Merry Christmas All! I am currently working on stuff for church. Just wanted to share this link in case any of you need it or would like to include it in your church newsletters. It is to the PCUSA financial aid options for college and seminary students. We have some students in college and heading that way this next year. This time of year they are getting busy filling out forms in triplicate trying to find money to pay for their education.
I hope that your work on stuff is going along as well as mine. Enjoy the holidays!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
The Severance Lounge
The Bible in Legos
Thought you might want to check out this website .... It's the entire Bible story in legos. Parental supervision suggested! A new way to present the scripture in worship?
Have fun.
www.bricktestament.com
Thought you might want to check out this website .... It's the entire Bible story in legos. Parental supervision suggested! A new way to present the scripture in worship?
Have fun.
www.bricktestament.com
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Found This On the Laptop
No better way to celebrate Advent than remembering a holy pilgrimage last Holy Week.
Monday, December 04, 2006
The Problem
...and breathe. I actually took some time this morning to stop and "self-assess" what's going on. Thought that I'd share the results.
Nothing quite like having a Thanksgiving Week on the 26th, Hanging of the Greens service on the 3rd, and a Cantata on the 10th (a.k.a. 3 weeks sermon-less) to think, naively, that you will catch up.
I suddenly realized last night that I have fallen into that old familiar trap of "I'll catch up when......." That it's sort of like Reading Week, except that I have spent my "off time" doing more work instead of going to Cubs games, playing Halo, and the like. But then I stopped. I was just as busy last year with everything going on, and I took Reading Week to spend time with Julie, to rest and vegitate a bit on the 'ol couch, to take time to spend with friends. And then the real question: "Why haven't I done this over the past few weeks?" And that, well, that got me going.
And it all started flowing...you know how it works. REST? HOW COULD I REST WHEN I HAVE..... budget meetings and new members classes and session and deacons and lunch meeetings and annual meeting and visitation and...yeah.
Never had that problem at Seminary. Greek a week or so on the horizon or...time with friends? But then I remembered something that I told my Uncle this past Thanksgiving when he asked me if I was getting any real relaxation time (his Father was a minister): "I got plenty of rest at UDTS...It's easy to say, well, a Preaching Paper isn't that big of a deal in the large scheme of things. You can't say that with funeral preparations."
And no, you can't. But what I am realizing, here, is that you have to take a step back from that position, too. It's a bigger deal than a Preaching Paper...but it really isn't (in spite of what some may have you think) the biggest thing.
And so I have come to (capital t cpaital p) The Problem: I am constantly overrating myself and my ministry.
Now...don't worry. I'm not going down the "I'm worthless" road here...quite the opposite...but what I have been noticing over the past few weeks (especially over "stewardship season") is that fewer and fewer people have done the "drop-in" visit recently. And I have noticed a marked increase in comments such as, "I know your'e busy...and I don't want to burden you with unimportant things." Julie felt guilty asking me to decorate the tree this weekend! What I have realized is that my unitentional perpetual air of self-importance and busyness creates a wall of distance that really only "digs me in further." I am saying, non-verbally, "Leave me alone...I am about the WORK OF GOD. Leave your petty lives out of this." And so, really, the problem is that I really think it all rides on me.
Which brought me, this morning, to what Lyle once said in class: "The furtherance of the Gospel does not depend on me." I'm now expanding that.
The furtherance of the Gospel does not depend on this Sunday...or any Sunday. It does not depend on the 2007 budget or who is nominated to the next class of elders. It does not, in spite of what some people tell me, depend on my reponses to somebody asking me questions and trying to figure out if I'm a "liberal" or "conservative." It does not, in spite of what I feel sometimes, hinge on a single funeral. It does not depend on my ability to be insightful and/or humorous at Bible Studies. It does not depend on my ability to bring in new families. It sure...sure as anything...doesn't ride on a sermon. It does not, in spite of what I have heard, even rely on this Church.
I think that I'm slowly living out that what I have known all along. All it does rely on is a manger and a cross. It depends on a self-giving God that breathes heaven's purposes and glory into everyday life. And that divinity, just below the surface, pops out in those things that I so often ignore or minimize. Hugs. Lazy talks over coffee where you talk about the Broncos for fifteen minutes to get the courage up to get to what you really need to talk about. Prayer. Fifteen minutes talking about grandchildren at the care facility. Walks. Silence. Above all else...having and giving time to God and neighbor.
And so, bottom line, I need to realize that parish ministry is no more or no less important than seminary. The key is to take the time to find where God is moving and working and not get hung up on "my stuff." I stopped this morning...and thought. What do I treasure and draw upon from my time at seminary? The simple stuff. The unplanned stuff. The things I took the time to hear and experience. Lunches. Friends. Dicussions. Challenges. Relationships. Growth. The times I truly stopped...in and out of the classroom...
And stopped taking myself and my schedule so darn seriously.
Nothing quite like having a Thanksgiving Week on the 26th, Hanging of the Greens service on the 3rd, and a Cantata on the 10th (a.k.a. 3 weeks sermon-less) to think, naively, that you will catch up.
I suddenly realized last night that I have fallen into that old familiar trap of "I'll catch up when......." That it's sort of like Reading Week, except that I have spent my "off time" doing more work instead of going to Cubs games, playing Halo, and the like. But then I stopped. I was just as busy last year with everything going on, and I took Reading Week to spend time with Julie, to rest and vegitate a bit on the 'ol couch, to take time to spend with friends. And then the real question: "Why haven't I done this over the past few weeks?" And that, well, that got me going.
And it all started flowing...you know how it works. REST? HOW COULD I REST WHEN I HAVE..... budget meetings and new members classes and session and deacons and lunch meeetings and annual meeting and visitation and...yeah.
Never had that problem at Seminary. Greek a week or so on the horizon or...time with friends? But then I remembered something that I told my Uncle this past Thanksgiving when he asked me if I was getting any real relaxation time (his Father was a minister): "I got plenty of rest at UDTS...It's easy to say, well, a Preaching Paper isn't that big of a deal in the large scheme of things. You can't say that with funeral preparations."
And no, you can't. But what I am realizing, here, is that you have to take a step back from that position, too. It's a bigger deal than a Preaching Paper...but it really isn't (in spite of what some may have you think) the biggest thing.
And so I have come to (capital t cpaital p) The Problem: I am constantly overrating myself and my ministry.
Now...don't worry. I'm not going down the "I'm worthless" road here...quite the opposite...but what I have been noticing over the past few weeks (especially over "stewardship season") is that fewer and fewer people have done the "drop-in" visit recently. And I have noticed a marked increase in comments such as, "I know your'e busy...and I don't want to burden you with unimportant things." Julie felt guilty asking me to decorate the tree this weekend! What I have realized is that my unitentional perpetual air of self-importance and busyness creates a wall of distance that really only "digs me in further." I am saying, non-verbally, "Leave me alone...I am about the WORK OF GOD. Leave your petty lives out of this." And so, really, the problem is that I really think it all rides on me.
Which brought me, this morning, to what Lyle once said in class: "The furtherance of the Gospel does not depend on me." I'm now expanding that.
The furtherance of the Gospel does not depend on this Sunday...or any Sunday. It does not depend on the 2007 budget or who is nominated to the next class of elders. It does not, in spite of what some people tell me, depend on my reponses to somebody asking me questions and trying to figure out if I'm a "liberal" or "conservative." It does not, in spite of what I feel sometimes, hinge on a single funeral. It does not depend on my ability to be insightful and/or humorous at Bible Studies. It does not depend on my ability to bring in new families. It sure...sure as anything...doesn't ride on a sermon. It does not, in spite of what I have heard, even rely on this Church.
I think that I'm slowly living out that what I have known all along. All it does rely on is a manger and a cross. It depends on a self-giving God that breathes heaven's purposes and glory into everyday life. And that divinity, just below the surface, pops out in those things that I so often ignore or minimize. Hugs. Lazy talks over coffee where you talk about the Broncos for fifteen minutes to get the courage up to get to what you really need to talk about. Prayer. Fifteen minutes talking about grandchildren at the care facility. Walks. Silence. Above all else...having and giving time to God and neighbor.
And so, bottom line, I need to realize that parish ministry is no more or no less important than seminary. The key is to take the time to find where God is moving and working and not get hung up on "my stuff." I stopped this morning...and thought. What do I treasure and draw upon from my time at seminary? The simple stuff. The unplanned stuff. The things I took the time to hear and experience. Lunches. Friends. Dicussions. Challenges. Relationships. Growth. The times I truly stopped...in and out of the classroom...
And stopped taking myself and my schedule so darn seriously.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
The Severance Lounge
The last week ... 1 and 1/2 papers to go. (I'm not counting days, I'm counting pages.) I now have some idea how you who have graduated felt last spring. Although, graduating for me doesn't mean moving or taking a new church ... But it is truly a bittersweet time. This has been an amazing place to get to know myself as a new creation in Christ, and to begin to understand community. Thank you to all of you who have contributed to my learning in so many ways. Thank you for loving me in the spirit of Christ. How much more we grow when faith is lived out all around us!
I have to admit I am truly excited about being able to give fulltime ministry the time it deserves. Sometimes the back and forth from home to Dubuque gave me an escape ... both ways actually, and life in the church provided a dynamic illustration of all that we've been learning. But more often than not it was very difficult to be so divided. I've never been a good multi-tasker! And so soon, I will join you who are now serving in that place where you've been called. It is my great and humble privilege to do so. And it has been my great privilege to travel this road with you all. For those who are diligently working on those final papers, write on!
Blessings,
Cindy
I have to admit I am truly excited about being able to give fulltime ministry the time it deserves. Sometimes the back and forth from home to Dubuque gave me an escape ... both ways actually, and life in the church provided a dynamic illustration of all that we've been learning. But more often than not it was very difficult to be so divided. I've never been a good multi-tasker! And so soon, I will join you who are now serving in that place where you've been called. It is my great and humble privilege to do so. And it has been my great privilege to travel this road with you all. For those who are diligently working on those final papers, write on!
Blessings,
Cindy
Monday, November 20, 2006
Moments of Joy
This past week I had the opportunity to attend a workshop concerning Alzheimer's and Dementia. I have worked with adults and their families in the past living with these diseases and found this workshop amazing. I received practical tips to use myself but also a chance to learn some to offer families seeking advice. Most importantly I was able to attend with 5 other people and learn from them in the break time and car ride real issues to pray about. I was given a glimpse into the life they are living and a chance to see how I as the pastor can be more than the person who preaches on Sunday.
On another note: not only did I listen to the leader for 2.5 hours before I looked at my watch but I did not want to go home. Yes, I admit that there were times that I was analyzing her delivery more than her message in order to find a way to mimic her. But overall the message was uplifting and encouraging and very educational.
I recommend her book and seeing her any time that she is in your area. Here is a link to her website. I hope that you find it helpful.
Also, in case you are looking to check in with what we are up to, an easy way to do that is to check out our church website which my handsome husband has dedicated many hours to updating.
I pray for a happy and fun Thanksgiving holiday for all of you. I'll also pray for rest to come to you and yours in some format.
On another note: not only did I listen to the leader for 2.5 hours before I looked at my watch but I did not want to go home. Yes, I admit that there were times that I was analyzing her delivery more than her message in order to find a way to mimic her. But overall the message was uplifting and encouraging and very educational.
I recommend her book and seeing her any time that she is in your area. Here is a link to her website. I hope that you find it helpful.
Also, in case you are looking to check in with what we are up to, an easy way to do that is to check out our church website which my handsome husband has dedicated many hours to updating.
I pray for a happy and fun Thanksgiving holiday for all of you. I'll also pray for rest to come to you and yours in some format.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Even at the risk of over-posting...As I have been preparing for an upcoming New Members Class, I have been going through my class notes. The following is the result:
Top 10 margin notes from my UDTS class notes:
10) From Pastoral Care: "What if, when we are baptizing the horse, a wolf attacks? Can we baptize it, too?"
9) From Presbyterian History and Confessions: "Leave me alone. My brain is now in the OFF position."
8) From Doctrine: "Gladiatorial?"
7) From Redeeming the Routines: "Conclusion: I am a bloated sack of Pop-Tarts."
6) From Doctrine: "Did he just call Tillich a Nazi?"
5) From Theology of Old and New Testament: "Moessner says: We need to stop thinking that we are better than the ancients. Scott says: Oh yeah? I've got a Honda Accord."
4) From Greek: "If I ever meet the Dative in an alley, I'm going to kill it. No mercy."
3) From Doctrine: "Meritorious?"
2) From Church History: "Ad Fonzie: To Arnold's! To find Chachi!"
1) From Greek 2: "Times I looked at the clock: 11:15, 11:23, 11:31, 11:33, 11:38, 11:42, 11:43, 11:44, 11:45, 11;46, 11:47, 11:49, 11:50, 11:50, 11:50, 11:50," followed by a short break with the sentence, "Yes, Barb, I know I'm a terrible student," followed by, "11:51, 11:51, 11:52, 11:53, 11:53, 11;53, 11:55," followed by, "lost track."
Ah memories. God bless.
Top 10 margin notes from my UDTS class notes:
10) From Pastoral Care: "What if, when we are baptizing the horse, a wolf attacks? Can we baptize it, too?"
9) From Presbyterian History and Confessions: "Leave me alone. My brain is now in the OFF position."
8) From Doctrine: "Gladiatorial?"
7) From Redeeming the Routines: "Conclusion: I am a bloated sack of Pop-Tarts."
6) From Doctrine: "Did he just call Tillich a Nazi?"
5) From Theology of Old and New Testament: "Moessner says: We need to stop thinking that we are better than the ancients. Scott says: Oh yeah? I've got a Honda Accord."
4) From Greek: "If I ever meet the Dative in an alley, I'm going to kill it. No mercy."
3) From Doctrine: "Meritorious?"
2) From Church History: "Ad Fonzie: To Arnold's! To find Chachi!"
