Aaaaaaaaaaaargghhh!!! The madness, the madness!
That's me going slightly insane from staying inside all day trying to finish writing my ordination papers. Well, technically they're commissioning papers, as I won't be eligible for full ordination for three years yet, but it's all toward the same goal. And no one knows what commissioning papers are in the context of the church.
And mostly no one cares, except the Board of Ordained Ministry, the group of clergy and laity who will examine me in February (assuming I get all this paperwork turned in on time!!) to make sure (a) I can articulate my personal faith and intellectual/historical/critical perspectives on Scripture, church history, theology, the United Methodist tradition, doctrine, my personal ethical standard, the Wesleyan quadrilateral, etc., and (b) when I do so, I stay within certain bounds of "acceptable" Christian teaching.
They're nice people, I'm sure, and I believe in the importance of the connectional church - it's how we do good work in mission, how we support each other and hold one another accountable in covenant, how we bear witness to the good news of God's love in diverse situations and circumstances - but honestly, sometimes the bureaucracy of institutional processes becomes so many flaming hoops and daggers to pass through in order to receive the stamp of the church's authority on one's ministry. The nature of the beast, I suppose. And it would have helped if I had gotten more of the writing done before Advent and Christmas craziness took over my life in December. Still... you spend a few days cooped up staring at a computer and trying for the umpteenth time to explain your beliefs on the nature and mission of the church in the world today, you start to wish there were a more streamlined way of going about all this.
Okay, whining done.
Christmas Eve services went well, and I think our Christmas morning brunch fellowship was a good call for the community we serve; we'd worshiped our heads off the night before, so sharing table fellowship and singing Christmas carols was a nice change of pace. I think it was also a good compromise between full-on worship just because it's Sunday and canceling worship because it's Christmas and people want to be with their families.
My own family Christmas itself was nice, worth the long flight from Denver to New Hampshire on Christmas Day to see my parents and brother and do presents and dinner on the 26th. I'll head back to Denver for New Year's Eve, but haven't decided whether I'll try to find some celebratory festivities that night or not. I have to be at church again on January 1 (because, after all, it is Sunday, and that's what we do), but we're having a performance of "The Gift of the Magi" from a local theatre school, so that should also be a good change from "worship as usual" (which will resume January 8).
How about y'all out there? Traditions, innovations, surprises this Christmas?
Okay. Back to the fray. And by "fray," I mean "finishing these darn commissioning papers tonight if it kills me - not that that would be helpful toward my goal of ordination."
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Friday, December 16, 2005
Movie reviews
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Excellent. Of course, they had to cut all the subplots, superfluous exposition, most of the character development, and a couple of the characters in order to fit into acceptable-movie-viewing-length, but still. Powerful. And because it's so condensed, I found I was still processing it for a couple days afterwards. Even if you've read the book and know how it ends (and you really should read the books if you haven't already), prepare to be deeply moved.
Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: Excellent. Some minor plot points and characters were cut for length, but I don't think you lose anything by it. And I'm sure the debate on this will continue, but as a liberal Christian, I personally felt that Disney did justice to the book as a fantasy story without shoving the allegorical elements down anyone's throat. Other notes:
Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: Excellent. Some minor plot points and characters were cut for length, but I don't think you lose anything by it. And I'm sure the debate on this will continue, but as a liberal Christian, I personally felt that Disney did justice to the book as a fantasy story without shoving the allegorical elements down anyone's throat. Other notes:
- I liked the portrayal of Edmund early in the film better than I expected to - the opening scenes give just a touch more background than I remember (though admittedly, I haven't read it in several years now).
- The battle scenes are violent, of course, but amazingly, there is no sign of blood. (No blood = less traumatic?)
- And the award for best dramatic range portrayed digitally: Aslan.
