Even though we have yet to arrive to December, Advent has begun with a flourish! I wish that all flourishes were lovely, but some are not.
The trees go up in the sanctuary today. They get decorated tomorrow evening. Most of the bulletins for December are already printed - they would all be printed if it weren't for me - I seem to be a hurdle. The sanctuary itself has been decorated with wreaths and poinsettias. Advent candle wreath has been unearthed and set up - minus the Christ candle, but someone has taken responsibility to find it and/or get a new one. And I am finding out that there are fewer differences between working in a school and working in a church than I first imagined. Nerves get just as fraught in a church as they do in a school - even without report cards.
As well, the literacy project was approved at the board meeting last week. I am trying to raise $6,000.00 for the software and hardware upgrades; find a source for lunches; get pamphlets designed, printed, and distributed; and generally get organized to be open for the beginning of January.
We do have a name. "Sanctuary@Knox" is what we're calling it. I am hoping that it appeals to those who will eventually come. I'm trying to emphasize the safe aspect of the program as well as acknowledging that we are a church. It also hints that we are a technology rich learning environment. I am pumped, but I am also finding that the details can get a bit cumbersome. All part of the work. The good part of that is the support from the board and many individual members of this community. I helps me get through the maze of technicalities as well as over the hurdles.
There is also a feeling of wonder that this is happening at the same time as we begin a liturgical year. I think I am going to find increasingly that there is meaning in that.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Labyrinth Walks
Last Friday, a group of kids came from another church here in Calgary to find out about the Labyrinth. Coincidentally, a student from a local college was visiting that afternoon and was seeking more information about the Labyrinth. She asked if she could joins us for the evening walk. She brought along three friends.
Most of the time, when I have walked the Labyrinth, the group has been small. This time, the group was fairly big. As well, I have never been the "leader" when I have done this before. Most of the time, actually, I have walked the labyrinth by myself. I usually am using this walk as a way to calm myself and try to focus inward to find the answers to whatever dilemma I face at the time.
It was really interesting to do this Friday evening. I don't know for sure what kind of experience I expected, but it certainly was not what actually occurred. Perhaps, I was skeptical of whether these kids would find the spirituality in the walk. They certainly did. As well, I was uncertain about the college students and their skepticism. There was none. They were obviously finding this a completely different, but significant experience.
Afterwards, I took them into the sanctuary for debriefing. There was not a lot of discussion, but they were fascinated with the entire building. They felt the different energies of the two rooms (the sanctuary and the labyrinth room). They were fascinated with the organ, the size of the room, the age of the building.
I truly enjoyed the time with them and am now trying to figure out how I can bring our own youth to have a similar experience.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Inclusion
Yesterday's study group centred on the idea that "God is here for everyone." We began by watching an advertising campaign that was initiated by the United Church of Christ (in the U. S.) a couple of years ago. Apparently, the major networks, other than ABC, would not run the ads. They thought they were too controversial. They seem somewhat tame to me.
The first one they produced was one entitled "Steeple." They showed it awhile and then did some research on its. It apparently did not do much for anyone other than those who were already church goers. They then produced one they refer to as "Bouncer." This one appealed to a small group outside of "church goers," but not significantly so. They finally produced the one they refer to as "ejector." This one apparently widened the reception and made an impact on most viewers. It is amazing to me that one has to be so blatant to get a message across. A lesson in communication. (You can see all three by clicking on the title of this posting.)
I have been struggling with trying to find music that will appeal to youths. I have written about this previously. When I find good music that has meaningful lyrics, I try to match it directly to the message of the sermon and the readings of the day. Unfortunately, there are some members who find the music "uncomfortable." They want to keep that warm glow - somewhat soporific in nature - until the end of the service. This music tends to interrupt that feeling. They want me to stop.
I plan on stopping for advent. However, I need to find a way to communicate how our services, as they run now, do NOT include children and youth. We have modified how we leave and introduced re-entry into the congregation at the end of the service.
