It's hot and lazy and breezy here today....and I am *supposed* to be working on my sermon. We got back from a fantastic and restful and wonderful vacation this past Tuesday, and my mind has been a little slow to start back up in reality.
I don't have any plans for the rest of the summer, except the last week in August, my mom will be coming for a week to visit. I am looking forward to her being here and having a respite from caring for my stepdad. It might be the case he could home from the nursing home before then, but it seems improbable. If he does get better, that would be great. I will change the ticket, and fly her way!
I've been thinking a lot about calling, and ministry, and the perennial (it seems) unknowing of what is next as far as a settled position. It looks like there MIGHT be one challenging situation out there--a sort of turn-around church--that has resources enough for a couple of years, unless they really make a bold decision to reach out beyond their walls. I don't know enough about this congo, and it is too soon to be interested or not until I know more. The thought is intriguing, though, and feels risky.....and of course the thought of leaving where I am feels, well, devastating. So, that's why I am thinking about the nature of calling....in a new way.....and the faith I have in me and in God's grace and help and guidance. Faith and calling, and how they intertwine into one big risky unknown.
Sometimes, I wish were a librarian. Well, no, that field has totally changed, too. But you know what I mean, right?
In any case, I don't have anything bright or profound to add to this conversation...it's just something that is rattling about in my heart and head.
Ciao for now.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
a monday ramble
Well,
The weekend was fantastic...we had a record crowd for the open and affirming UCC churches in the Mass conference for the Boston Pride parade. Very fun. My congregation handed out rainbow bracelets that were printed with the words "you are beloved" and "eliot church of newton, ucc." A big hit with everyone, and one of my congregants who was handing them out said, "I loved giving away an Eliot blessing as I handed them out." Gotta love that.
I am going to try and use proper capitalization when I write here. I have some grammarians in my crowd that I am pretty sure are appalled by my incessant use of lower case letters. My grammar in itself isn't that great!
The Children and Youth Service yesterday was the total bombe. The children acted out the story, "In the Name of God" by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, which is a picture book that explores the many biblical names for God. A little girl played "Let It Be" on harmonica and trombone for the offertory music. Five of my mission trip students gave testimony on how the trip was transformative in their lives.
The picnic afterwards was festive and laid back. A pure bliss kind of Sunday.
One week from today I will be flying to Hawaii for vacation. Ahhhhh.
Ummm, it's hard to believe but all of my potential doors have been shut except one, which seems like a very long weird shot, and I am not sure I am even interested. I wish I could be gracious and humble and ask God what I should be learning in all of this, but really, all I can say is, "What up, G? What UP????" After such a long period of time, I think this line of questioning is o.k.
I want to grow an eggplant this summer. I never have. I don't even really like eggplant, as far as to eat, but the vegetable as an object of beauty has few peers. I think they are so beautiful!
My office is a total wreck. Truly, I say unto you, a total wreck.
There is day camp at the preschool this week. They are especially rowdy, because it isn't school...it's pre-camp? Those teachers should be awarded many jewels in their crowns.
Guess that's it for a ramble for now.
Ciao!!
The weekend was fantastic...we had a record crowd for the open and affirming UCC churches in the Mass conference for the Boston Pride parade. Very fun. My congregation handed out rainbow bracelets that were printed with the words "you are beloved" and "eliot church of newton, ucc." A big hit with everyone, and one of my congregants who was handing them out said, "I loved giving away an Eliot blessing as I handed them out." Gotta love that.
I am going to try and use proper capitalization when I write here. I have some grammarians in my crowd that I am pretty sure are appalled by my incessant use of lower case letters. My grammar in itself isn't that great!
The Children and Youth Service yesterday was the total bombe. The children acted out the story, "In the Name of God" by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, which is a picture book that explores the many biblical names for God. A little girl played "Let It Be" on harmonica and trombone for the offertory music. Five of my mission trip students gave testimony on how the trip was transformative in their lives.
The picnic afterwards was festive and laid back. A pure bliss kind of Sunday.
One week from today I will be flying to Hawaii for vacation. Ahhhhh.
Ummm, it's hard to believe but all of my potential doors have been shut except one, which seems like a very long weird shot, and I am not sure I am even interested. I wish I could be gracious and humble and ask God what I should be learning in all of this, but really, all I can say is, "What up, G? What UP????" After such a long period of time, I think this line of questioning is o.k.
I want to grow an eggplant this summer. I never have. I don't even really like eggplant, as far as to eat, but the vegetable as an object of beauty has few peers. I think they are so beautiful!