1) From Greek 2: "Times I looked at the clock: 11:15, 11:23, 11:31, 11:33, 11:38, 11:42, 11:43, 11:44, 11:45, 11;46, 11:47, 11:49, 11:50, 11:50, 11:50, 11:50," followed by a short break with the sentence, "Yes, Barb, I know I'm a terrible student," followed by, "11:51, 11:51, 11:52, 11:53, 11:53, 11;53, 11:55," followed by, "lost track."
Ah memories. God bless.
A Response and Two Trivial Comments
Greetings all.
First...in response to Cheyanna's comment. Am I the only person who found "Napoleon Dynamite" overly strange and only slightly amusing? I've heard the old "watch it 85 times, then you'll get it" argument...but I think that you could come up with memorable lines and life-application-type humor if you watched any movie 85 times. (Well, maybe not "Platoon"). Anyway...God bless whoever it is that's reaching out to the kids with a theology book about a cult classic movie...I'm just not on board.
Second...I woke up to 2 inches of snow this morning. It's October. October. I wore shorts last week. Welcome to Colorado. (By the way, if you have the urge to ski, the door's open).
Third...I was driving home from work last Thursday when (as is standard procedure on this particular radio station at the end of the work day) the song "Bang on 'De Drum All Day" came on the air. I made the mistake of actually listening to a pop song...and heard the following:
CHORUS
I don't want to work
I wan' bang on 'de drum all day
I don't want to play
I just want to bang on 'de drum all day
Ever since I was a tiny boy
I don't want no candy
I don't need no toy
I took a stick and an old coffee can
I pound on that thing 'till I got
Blisters on my hand because
CHORUS
When I get older they think I'm a fool
The teacher told me I should stay after school
She caught me pounding on the desk with my hands
But my licks was so hot I made the teacher wanna dance
And that's why
CHORUS
Every day when I get home from work
I feel frustratedThe boss is a jerk
And I get my sticks and go out to the shed
And I pound on the drum like it was the boss's head because
CHORUS
OK...let's get the obvious out of the way first. Given the choice between work and playing...er...banging on 'de drum, well...the choice is obvious. I'm with him...pro-drum. When we get to the play versus bang-on-'de-drum argument, though, I take issue. Now...don't get me wrong, I love 'de drumming. Played 'de big bass drum in high school...loved it. But I can't say that I'd choose banging on 'de drum (all day nonetheless) over a good game of Pachisi. For that matter, if "all day" is involved, I think that I may choose work, too.
The verses strengthen my resolve to abandon 'de drum and get back to work. Evidently blisters are involved, a loss of candy is involved, and a total disregard for education. This is a life-path I just can't go down. And so...as inviting as it may sound at first...I have decided that I, ultimately, do not wan' bang on 'de drum all day. Thanks for asking, though.
That said...time to get back to work. God be with you all.
First...in response to Cheyanna's comment. Am I the only person who found "Napoleon Dynamite" overly strange and only slightly amusing? I've heard the old "watch it 85 times, then you'll get it" argument...but I think that you could come up with memorable lines and life-application-type humor if you watched any movie 85 times. (Well, maybe not "Platoon"). Anyway...God bless whoever it is that's reaching out to the kids with a theology book about a cult classic movie...I'm just not on board.
Second...I woke up to 2 inches of snow this morning. It's October. October. I wore shorts last week. Welcome to Colorado. (By the way, if you have the urge to ski, the door's open).
Third...I was driving home from work last Thursday when (as is standard procedure on this particular radio station at the end of the work day) the song "Bang on 'De Drum All Day" came on the air. I made the mistake of actually listening to a pop song...and heard the following:
CHORUS
I don't want to work
I wan' bang on 'de drum all day
I don't want to play
I just want to bang on 'de drum all day
Ever since I was a tiny boy
I don't want no candy
I don't need no toy
I took a stick and an old coffee can
I pound on that thing 'till I got
Blisters on my hand because
CHORUS
When I get older they think I'm a fool
The teacher told me I should stay after school
She caught me pounding on the desk with my hands
But my licks was so hot I made the teacher wanna dance
And that's why
CHORUS
Every day when I get home from work
I feel frustratedThe boss is a jerk
And I get my sticks and go out to the shed
And I pound on the drum like it was the boss's head because
CHORUS
OK...let's get the obvious out of the way first. Given the choice between work and playing...er...banging on 'de drum, well...the choice is obvious. I'm with him...pro-drum. When we get to the play versus bang-on-'de-drum argument, though, I take issue. Now...don't get me wrong, I love 'de drumming. Played 'de big bass drum in high school...loved it. But I can't say that I'd choose banging on 'de drum (all day nonetheless) over a good game of Pachisi. For that matter, if "all day" is involved, I think that I may choose work, too.
The verses strengthen my resolve to abandon 'de drum and get back to work. Evidently blisters are involved, a loss of candy is involved, and a total disregard for education. This is a life-path I just can't go down. And so...as inviting as it may sound at first...I have decided that I, ultimately, do not wan' bang on 'de drum all day. Thanks for asking, though.
That said...time to get back to work. God be with you all.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Taming a liger.
Matt and I found this book titled:
Taming a liger: Unexpected Spiritual Lessons From Napoleon Dynamite
by Jeff Dunn & Adam Palmer.
So far it is quite good. If you are looking for humor read the section in the back with Napoleon's recipes. The explanation that Tots and nachos are veggies produced much laughter.
If you are looking for something for the junior and senior high members of your congregation this just might be a good filler. Just tonight at youth group they were quoting this movie.
Happy reading!
Taming a liger: Unexpected Spiritual Lessons From Napoleon Dynamite
by Jeff Dunn & Adam Palmer.
So far it is quite good. If you are looking for humor read the section in the back with Napoleon's recipes. The explanation that Tots and nachos are veggies produced much laughter.
If you are looking for something for the junior and senior high members of your congregation this just might be a good filler. Just tonight at youth group they were quoting this movie.
Happy reading!
Friday, September 29, 2006
The Oral Community
Greetings to you my fellow missionaries to oral communities. I thought I would take a moment to let you all know that we have arrived safely to our new home and church family. We have been here 10 days and are loving it.
During one of my visits to this church one of the elders said, "We are an oral church. There was one pastor who tried to get us to write stuff down, but that does not work. We are an oral church." They warned me in advance. We have had many class discussions on it and still I am struggling to remember the difference. This is an amazing chance to grow out of my habits and comfort zone.
For those of you I have not told we were called to United Church a PCUSA church in Woodhull and small town in Illinois. This is a unique congregation in that the UMC and PCUSA churches united as one body in the 1960's. They use the UMC hymnal, partner with the Lutheran Churches in the area for youth group and mission projects and are for the most part farmers. In many ways seminary prepared me for this community.
There will be an ordination/installation service here on October 22 at 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come down and worship with us. If you need more details please email me at closeyATwincoDOTnet.
The following are a few things I have learned since arriving here:
1. There are certain waves to be used depending on whether you are walking or
driving. But regardless of your ability it is vitally important that you wave to
everyone.
2. Pastors are overwieght because everyone likes to give you baked goods.
3. I look too young to be a pastor. (For those of you that are younger than me
start spending some time in the sun to get some wrinkles!)
4. The use of the word AWESOME indicates that I am a young whipper snapper.
LOL LOL LOL
I love it here! Thanks be to God!
During one of my visits to this church one of the elders said, "We are an oral church. There was one pastor who tried to get us to write stuff down, but that does not work. We are an oral church." They warned me in advance. We have had many class discussions on it and still I am struggling to remember the difference. This is an amazing chance to grow out of my habits and comfort zone.
For those of you I have not told we were called to United Church a PCUSA church in Woodhull and small town in Illinois. This is a unique congregation in that the UMC and PCUSA churches united as one body in the 1960's. They use the UMC hymnal, partner with the Lutheran Churches in the area for youth group and mission projects and are for the most part farmers. In many ways seminary prepared me for this community.
There will be an ordination/installation service here on October 22 at 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come down and worship with us. If you need more details please email me at closeyATwincoDOTnet.
The following are a few things I have learned since arriving here:
1. There are certain waves to be used depending on whether you are walking or
driving. But regardless of your ability it is vitally important that you wave to
everyone.
2. Pastors are overwieght because everyone likes to give you baked goods.
3. I look too young to be a pastor. (For those of you that are younger than me
start spending some time in the sun to get some wrinkles!)
4. The use of the word AWESOME indicates that I am a young whipper snapper.
LOL LOL LOL
I love it here! Thanks be to God!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Dr. Colyer
I know that this is probably old news - especially to the people who are still at UDTS, but I talked to Elmer the other day via e-mail, and he sent me this update on his "condition." I didn't know anything about this, and I hadn't seen anything regarding it on the blog. So I asked him if I could post it here so that the whole community could lift up him and his family. Obviously, he said that I could post it anywhere I wanted, or I wouldn't be doing this.
So - here is his update and Credo, unedited. Let's keep the Colyers in our prayers.
Update on Elmer Colyer’s condition September 18, 2006
I have Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma (SMZL), a fairly indolent form of lymphoma that responds well to treatment, but is finally medically incurably. At the end of April I was experiencing some abnormalities in my resting heart-rate, etc., which I discovered because of closely monitoring my health in relation to my training for bicycle racing. When the abnormalities did not go away, I saw my Dr. and discovered that my hemoglobin and hematocrit were low (12.4 and 37). This led to a flurry of tests and initial probably diagnosis of SMZL on June 16.
The medium life-expectancy for people with SMZL is 10 years. Most people with SMZL live 8-15 years. However, in around 25% of the cases SMZL transforms into really nasty aggressive form with a 1-4 year life-expectancy (14 month average according to one study). My blood work revealed some evidence of that my SMZL is transforming into the aggressive kind.
So I had my spleen removed in July for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. The biopsies of the spleen indicate no evidence of transformation into the nasty aggressive form. The latest blood tests indicated that my A LDH@ levels have dropped back within the normal range. So now the three prognostic indicators the help predict whether the SMZL will transform into the aggressive kind are all negative. This is really the best prognosis we could hope for, save for a miraculous healing of an incurable lymphoma.
Now we will wait until mid-October to allow my body and the SMZL to respond to the splenectomy. At that time, we will do another battery of tests to determine what the SMZL is doing. If it is in remission, we will A watch and wait.@ If not, we will decide the most prudent course of action at that.
The most likely course will be that I will have 1-4 or more really good years, basically normal and by appearances cancer-free. This will be followed by a relapse. The SMZL reappears in the lymph nodes or elsewhere. We would then use other treatment (chemo, anti-body or others) and then I would have 1-4 or more reasonable good years, followed by another relapse. In the end, you just kind of waste away under SMZL. You get weaker and weaker, end up in bed sleeping a lot, etc. and finally die from various complications. There are a number of new treatments on the horizon, but no magic bullets at this point.
Everything above is based on the best information available. Yet there is only a small amount of research on this rare form of lymphoma. There are massive individual variations in how different people respond to SMZL and to treatment. Thus while it gives us some idea what we "might" "likely" expect, we really do not know how things will unfold. My SMZL could transform into the nasty aggressive form next year or next week. I am in extremely good health and will continue to approach my SMZL aggressively. So I am still very optimistic.
In short, I plan to be around a lot longer than 8-15 years! But I will also live my life in light of the fact that I may only have 8-15 years or even less. I am not afraid of SMZL or of death. I am not angry or depressed. I am grateful to be alive, grateful for whatever years I have left. I will continue to live carpe diem. I love what I am doing as a professor and pastor.
I owe my lymphoma a debt of gratitude for giving me a clarity and passion around who I am, what I am about, what I value and what I don’t, and how I want to continue to live, a depth of clarity and passion greater than I have ever known in all my years of "redeeming my routines" (a course I teach here at UDTS) and reflecting on these kinds of questions many, many times. Frankly, there are not many things in my life that I want to change. God has richly blessed me. Over the past months I have been often simply overwhelmed by a sense of God’s presence in my life, surrounding and supporting me in the midst of all the tests, changes in diagnosis and the uncertainty of it all. I find it much easier now to live in the moment, embrace the simple joys of life, and live one day at a time.
So I greatly desire your prayers because I am ever so conscious that we really only live by the Grace of the Triune God, by the Triune God of grace, who alone is the Great Physician. Please pray specifically for my healing , for Natalee and my sons, and most of all, for God= s presence, grace and blessings through it all and whatever lies ahead.
Rev. Dr. Elmer M. Colyer
Blessings, Professor of Historical Theology
Stanley Professor of Wesley Studies
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
El 2000 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001
563-589-3389
Credo: What I Affirm in the Face of Disease
June 16, 2006
The Lord of my life is Jesus Christ, not lymphoma!!
Therefore by the grace of my Lord Jesus Christ the love of God the Father and the Communion of the Holy Spirit:
1. I affirm and live out of my new life in Christ, in light of and toward my eternal life with and in the communion of the Triune God, and I affirm the goodness of my mundane life in this world despite the ambiguity, brokenness, and disease of this fallen and tragic creation.
2. I will continue to live as a servant of Triune God, in communion with God, out of love for God, and as a servant of, in communion with and out of love for, my family, friends, sisters and brothers in Christ, all people and all of creation.
3. I will live carpe diem in faith, hope, love and joy day by day whatever the future may hold.
4. I will continue to fulfill my vocation and discharge the duties entrusted to me faithfully and with excellence until Christ calls me home.
5. I will never give in, give up or give myself over to lymphoma and the complications that develop from it in my life.
6. I will not give in to self-pity, resentment, anger, apathy, and the rest, though I will be honest and open about my thoughts and feelings whatever may come.
7. I will joyfully receive and embrace the love and support of family, friends, Christian brothers and sisters and all others who offer themselves to me.
8. I will face my disease in a wise and prudent manner, accepting the best help medical science has to offer, but also alternative forms of health care compatible with my faith, and direct healing from God through the Body of Christ.
9. I will trust the Triune God to work for my good in the midst of this situation whatever may come, and I will be open to God= s presence and blessings in whatever form they may take.