What used to happen in the service was quite different. We would begin the service with call to order, hymns, and the readings. Then the minister would get up and do "Children's Time." Then the children would leave - never to return until the next week. I loved the stories. I loved that "Children's" time. For me, it was an intro to what the sermon would be like. The stories were cute, poignant, and often gave us an glimpse of the ministers' childhood and sense of humour. It appealed to ma as an adult. It wasn't doing much for the kids. It also bothered me that the kids never re-appeared. I felt we were giving them the message: "We can tolerate you for a little time, but that's about it. We don't have much of a place for you here, so go along and we'll see you next week."
I don't, for a moment, believe that the congregation meant to communicate this message. I just felt strongly that it was being communicated. So one of the first things I asked to modify was when we left.
We try to leave as soon as possible during the service. We usually leave during the first hymn. If there is a baptism, we leave after the baptism - the children need to be there. (The children help bless the new members, they are reminded of their own baptism and what that means, and they present candles to the parents and generally welcome the new members into the church community.) If there is a special presentation (as there was on Remembrance Day), we stay for the presentation and then leave. Once we are gathered in our place within the church (a room adjacent to the sanctuary), I summarize or paraphrase the readings for the day and lead a discussion about what it might mean to the kids. It is interesting to do, as my group ranges from age 4 - 16. Sometimes the discussion is heated, sometimes contradictory, sometimes amazingly spiritual, and always interesting. There has never been a day when the discussion went flat.
I usually ask the participants to think of a way to respond to the readings and the discussion. They each have a journal into which they can draw, write, colour, or whatever. I am surprised at how many of the older children choose to draw.
All the while, I am listening for the section of the service when we go back into the congregation. It is towards the end, after the "prayers of the people," and before the "community news." This is when I usually play the music selection for the week. We walk back into the sanctuary and we share what we (I use "we" to represent both myself and the children) have discussed. Sometimes this is a sharing of the drawings, a short skit, a dance, or me talking. The participants help me decide what form the sharing will be. We finish the community news occurs.
I hope that this symbolically represents to the rest of the congregation that we are also important members of the community. That we understand what is being discussed as well as they do - perhaps on a different level, but we understand. There are times when I think the children understand better than we adults do. For them it comes so quickly.
The music I play never runs over a complete minute. Most of the time it is 30 seconds of music. One time, I played the entire piece because it was more "folky" and there were no electric guitars or heavy metal sounds. All the same, there were complaints. Unfortunately, never to me directly. If they came directly, I could at least enter into discussion about the music. With the messages always being relayed, I never get the opportunity.
I guess the other aspect that bothers me about this is the idea of "comfort." If we truly mean that everyone is welcome, we are going to be welcoming people that might make us "uncomfortable." If I am successful in getting youths to come here to learn, I am hoping that they may also decide to check us out on Sundays and see if our services say anything to them. They will make people "uncomfortable." They will not come in pristine dresses and suits. They will not likely be neatly groomed and smelling of good cologne. They may have tattoos, piercings, leather garments, dirty faces, etc. How will they be received? I don't want to expose these individuals to further alienation. They get enough of it.
We have come to welcome all sexual orientations. We do not act in ageist ways that negate the value of the elder members of the community. We try increasingly more diligently to honour all sexes, socio-economic groups, all marital or coupling statuses, and all cultural groups. Will we be able to accept youth as they are?
The first one they produced was one entitled "Steeple." They showed it awhile and then did some research on its. It apparently did not do much for anyone other than those who were already church goers. They then produced one they refer to as "Bouncer." This one appealed to a small group outside of "church goers," but not significantly so. They finally produced the one they refer to as "ejector." This one apparently widened the reception and made an impact on most viewers. It is amazing to me that one has to be so blatant to get a message across. A lesson in communication. (You can see all three by clicking on the title of this posting.)
I have been struggling with trying to find music that will appeal to youths. I have written about this previously. When I find good music that has meaningful lyrics, I try to match it directly to the message of the sermon and the readings of the day. Unfortunately, there are some members who find the music "uncomfortable." They want to keep that warm glow - somewhat soporific in nature - until the end of the service. This music tends to interrupt that feeling. They want me to stop.