Walk the Line: Excellent. (I know, it sounds like I love everything I see. I make no guarantees that anyone else will enjoy these - but they suited my tastes!) I have no idea what level of historical accuracy the film either aspires to or attains, but this was a compelling story, powerfully acted. And, of course, the music will stay with you. I'm a little conflicted about the portrayal of June Carter (Cash); it's a wonderful role - a strong, talented woman who won't be moved until she's ready, who's caring and compassionate, stubborn and independent, attractive and her own person too. But it's such a great portrayal that the effect is to lift up this real woman as "an angel" (although she denies it in the film when Johnny tells her she is). She shows pique, but no real rage; the film is more interested in Cash's failed attempts to live up to the standards set by his parents than by her struggle to stand apart from her family. So it becomes a story about a lost boy trying to destroy himself until he's saved by the love of a good woman. If you're okay with that kind of story, this is a good one.
I'll post more on the afore-mentioned topics (and others) in the next few days. Thanks for stopping by!
Monday, December 12, 2005
Christmas is coming...
It is late, but I will post soon on one or more of the following topics (in no particular order):
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (see it!)
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (see it!)
- preaching today (funny story... well, mildly funny)
- Thanksgiving
- my 10-year high school reunion
- Minneapolis
- Seussical the Musical
- the cutest performance ever of a story from House at Pooh Corner
- ordination process frustrations
- The Song of the Lark, by Willa Cather
- theological conversations I should not have gotten into
And can somebody please tell me the best way to send a Christmas letter that is interesting and informative but not overly long and won't duplicate stuff my parents are sending in their letters? Should I do separate letters for family and my friends? Can I use bullet points? Can I just make stuff up instead of reporting (for what mostly seems like the umpteen-thousandth time) all of the exciting and not-so-exciting things that occurred in my life this year? (well, the past couple years, since I don't think I got a Christmas letter out last year... or the year before...) I like reading the ones I get from people I don't hear from too regularly, but I'm never sure how big that circle of people in my life is supposed to be - people I talk to less than once a month but at least once a year, I guess, plus a certain level of extended family.
But hey, I got some Christmas lights up yesterday! And my housemate bought us stockings to hang by the woodstove with care! Yay... :)
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
New blog for my church...
Well, it was bound to happen eventually. I've gotten sucked into blogging more regularly by sheer curiosity, opinionated-ness, and procrastinatory nature. And now I've started a blog for my church here, which possibly I should keep more separate, but what the heck. I love my little church up in northwest Denver, and I don't mind saying so. If you want to know what I'm involved with Sunday mornings (and Wednesday evenings, and a good number of hours in between), check it out: http://highlandsumc.blogspot.com. And if you're in the Denver area, come visit us sometime! We're really friendly!
P.S. A quick shout-out to "Jericho" of Jericho's Doghouse, who I found out has linked to my last post! (Okay, it's taken me this long to figure out how to show backlinks... but now there's no escaping my watchful eye! Mwahahahahahahahaha! [that's an evil laugh, in case you couldn't tell]) Thanks, friend! :)
P.S. A quick shout-out to "Jericho" of Jericho's Doghouse, who I found out has linked to my last post! (Okay, it's taken me this long to figure out how to show backlinks... but now there's no escaping my watchful eye! Mwahahahahahahahaha! [that's an evil laugh, in case you couldn't tell]) Thanks, friend! :)
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Open hearts, open minds, open... what?
The United Methodist Judicial Council released their decisions on a number of cases this week, two of which in particular have made news in many areas and caused a great deal of concern for some of us in the UMC. First, reversing a lower appeals court ruling that had reinstated Rev. Beth Stroud's clergy credentials, the Judicial Council returned to the original ruling that declared her, as an out lesbian in a covenant relationship, a "self-avowed practicing homosexual," and thus her clergy status was revoked once more (official news story from United Methodist News Service). This ruling saddened me, but did not greatly surprise me. The language in the Book of Discipline is pretty clear on the official stance of the UMC as far as LGBT persons and ordination are concerned, and although I strongly oppose that stance and will work to change it, the ruling by the Judicial Council is at least comprehensible to me under the circumstances.