10. I will entrust myself, my life, my health, my future, my death, my all to the Love of God the Father, the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit Who loves me, created me, reconciled me, redeemed me and Who is and ever will be with me whatever the future holds.
Here I take my stand on the Grace of the Triune God, on the Triune God of grace.
So - here is his update and Credo, unedited. Let's keep the Colyers in our prayers.
Update on Elmer Colyer’s condition September 18, 2006
I have Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma (SMZL), a fairly indolent form of lymphoma that responds well to treatment, but is finally medically incurably. At the end of April I was experiencing some abnormalities in my resting heart-rate, etc., which I discovered because of closely monitoring my health in relation to my training for bicycle racing. When the abnormalities did not go away, I saw my Dr. and discovered that my hemoglobin and hematocrit were low (12.4 and 37). This led to a flurry of tests and initial probably diagnosis of SMZL on June 16.
The medium life-expectancy for people with SMZL is 10 years. Most people with SMZL live 8-15 years. However, in around 25% of the cases SMZL transforms into really nasty aggressive form with a 1-4 year life-expectancy (14 month average according to one study). My blood work revealed some evidence of that my SMZL is transforming into the aggressive kind.
So I had my spleen removed in July for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. The biopsies of the spleen indicate no evidence of transformation into the nasty aggressive form. The latest blood tests indicated that my A LDH@ levels have dropped back within the normal range. So now the three prognostic indicators the help predict whether the SMZL will transform into the aggressive kind are all negative. This is really the best prognosis we could hope for, save for a miraculous healing of an incurable lymphoma.
Now we will wait until mid-October to allow my body and the SMZL to respond to the splenectomy. At that time, we will do another battery of tests to determine what the SMZL is doing. If it is in remission, we will A watch and wait.@ If not, we will decide the most prudent course of action at that.
The most likely course will be that I will have 1-4 or more really good years, basically normal and by appearances cancer-free. This will be followed by a relapse. The SMZL reappears in the lymph nodes or elsewhere. We would then use other treatment (chemo, anti-body or others) and then I would have 1-4 or more reasonable good years, followed by another relapse. In the end, you just kind of waste away under SMZL. You get weaker and weaker, end up in bed sleeping a lot, etc. and finally die from various complications. There are a number of new treatments on the horizon, but no magic bullets at this point.
Everything above is based on the best information available. Yet there is only a small amount of research on this rare form of lymphoma. There are massive individual variations in how different people respond to SMZL and to treatment. Thus while it gives us some idea what we "might" "likely" expect, we really do not know how things will unfold. My SMZL could transform into the nasty aggressive form next year or next week. I am in extremely good health and will continue to approach my SMZL aggressively. So I am still very optimistic.
In short, I plan to be around a lot longer than 8-15 years! But I will also live my life in light of the fact that I may only have 8-15 years or even less. I am not afraid of SMZL or of death. I am not angry or depressed. I am grateful to be alive, grateful for whatever years I have left. I will continue to live carpe diem. I love what I am doing as a professor and pastor.
I owe my lymphoma a debt of gratitude for giving me a clarity and passion around who I am, what I am about, what I value and what I don’t, and how I want to continue to live, a depth of clarity and passion greater than I have ever known in all my years of "redeeming my routines" (a course I teach here at UDTS) and reflecting on these kinds of questions many, many times. Frankly, there are not many things in my life that I want to change. God has richly blessed me. Over the past months I have been often simply overwhelmed by a sense of God’s presence in my life, surrounding and supporting me in the midst of all the tests, changes in diagnosis and the uncertainty of it all. I find it much easier now to live in the moment, embrace the simple joys of life, and live one day at a time.
So I greatly desire your prayers because I am ever so conscious that we really only live by the Grace of the Triune God, by the Triune God of grace, who alone is the Great Physician. Please pray specifically for my healing , for Natalee and my sons, and most of all, for God= s presence, grace and blessings through it all and whatever lies ahead.
Rev. Dr. Elmer M. Colyer
Blessings, Professor of Historical Theology
Stanley Professor of Wesley Studies
University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
El 2000 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001
563-589-3389
Credo: What I Affirm in the Face of Disease
June 16, 2006
The Lord of my life is Jesus Christ, not lymphoma!!
Therefore by the grace of my Lord Jesus Christ the love of God the Father and the Communion of the Holy Spirit:
1. I affirm and live out of my new life in Christ, in light of and toward my eternal life with and in the communion of the Triune God, and I affirm the goodness of my mundane life in this world despite the ambiguity, brokenness, and disease of this fallen and tragic creation.
2. I will continue to live as a servant of Triune God, in communion with God, out of love for God, and as a servant of, in communion with and out of love for, my family, friends, sisters and brothers in Christ, all people and all of creation.
3. I will live carpe diem in faith, hope, love and joy day by day whatever the future may hold.
4. I will continue to fulfill my vocation and discharge the duties entrusted to me faithfully and with excellence until Christ calls me home.
5. I will never give in, give up or give myself over to lymphoma and the complications that develop from it in my life.
6. I will not give in to self-pity, resentment, anger, apathy, and the rest, though I will be honest and open about my thoughts and feelings whatever may come.
7. I will joyfully receive and embrace the love and support of family, friends, Christian brothers and sisters and all others who offer themselves to me.
8. I will face my disease in a wise and prudent manner, accepting the best help medical science has to offer, but also alternative forms of health care compatible with my faith, and direct healing from God through the Body of Christ.
9. I will trust the Triune God to work for my good in the midst of this situation whatever may come, and I will be open to God= s presence and blessings in whatever form they may take.
10. I will entrust myself, my life, my health, my future, my death, my all to the Love of God the Father, the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit Who loves me, created me, reconciled me, redeemed me and Who is and ever will be with me whatever the future holds.
Here I take my stand on the Grace of the Triune God, on the Triune God of grace.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
You Can't Run, You Can't Hide
I forgot to share with you all the funniest thing that has happened to me so far here in Berthoud. I came in on September 1st, my first day, and (of course) there was a lot of unopened mail addressed to "pastor" waiting for me. Volunteers here at the church had graciously divided it into three files: Important, Bills, and Junk. I made it through the first two piles before noon...the last pile I saved for the end of the day. I opened up the file and there, on top, was a letter to "PASTOR" from Rev. Jeffrey Bullock, PhD.
I opened the letter to discover that I am now a "Colleague in Ministry" and can "help UDTS reduce student debt" by "asking my congregation to give directly out of its Mission budget." We've got about 86 cents, if he wants it...and I'm absolutely sure that it will go to "reduce student debt."
I thought about sending a check out of my own pocket and specifying that it go "to fix up the old Losey place so that a family won't sink into oblivion" or for the "Phillips Memorial Waste Water Treatment Facility," but have thought the better of it.
Best to save my personal contributions to buy a brick in the "Angels in the Outfield" wing of the Dr. Anthony "Tony" Danza Center for the Performing Arts and Wrestling. That, brothers and sisters, is a piece of history.
I opened the letter to discover that I am now a "Colleague in Ministry" and can "help UDTS reduce student debt" by "asking my congregation to give directly out of its Mission budget." We've got about 86 cents, if he wants it...and I'm absolutely sure that it will go to "reduce student debt."
I thought about sending a check out of my own pocket and specifying that it go "to fix up the old Losey place so that a family won't sink into oblivion" or for the "Phillips Memorial Waste Water Treatment Facility," but have thought the better of it.
Best to save my personal contributions to buy a brick in the "Angels in the Outfield" wing of the Dr. Anthony "Tony" Danza Center for the Performing Arts and Wrestling. That, brothers and sisters, is a piece of history.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Tennessee
I realized the other day that I haven't actually written a post on here for at least a month. You might not even remember me...if you don't then don't read this, I guess. :)
Anyway, a lot has happened since the last time I was on this. So here is my feeble attempt at an update:
I took a call to Madisonville Presbyterian Church, and we moved down here at the end of July after my family and I partook of the Johnsons' goodness and stayed at their place for about a month.
We drove down here in two days, stopping just outside of Cincinnatti. We got here to the church - to find no one here. I could have sworn the PNC said they'd have somebody there all day...so I go check the doors - which are unlocked. I go in and call someone, and after a few minutes Linda Trout shows up to escort us to the place where we are to be staying. Now, I hadn't candidated yet, so I wasn't "supposed" to even be here. So we drove 15 minutes up the mountain to a cabin to stay in.
Ahh, the cabin. It's a two bedroom little place, infested with bugs, and the nearest tree is at least a football field away. Well, maybe a little less than that. No phone. No computer. No cell phone reception. No nothing. For a month.
After a couple of weeks, I meet with COM, who approves me to work in the field until October when I can preach before Presbytery and get approved. Then I candidate - the vote is a lot to three. Turns out three people don't want a full time pastor. Oh well. So I accept - which is a good thing.
Then we go looking for houses. We find one - and go to see a banker to get the mortgage. No problem - except the banker wants the money that the church is putting up written down as a gift. Well - the church is charging us 4% interest on $46,000 - it's not a gift! Two weeks of this goes by, with the church treasurer and the banker arguing and both of them assuring me that they'll "work this out" and we'll be in the house before we knew it. Finally, after two weeks, we went to a local bank that makes its own decisions about loans (and whose CEO is a lifelong presbyterian, and whose loan officer happens to be someone's first cousin...) - and we close the next Saturday. Ugh.
So now we're in our house - I don't have any nice pictures; my camera won't download photos on to our home computer 'cause it's too old and I haven't put the software on my work computer... It's nice; one floor, three bedrooms and an office for Jennifer to do homeschool with Robbie. Fenced in back yard, air conditioning (which is VERY nice in the South!), 3 years old. If you're interested, I can tell you more about it some other time.
I've been at work for a month two days ago. At least officially. Unofficially, I came in the Monday before that to find a woman sitting waiting. She hid from me at first. Eventually I got her to talk to me - she's terrified that her son is being maltreated at school. He's autistic, and her ex-boyfriend (and father of the boy) is apparently just being horrible to him. So I spend several hours talking with her, finally walking down to the elementary school to check on her son. I got a card from her a day or so ago - need to call her and check up to see what's going on with her.
Other than that it's been pretty standard new pastor stuff. Although a lot of the hospitality we expected is coming in different ways. They "pounded" us last night - we won't have to buy laundry detergent for at least a year! They're still getting used to a full-time pastor, and I guess I'm still getting used to a full-time congregation. It's a learning curve. But it finally did work out. We're in our house, and now all I need to worry about is whether or not Presbytery votes me in...and creating a youth group, and new members' class, and bible studies, and a host of other stuff.
I miss all of you. It's strange, sitting in the office all day long planning out classes and things. I keep looking up, expecting Jewett to meow like a cat, or Scott to curse like a pirate, or Ron Church to tell me that he can't tell me that story without more beer, or Kim Wilson scratching...something. But...it's just someone coming in asking for money. Keep in touch. I'll work at doing a better job of it on my end.
Anyway, a lot has happened since the last time I was on this. So here is my feeble attempt at an update:
I took a call to Madisonville Presbyterian Church, and we moved down here at the end of July after my family and I partook of the Johnsons' goodness and stayed at their place for about a month.
We drove down here in two days, stopping just outside of Cincinnatti. We got here to the church - to find no one here. I could have sworn the PNC said they'd have somebody there all day...so I go check the doors - which are unlocked. I go in and call someone, and after a few minutes Linda Trout shows up to escort us to the place where we are to be staying. Now, I hadn't candidated yet, so I wasn't "supposed" to even be here. So we drove 15 minutes up the mountain to a cabin to stay in.
Ahh, the cabin. It's a two bedroom little place, infested with bugs, and the nearest tree is at least a football field away. Well, maybe a little less than that. No phone. No computer. No cell phone reception. No nothing. For a month.
After a couple of weeks, I meet with COM, who approves me to work in the field until October when I can preach before Presbytery and get approved. Then I candidate - the vote is a lot to three. Turns out three people don't want a full time pastor. Oh well. So I accept - which is a good thing.
Then we go looking for houses. We find one - and go to see a banker to get the mortgage. No problem - except the banker wants the money that the church is putting up written down as a gift. Well - the church is charging us 4% interest on $46,000 - it's not a gift! Two weeks of this goes by, with the church treasurer and the banker arguing and both of them assuring me that they'll "work this out" and we'll be in the house before we knew it. Finally, after two weeks, we went to a local bank that makes its own decisions about loans (and whose CEO is a lifelong presbyterian, and whose loan officer happens to be someone's first cousin...) - and we close the next Saturday. Ugh.
So now we're in our house - I don't have any nice pictures; my camera won't download photos on to our home computer 'cause it's too old and I haven't put the software on my work computer... It's nice; one floor, three bedrooms and an office for Jennifer to do homeschool with Robbie. Fenced in back yard, air conditioning (which is VERY nice in the South!), 3 years old. If you're interested, I can tell you more about it some other time.
I've been at work for a month two days ago. At least officially. Unofficially, I came in the Monday before that to find a woman sitting waiting. She hid from me at first. Eventually I got her to talk to me - she's terrified that her son is being maltreated at school. He's autistic, and her ex-boyfriend (and father of the boy) is apparently just being horrible to him. So I spend several hours talking with her, finally walking down to the elementary school to check on her son. I got a card from her a day or so ago - need to call her and check up to see what's going on with her.
Other than that it's been pretty standard new pastor stuff. Although a lot of the hospitality we expected is coming in different ways. They "pounded" us last night - we won't have to buy laundry detergent for at least a year! They're still getting used to a full-time pastor, and I guess I'm still getting used to a full-time congregation. It's a learning curve. But it finally did work out. We're in our house, and now all I need to worry about is whether or not Presbytery votes me in...and creating a youth group, and new members' class, and bible studies, and a host of other stuff.