I plan on stopping for advent. However, I need to find a way to communicate how our services, as they run now, do NOT include children and youth. We have modified how we leave and introduced re-entry into the congregation at the end of the service.
What used to happen in the service was quite different. We would begin the service with call to order, hymns, and the readings. Then the minister would get up and do "Children's Time." Then the children would leave - never to return until the next week. I loved the stories. I loved that "Children's" time. For me, it was an intro to what the sermon would be like. The stories were cute, poignant, and often gave us an glimpse of the ministers' childhood and sense of humour. It appealed to ma as an adult. It wasn't doing much for the kids. It also bothered me that the kids never re-appeared. I felt we were giving them the message: "We can tolerate you for a little time, but that's about it. We don't have much of a place for you here, so go along and we'll see you next week."
I don't, for a moment, believe that the congregation meant to communicate this message. I just felt strongly that it was being communicated. So one of the first things I asked to modify was when we left.
We try to leave as soon as possible during the service. We usually leave during the first hymn. If there is a baptism, we leave after the baptism - the children need to be there. (The children help bless the new members, they are reminded of their own baptism and what that means, and they present candles to the parents and generally welcome the new members into the church community.) If there is a special presentation (as there was on Remembrance Day), we stay for the presentation and then leave. Once we are gathered in our place within the church (a room adjacent to the sanctuary), I summarize or paraphrase the readings for the day and lead a discussion about what it might mean to the kids. It is interesting to do, as my group ranges from age 4 - 16. Sometimes the discussion is heated, sometimes contradictory, sometimes amazingly spiritual, and always interesting. There has never been a day when the discussion went flat.
I usually ask the participants to think of a way to respond to the readings and the discussion. They each have a journal into which they can draw, write, colour, or whatever. I am surprised at how many of the older children choose to draw.
All the while, I am listening for the section of the service when we go back into the congregation. It is towards the end, after the "prayers of the people," and before the "community news." This is when I usually play the music selection for the week. We walk back into the sanctuary and we share what we (I use "we" to represent both myself and the children) have discussed. Sometimes this is a sharing of the drawings, a short skit, a dance, or me talking. The participants help me decide what form the sharing will be. We finish the community news occurs.
I hope that this symbolically represents to the rest of the congregation that we are also important members of the community. That we understand what is being discussed as well as they do - perhaps on a different level, but we understand. There are times when I think the children understand better than we adults do. For them it comes so quickly.
The music I play never runs over a complete minute. Most of the time it is 30 seconds of music. One time, I played the entire piece because it was more "folky" and there were no electric guitars or heavy metal sounds. All the same, there were complaints. Unfortunately, never to me directly. If they came directly, I could at least enter into discussion about the music. With the messages always being relayed, I never get the opportunity.
I guess the other aspect that bothers me about this is the idea of "comfort." If we truly mean that everyone is welcome, we are going to be welcoming people that might make us "uncomfortable." If I am successful in getting youths to come here to learn, I am hoping that they may also decide to check us out on Sundays and see if our services say anything to them. They will make people "uncomfortable." They will not come in pristine dresses and suits. They will not likely be neatly groomed and smelling of good cologne. They may have tattoos, piercings, leather garments, dirty faces, etc. How will they be received? I don't want to expose these individuals to further alienation. They get enough of it.
We have come to welcome all sexual orientations. We do not act in ageist ways that negate the value of the elder members of the community. We try increasingly more diligently to honour all sexes, socio-economic groups, all marital or coupling statuses, and all cultural groups. Will we be able to accept youth as they are?
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Justice
Big surprise, but I am involved in a Bible Study with a group of people from church. They are an amazing group. Many of them are older than I and only a couple are younger. What I find is that some of the broadest thinkers are the ones who are older. They destroy my stereotypes! (Darn it!)