The ruling in the second case, however, not only saddened me but greatly disturbed me, as it seems to contradict the constitution of our church, which includes the language of GRACE and INCLUSIVENESS as foundational to our collective identity. In this case, a pastor in Virginia had refused membership in the local church to a gay man who was already a participant in many activities, including the church choir, on the grounds that the layperson was gay and was in a relationship. A clergy colleague at the church disagreed with the decision and went through channels to have the pastor reprimanded and placed on involuntary leave by the clergy of the Virginia Annual Conference. The Judicial Council took issue with some rules and procedures relating to due process, but also addressed the substance of the case and found that the pastor in charge of a church "is solely responsible for making the determination of a person’s readiness to receive the vows of membership."
Now, to some extent, pastors have always had a fair amount of discretion in determining who is "ready" for membership in their churches, but this elevates that discretion to an alarming level. The logical conclusion is that the only non-criteria for membership - those which cannot be the basis for discrimination - are those outlined in the Constitution: "race, color, national origin, status, or economic condition"; this seems to suggest that a pastor could require prospective members to agree with her/his theological or political views, or could turn people away for any number of reasons that a church committed to grace and inclusiveness cannot reasonably support.
Furthermore, while our church officially holds that "homosexual practice is incompatible with Christian teaching" (an objectionable statement in many different ways), we have also stated, "God’s grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons." This ruling flies in the face of these words from our Social Principles.
The small hints of good news in all of this? The Council of Bishops has released a pastoral letter that objects strongly to the ruling, lifting up the arguments and statements in the identified above. And I just attended a very moving and eloquent prayer vigil led by students, faculty, and staff from the Iliff School of Theology (my recent alma mater), held here in front of the Rocky Mountain Conference offices. Maybe United Methodist congregations that are welcoming will realize that the community may not know that, and will be bolder in their public witness to God's unconditional, accepting love.
And my District Committee back east just voted to recommend me to the Board of Ordained Ministry, to be considered for Commissioning as a Probationary Deacon next year. That's one more small step in the long road toward ordination. And the committee knows where I stand on this issue.
It saddens me that this church that I love seems to be moving in a more narrow-minded and legalistic direction. But as long as faithful people can recognize God's Spirit moving among us in the midst of change, and calling us forward to new interpretations of scripture and new understandings of what it means to be the Body of Christ, I think there's still hope. In the name of Christ who came to preach the good news of God's love to those on the margins, may it be so!
The ruling in the second case, however, not only saddened me but greatly disturbed me, as it seems to contradict the constitution of our church, which includes the language of GRACE and INCLUSIVENESS as foundational to our collective identity. In this case, a pastor in Virginia had refused membership in the local church to a gay man who was already a participant in many activities, including the church choir, on the grounds that the layperson was gay and was in a relationship. A clergy colleague at the church disagreed with the decision and went through channels to have the pastor reprimanded and placed on involuntary leave by the clergy of the Virginia Annual Conference. The Judicial Council took issue with some rules and procedures relating to due process, but also addressed the substance of the case and found that the pastor in charge of a church "is solely responsible for making the determination of a person’s readiness to receive the vows of membership."
Now, to some extent, pastors have always had a fair amount of discretion in determining who is "ready" for membership in their churches, but this elevates that discretion to an alarming level. The logical conclusion is that the only non-criteria for membership - those which cannot be the basis for discrimination - are those outlined in the Constitution: "race, color, national origin, status, or economic condition"; this seems to suggest that a pastor could require prospective members to agree with her/his theological or political views, or could turn people away for any number of reasons that a church committed to grace and inclusiveness cannot reasonably support.
Furthermore, while our church officially holds that "homosexual practice is incompatible with Christian teaching" (an objectionable statement in many different ways), we have also stated, "God’s grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons." This ruling flies in the face of these words from our Social Principles.