I miss all of you. It's strange, sitting in the office all day long planning out classes and things. I keep looking up, expecting Jewett to meow like a cat, or Scott to curse like a pirate, or Ron Church to tell me that he can't tell me that story without more beer, or Kim Wilson scratching...something. But...it's just someone coming in asking for money. Keep in touch. I'll work at doing a better job of it on my end.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Rodents and Me ... flying, crawling, crying and running
It has been quite a week ... Sunday as I began to preach at the second of my churches, a woman in the front row suddenly was struck with a look of tremendous terror. I thought maybe my illustration of the dying child had hit too close to home, but then I saw more people with the look. And something really odd happened: they began to move closer to the pulpit. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something brown crawling slowly across the other side of the room. It was a mouse, and it was dying. In fact, I think it was dead. I only got through 45 seconds of my sermon, and I killed something! The kids all rushed to the front of the church to see the dead/dying mouse, and they all giggled. Then the patriarch of the church walked up to the little brown church mouse, stepped on its head, picked it up by the tail and threw it out the emergency exit. The kids groaned and the patriarch sat down like nothing ever happened. This is the small church.
This morning, I was awakened by a fluttering on the floor in my room at the Mainstay. By the dim light of the street lamps out my window, I saw a reflection in the mirrored closet door. The reflection was flopping. The reflection was wide. The reflection was screeching. The reflection was that of a bat. And after much chasing, running, ducking, hiding (along with the help of the night staff), the reflection was released into the still-dark sky. This is my life.
Early Wednesday morning , a father in title only allegedly killed his son outside of Galena and ran. He allegedly left his son in the truck he had just wrapped around a telephone pole trying evade police. His eight-year-old son allegedly was bleeding not from injuries sustained from the accident, but because he had been stabbed by his father. His father left him there and ran. He is still running. Marilyn, Deb and I spent that day (and they spend part of the next as well) as the presence of Christ for the kids the eight-year-old went to school with in Scales Mound. This is our world.
This morning, I was awakened by a fluttering on the floor in my room at the Mainstay. By the dim light of the street lamps out my window, I saw a reflection in the mirrored closet door. The reflection was flopping. The reflection was wide. The reflection was screeching. The reflection was that of a bat. And after much chasing, running, ducking, hiding (along with the help of the night staff), the reflection was released into the still-dark sky. This is my life.
Early Wednesday morning , a father in title only allegedly killed his son outside of Galena and ran. He allegedly left his son in the truck he had just wrapped around a telephone pole trying evade police. His eight-year-old son allegedly was bleeding not from injuries sustained from the accident, but because he had been stabbed by his father. His father left him there and ran. He is still running. Marilyn, Deb and I spent that day (and they spend part of the next as well) as the presence of Christ for the kids the eight-year-old went to school with in Scales Mound. This is our world.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Survey says . . .
Hey my fellow pastors and pastors in training. I am looking to conduct an informal poll. Please take a moment to let me know what you think to this question:
Is it a good idea to make your first sermon in your new call be your testimony to God's goodness and power in your life?
Is it a good idea to make your first sermon in your new call be your testimony to God's goodness and power in your life?
Thursday, September 07, 2006
9/11 Roll Call
As we approach the fifth anniversary of 9/11, I thought it might be interesting to share where we all were when it happened, any particular insights you had on the day and the days following, and how it impacted your faith.
I've been watching some of the programming leading up to Monday, and I have to say I'm not really over it yet.
My 9/11/01 was spent at work, about five miles from O'Hare in Park Ridge, IL. People kept arriving throughout the morning with new updates, and one person brought a small b/w TV. As the towers fell, Chicago was evacuated, and I listened to Metra trains speed past the back of the building for hours ... they were all express trains, including the one I was supposed to take home. As train after train went by, I was astonished by the silence. Before, jets would fly over the office every 45 seconds and shake my desk. Now, it was just the click of fingers on the keyboard and a droning newscaster in the background.
The sky was empty for so long. It was strange to hear the Kennedy Expressway in the morning instead of the airport. The first time I saw a plane again (which I believe was a military supply plane a week later) I panicked. I think I ducked behind the building.
I know it sounds trite, but that was also about the time we started back to church. My stale, ambivalent and lethargic faith was sparked by a need to be with God again. I had desired that the revival sparked in me would be equalled by many in our nation, but that sometimes seems to have been a fleeting hope.
I've been watching some of the programming leading up to Monday, and I have to say I'm not really over it yet.
My 9/11/01 was spent at work, about five miles from O'Hare in Park Ridge, IL. People kept arriving throughout the morning with new updates, and one person brought a small b/w TV. As the towers fell, Chicago was evacuated, and I listened to Metra trains speed past the back of the building for hours ... they were all express trains, including the one I was supposed to take home. As train after train went by, I was astonished by the silence. Before, jets would fly over the office every 45 seconds and shake my desk. Now, it was just the click of fingers on the keyboard and a droning newscaster in the background.
The sky was empty for so long. It was strange to hear the Kennedy Expressway in the morning instead of the airport. The first time I saw a plane again (which I believe was a military supply plane a week later) I panicked. I think I ducked behind the building.
I know it sounds trite, but that was also about the time we started back to church. My stale, ambivalent and lethargic faith was sparked by a need to be with God again. I had desired that the revival sparked in me would be equalled by many in our nation, but that sometimes seems to have been a fleeting hope.
Photos of the New Casa Del Phillips
I figured that I might as well put these on the web as long as I'm blogging today. Imagine it completely filled with unpacked boxes, and you've got it.
The Wetting of the Feet
Hello everybody,
Thought that I would give you all a quick update. Julie and I closed on our house on September 1st (the same day I started here at the church)...we moved in on the 2nd...I preached my first sermon here on the 3rd. Things have been great so far. The church's goal seems to be fattening us up for slaughter, though. We have received 3 boxes of candy, 3 jars of jam, and a homemade peach pie over the past three days. We have enjoyed them on dishes that have been taken out slowly (one by one as we need them), as the majority of our stuff is still in boxes. Our progress in moving has been impaired by the fact that both Julie and I have pretty nasty head colds. Julie was hit hardest first and is getting better, I'm getting the worst of it now. We have managed to unpack the bedroom and one bathroom, though...and Julie's making good progress on the kitchen. All in all, things are going well.
I'm still trying to get used to the fact that I have the words "Pastor's Study" on my door. There are several things that I am still trying to get used to (slightly intimidated by). I knew that several of them would be "factors" in seminary...but now, in reality, I'm still trying to wrap my hands around them in my first week. You know, stuff like:
1) Preaching every Sunday from now until the end of time.
2) Interviewing secretarial candidates who mention their children my age.
3) Everybody calling me "Reverend."
and the biggest...
4) Working in a church for the first time without "partners in crime," or other pastors to bounce ideas off of and talk to.
That one is probably the biggest so far. My hyper-social itch is in need of a scratching, and we are still strangers in a welcoming, but strange, land. I feel the need for a walk with Bill Warhover, a game of catch, or a good 'ol fashioned session of bizzarro tables. The need for a community of ministry companions is what I miss the most so far.
On the whole, though, I couldn't ask for more. Julie and I have been so warmly welcomed and Berthoud feels very much like home. We miss you all, but are very happy with where we are...simply trying to adjust to being the "new kids."
Now...enough serious talk. On my first few days here, I was forced to commute to Berthoud from the Denver Metro area to work. On this drive, I noticed that all of the Chinese food establishments shared something in common with the ones in Dubuque. I pointed this out to Julie, and the more we thought about it, the more we think that there is a unwritten law somewhere that controls the names of Chinese buffets. I have noticed that most (if not ALL) Chinese buffets have one of three nouns (the Holy Trinity if you will) in their title:
1) Panda
2) Dragon
3) China
These nouns are often modified by two adjectives, not required, but still very common. These are the John-the-Baptist and Isaiah if you will:
1) Golden
2) Express
We have yet to find a buffet that does not incorporate at least one of the nouns...and only one that doesn't have one of the adjectives. Using this formula, I have decided that the perfect name for a Chinese buffet would be: "The Golden Panda-Dragon Express (from China!)" I mean, who wouldn't eat there? Simply the image of a giant mutant panda-dragon (much less a GOLDEN one) would get me in the door. Anyway...with these criteria in mind, I give you:
Top 10 suggested Chinese buffet names:
10) When Panda Met Dragon
9) Pan-Dang That's Tasty!
8) China O'Dragon's
7) Panda Barrel
6) Pobloki Panda
5) Ever Expressed With a Dragon in the Golden Moonlight?
4) T.G.I.Dragon's (The G stands for golden)
3) Long John Panda's
2) Sergeant Danza's Golden Heart's Club Panda
1) Goin' Pandas!
That is all from here...take care.
Thought that I would give you all a quick update. Julie and I closed on our house on September 1st (the same day I started here at the church)...we moved in on the 2nd...I preached my first sermon here on the 3rd. Things have been great so far. The church's goal seems to be fattening us up for slaughter, though. We have received 3 boxes of candy, 3 jars of jam, and a homemade peach pie over the past three days. We have enjoyed them on dishes that have been taken out slowly (one by one as we need them), as the majority of our stuff is still in boxes. Our progress in moving has been impaired by the fact that both Julie and I have pretty nasty head colds. Julie was hit hardest first and is getting better, I'm getting the worst of it now. We have managed to unpack the bedroom and one bathroom, though...and Julie's making good progress on the kitchen. All in all, things are going well.
I'm still trying to get used to the fact that I have the words "Pastor's Study" on my door. There are several things that I am still trying to get used to (slightly intimidated by). I knew that several of them would be "factors" in seminary...but now, in reality, I'm still trying to wrap my hands around them in my first week. You know, stuff like:
1) Preaching every Sunday from now until the end of time.
2) Interviewing secretarial candidates who mention their children my age.
3) Everybody calling me "Reverend."
and the biggest...
4) Working in a church for the first time without "partners in crime," or other pastors to bounce ideas off of and talk to.
That one is probably the biggest so far. My hyper-social itch is in need of a scratching, and we are still strangers in a welcoming, but strange, land. I feel the need for a walk with Bill Warhover, a game of catch, or a good 'ol fashioned session of bizzarro tables. The need for a community of ministry companions is what I miss the most so far.
On the whole, though, I couldn't ask for more. Julie and I have been so warmly welcomed and Berthoud feels very much like home. We miss you all, but are very happy with where we are...simply trying to adjust to being the "new kids."
Now...enough serious talk. On my first few days here, I was forced to commute to Berthoud from the Denver Metro area to work. On this drive, I noticed that all of the Chinese food establishments shared something in common with the ones in Dubuque. I pointed this out to Julie, and the more we thought about it, the more we think that there is a unwritten law somewhere that controls the names of Chinese buffets. I have noticed that most (if not ALL) Chinese buffets have one of three nouns (the Holy Trinity if you will) in their title:
1) Panda
2) Dragon
3) China
These nouns are often modified by two adjectives, not required, but still very common. These are the John-the-Baptist and Isaiah if you will:
1) Golden
2) Express
We have yet to find a buffet that does not incorporate at least one of the nouns...and only one that doesn't have one of the adjectives. Using this formula, I have decided that the perfect name for a Chinese buffet would be: "The Golden Panda-Dragon Express (from China!)" I mean, who wouldn't eat there? Simply the image of a giant mutant panda-dragon (much less a GOLDEN one) would get me in the door. Anyway...with these criteria in mind, I give you:
Top 10 suggested Chinese buffet names:
10) When Panda Met Dragon
9) Pan-Dang That's Tasty!
8) China O'Dragon's
7) Panda Barrel
6) Pobloki Panda
5) Ever Expressed With a Dragon in the Golden Moonlight?
4) T.G.I.Dragon's (The G stands for golden)
3) Long John Panda's
2) Sergeant Danza's Golden Heart's Club Panda
1) Goin' Pandas!
That is all from here...take care.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Many thanks ...
to Kim and Deb for the compliments, and to all of you who have been gracious enough to purchase a copy of "Tell the World." I am delighted that you have responded so positively to the music and the ministry. Kim, arranging us to come your way is as easy as giving me a call. We've got everything we need to come and do a worship concert for you, all you have to do is say when. Deb, thanks for remembering Emily in the mix ... she is often the earthly lifeblood of all I do, and she needs reminded of that, too.
I'm excited to get back to school (mostly to get done) but a little frightened as to how I'm going to balance this budding ministry with my two churches and school. Oh, well. It hasn't been easy since I started, so why would it be that way now?
One plug ... the songs are now all on iTunes for the techno-savvy of the group. Reviews have been favorable there and downloads have been brisk (oddly enough, in Australia and Germany).
Speaking of Germany, did anyone fine the whole Madonna mock crucifixion thing at all interesting? I found it strange that German officials were talking about shutting her show down if she did it because it would be seen as "religious intolerance." Christians must be in a stark minority in Europe for this to be seen in the light that it is. I can't help but wonder if anyone would even care here. Curious as to your thoughts.
EDIT: Thanks to Barb as well. Sorry for excluding from the initial post. Praying for you on the ords ...
I'm excited to get back to school (mostly to get done) but a little frightened as to how I'm going to balance this budding ministry with my two churches and school. Oh, well. It hasn't been easy since I started, so why would it be that way now?
One plug ... the songs are now all on iTunes for the techno-savvy of the group. Reviews have been favorable there and downloads have been brisk (oddly enough, in Australia and Germany).
Speaking of Germany, did anyone fine the whole Madonna mock crucifixion thing at all interesting? I found it strange that German officials were talking about shutting her show down if she did it because it would be seen as "religious intolerance." Christians must be in a stark minority in Europe for this to be seen in the light that it is. I can't help but wonder if anyone would even care here. Curious as to your thoughts.
EDIT: Thanks to Barb as well. Sorry for excluding from the initial post. Praying for you on the ords ...
Thursday, August 24, 2006
The Blessed Banter
It has been a very long week here in Rockford. Just the usual stuff ... trying to get my piece of the progamming in place before starting school again in a week and a half, but not getting to it due to this ministry stuff ... funerals, sick people, weddings ... it doesn't end! So, in the midst of it all, I check out, and check in with The Severance Lounge. And after reading the banter, I remember the community. You're awesome! (and quite entertaining I might add.) Thanks for sharing your wonderful news (Congratulations all!) and your zaniness. Let Christ's ministry continue ...