My office is a total wreck. Truly, I say unto you, a total wreck.
There is day camp at the preschool this week. They are especially rowdy, because it isn't school...it's pre-camp? Those teachers should be awarded many jewels in their crowns.
Guess that's it for a ramble for now.
Ciao!!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Happy Friday, Gals and Pals...
Our FF today is in honor of spontaneous thinking!
So...
1. What religion/faith besides yours captures your curiousity and why?
You know, I love Judaism. I so am enamoured by my rabbi friends when they lead a scripture study in our clergy group, and how much I learn. I love the rituals and prayers. If I could be anything other than a congregational UCC pastor, I would be a Jewish rabbi.
2. What is the first or most memorable pop song you ever learned as a kid?
"Hey, Delta Dawn, What's that flower you got on. Could it be a faded rose from days gone by?
And did I hear you say, you were a .....(can't remember) here today......(ditto)....to take you to that mansion in the sky-yi" I THINK it was Helen Reddy, and it was my first purchased 45 record. I memorized it and was going to go down to the radio station to sing it on air (or so I thought I was) and become an instant star, but I chickened out at the door when the guy said, "Can I help you?"
3. If God were a color.....(finish this sentence creatively)
a beautiful rich thick gray layered with subtle shades of lavender and azure and silvery shots...
sort of like the ocean on a really beautiful early morning and you are sitting in wonder, sipping your coffee and simply being all grateful and beloved and connected.
4. If you were going to make a sandwich right now for lunch, and you magically had all the items you need for it, what would that sandwich be?
Avocado, maple tempeh bacon, a fresh tomato off the vine, lettuce from the garden, and really fresh sunflower bread.
Or, a lobster roll from the best place in Maine.
5. How are you doing? Really, how are you?
Because of all of the lovely people around me, I am o.k. It is clear that in the next 12 months, no matter what, I will have a big transition professionally, because my current position is being cut to part-time and reframed in Summer 2013. This is all out of my control, and I have no idea where God is calling me and it's a bit anxiety producing at times, but for the most part, I am o.k.
Bonus: What are you enjoying/loving right now?
My new green Keen mary janes, Magic City series on STARZ, Nurse Jackie and The Big C on Showtime. My 15 year old spice girl poodle, named Daisy. Long walks the past few weeks. Flower baskets. Brewing Tazo Passion Tea with Zen Green Tea in my iced tea maker, and dreaming of vacation, which commences in a week.
Our FF today is in honor of spontaneous thinking!
So...
1. What religion/faith besides yours captures your curiousity and why?
You know, I love Judaism. I so am enamoured by my rabbi friends when they lead a scripture study in our clergy group, and how much I learn. I love the rituals and prayers. If I could be anything other than a congregational UCC pastor, I would be a Jewish rabbi.
2. What is the first or most memorable pop song you ever learned as a kid?
"Hey, Delta Dawn, What's that flower you got on. Could it be a faded rose from days gone by?
And did I hear you say, you were a .....(can't remember) here today......(ditto)....to take you to that mansion in the sky-yi" I THINK it was Helen Reddy, and it was my first purchased 45 record. I memorized it and was going to go down to the radio station to sing it on air (or so I thought I was) and become an instant star, but I chickened out at the door when the guy said, "Can I help you?"
3. If God were a color.....(finish this sentence creatively)
a beautiful rich thick gray layered with subtle shades of lavender and azure and silvery shots...
sort of like the ocean on a really beautiful early morning and you are sitting in wonder, sipping your coffee and simply being all grateful and beloved and connected.
4. If you were going to make a sandwich right now for lunch, and you magically had all the items you need for it, what would that sandwich be?
Avocado, maple tempeh bacon, a fresh tomato off the vine, lettuce from the garden, and really fresh sunflower bread.
Or, a lobster roll from the best place in Maine.
5. How are you doing? Really, how are you?
Because of all of the lovely people around me, I am o.k. It is clear that in the next 12 months, no matter what, I will have a big transition professionally, because my current position is being cut to part-time and reframed in Summer 2013. This is all out of my control, and I have no idea where God is calling me and it's a bit anxiety producing at times, but for the most part, I am o.k.
Bonus: What are you enjoying/loving right now?
My new green Keen mary janes, Magic City series on STARZ, Nurse Jackie and The Big C on Showtime. My 15 year old spice girl poodle, named Daisy. Long walks the past few weeks. Flower baskets. Brewing Tazo Passion Tea with Zen Green Tea in my iced tea maker, and dreaming of vacation, which commences in a week.
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