Last week we centred our study on Justice as it is represented in the Bible and as it plays a role within the United Church of Canada. I had not realized that the United Church of Canada was actually formed out of this sense that churches must do more than be hearers of the Word, but doers of the Word. I had some vague assumption that it was formed as was the United Church of Christ, in the states - more as a means of joining together of like-minded; but also for convenience. That may be unfair to say that "convenience" had anything to do with it; but growing up in the church felt like convenience was a big part.
In Canada, the like-mindedness focussed on the Justice aspect of our faith. I feel proud to part of that. However, what do we do? Are our actions enough? Are they effective? Where do we focus?
I found last week overwhelming once I started filtering my world through the lens of Justice. There is so much in the world that is unjust. What can I do about it? Where do I begin. Is it adequate to act locally and do what I can within my realm, or do I need to be involved in global justice issues? What if my "solutions" are not the best? When I act locally, I am able to ensure that I stay open-ended - that I don't impose my solution or "fix" on a situation. An example of this would be my planned project for literacy and youth. I am committed to the idea that each participant come with their own goal and that I do not try to impose my value upon their goals. If an individual wants assistance in clarifying his/her goal(s), I am happy to support a process that will do so. However, it still is not my place to impose my learning goals upon them.
In our study session this morning, we looked briefly at the situation in Darfur. One person related how we, as a nation, are capable of providing a solution to what is occurring by offering to take in all those who are suffering and bring them to Canada. My first reaction was to question whether this was the right solution. What makes us think that anyone would want to leave their own land to come to ours? At the same time, the situation is so critical that people might go for anything that got them out of there. The discussion continued by acknowledgeing that we don't possess the collective will to bring everyone here at the great expense and that there would be a huge outcry at the costs while we would likely be able to finance it by simply leaving the GST at the present level or return it to the level it was a year ago.
I admire the thinking of this person to consider that the nation is capable of providing a solution. However, I think we are being over simplistic to think that this might be a desirable or best solution. Are we not simply providing a band aid solution? What are we going to do to provide education so that people can make a living here? What will we do to guarantee that housing is available? How will we assist that many people to become acclimated to our climate and society? I think it sounded so similar to what our government has done with Inuit and other aboriginal peoples in the past that has resulted in huge crises.
On the other hand, am I simply coming up with reasons for avoiding such a change to our social fabric? Bringing in a million individuals from any one culture would drastically change what is presently here. Am I trying to protect that against the concept of being just?
If expend energy on my local project, I have more immediate potential of redirecting strategies when they prove to be less than successful. I can do on-going assessment to ensure that the participants are learning needed skills. I can provide long-term support for the individuals who desire or need it.
I am confident that the individual in our group who suggested the solution presented has the very best of intentions. I don't for a moment believe that there is any other reason than to provide a potential solution to a heart-breaking world problem. I just wonder how we can ensure that we could redirect or modify the plan to promote success in an on-going nature once we moved close to a million people half-way around the world to a completely different society and climate. Or am I making excuses again?
So who am I to wonder?
Last week we centred our study on Justice as it is represented in the Bible and as it plays a role within the United Church of Canada. I had not realized that the United Church of Canada was actually formed out of this sense that churches must do more than be hearers of the Word, but doers of the Word. I had some vague assumption that it was formed as was the United Church of Christ, in the states - more as a means of joining together of like-minded; but also for convenience. That may be unfair to say that "convenience" had anything to do with it; but growing up in the church felt like convenience was a big part.
In Canada, the like-mindedness focussed on the Justice aspect of our faith. I feel proud to part of that. However, what do we do? Are our actions enough? Are they effective? Where do we focus?
I found last week overwhelming once I started filtering my world through the lens of Justice. There is so much in the world that is unjust. What can I do about it? Where do I begin. Is it adequate to act locally and do what I can within my realm, or do I need to be involved in global justice issues? What if my "solutions" are not the best? When I act locally, I am able to ensure that I stay open-ended - that I don't impose my solution or "fix" on a situation. An example of this would be my planned project for literacy and youth. I am committed to the idea that each participant come with their own goal and that I do not try to impose my value upon their goals. If an individual wants assistance in clarifying his/her goal(s), I am happy to support a process that will do so. However, it still is not my place to impose my learning goals upon them.