Monday, August 21, 2006
The Virus Unleashed
Well...believe it or not...Jesus has not returned.
After a wonderful day of friends, family, and fellow clergy....I am now officially a Reverend. My start date in Colorado is on September 1st...our current closing date for the house on Nebraska street (pictures to come) is September 6th. We are excited about moving and starting...but I would be lying if I didn't say that it is a bit bittersweet not to be heading back to Dubuque. We are excited...but also beginning to realize that you all are not waiting for us when we get there. It is great to read about your new starts...know that we are excited for you and will be praying for you. But, selfishly, we still wish we could cross the cul-de-sac and see you anytime we want.
Anyway....the Phillips Retreat Center opens on the 6th. Let us know if you are passing through. There is one condition, though, you must refer to me as "The Right Reverend."
Peace to you all...more soon.
After a wonderful day of friends, family, and fellow clergy....I am now officially a Reverend. My start date in Colorado is on September 1st...our current closing date for the house on Nebraska street (pictures to come) is September 6th. We are excited about moving and starting...but I would be lying if I didn't say that it is a bit bittersweet not to be heading back to Dubuque. We are excited...but also beginning to realize that you all are not waiting for us when we get there. It is great to read about your new starts...know that we are excited for you and will be praying for you. But, selfishly, we still wish we could cross the cul-de-sac and see you anytime we want.
Anyway....the Phillips Retreat Center opens on the 6th. Let us know if you are passing through. There is one condition, though, you must refer to me as "The Right Reverend."
Peace to you all...more soon.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
I am alive!
After weeks of not posting, I wanted to let everyone know that I am alive and well! Ed and I survived the move to Treynor Iowa to live with Ed's dad. Having accepted a call in Red Oak Iowa on August 13th, and passed my final examination for ordination today, I am finally done!!! COM let me start in Red Oak on August 15th, so they must have thought I didn't look too shady! Red Oak is only about 30 miles from Treynor, so we are living in Treynor until we can buy a house. Red Oak is a lovely town in SW IA of about 6000 people.
Kim, you will be happy to know that the Congregation UCC pastor came and introduced herself on day 1 at lunch time. She is full of excitement and talks a lot and has quite a sense of humor (as well as a nose ring), so I feel right at home. I told her some of my rowdiest friends at seminary are UCC :)
My ordination/installation will be in Red Oak on September 10 at 3pm. All are invited to come! I would love to see you! My home church is about 1 hour from Red Oak, so it worked well to do the ordination and installation together.
I miss seeing all of you and hope you are doing well whenever you are!
Blessings to all of you, dear friends in Christ- Caryn
Kim, you will be happy to know that the Congregation UCC pastor came and introduced herself on day 1 at lunch time. She is full of excitement and talks a lot and has quite a sense of humor (as well as a nose ring), so I feel right at home. I told her some of my rowdiest friends at seminary are UCC :)
My ordination/installation will be in Red Oak on September 10 at 3pm. All are invited to come! I would love to see you! My home church is about 1 hour from Red Oak, so it worked well to do the ordination and installation together.
I miss seeing all of you and hope you are doing well whenever you are!
Blessings to all of you, dear friends in Christ- Caryn
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Chicken Repentance
Those of you that have for years attended the weekly cookouts may remember that for a long time now we have all given Mr. Phillips (almost Rev.) a hard time for cooking chicken on his gas grill. The snide remarks and sarcastic comments have resulted from his blatant disregard for the already lit community grills. I must confess that at times I have taken part in this hazing.
Today, before God, community and all search engines I admit my sinful actions and seek forgiveness. We have had the pleasure of cooking chicken on the Phillips grill all summer. This is possible because the lord of the manor in which we are staying purchased the infamous gas grill. The chicken we have eaten has been moist and delicious each time.
Now that I have been enlightened I find it impossible to go on without public acknowledgement that Phillips was right and I was wrong. Chicken cooks better on his gas grill.
Today, before God, community and all search engines I admit my sinful actions and seek forgiveness. We have had the pleasure of cooking chicken on the Phillips grill all summer. This is possible because the lord of the manor in which we are staying purchased the infamous gas grill. The chicken we have eaten has been moist and delicious each time.
Now that I have been enlightened I find it impossible to go on without public acknowledgement that Phillips was right and I was wrong. Chicken cooks better on his gas grill.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Some Details
Darren....thanks for pointing out my omission. My ordination will be on August 20th (a week from Sunday) at:
Parkville Presbyterian Church
819 Main Street
Parville, MO 64152
A quick update (again, sorry for the sporadic posting thanks to limited access)...we have put a contract down on a house on (of all things) Nebraska street. We are hoping to be into it before I start, but we'll at least, if all goes well, be in a week after. I can say now, without hesitation, that we have a guest room waiting for you all.
More later....good to hear from you all!
Parkville Presbyterian Church
819 Main Street
Parville, MO 64152
A quick update (again, sorry for the sporadic posting thanks to limited access)...we have put a contract down on a house on (of all things) Nebraska street. We are hoping to be into it before I start, but we'll at least, if all goes well, be in a week after. I can say now, without hesitation, that we have a guest room waiting for you all.
More later....good to hear from you all!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Update and Thought Jumble
Hi, everybody! It has been a whirlwind of a summer, but what's new? They all seem to be going that way anymore.
Em and I have kind of gotten things back to normal here post-Gays. It was nice having them here and getting to know John, Jennifer and the kids better, and I'm happy we were in a position to help. It was a good lesson for the churches I serve on how Christians care for each other and the world. Now if I could only get them to be as gracious to their own communities!
We're taking a much-needed vacation to Montana tomorrow, so I would ask for your prayers as we travel and seek to find some peace before school starts back up for the both of us.
On the band front, be sure to visit the new and incomplete website. To those of you who have been asking, the CD is now available to order direct from there. If you are a digital downloader, it should be on iTunes in about six weeks, and Amazon will soon be carrying it too.
To all the pastors, please don't forget to consider our help as you make your plans for the coming months and year. We will travel, and it would be a great excuse to see all you graduates again. Let me know how we can help your participation in Christ's ministry to the world!
Blessings and my love to you all ... miss you.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Update from the Homans
Well... It has been a long, long month. We have been homeless wanderers for about 32 days now, only 8 more to go. We have visited 8 different places, and stayed in no one place for more than 4 days. We have had a blast catching up with family members, but have really hated this living out of a suitcase thing. Good news is... we will FINALLY be in Fairbury, IL August 8th to move into our house. My start date there is August 13th.
I was ordained here at Moorhead, MN this last Saturday. What a wonderful day. It was two very very stressful weeks leading up to it though. The Presbytery of the Northern Plains has not ordained anyone in like 8 years, rather they've had like 30 CLP's.. so they are far.. far.. far to used to not ordaining people. The whole "talking to other presbyteries" thing was a foriegn concept I had to urge them to get beyond. Many phone calls later the Holy Spirit moved them and all fell into place.
William was baptized on Sunday. It was great for me to just be "dad" and have him baptized at my home church. Most of our families took part in the "two for one" deal we were offering so we spent the weekend entertaining thirty or so family members.
This week we are finally seeing things wind down. We are getting ready for and looking forward to the big move coming up. I will post again once we get a bit more settled in Fairbury.
It is great to hear from you all. It is wonderful to have this blog to keep up with friends who we are so used to just jogging outside to say hello to. We miss you and think about you often. I hope all is well with the moves and ordinations as we all move forward in the process.
God bless, God keep, and God speed
Spencer
I was ordained here at Moorhead, MN this last Saturday. What a wonderful day. It was two very very stressful weeks leading up to it though. The Presbytery of the Northern Plains has not ordained anyone in like 8 years, rather they've had like 30 CLP's.. so they are far.. far.. far to used to not ordaining people. The whole "talking to other presbyteries" thing was a foriegn concept I had to urge them to get beyond. Many phone calls later the Holy Spirit moved them and all fell into place.
William was baptized on Sunday. It was great for me to just be "dad" and have him baptized at my home church. Most of our families took part in the "two for one" deal we were offering so we spent the weekend entertaining thirty or so family members.
This week we are finally seeing things wind down. We are getting ready for and looking forward to the big move coming up. I will post again once we get a bit more settled in Fairbury.
It is great to hear from you all. It is wonderful to have this blog to keep up with friends who we are so used to just jogging outside to say hello to. We miss you and think about you often. I hope all is well with the moves and ordinations as we all move forward in the process.
God bless, God keep, and God speed
Spencer
Quick Update
Once again I have access to internet...so here it goes!
Julie and I are busy doing two things right now:
a) Planning my ordination service
b) Finding a house
We are making progress on both fronts...slow progress, but sure.
For those who asked, the Ordination Service will be at 3:00 in the afternoon at:
Parkville Presbyterian Church
819 Main Street
Parkville, MO 64152
We will serve lunch between church and the service for anybody who comes....please let us know if you are coming, so we can plan accordingly.
A few comments b/c I haven't had time to catch up:
Darren: That is probably the best story I have ever heard, although I found your description of the events entirely too good. You need to paint with muted colors when talking about tube socks, man :)
Kim: You must tell us of the dream....and you must do it now.
John: How did housing work out for you (or is it "being worked out")?
Breeden: Sorry, man...we won't be in CO until September. Hopefully we'll get to see you sometime when you are in the area.
All: I realize that Rog Pobloki was a terrible omission on the Top 10 list. Please forgive me. And yes, Tony, Julie did give my two-cent allowance before I wrote that:)
Great to read and catch up with everybody. Hope you all are doing well...know that Julie and I are praying for you all and your current and future churches. Miss you all.
Julie and I are busy doing two things right now:
a) Planning my ordination service
b) Finding a house
We are making progress on both fronts...slow progress, but sure.
For those who asked, the Ordination Service will be at 3:00 in the afternoon at:
Parkville Presbyterian Church
819 Main Street
Parkville, MO 64152
We will serve lunch between church and the service for anybody who comes....please let us know if you are coming, so we can plan accordingly.
A few comments b/c I haven't had time to catch up:
Darren: That is probably the best story I have ever heard, although I found your description of the events entirely too good. You need to paint with muted colors when talking about tube socks, man :)
Kim: You must tell us of the dream....and you must do it now.
John: How did housing work out for you (or is it "being worked out")?
Breeden: Sorry, man...we won't be in CO until September. Hopefully we'll get to see you sometime when you are in the area.
All: I realize that Rog Pobloki was a terrible omission on the Top 10 list. Please forgive me. And yes, Tony, Julie did give my two-cent allowance before I wrote that:)
Great to read and catch up with everybody. Hope you all are doing well...know that Julie and I are praying for you all and your current and future churches. Miss you all.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Email and snail mail
I am sure I am not the only person here who desires email address and mailing address for thoes who have graduated. Here is a place for everyone to post their new email address and their mailing address (if desired). Help those of us who wish to stay in contact by giving your info. Plus it will help you. After all one can't pray for someone else with out an email address or a mailing address...help us to help you...
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Rejoicing with the Ebbens!
On behalf of Dan and Natalie Ebbens I am pleased to announce the birth of their son, Collin Daniel. Arriving ten weeks before the due date, he came in early Friday morning (apparently training for hunting with his dad later on) at 1:08 am. He weighed 3 lbs and 13 ozs. Needless to say he will need to remain in Iowa City until his Sept 24 due date. Dan and Natalie will be at the Ronald McDonald house. After quite a stressful and emotion filled weekend things are beginning to calm down. Collin is gaining weight and Natalie is recovering well. More than anything else right now, they ask that we be praying for them, particularly as Collin goes through next nine, critical weeks of development.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Moving concerns
Hello all - I'm about to leave to walk the block or so to preach at Matt's church, but I wanted to ask for your prayers. We've run into a little snag about actually moving down to TN...a member of the PNC is coming up here to get all of our stuff and move it down there probably this weekend (so I'll be calling on those of you in Dbq to help me get it on the truck soon...thanks!), but we don't know when we will be able to go with.
They want me to be down there living before I meet with COM and candidate, which is okay with me, but the problem is that as of right now we wouldn't have a place to live. One of the members has a house that he wants to let us "rent" (for free) for a couple of months while we casually look for a new house, but his daughter's in it right now. She apparently is in the process of moving out, but is doing it very "gradually" as they put it. There's another option of a rental house that we would have to pay for, but apparently someone is in that one as well.
Anyway, they are going to get together today to try to figure this out - and we would covet your prayers in order to do this smoothly and with the least amount of weeks of living without toys...three boys have a remarkable amount of toys... So there ya go.
The "plan" is that we'll move down to TN in the next couple of weeks, and sort of chill out while we look for a new house. The church is going to loan us their manse fund ($45000) for a down payment that we'll pay back when we sell the house. I meet with COM on the 8th of August, have a reception at the church on the 12th, preach on the 13th. My understanding is that they will begin my pay on the 1st, which is strange, but I'm okay with it. I won't be able to meet with presbytery to get ordained until late October, though, since I can't get on the docket for August and they don't meet in September. So the COM came up with the idea that I be what they call a "pastor in waiting" - I'll do the job but won't moderate session or marry anyone or do the sacraments. Annoying, but that's life, I guess.
Well, I gotta go. Peace and grace to you all.
By the way, my e-mail is jgay38@hotmail.com - drop me a note if ya want.
They want me to be down there living before I meet with COM and candidate, which is okay with me, but the problem is that as of right now we wouldn't have a place to live. One of the members has a house that he wants to let us "rent" (for free) for a couple of months while we casually look for a new house, but his daughter's in it right now. She apparently is in the process of moving out, but is doing it very "gradually" as they put it. There's another option of a rental house that we would have to pay for, but apparently someone is in that one as well.
Anyway, they are going to get together today to try to figure this out - and we would covet your prayers in order to do this smoothly and with the least amount of weeks of living without toys...three boys have a remarkable amount of toys... So there ya go.