The small hints of good news in all of this? The Council of Bishops has released a pastoral letter that objects strongly to the ruling, lifting up the arguments and statements in the identified above. And I just attended a very moving and eloquent prayer vigil led by students, faculty, and staff from the Iliff School of Theology (my recent alma mater), held here in front of the Rocky Mountain Conference offices. Maybe United Methodist congregations that are welcoming will realize that the community may not know that, and will be bolder in their public witness to God's unconditional, accepting love.
And my District Committee back east just voted to recommend me to the Board of Ordained Ministry, to be considered for Commissioning as a Probationary Deacon next year. That's one more small step in the long road toward ordination. And the committee knows where I stand on this issue.
It saddens me that this church that I love seems to be moving in a more narrow-minded and legalistic direction. But as long as faithful people can recognize God's Spirit moving among us in the midst of change, and calling us forward to new interpretations of scripture and new understandings of what it means to be the Body of Christ, I think there's still hope. In the name of Christ who came to preach the good news of God's love to those on the margins, may it be so!
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
What's in a name...?
A couple weeks ago I posted about the young adult volunteer program I'm helping set up, and asked for some feedback. I now have a list of possible names that I'd like your votes on - and that means any and all of you out there reading (all 4 of you).
A little more info on the program: an opportunity for young adults (18-30) to commit to a year of full-time service working with poor and marginalized people while living together with other volunteers in intentional community. (Similar to Lutheran Volunteer Corps and other programs.) Participants will receive room and board, health insurance, a small monthly stipend, and an education award at the end of the year. United Methodist sponsored, drawing on our Wesleyan heritage of combining personal spiritual growth with concerns for social holiness (from house level to local community to regional and international issues).
Below are the names currently under consideration. The ones I like best are in bold. You can vote for more than one, but if you can rate them, that'd be great. Questions about the program are welcome also. Thanks!
theological concepts:
GraceWorks Community (paradoxical opposition of "grace" vs "works" as basis for salvation, along with grace at work in and through us by faith)
FaithWorks Community (faith without works is dead)
Living Faith Servant Community (as opposed to dead faith = without works)
catchy biblical Greek words:
Kairos Servant Community (Kairos: God's time, ripe for transformation/something new)
Agape Servant Community (Agape: unconditional love)
Koinonia Servants (Koinonia: fellowship, community/communion)
Diakonia House (Diakonia: service/ministry)
nice acronyms:
Faith & Love in Action Mission Experience (FLAME)
Faith in Action Community Experience of Service (FACES)
Seeing the Image of God in All: Mission Experience (SIGAME, Spanish for "Follow me")
John Wesley/early Methodism references:
Heart in Hand Discipleship Year ("if your heart be as my heart, give me your hand")
Experiment in Social Holiness (there is no holiness that is not social holiness)
Heart and Life Servants (holiness of heart and life)
Watching Over One Another in Love (mutual support & accountability)
A little more info on the program: an opportunity for young adults (18-30) to commit to a year of full-time service working with poor and marginalized people while living together with other volunteers in intentional community. (Similar to Lutheran Volunteer Corps and other programs.) Participants will receive room and board, health insurance, a small monthly stipend, and an education award at the end of the year. United Methodist sponsored, drawing on our Wesleyan heritage of combining personal spiritual growth with concerns for social holiness (from house level to local community to regional and international issues).
Below are the names currently under consideration. The ones I like best are in bold. You can vote for more than one, but if you can rate them, that'd be great. Questions about the program are welcome also. Thanks!