In our study session this morning, we looked briefly at the situation in Darfur. One person related how we, as a nation, are capable of providing a solution to what is occurring by offering to take in all those who are suffering and bring them to Canada. My first reaction was to question whether this was the right solution. What makes us think that anyone would want to leave their own land to come to ours? At the same time, the situation is so critical that people might go for anything that got them out of there. The discussion continued by acknowledgeing that we don't possess the collective will to bring everyone here at the great expense and that there would be a huge outcry at the costs while we would likely be able to finance it by simply leaving the GST at the present level or return it to the level it was a year ago.
I admire the thinking of this person to consider that the nation is capable of providing a solution. However, I think we are being over simplistic to think that this might be a desirable or best solution. Are we not simply providing a band aid solution? What are we going to do to provide education so that people can make a living here? What will we do to guarantee that housing is available? How will we assist that many people to become acclimated to our climate and society? I think it sounded so similar to what our government has done with Inuit and other aboriginal peoples in the past that has resulted in huge crises.
On the other hand, am I simply coming up with reasons for avoiding such a change to our social fabric? Bringing in a million individuals from any one culture would drastically change what is presently here. Am I trying to protect that against the concept of being just?
If expend energy on my local project, I have more immediate potential of redirecting strategies when they prove to be less than successful. I can do on-going assessment to ensure that the participants are learning needed skills. I can provide long-term support for the individuals who desire or need it.
I am confident that the individual in our group who suggested the solution presented has the very best of intentions. I don't for a moment believe that there is any other reason than to provide a potential solution to a heart-breaking world problem. I just wonder how we can ensure that we could redirect or modify the plan to promote success in an on-going nature once we moved close to a million people half-way around the world to a completely different society and climate. Or am I making excuses again?
So who am I to wonder?
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Knowing
I find it interesting to ponder different expressions. The one that intrigues me today is the whole idea of "Knowing." What do we really mean when we say "I know?"
Why is this coming up? I think it has to do with me not being able to find this current blog. I wonder why I can't find it. Is it because what I wrote what might be seen as something too personal? Could it be a simple question of not closing out properly last time? I really have no way of "knowing."
I thought if I came here and tried a new post, and it worked, I might have more information about the page. However, what would I really "know?" Only that this entry was posted. Not truly anything relating to the last one.
If this doesn't post, does it mean that the blog has been suspended? Perhaps it is something wrong with the address I have been using? Maybe the server upon which my page resides is having trouble? Perhaps the other blogs I've visited are simply on a different server. How will posting this make any difference in my understanding or "knowing" the true explanation.
And how does this all relate to spiritual development? There is a part of me that suspects it is deeply related. Another part tells me this is all "crap" and that I am just rambling in order to get to the end so I can post. Am I becoming schizophrenic before your very eyes?
Who "knows?"
Why is this coming up? I think it has to do with me not being able to find this current blog. I wonder why I can't find it. Is it because what I wrote what might be seen as something too personal? Could it be a simple question of not closing out properly last time? I really have no way of "knowing."
I thought if I came here and tried a new post, and it worked, I might have more information about the page. However, what would I really "know?" Only that this entry was posted. Not truly anything relating to the last one.
If this doesn't post, does it mean that the blog has been suspended? Perhaps it is something wrong with the address I have been using? Maybe the server upon which my page resides is having trouble? Perhaps the other blogs I've visited are simply on a different server. How will posting this make any difference in my understanding or "knowing" the true explanation.
And how does this all relate to spiritual development? There is a part of me that suspects it is deeply related. Another part tells me this is all "crap" and that I am just rambling in order to get to the end so I can post. Am I becoming schizophrenic before your very eyes?
Who "knows?"