The "plan" is that we'll move down to TN in the next couple of weeks, and sort of chill out while we look for a new house. The church is going to loan us their manse fund ($45000) for a down payment that we'll pay back when we sell the house. I meet with COM on the 8th of August, have a reception at the church on the 12th, preach on the 13th. My understanding is that they will begin my pay on the 1st, which is strange, but I'm okay with it. I won't be able to meet with presbytery to get ordained until late October, though, since I can't get on the docket for August and they don't meet in September. So the COM came up with the idea that I be what they call a "pastor in waiting" - I'll do the job but won't moderate session or marry anyone or do the sacraments. Annoying, but that's life, I guess.
Well, I gotta go. Peace and grace to you all.
By the way, my e-mail is jgay38@hotmail.com - drop me a note if ya want.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Radio Silence
Greetings all from Nebraska...land of 100 degree heat and 85% humidity!
We found out a few weeks ago that Mom and Dad's internet childproofer doesn't allow us to post on the blog. We can read it, but can not participate.....so we have heard all the good news, but not been able to respond. I'm over here at my sister's getting my two cents in...but regular responses are not possible. Sorry.
That said......congrats to you John, Cheyanna, and Chris! Excellent news on finding places that already feel (to some degree) like home. It is great to read and "hear" the excitement.
As far as life here in Nebraska...we are enjoying having a chance to rest and spend time with family. We leave later today to fly out to CA and see Julie's folks, which should also be a great time to rest. All in all, we've enjoyed mowing (the old family business) and taking care of Marcy's kids. There haven't been too many "all living under one roof" complications yet....Mom and Dad have been great. I hope they'd say the same about us.
Saw a couple of movies this past week...both good. "Pirates 2" was a good time. "Cars" was my favorite movie of the summer....really an excellent story.
That about does it here....just wanted to drop in and say hey. But before I go...
Top 10 "Titles" I considered having the parishioners call me (before settling on "Scott" or "Pastor Scott")
10. JoJo the Preacher Boy
9. (in Ring Announcers Voice) Scott "The Passs-tuh From Nee-brass-kuh" Phillllluuuuuuuppps!
8. Cap'n Phillips of the S.S. Trinity
7. The Preachinator
6. King Joe of Mamma
5. Our Greatest Mistake
4. The Young Coloradian Puppeteer
3. Scottie Bag 'O Doughnuts
2. Dr. Sominex
1. The Rev. Dr. Henry Fawcett
That'll do it from here...talk to you again soon.
We found out a few weeks ago that Mom and Dad's internet childproofer doesn't allow us to post on the blog. We can read it, but can not participate.....so we have heard all the good news, but not been able to respond. I'm over here at my sister's getting my two cents in...but regular responses are not possible. Sorry.
That said......congrats to you John, Cheyanna, and Chris! Excellent news on finding places that already feel (to some degree) like home. It is great to read and "hear" the excitement.
As far as life here in Nebraska...we are enjoying having a chance to rest and spend time with family. We leave later today to fly out to CA and see Julie's folks, which should also be a great time to rest. All in all, we've enjoyed mowing (the old family business) and taking care of Marcy's kids. There haven't been too many "all living under one roof" complications yet....Mom and Dad have been great. I hope they'd say the same about us.
Saw a couple of movies this past week...both good. "Pirates 2" was a good time. "Cars" was my favorite movie of the summer....really an excellent story.
That about does it here....just wanted to drop in and say hey. But before I go...
Top 10 "Titles" I considered having the parishioners call me (before settling on "Scott" or "Pastor Scott")
10. JoJo the Preacher Boy
9. (in Ring Announcers Voice) Scott "The Passs-tuh From Nee-brass-kuh" Phillllluuuuuuuppps!
8. Cap'n Phillips of the S.S. Trinity
7. The Preachinator
6. King Joe of Mamma
5. Our Greatest Mistake
4. The Young Coloradian Puppeteer
3. Scottie Bag 'O Doughnuts
2. Dr. Sominex
1. The Rev. Dr. Henry Fawcett
That'll do it from here...talk to you again soon.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Prayers, prayers, and more prayers
I believe I speak for Andy Ploenske and Mike Jones as well as myself as I ask for prayers for us on Thursday. We meet with our District Committee to be interviewed for recommendation to go before the Board of Ordained Ministry for approval to be commissioned. (I know, it's sort of the step before the step before the step; but if this step doesn't happen, the rest are a moot point.)
Anyway, its a friendly but challenging committee, and we'll get appropriately grilled. I don't know about the others, but I am appropriately nervous! It's been great to keep up with all of you as you go your various ways in following God's call.
Thanks
Peace in Christ,
Cindy Marino
Anyway, its a friendly but challenging committee, and we'll get appropriately grilled. I don't know about the others, but I am appropriately nervous! It's been great to keep up with all of you as you go your various ways in following God's call.
Thanks
Peace in Christ,
Cindy Marino
Monday, July 10, 2006
For Inquiring Minds:
I have been slow to post this mostly because we do not have regular internet access which means that I have to walk down to the library to access the world wide web. Lucky for me now that we have moved it is mostly downhill to campus.
The nuetral pulpit we had went wonderfully. We have accepted a call to a congregation in Illinios. We aren't sure when we move from here but will let you know when we have more details.
Thanks for all your prayers, support, encouragement and humor.
The nuetral pulpit we had went wonderfully. We have accepted a call to a congregation in Illinios. We aren't sure when we move from here but will let you know when we have more details.
Thanks for all your prayers, support, encouragement and humor.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
What's in the water up here?!
To all of our brothers and sisters,
We (that's wifey and myself) realized recently that many of you probably haven't heard our news yet...On or about December 4, 2006, Angus Calvin Knox Hughes will be entering this world. As we do not know if the baby is a boy or girl yet, I have chosen a nice unisex name for the him/her; though Shaylene seems to have different ideas concerning the name of the child. Anyway, Shaylene is 19 weeks along and the doctor says that everything looks great! I remember when we moved here a couple of years ago I couldn't believe that couples were having babies while they were in school; now here we are...God sure has a great sense of humor! In the words of a pastor friend of mine from back home, "Babies are blessing anytime that they arrive." Please keep Shaylene in your prayers along with the other pregnant gals up here (Yuka Bosch, Natalie Ebbens, and Rebecca Hoch...I hope I didn't miss anybody). Peace and blessings to you all!
We (that's wifey and myself) realized recently that many of you probably haven't heard our news yet...On or about December 4, 2006, Angus Calvin Knox Hughes will be entering this world. As we do not know if the baby is a boy or girl yet, I have chosen a nice unisex name for the him/her; though Shaylene seems to have different ideas concerning the name of the child. Anyway, Shaylene is 19 weeks along and the doctor says that everything looks great! I remember when we moved here a couple of years ago I couldn't believe that couples were having babies while they were in school; now here we are...God sure has a great sense of humor! In the words of a pastor friend of mine from back home, "Babies are blessing anytime that they arrive." Please keep Shaylene in your prayers along with the other pregnant gals up here (Yuka Bosch, Natalie Ebbens, and Rebecca Hoch...I hope I didn't miss anybody). Peace and blessings to you all!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Update
Hello everyone! Just a little note to let people what the Gays are doing (gosh that always sounds bad when I put it like that!). Anyway, this last week we moved into Matt Johnson's place until we can go to our new church. We finished "getting here" on Thursday night (6/29) On Friday morning, about two hours before I had to leave to catch a plane at O'Hare to get down to a neutral pulpit in TN, Jennifer fell down the stairs. She's okay, but for a while I didn't think I could go preach.
But I did. It was a LONG weekend for Jennifer, but they all made it. I went down to Madisonville, Tennessee, where I just fell in love with not only the place but more importantly the people. Sunday afternoon the PNC extended me a call which I accepted on the spot. So we're off to Madisonville, TN!! COM is not meeting at all during July, so I won't be able to really get down there until the end of August, but we're really looking forward to it.
Madisonville is about 45 minutes south of Knoxville, about 10 minutes outside of the Great Smoky Mountains national park and Cherokee National Forest. It's really pretty there, so if you want to come down, just let me know. I'll probably have an accent in about a month, but that's life, huh?
Thanks for praying for us!
But I did. It was a LONG weekend for Jennifer, but they all made it. I went down to Madisonville, Tennessee, where I just fell in love with not only the place but more importantly the people. Sunday afternoon the PNC extended me a call which I accepted on the spot. So we're off to Madisonville, TN!! COM is not meeting at all during July, so I won't be able to really get down there until the end of August, but we're really looking forward to it.
Madisonville is about 45 minutes south of Knoxville, about 10 minutes outside of the Great Smoky Mountains national park and Cherokee National Forest. It's really pretty there, so if you want to come down, just let me know. I'll probably have an accent in about a month, but that's life, huh?
Thanks for praying for us!
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Two Crazy Weeks
Hello All!
Well...we made it. Julie and I have been all over the map the past few weeks, but I am happy to say that all went well and is well. Julie's GFather's funeral and graveside went well, and we made it to Berthoud with at least some rest.
Things there went really well. The vote came down 69-1 (I didn't see Fawcett there, but I'm pretty sure cast the one vote absentee) and the church was really excited to meet us (and vice versa). I met with the Session, and they seem excited and open to change. The only thing that was a bit discouraging (to say the least) was looking at houses on Monday. Let's just say that you need a mortgage to sleep on a bench in the park.
All in all, though, we couldn't be more excited. Things in Minden have been good so far (the dial up connection has been a bit of a pill...thus the limited posting), and we are looking forward to having the Jewett Family Magical Mystery Summer Tour breeze through town on Thursday.
I found out that I am going to be the first candidate for ordination at Plains and Peaks after this summer's GA. I was told by the chair of COM to "expect a grilling" and that I can expect one question in particular: "Do you have any scruples?"
I have formulated my response: "Your Mom."
That will do it for me here....more to come. Hope you all are doing well. Congrats on the call, Chris. We miss you all very much...I keep telling my mom about Dave McCreery and calling myself the Pope....she just looks worried. That, and she isn't very good at Halo.
Talk to you all again soon,
SP
Well...we made it. Julie and I have been all over the map the past few weeks, but I am happy to say that all went well and is well. Julie's GFather's funeral and graveside went well, and we made it to Berthoud with at least some rest.
Things there went really well. The vote came down 69-1 (I didn't see Fawcett there, but I'm pretty sure cast the one vote absentee) and the church was really excited to meet us (and vice versa). I met with the Session, and they seem excited and open to change. The only thing that was a bit discouraging (to say the least) was looking at houses on Monday. Let's just say that you need a mortgage to sleep on a bench in the park.
All in all, though, we couldn't be more excited. Things in Minden have been good so far (the dial up connection has been a bit of a pill...thus the limited posting), and we are looking forward to having the Jewett Family Magical Mystery Summer Tour breeze through town on Thursday.
I found out that I am going to be the first candidate for ordination at Plains and Peaks after this summer's GA. I was told by the chair of COM to "expect a grilling" and that I can expect one question in particular: "Do you have any scruples?"
I have formulated my response: "Your Mom."
That will do it for me here....more to come. Hope you all are doing well. Congrats on the call, Chris. We miss you all very much...I keep telling my mom about Dave McCreery and calling myself the Pope....she just looks worried. That, and she isn't very good at Halo.
Talk to you all again soon,
SP
just to clarify...
Thanks Tony for your congrats on my call. But I do need to clarify something in order to clear my good name and keep peace among us...
I did not call any group "heretical." I agree with you dear brother, this should not be done (unless the group is!)
I said the GA made a "heretical decision." This does not place the whole GA, and certainly not the whole denomination in heresy! In stating that this decision is heretical I stand in good company of all the PCUSA renewal groups, entire presbyteries, hundreds of congregations & thousands of faithful within the PCUSA, the global evangelical Church, and historical, orthodox Christianity.
Grace & peace all!
I did not call any group "heretical." I agree with you dear brother, this should not be done (unless the group is!)
I said the GA made a "heretical decision." This does not place the whole GA, and certainly not the whole denomination in heresy! In stating that this decision is heretical I stand in good company of all the PCUSA renewal groups, entire presbyteries, hundreds of congregations & thousands of faithful within the PCUSA, the global evangelical Church, and historical, orthodox Christianity.
Grace & peace all!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
checkin in & checkin out...
Greetings all,
It's official...Third Prez had their congregational meeting this past Sunday and formally voted me in as their next pastor! We are dancing with the Trinity!!!
So far I've heard from about 5 profs and a few peers, and my CPM chair, and—Praise our triune God— all have responded stating both sadness that I needed to separate from the PCUSA, but affirmed that this is a good call for us, and that our friendship & partnership in ministry will continue. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted in that regards.
Since the GA did go the heretical route of R5, and has now placed itself in schism from every major evangelical bodies and the majority church of the global south, I am in deep grief over this decision. I will continue to honor and pray for those of you who still feel called to fight the noble and needed fight for renewal!
As for me, I sat down and read through again the EPC's statements on abortion, divorce, homosexuality, Scripture, Christology, social justice, etc, I had tears in my eyes as I feel like I have come home to a group who stands where I stand and is focused solely on an evangelical mission!
I lose my seminary address and email here in few days. You can email me at roms1417@hotmail or keep in touch via this blog. We will move into a rental home while looking for a home to purchase here in Dubuque.
In amazement at God’s grace,
Chris
It's official...Third Prez had their congregational meeting this past Sunday and formally voted me in as their next pastor! We are dancing with the Trinity!!!
So far I've heard from about 5 profs and a few peers, and my CPM chair, and—Praise our triune God— all have responded stating both sadness that I needed to separate from the PCUSA, but affirmed that this is a good call for us, and that our friendship & partnership in ministry will continue. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted in that regards.
Since the GA did go the heretical route of R5, and has now placed itself in schism from every major evangelical bodies and the majority church of the global south, I am in deep grief over this decision. I will continue to honor and pray for those of you who still feel called to fight the noble and needed fight for renewal!
