up in a whirlwind of activity.
I have council Monday night and thankfully, folks were ok with cancelling Tuesday evening Bible Study. Tues is my pick up the turkey and veggies and make stock and rice night. I simply can't be up til 1 am and be in the office the next morning. I am getting too old for that kind of thing.
I will have to clean house this Friday, declutter the dining room table, pick up a couple of items so that I will be ready for two days of prep and cooking and the day of Thanksgiving. It will all get done and happen.
Then there is the yearly Christmas letter and cards to write and send. The German one takes at least a couple hours to write.
Gifts need to be wrapped, packaged and sent.
Worship services to plan and prepare for. This year being a wee crazy with Christmas eve and Christmas Day service since Christmas falls on a Sunday. We are inviting kids to wear their pj's and adults their Christmas sweaters! It will be a bit less formal and probably shorter than an hour. I don't anticipate there will be many in church.
Christmas Eve will be a variation of Lessons and Carols and I will do my special communion - with bread in the manger - praying and hoping the visual will touch people as to the gift of God's love come to us, given to us, the life, love, hope, joy and peace and the giving of Christ to us and for us.
On the third Sunday of Advent, the Bishop will be preaching and presiding and I will be more nervous than normal! It's not every Sunday that one is graced with the Bishop's presence. I have helped with the cooperative confirmation service at which the Bishop presided, but I was just one of many pastors taking part in the service. This is more shoulder to shoulder. I pray I won't goof up on anything that evening. The service will be Saturday and they are cancelling Sunday morning so that everyone will attend Sat. evening and stay for the potluck dinner.
Then, of course, it'll be New Year's day - and I have to make sure I have all the star words to give out. That will need to happen before long.
Sigh. I know it will get done, but it is a daunting list and a daunting time.
I need to remember to pace myself and make space for God to be a part of it all. I will make it through by the grace and help of God.
I am caught up in a whirlwind of activity.
I have council Monday night and thankfully, folks were ok with cancelling Tuesday evening Bible Study. Tues is my pick up the turkey and veggies and make stock and rice night. I simply can't be up til 1 am and be in the office the next morning. I am getting too old for that kind of thing.
I will have to clean house this Friday, declutter the dining room table, pick up a couple of items so that I will be ready for two days of prep and cooking and the day of Thanksgiving. It will all get done and happen.
Then there is the yearly Christmas letter and cards to write and send. The German one takes at least a couple hours to write.
Gifts need to be wrapped, packaged and sent.
Worship services to plan and prepare for. This year being a wee crazy with Christmas eve and Christmas Day service since Christmas falls on a Sunday. We are inviting kids to wear their pj's and adults their Christmas sweaters! It will be a bit less formal and probably shorter than an hour. I don't anticipate there will be many in church.
Christmas Eve will be a variation of Lessons and Carols and I will do my special communion - with bread in the manger - praying and hoping the visual will touch people as to the gift of God's love come to us, given to us, the life, love, hope, joy and peace and the giving of Christ to us and for us.
On the third Sunday of Advent, the Bishop will be preaching and presiding and I will be more nervous than normal! It's not every Sunday that one is graced with the Bishop's presence. I have helped with the cooperative confirmation service at which the Bishop presided, but I was just one of many pastors taking part in the service. This is more shoulder to shoulder. I pray I won't goof up on anything that evening. The service will be Saturday and they are cancelling Sunday morning so that everyone will attend Sat. evening and stay for the potluck dinner.
Then, of course, it'll be New Year's day - and I have to make sure I have all the star words to give out. That will need to happen before long.
Sigh. I know it will get done, but it is a daunting list and a daunting time.
I need to remember to pace myself and make space for God to be a part of it all. I will make it through by the grace and help of God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)