Monday, November 12, 2007
More water to wine
Yesterday, we racked the wine (transferred it from one carboy to another), got it off the sludge that is created during fermentation, added some stuff to help stop any further fermentation, and added more stuff that will help trap any "floaties" and will fall to the bottom and create another layer of sludge.
It's all rather symbolic, no? As we do things in our lives to further our spiritual growth, we become aware of the "sludge" in our lives. All the behaviours that make us less than who we might be. When we become aware of that "sludge," we have a choice to either eliminate it from our lives, or let it stay. Children are marvelous in this. They simply decide to eliminate it. As an adult, I find it more difficult. Do I really want to change who I am?
I used to complain that "born-again" Christians all seemed to come back as themselves, with very little change that I could see. They just quoted a lot of scripture, but seemed to lead the same debauched lives that they lead before being "born-again."
I see this process as an opportunity for me to be something different. As I identify the parts of my life that distance me from being the best I can be, I want to either modify those parts to allow my deeper spirituality or eliminate them. In doing so, my life as I have lived it previously must change. So what happens to my social network? What happens to my relationships with family and close friends? What happens to my primary relationship(s)? What happens to my goals? What happens to my previous plans for the future?
It is fascinating that some people see faith as a way to simplify their lives. They look to their religions for simple answers. I see that my faith journey is leading me through more complex questions and explorations. This seems like the opposite!
And, please let me be clear. I would have it no other way. I don't want my faith community to be easy. I want it to help me grow. I want it to be a place where the difficult questions can be examined. I want my faith community to be a place where I can live my beliefs.
It's all rather symbolic, no? As we do things in our lives to further our spiritual growth, we become aware of the "sludge" in our lives. All the behaviours that make us less than who we might be. When we become aware of that "sludge," we have a choice to either eliminate it from our lives, or let it stay. Children are marvelous in this. They simply decide to eliminate it. As an adult, I find it more difficult. Do I really want to change who I am?
I used to complain that "born-again" Christians all seemed to come back as themselves, with very little change that I could see. They just quoted a lot of scripture, but seemed to lead the same debauched lives that they lead before being "born-again."
I see this process as an opportunity for me to be something different. As I identify the parts of my life that distance me from being the best I can be, I want to either modify those parts to allow my deeper spirituality or eliminate them. In doing so, my life as I have lived it previously must change. So what happens to my social network? What happens to my relationships with family and close friends? What happens to my primary relationship(s)? What happens to my goals? What happens to my previous plans for the future?
It is fascinating that some people see faith as a way to simplify their lives. They look to their religions for simple answers. I see that my faith journey is leading me through more complex questions and explorations. This seems like the opposite!
And, please let me be clear. I would have it no other way. I don't want my faith community to be easy. I want it to help me grow. I want it to be a place where the difficult questions can be examined. I want my faith community to be a place where I can live my beliefs.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Taoism
A friend of mine, who is now dead, was a great source of expansion and nurture as far as my own spiritual development was concerned. He was the only person who seemed successful at getting me to understand Taoism and its gentle acceptance of the world and its rhythms.
Another friend sent me the story below. I received it today. I think it is a lovely story that illustrates this sense of understanding that life, God, the Universe, (or whatever various belief systems like to call it) gives us each gifts. Life is the first gift. What we come to understand as other gifts or challenges (or faults) are only values that we, as humans, put to our individual characteristics. Perhaps we need to see our "cracks" more as the gifts they truly are.
Another friend sent me the story below. I received it today. I think it is a lovely story that illustrates this sense of understanding that life, God, the Universe, (or whatever various belief systems like to call it) gives us each gifts. Life is the first gift. What we come to understand as other gifts or challenges (or faults) are only values that we, as humans, put to our individual characteristics. Perhaps we need to see our "cracks" more as the gifts they truly are.
The Cracked Pot
An elderly woman had two large pots,
each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it
while the other was perfect
and always delivered a full portion of water.
At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house,
the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For two years,
this went on daily,
with the woman bringing home
only one and a half pots of water.