As for me, I sat down and read through again the EPC's statements on abortion, divorce, homosexuality, Scripture, Christology, social justice, etc, I had tears in my eyes as I feel like I have come home to a group who stands where I stand and is focused solely on an evangelical mission!
I lose my seminary address and email here in few days. You can email me at roms1417@hotmail or keep in touch via this blog. We will move into a rental home while looking for a home to purchase here in Dubuque.
In amazement at God’s grace,
Chris
Monday, June 26, 2006
Guys on the Roof.
As I sit here this morning looking out the window I see the maintenance crew on top of the roof of Phillips old place. It is raining and they are apparently attempting to find the leak that is present in every middle unit. They have been walking, knocking on the building and shaking their heads. I am not sure if the shaking of the heads is in disbelief or frustration but I know this cannot be easy for them to come in a fix something they did not do.
Please pray for them as they work to fix this problem down here in the Village. Pray for safety, good humor, patience and success.
Please pray for them as they work to fix this problem down here in the Village. Pray for safety, good humor, patience and success.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Help needed...
One of the reasons I choose this internship is because I would get to work as part of a pastoral team. I felt I needed that experience becuase I feel my immediate post-graduation call is as an associate pastor.
The help that is needed is with a funeral service. The pastoral staff has two people on vacation, one is one the work camp with the Sr. High youth group, and the other is busy the day of the service. I have been asked to lead a grave-side service for a former member that has moved away but wished to be burried next to her husband here in town.
There seems to be a learning curve for funeral services... I waas just wondering if you all could give a few tips for someone leading their first grave-side service. What are some things you wish you would have known before your first service? Anything would be helpful at this point as I have never done this before.
The help that is needed is with a funeral service. The pastoral staff has two people on vacation, one is one the work camp with the Sr. High youth group, and the other is busy the day of the service. I have been asked to lead a grave-side service for a former member that has moved away but wished to be burried next to her husband here in town.
There seems to be a learning curve for funeral services... I waas just wondering if you all could give a few tips for someone leading their first grave-side service. What are some things you wish you would have known before your first service? Anything would be helpful at this point as I have never done this before.
Good News!
After having been told by my session that I should look for another church, there was something of an uprising among the the congregation. They prevailed upon the session to reconsider and last night the session voted to give me a contract through the coming school year. The session had based their previous decision on 'philosophical differences' because I was trying to get them to be an active church and they want to be an inactive church. To me, it was between obedience to the gospel and disobedience. Now that I have a contract, I will continue to bang my head against the wall throughout the coming year. (After a while, it almost feels good.)
Grace and Peace,
Ron
Grace and Peace,
Ron
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Prayer Request
First I have to say what a joy to be able to have this community, even if it is online instead of live! I want to ask for your prayers this weekend as Ed and I go to do a neutral pulpit for two yoked churches in Lawton and Bronson Iowa. I had a neutral pulpit for Red Oak IA on June 11th which I am also still waiting to hear back on. Please pray for God's guidance and direction for us, and for my preaching this weekend. Thank you, dear friends in Christ, as your prayers mean so much to me!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Thoughts from Hughes at G.A.
Hello everyone,
I apologize for not posting on the blog before tonight, but I have been sorting through my feelings on what has happened here over the last few days. I'll try to share with you my thoughts on what has transpired here so far...
I have been serving on the Church Orders Committee. Our main overtures to deal with concerned ordination standards (G-6.0106b) and affirmations that marriage is for a man and woman. The first issue that we addressed was marriage. We handled three different overtures on this subject...the bad news is that my committee voted 30-28 against affirming that the Biblical witness for marriage is 1 man and 1 woman; the good news is that I got quoted on the Layman Online! If you click on the heading concerning marriage, you'll see me their in all my glory. Dr. Achtemeier congratulated me at the P.F.R. breakfast this morning on my baptism into the Layman! Dave's goal is to appear in a Layman headline (out of context) this week with his belief in a monotheiestic Mormon God (Or whatever they teach at Whitworth).
The committee did vote 30-28 in favor of upholding the current ordination standards. You all should have seen the witnesses that were paraded in front of us...One woman (an ordained PCUSA minister) claimed that God told her to leave her marriage of 14 years and become a lesbian; another woman (also a PCUSA minister) told us that she used to be a man, and has undergone a sex-change operation (she is now a family counselor in Atlanta!). I could go on and on. Regardless of where you stand on the ordination issue, these people are hurting very badly and in need of prayer and God's tender healing. I was nearly completely emotionally drained at the end of the day.
Plenary went well today. The G.A. adapted a resolution to create and distrubute sexual education curriculum that discusses all forms of sexuality, but only endorses heterosexual, married (1 man and 1 woman) sexual behavior.
Anyway, enough about sex. I ask that you all keep Dave, Dr. Achtemeier, and myself in your prayers as plenary meets tomorrow. Tomorrow is probably going to be very intense because the assembly is debating and voting on P.U.P., Christian marriage, and ordination standards.
Peace to you all,
Mark
P.S. I did see Gordon Jewett here (Dave's dad) and have heard many humorous stories of certain faculty members at U.D.T.S. from their friends here. I'll fill everybody in later.
I apologize for not posting on the blog before tonight, but I have been sorting through my feelings on what has happened here over the last few days. I'll try to share with you my thoughts on what has transpired here so far...
I have been serving on the Church Orders Committee. Our main overtures to deal with concerned ordination standards (G-6.0106b) and affirmations that marriage is for a man and woman. The first issue that we addressed was marriage. We handled three different overtures on this subject...the bad news is that my committee voted 30-28 against affirming that the Biblical witness for marriage is 1 man and 1 woman; the good news is that I got quoted on the Layman Online! If you click on the heading concerning marriage, you'll see me their in all my glory. Dr. Achtemeier congratulated me at the P.F.R. breakfast this morning on my baptism into the Layman! Dave's goal is to appear in a Layman headline (out of context) this week with his belief in a monotheiestic Mormon God (Or whatever they teach at Whitworth).
The committee did vote 30-28 in favor of upholding the current ordination standards. You all should have seen the witnesses that were paraded in front of us...One woman (an ordained PCUSA minister) claimed that God told her to leave her marriage of 14 years and become a lesbian; another woman (also a PCUSA minister) told us that she used to be a man, and has undergone a sex-change operation (she is now a family counselor in Atlanta!). I could go on and on. Regardless of where you stand on the ordination issue, these people are hurting very badly and in need of prayer and God's tender healing. I was nearly completely emotionally drained at the end of the day.
Plenary went well today. The G.A. adapted a resolution to create and distrubute sexual education curriculum that discusses all forms of sexuality, but only endorses heterosexual, married (1 man and 1 woman) sexual behavior.
Anyway, enough about sex. I ask that you all keep Dave, Dr. Achtemeier, and myself in your prayers as plenary meets tomorrow. Tomorrow is probably going to be very intense because the assembly is debating and voting on P.U.P., Christian marriage, and ordination standards.
Peace to you all,
Mark
P.S. I did see Gordon Jewett here (Dave's dad) and have heard many humorous stories of certain faculty members at U.D.T.S. from their friends here. I'll fill everybody in later.
GA Update III
The good news continues to flow from this year's GA. I can't tell you the number of people I have talked to who have said that they see a different spirit about this year's gathering. I continue to see the Holy Spirit in many ways. I also continue to enjoy meeting new people and developing new friendships from persons across the nation. I am particularly grateful for the new friendships forming with the other seminary students -- what a pleasant and welcome surprise!
Today, we voted to uphold a sexual education curriculum affirming that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman. We also voted to send to Committee on Social Witness Policy a 'resolution' calling them to study the war torn country of Columbia and the surrounding issues. Originally, the 'resolution' called for immediate action that would have called for too much haste without knowing enough information. In many ways, it paralleled former recommendations to GA that had been previous approved (ie, divestment and declaring American soldiers as war criminals). We also "received" (vs. approved) the Trinity paper with an ammendment making the paper more palitable. The ammendment called for the requirement of the FAther/ Son/ Holy Spirit formula to be used in Baptism (in the paper, it implied this was optional). I am not pleased with the paper, but with the "received" language and the fact that the recommendation calls congregations to study it (vs. seeing it as authortative) I am not going to make a big fuss. I did read through the paper a couple of times and the majority of it is fine. In fact, some parts are very good.
On a side, for you presby's, our polity teacher was on the platform today as the assistant Parlimentarian!! It was pretty cool.
Finally, I ask for your prayers. Tomorrow (Tues) we will be addressing the PUP Report, the famous "ammendment b" (homosexual ordination), and the issue whether marriage is between a man and a woman. Please, be in prayer for all those present at the assembly -- for humility, discernment, clarity, love, etc. Pray for the way we go about the discussion. Pray that the result would be God's will for our church.
I close with the assurance that God is at work in the PC(USA). He is doing something new and something exciting.
Today, we voted to uphold a sexual education curriculum affirming that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman. We also voted to send to Committee on Social Witness Policy a 'resolution' calling them to study the war torn country of Columbia and the surrounding issues. Originally, the 'resolution' called for immediate action that would have called for too much haste without knowing enough information. In many ways, it paralleled former recommendations to GA that had been previous approved (ie, divestment and declaring American soldiers as war criminals). We also "received" (vs. approved) the Trinity paper with an ammendment making the paper more palitable. The ammendment called for the requirement of the FAther/ Son/ Holy Spirit formula to be used in Baptism (in the paper, it implied this was optional). I am not pleased with the paper, but with the "received" language and the fact that the recommendation calls congregations to study it (vs. seeing it as authortative) I am not going to make a big fuss. I did read through the paper a couple of times and the majority of it is fine. In fact, some parts are very good.
On a side, for you presby's, our polity teacher was on the platform today as the assistant Parlimentarian!! It was pretty cool.
Finally, I ask for your prayers. Tomorrow (Tues) we will be addressing the PUP Report, the famous "ammendment b" (homosexual ordination), and the issue whether marriage is between a man and a woman. Please, be in prayer for all those present at the assembly -- for humility, discernment, clarity, love, etc. Pray for the way we go about the discussion. Pray that the result would be God's will for our church.
I close with the assurance that God is at work in the PC(USA). He is doing something new and something exciting.
Celebration & sadness!
Despite the denominational ramifications, I invite you all as my dear brothers & sisters in Christ to celebrate with my family and I.
I have just accepted an irresistible and undeniably God-given call to pastor the dear people of God at Third Pres right here in lovely ol’ Dubuque!
I have just sent you all a detailed email about these momentous decisions, so I ask that you please take the time to read it in order to protect and preserve our ongoing friendship, fellowship, and partnership in Christ.
Celebrating in the wild grace of our triune God,
Chris
I have just accepted an irresistible and undeniably God-given call to pastor the dear people of God at Third Pres right here in lovely ol’ Dubuque!
I have just sent you all a detailed email about these momentous decisions, so I ask that you please take the time to read it in order to protect and preserve our ongoing friendship, fellowship, and partnership in Christ.
Celebrating in the wild grace of our triune God,
Chris
Sunday, June 18, 2006
GA Update II: It's Not All Bad
Very soon, if not already, I am sure many affiliation groups will begin publishing material that purports negative aspects about the PC (USA). I want to assure any of you who are disenheartened that it is not all bad. There are two surprising experiences I would like to share.
1) I have been very surprised by the sense of community in my committee. For being a committee on GA Procedures and for only just meeting one another two days ago, I would have never guessed there would be a "community" formed. Granted, it was nothing like the intimate small groups I have been a part of, but it was far more than I expected. I walk away from the committee with many new friendships -- people I never would have met before, and with whom I am united because of the bond of the Spirit. It was a joy working with them. Everyone had both a tremendous respect for the issues at hand (however monotonous, technical, or tedious) and a tremendous respect for one another. I can truly say the Spirit was at work in our committee (not that he isn't in others, but hopefuly you understand!).
2) Sitting up in the second level of the arena I watched in awe, as people around the arena took part in the Lord's Supper. People from all over -- Korea, Nevada, Congo , Rhode Island and elsewhere. People from urban areas, rural areas, and suburban areas. People of all types, races, and opinions. All of these taking part in the Lord's Supper. Scanning the auditorium, I am constantly drawn to the communion table that is in the shape of the cross and takes up nearly the entire floor of the arena. This is an amazing event of the anticipation of the heavenly banquet. As we pass the plate and dip our piece of bread, the sounds of great hymns flood our ears in English and an African dialect. It is truly a worship experience I will never forget. (I only wish I could describe it better.)
Friends in Christ, know that there are great things going on in our denomination. God is not done with the PC (USA).
1) I have been very surprised by the sense of community in my committee. For being a committee on GA Procedures and for only just meeting one another two days ago, I would have never guessed there would be a "community" formed. Granted, it was nothing like the intimate small groups I have been a part of, but it was far more than I expected. I walk away from the committee with many new friendships -- people I never would have met before, and with whom I am united because of the bond of the Spirit. It was a joy working with them. Everyone had both a tremendous respect for the issues at hand (however monotonous, technical, or tedious) and a tremendous respect for one another. I can truly say the Spirit was at work in our committee (not that he isn't in others, but hopefuly you understand!).
2) Sitting up in the second level of the arena I watched in awe, as people around the arena took part in the Lord's Supper. People from all over -- Korea, Nevada, Congo , Rhode Island and elsewhere. People from urban areas, rural areas, and suburban areas. People of all types, races, and opinions. All of these taking part in the Lord's Supper. Scanning the auditorium, I am constantly drawn to the communion table that is in the shape of the cross and takes up nearly the entire floor of the arena. This is an amazing event of the anticipation of the heavenly banquet. As we pass the plate and dip our piece of bread, the sounds of great hymns flood our ears in English and an African dialect. It is truly a worship experience I will never forget. (I only wish I could describe it better.)
Friends in Christ, know that there are great things going on in our denomination. God is not done with the PC (USA).
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Lounging in Birmingham...
Greetings from General Assembly!