theological concepts:
GraceWorks Community (paradoxical opposition of "grace" vs "works" as basis for salvation, along with grace at work in and through us by faith)
FaithWorks Community (faith without works is dead)
Living Faith Servant Community (as opposed to dead faith = without works)
catchy biblical Greek words:
Kairos Servant Community (Kairos: God's time, ripe for transformation/something new)
Agape Servant Community (Agape: unconditional love)
Koinonia Servants (Koinonia: fellowship, community/communion)
Diakonia House (Diakonia: service/ministry)
nice acronyms:
Faith & Love in Action Mission Experience (FLAME)
Faith in Action Community Experience of Service (FACES)
Seeing the Image of God in All: Mission Experience (SIGAME, Spanish for "Follow me")
John Wesley/early Methodism references:
Heart in Hand Discipleship Year ("if your heart be as my heart, give me your hand")
Experiment in Social Holiness (there is no holiness that is not social holiness)
Heart and Life Servants (holiness of heart and life)
Watching Over One Another in Love (mutual support & accountability)
Monday, October 10, 2005
Snow Day... Take 2
Yes, ladies and gentlebloggers, Denver received its first snowfall of the season today (see MSNBC's coverage - with references to my neighborhood YMCA!). Yes, I am aware it is only OCTOBER 10!! - thus making it exactly 6 months since my last snow day posting. I'm just thankful that a) my roommate and I had the foresight to go hiking on Saturday, when we had a gorgeous 75-degree day in the mountains with aspens glowing golden; and b) with the illogic of Colorado weather, we should see a few more weeks of temperatures in the 50s and 60s before snow season takes serious hold of the Front Range.
I do like the first snowfall of the season as a rule, but somehow it seems more joyful when it comes in November or December... You know, after Halloween (when it has snowed the past 3 years in a row). Oh well - it'll save us pruning the trees in our yard, I guess.
I do like the first snowfall of the season as a rule, but somehow it seems more joyful when it comes in November or December... You know, after Halloween (when it has snowed the past 3 years in a row). Oh well - it'll save us pruning the trees in our yard, I guess.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Survey question: Who are young adults today?
As some of you already know, I'm involved in starting up a new year-long, full-time, community-based young adult volunteer program for the United Methodist Church in the Rocky Mountain/Yellowstone region. We're still working on a catchy name (and tag phrase), but in a brainstorming session today my colleagues asked some questions I wasn't sure I could answer definitively for all people in our target age range (I was the only "young adult" actually in the room). So I'm putting them out to you, O bloggers: If you are between the ages of 18 and 30, please respond to any/all of the following with your comments:
1. How would you characterize young adults today? Are there traits or values that cut across gender, ethnicity, economic background, education level for our age group?
2. What are young adults looking for in life? What is appealing?
3. Are athletic/sports-related images and metaphors relevant, limited, or overused?
4. Has the "eXtreme" concept been done to death?
5. What, if anything, would attract you to a program where you would commit to a year of full-time volunteer work, living in community in a house with other volunteers, learning about and reflecting on social justice issues and your own spiritual growth?
Thanks in advance for your input!
1. How would you characterize young adults today? Are there traits or values that cut across gender, ethnicity, economic background, education level for our age group?
2. What are young adults looking for in life? What is appealing?
3. Are athletic/sports-related images and metaphors relevant, limited, or overused?
4. Has the "eXtreme" concept been done to death?
5. What, if anything, would attract you to a program where you would commit to a year of full-time volunteer work, living in community in a house with other volunteers, learning about and reflecting on social justice issues and your own spiritual growth?
Thanks in advance for your input!
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Miscellaneous
Okay, so obviously I have about as much systematic dedication to blogging as I have to journaling, which is why in spite of having received approximately 8 journals as gifts over the past five years, I'm still writing in one started in 2000. Still, in case anyone out there is still checking in once in a while, I thought I'd put up some stuff.
First, the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina is real and the recovery is going to take years. If you haven't donated already, consider giving through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (www.umcor.org), one of the many worthy organizations providing direct aid - thanks to the United Methodist system of giving to wider missions, 100% of gifts given to any particular cause go straight to that cause - people support the administrative costs intentionally through other means.
I found this article by Jim Wallis, of Sojourners, interesting and thoughtful - it's about how in times of natural disasters, "those who have the least to lose are often those who lose the most."