Of course the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.
But the poor cracked pot
was ashamed of its own imperfection,
and was miserable that it could only do half
of what it had been made
to do.
After two years
of what it perceived to be bitter failure,
it spoke to the woman one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself
because this crack in my side causes
water to leak out all the way back
to
your house."
The old woman smiled,
"Did you notice that there are
flowers on your side of the path,
but not on the other pot's side?"
"That's because I have always known about your flaw
so I planted
flower seeds on your side of the path,
and every day while we walk back
you
water them."
"For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful
to decorate the table.
Without you being just the way you are,
there would not be this beauty to
grace the house."
Each of us has our
own unique "flaw."
But it's the cracks and flaws we have
that make our
lives together
so very interesting and rewarding.
Take each person for whom they are. Find the good in them.
An elderly woman had two large pots,
each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it
while the other was perfect
and always delivered a full portion of water.
At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house,
the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For two years,
this went on daily,
with the woman bringing home
only one and a half pots of water.
Of course the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.
But the poor cracked pot
was ashamed of its own imperfection,
and was miserable that it could only do half
of what it had been made
to do.
After two years
of what it perceived to be bitter failure,
it spoke to the woman one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself
because this crack in my side causes
water to leak out all the way back
to
your house."
The old woman smiled,
"Did you notice that there are
flowers on your side of the path,
but not on the other pot's side?"
"That's because I have always known about your flaw
so I planted
flower seeds on your side of the path,
and every day while we walk back
you
water them."
"For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful
to decorate the table.
Without you being just the way you are,
there would not be this beauty to
grace the house."
Each of us has our
own unique "flaw."
But it's the cracks and flaws we have
that make our
lives together
so very interesting and rewarding.
Take each person for whom they are. Find the good in them.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Getting ready for Advent
I am used to planning ahead. After all, I have been a teacher for 34 years. Planning is crucial.
All the same, the more I know about children, teaching, real learning, and what makes learning passionate for those involved; the more I know that plans need to be flexible, fluid, and responsive to the needs of the group with whom one works.
So now I find myself in a church, working with children. There are truly interesting expectations regarding the work I do. One is Christmas Eve.
Years ago, when I was the chair of the "Worship Committee" (as it was then called), I was told that there was an expectation that the chair of the committee would work with one of the ministers to lead the early service. Now that I am Coordinator of Children & Youth, I am told that I am expected to work with one of the ministers to lead the early service. I sometimes wonder how much of this is linked to the position and how much is linked to the person.
At any rate, I am excited about the expectation, but I also know deep down that I need to keep this VERY fluid and flexible. Most of the children with whom I work have already told me that they won't be around for Christmas Eve. So planning to meet their needs is out the window. I need to plan for a big crowd of people who most likely don't come to this church very frequently. They will want to hear the traditional carols, but will also want to know that the church is staying current.
I think I'll write a story for the service. I hope that my counterpart will accept that.
All the same, the more I know about children, teaching, real learning, and what makes learning passionate for those involved; the more I know that plans need to be flexible, fluid, and responsive to the needs of the group with whom one works.
So now I find myself in a church, working with children. There are truly interesting expectations regarding the work I do. One is Christmas Eve.
Years ago, when I was the chair of the "Worship Committee" (as it was then called), I was told that there was an expectation that the chair of the committee would work with one of the ministers to lead the early service. Now that I am Coordinator of Children & Youth, I am told that I am expected to work with one of the ministers to lead the early service. I sometimes wonder how much of this is linked to the position and how much is linked to the person.
At any rate, I am excited about the expectation, but I also know deep down that I need to keep this VERY fluid and flexible. Most of the children with whom I work have already told me that they won't be around for Christmas Eve. So planning to meet their needs is out the window. I need to plan for a big crowd of people who most likely don't come to this church very frequently. They will want to hear the traditional carols, but will also want to know that the church is staying current.