I have actually be doing anything BUT lounging. Since arriving, I have been around people nonstop until this morning when I had time to relax a bit before the day began. In any case, I thought I'd update you all on how the Assembly is going so far.
Yesterday we began meeting in our committees. I am on the GA Procedures committee. We have and will primarily deal with budget issues and "standing rules" of the GA. So, there are per capita overtures, overtures to change the age of Youth Advisory Delegates, and other matters. Yesterday should have gone incredibly quickly, we didn't cover much of anything of substance. Yet, people still got hung up on details that make little differences. I will say, though, while I was hoping for one of the theological or ecclesiological committees (those are my interests), this committee has been an excellent lesson in parlimentary procedure and polity. Regarding the other committees, I have not heard too much. Mark (Hughes) spent most of the day yesterday in a committee discussing marriage -- I gather it was very intense. In a close vote, they did not affirm that marriage is between a man and a woman, if that gives you an idea. I have not heard much about the other committees. I'm hoping to be done with mine today. If that happens I'll be able to listen in on the other committees.
On the negative side, it is frustrating seeing all the politiquing and such. I would much rather the church be able to dialogue without Robert's Rules. At the same time, I have witnessed the fact that it is extremely effective at keeping things decently and in order. (However, it is completely useless in the realm of time efficiency!) It is also disheartening witnessing some of the heterodox and near heretical views that are brought up. Thankfully those views are far from the majority. It is also frustrating seeing those who hold similar views as myself live by the rules of power, rather than the rules of love.
On the positive side, despite the many "hot issues", power struggles, and cultural/theological differences, there is great unity in the Presbyterian Church. I have been deeply moved by the vast amounts of agreement on so many issues. While there are certainly divisive issues, at this point, they have been overshadowed by the unity. We have voted in an excellent moderator -- Joan Gray (you Presbyterian student will recognize her as the author of our polity book). She is a humble woman, with a great heart, and has clearly been called to help lead us in her position as Moderator. It has also been a joy spending time with the othdr seminary advisory delegates (TSAD's). It gives me further hope for the church. One of the best parts has been meeting so many people from so many different places.
By the way, the flight down was quite entertaining as we had an entire plane full of Presbyterians! It was quite humorous.
I hope that gives some of you an overview of what's happening so far. Hopefully, on the next one I'll be able to provide more interesting details. Unfortunately, I have to jet so I can hit my committee meeting! Please continue to pray for Assembly -- for humilty, discernment, listening skills, and a good sense of humor in everything! (Please post any questions!!!)
Shalom!
I have actually be doing anything BUT lounging. Since arriving, I have been around people nonstop until this morning when I had time to relax a bit before the day began. In any case, I thought I'd update you all on how the Assembly is going so far.
Yesterday we began meeting in our committees. I am on the GA Procedures committee. We have and will primarily deal with budget issues and "standing rules" of the GA. So, there are per capita overtures, overtures to change the age of Youth Advisory Delegates, and other matters. Yesterday should have gone incredibly quickly, we didn't cover much of anything of substance. Yet, people still got hung up on details that make little differences. I will say, though, while I was hoping for one of the theological or ecclesiological committees (those are my interests), this committee has been an excellent lesson in parlimentary procedure and polity. Regarding the other committees, I have not heard too much. Mark (Hughes) spent most of the day yesterday in a committee discussing marriage -- I gather it was very intense. In a close vote, they did not affirm that marriage is between a man and a woman, if that gives you an idea. I have not heard much about the other committees. I'm hoping to be done with mine today. If that happens I'll be able to listen in on the other committees.
On the negative side, it is frustrating seeing all the politiquing and such. I would much rather the church be able to dialogue without Robert's Rules. At the same time, I have witnessed the fact that it is extremely effective at keeping things decently and in order. (However, it is completely useless in the realm of time efficiency!) It is also disheartening witnessing some of the heterodox and near heretical views that are brought up. Thankfully those views are far from the majority. It is also frustrating seeing those who hold similar views as myself live by the rules of power, rather than the rules of love.
On the positive side, despite the many "hot issues", power struggles, and cultural/theological differences, there is great unity in the Presbyterian Church. I have been deeply moved by the vast amounts of agreement on so many issues. While there are certainly divisive issues, at this point, they have been overshadowed by the unity. We have voted in an excellent moderator -- Joan Gray (you Presbyterian student will recognize her as the author of our polity book). She is a humble woman, with a great heart, and has clearly been called to help lead us in her position as Moderator. It has also been a joy spending time with the othdr seminary advisory delegates (TSAD's). It gives me further hope for the church. One of the best parts has been meeting so many people from so many different places.
By the way, the flight down was quite entertaining as we had an entire plane full of Presbyterians! It was quite humorous.
I hope that gives some of you an overview of what's happening so far. Hopefully, on the next one I'll be able to provide more interesting details. Unfortunately, I have to jet so I can hit my committee meeting! Please continue to pray for Assembly -- for humilty, discernment, listening skills, and a good sense of humor in everything! (Please post any questions!!!)
Shalom!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Moving on
Moving on from UDTS is a difficult thing to do. In preparing to travel over 1000 miles to Amish Country I told myself to think of the great experience that awaited; I attempted to put DBQ and everything behind me as this would make the trip a little easier. NO GO. As I schlepped across the country I was continually reminded of ya'll. I passed about half a dozen "
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
On To Minden
I am in the process of checking my e-mail (and, therefore, the blog) for the last time before I pack up the 'ol CPU. Julie and I roll out on Friday morning. Please pray for our U-Haul truck (I've heard stories).
Boxes now fill our rooms, the walls are bare. There's a moving truck the size of Detroit in our front yard this morning being filled with the Jewetts' furniture. What was once avoidable or at the very least able to be put aside is becoming very real...we are leaving Dubuque and the community we have come to love very much.
Thank you for a truly wonderful three years...the memories of Bagel Bashes, impromptu worship services, raucous lunches, games of catch, Danza movies, Tom Jones listening parties, and all those other brilliant moments of laughter, prayer, worship, insight, and love will remind me of how impossibly good God has been.
Talk to you again from Nebraska.
Thanks.
PS--Two prayer requests:
1) Julie's grandfather that she was very close to passed away yesterday. Please pray for her, for me, and for her family.
2) We candidate in Colorado a week from Sunday....please pray for us, and I'll keep you posted.
Boxes now fill our rooms, the walls are bare. There's a moving truck the size of Detroit in our front yard this morning being filled with the Jewetts' furniture. What was once avoidable or at the very least able to be put aside is becoming very real...we are leaving Dubuque and the community we have come to love very much.
Thank you for a truly wonderful three years...the memories of Bagel Bashes, impromptu worship services, raucous lunches, games of catch, Danza movies, Tom Jones listening parties, and all those other brilliant moments of laughter, prayer, worship, insight, and love will remind me of how impossibly good God has been.
Talk to you again from Nebraska.
Thanks.
PS--Two prayer requests:
1) Julie's grandfather that she was very close to passed away yesterday. Please pray for her, for me, and for her family.
2) We candidate in Colorado a week from Sunday....please pray for us, and I'll keep you posted.
Graduation Pictures
Good morning all! I was just finishing up the pictures that I took at Graduation 2006! I thought that I would let you all see it before I put the offical link to it up on the UDTS website.
http://udts.dbq.edu/Grad_pics/index.htm
If you guys check it out - let me know what you think! I added captions to most of the images so make sure you look at them to see if I spelled everything correctly!
Have fun!
http://udts.dbq.edu/Grad_pics/index.htm
If you guys check it out - let me know what you think! I added captions to most of the images so make sure you look at them to see if I spelled everything correctly!
Have fun!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
It Is Finished ...
The m28 CD "Tell the World" is finally finished. Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and prayers throughout the project. After I take a nap, I'm going to update the website, get some clips up there and a Paypal shopping cart for processing orders online. Looking for a location for a release party sometime in July ... when I find one, you're all invited!
Hope you are doing well, and know that I miss you all.
Hope you are doing well, and know that I miss you all.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Just an update.
When the congregation heard about the session's decision, there was an uprising. The session is reconsidering their decision. But, what I have now is half of the congregation wants my head on a plate and half of the congregation wants to nominate me for sainthood. I would prefer to be somewhere in between.
Blessings All,
Ron
When the congregation heard about the session's decision, there was an uprising. The session is reconsidering their decision. But, what I have now is half of the congregation wants my head on a plate and half of the congregation wants to nominate me for sainthood. I would prefer to be somewhere in between.
Blessings All,
Ron
Friday, June 09, 2006
Hey Y'all,
I are a Candydate!
I was examined by Indian Nations Presbytery and in their infinite wisdom, they advanced me to Candidate.
On a less positive note, the churches I am pastoring opted not to renew my contract next year.
Ooops!
If anyone knows of a church that needs a student pastor; let me know.
If anyone is looking for a church, I know of a vacancy.
By the way, I looked around and there are all kinds of sinners out there in the world, so you graduates get out there and get to work.
Love Y'all.
I are a Candydate!
I was examined by Indian Nations Presbytery and in their infinite wisdom, they advanced me to Candidate.
On a less positive note, the churches I am pastoring opted not to renew my contract next year.
Ooops!
If anyone knows of a church that needs a student pastor; let me know.
If anyone is looking for a church, I know of a vacancy.
By the way, I looked around and there are all kinds of sinners out there in the world, so you graduates get out there and get to work.
Love Y'all.
Friday, June 02, 2006
WHERE IS THE GOAT?
Iguana'ed to feed the goat.
So I sanitized my hands. 
But I was too late!
(This snake is about as wide as Kris Alwin's torso.)
I was very angry!
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Summer fun ?
OK, here's a spot for everyone to post their summer plans and post how things are going this far. I do realize that the summer has not progressed all that much. In fact it has not even been a week since I have been in Iowa. None the less I would like to hear how everyone is doing and what they are up to...that and I am borded stiff...God bless
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
William Alexander Homan
William Alexander Homan was born May 30th, at 1:23 A.M. He weighs 10 pounds 10 ounces, and is 22 inches long (A very big boy). Mom and baby are both doing great, and we thank you all for your prayers, calls, and visits. If you would like to see some pics, I have created a blog here at blogspot just for sharing pics. Just go to http://babyhoman.blogspot.com
Again, thank you all and God bless you all and good luck with those interviews all, I've been making lists and praying for you all as dates arive for church visits etc. We will be bringing baby Will home tomorrow (June 1st).
God bless, God keep, and God speed,
Spencer
Again, thank you all and God bless you all and good luck with those interviews all, I've been making lists and praying for you all as dates arive for church visits etc. We will be bringing baby Will home tomorrow (June 1st).
God bless, God keep, and God speed,
Spencer
Monday, May 29, 2006
Prayers would be appreciated
Dear All,
Prayers would be appreciated for our family this week - our eldest daughter, Lauren, fractured her foot last Tuesday - we are hoping that the swelling will go down enough so that she can get a permanent cast. Lauren is 17.
Pray also for Hannah, who is 13. Tomorrow morning she will have her adnoids and tonsils removed. She is very afraid of needles, and is anxious about the whole thing. We must be at the hospital in Monroe by 6:45am.
Thank you friends for your prayers - it looks to be a tough week for the rest of us who are un-wounded! Ethan, Justin, Steven and myself.
Blessings,
deborah
Prayers would be appreciated for our family this week - our eldest daughter, Lauren, fractured her foot last Tuesday - we are hoping that the swelling will go down enough so that she can get a permanent cast. Lauren is 17.
Pray also for Hannah, who is 13. Tomorrow morning she will have her adnoids and tonsils removed. She is very afraid of needles, and is anxious about the whole thing. We must be at the hospital in Monroe by 6:45am.
Thank you friends for your prayers - it looks to be a tough week for the rest of us who are un-wounded! Ethan, Justin, Steven and myself.
Blessings,
deborah
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Softball Photos!
If anyone is interested in seeing the photos from the April softball game just email me and I'll send them to you. There is an awesome action shot of Amy. These are the ones that appeared in the Good News.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Friend needs prayer
My best friend and his wife live in
John's parents have been married for a long time and have been through a lot in their time together. Part of what is happening is the empty nest syndrome, where all the kids have gone and now it's the two of them and their life now is now what they expected it would be.
If you have not heard about John here's his life in the last two years:
Married...moved from Austin...church problems...wife diagnosed with MS...bought a house...baby was born (incidentally the kid has the coolest God-father)...church going broke...beginning to circulate PIF...father having an affair...
John needs prayers from all of us...please keep him and his family in your prayers...
Thursday, May 25, 2006
This is your brain on seminary...
This is just a rough estimate, but I quickly counted the books on my shelf and looked at my three master lists of “all papers due,” and came up with these dizzying figures:
Over our three (or more) years in seminary, we read some 104 books (plus numerous handouts), composed some 75 papers (ranging in length from 2-20 pages), and spent 1152 hours in class, and spent some 2304 hours studying out of class (for those of us who actually studied the 2 hours for every 1 hour in class!), totaling some 3456 total hours of lecture and study.
Any wonder that our brains are fried & I for one get nauseas just picking up a book!
And look at where it all got me…unemployed in Greenland!
Over our three (or more) years in seminary, we read some 104 books (plus numerous handouts), composed some 75 papers (ranging in length from 2-20 pages), and spent 1152 hours in class, and spent some 2304 hours studying out of class (for those of us who actually studied the 2 hours for every 1 hour in class!), totaling some 3456 total hours of lecture and study.
Any wonder that our brains are fried & I for one get nauseas just picking up a book!
And look at where it all got me…unemployed in Greenland!
Monday, May 22, 2006
code of heretics
There are those of us who want to push the limits of our salvation and God's grace so we are going to see "The Da Vinci Code" Tuesday night. We will be meeting at Potterveld around 745pm and will be going to the 830pm show. I do realize this is late for some of you older folks but I promise it will be fun. When it's over we can yell "heretic" at the screen and to everyone leaving the theater. Seeing Tom Hanks with a mullet is worth the price of admission. Who can turn down a movie where people laughed during the climax and the intense moments?
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