I think I'll write a story for the service. I hope that my counterpart will accept that.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Continuing Conversations
At church yesterday, I was speaking with someone who used to come regularly to church and has chosen to go elsewhere for a fairly long period of time. This particularly interests me as she was a younger member of our congregation. She explained to me that, though she is very attached to the liberal theology of our church, she finds it frustrating that no one seems to talk about God or Jesus except when they are in the sanctuary. Very few conversations occur after the service or in passing that have much to do with spirituality, beliefs, faith, or whatever.
So, of course, I want to see what might be done. I mentioned about this blog and that I was trying to use it to explore spirituality and talk about faith. I know that it is not always the topic at hand, but I try to keep that in mind whenever I post. All the same, this is not a "real time" conversation. So.....
I wondered about a continuing session, after the service, to further explore the topic of the Sunday service. If the Sunday service topic doesn't seem to drive it, then whatever one wanted to bring up. I could have coffee, tea, juice, etc. in the room and the room is designed to be comfortable and relaxing. I might be a way to continue exploration and nurture the need that was expressed.
Is there anyone else who might be interested? If you don't want to comment here, try my email: youth@knoxunited.ab.ca or dmoulton@knoxunited.ab.ca to express your interest or to ask questions.
So, of course, I want to see what might be done. I mentioned about this blog and that I was trying to use it to explore spirituality and talk about faith. I know that it is not always the topic at hand, but I try to keep that in mind whenever I post. All the same, this is not a "real time" conversation. So.....
I wondered about a continuing session, after the service, to further explore the topic of the Sunday service. If the Sunday service topic doesn't seem to drive it, then whatever one wanted to bring up. I could have coffee, tea, juice, etc. in the room and the room is designed to be comfortable and relaxing. I might be a way to continue exploration and nurture the need that was expressed.
Is there anyone else who might be interested? If you don't want to comment here, try my email: youth@knoxunited.ab.ca or dmoulton@knoxunited.ab.ca to express your interest or to ask questions.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Painful lessons
I've often said that some of the most important lessons I've ever learned haver been painful ones. Yesterday's lesson was one of them. I wonder when I will finally get it and that learning will come more gently.
I share information on this blog with a sense that no one reads it. It turns out that I am very wrong. Because someone doesn't comment, apparently doesn't mean that it hasn't been read. That is why I try to comment on anything I read on someone else's blog. I want them to know that I have visited, read, and thought about what they wrote.
I share openly forgetting, as well, to check out with others if it is alright to share what might have passed during conversations or situations in which we both participate. I have such a naive belief that when someone reads about these conversations, situations, or whatever, that they will see the same wonder that I do and learn similar lessons as I do. All the same, it is not up to me to share someone else's thoughts to the world at large without checking it out with them first.
So, For anyone who reads this or any of my ramblings on other blogs:
If I have offended you, hurt you, or betrayed a confidence, please accept my apologies and know that I will do everything I can in the future to ensure that I don't do it again. As well, I thank you for trusting me enough to share your pain, embarrassment or offense with me so that I can continue to learn. I am honoured that you can do that with me. I am humbled by your wisdom and care.
I share information on this blog with a sense that no one reads it. It turns out that I am very wrong. Because someone doesn't comment, apparently doesn't mean that it hasn't been read. That is why I try to comment on anything I read on someone else's blog. I want them to know that I have visited, read, and thought about what they wrote.
I share openly forgetting, as well, to check out with others if it is alright to share what might have passed during conversations or situations in which we both participate. I have such a naive belief that when someone reads about these conversations, situations, or whatever, that they will see the same wonder that I do and learn similar lessons as I do. All the same, it is not up to me to share someone else's thoughts to the world at large without checking it out with them first.
So, For anyone who reads this or any of my ramblings on other blogs:
If I have offended you, hurt you, or betrayed a confidence, please accept my apologies and know that I will do everything I can in the future to ensure that I don't do it again. As well, I thank you for trusting me enough to share your pain, embarrassment or offense with me so that I can continue to learn. I am honoured that you can do that with me. I am humbled by your wisdom and care.
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