And yet, as terrible as the scenes of destruction are, and as much as I mourn with those who have lost loved ones, a home, neighborhood, livelihood, and perhaps worst of all, hope, I thank God that it was not worse. And I hope that even as generous people across the country open their wallets and their homes to help those displaced by Katrina, we will not forget the millions whose lives were affected by the tsunami eight months ago - those communities are still a long way from getting back on track. And I hope we will not forget the Israeli settlers who have had to leave behind their homes in Gaza, or the Palestinians who have waited so long to be heard and who have grown so desperate that they have trouble seeing a just peace in their land as a viable option. Or the ordinary people of Colombia who find their lives threatened by both military and revolutionary forces, or the millions dying of AIDS in Africa and around the world, or the 30,000 children who die each day because of hunger and poverty-related causes.
It's a big world out there, friends. And I'm not really a glass half-empty kind of person; I just find it important to remind myself of all the need and suffering that still exists, because it's so tempting to stay wrapped in my cozy little bubble most of the time. I mean, it's enough to break your heart.
+++
Well, that ends the sermonizing portion of this evening's post. Just for kicks and giggles, those of you who haven't seen it already should check out The Onion AV Club's feature on "Dining for a Dollar: Summer Snack Edition." It's friggin' awesome.
My favorite, in the category of That Is So Wrong: the Dippin' Dolphin Pop.
First, the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina is real and the recovery is going to take years. If you haven't donated already, consider giving through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (www.umcor.org), one of the many worthy organizations providing direct aid - thanks to the United Methodist system of giving to wider missions, 100% of gifts given to any particular cause go straight to that cause - people support the administrative costs intentionally through other means.
I found this article by Jim Wallis, of Sojourners, interesting and thoughtful - it's about how in times of natural disasters, "those who have the least to lose are often those who lose the most."
And yet, as terrible as the scenes of destruction are, and as much as I mourn with those who have lost loved ones, a home, neighborhood, livelihood, and perhaps worst of all, hope, I thank God that it was not worse. And I hope that even as generous people across the country open their wallets and their homes to help those displaced by Katrina, we will not forget the millions whose lives were affected by the tsunami eight months ago - those communities are still a long way from getting back on track. And I hope we will not forget the Israeli settlers who have had to leave behind their homes in Gaza, or the Palestinians who have waited so long to be heard and who have grown so desperate that they have trouble seeing a just peace in their land as a viable option. Or the ordinary people of Colombia who find their lives threatened by both military and revolutionary forces, or the millions dying of AIDS in Africa and around the world, or the 30,000 children who die each day because of hunger and poverty-related causes.
It's a big world out there, friends. And I'm not really a glass half-empty kind of person; I just find it important to remind myself of all the need and suffering that still exists, because it's so tempting to stay wrapped in my cozy little bubble most of the time. I mean, it's enough to break your heart.
+++
Well, that ends the sermonizing portion of this evening's post. Just for kicks and giggles, those of you who haven't seen it already should check out The Onion AV Club's feature on "Dining for a Dollar: Summer Snack Edition." It's friggin' awesome.
My favorite, in the category of That Is So Wrong: the Dippin' Dolphin Pop.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
A pox on both my houses
I hate moving.
I mean, I really HATE moving. Even just a few miles across town.
Thanks to my friend Ben for sending me this link to a comic strip some of you might also enjoy:
http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=593
("Piled Higher and Deeper, a grad student comic strip")
The main point of which, of course, is that "helping you move is a debt payable in blood." And no one owes me any big favors right now that I can call on.
I hate moving.
I mean, I really HATE moving. Even just a few miles across town.
Thanks to my friend Ben for sending me this link to a comic strip some of you might also enjoy:
http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=593
("Piled Higher and Deeper, a grad student comic strip")
The main point of which, of course, is that "helping you move is a debt payable in blood." And no one owes me any big favors right now that I can call on.
I hate moving.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
And... I'm done.
Whew. Where did the time go? Of course, I realize I've not been a very regular poster here to begin with, and I'm sure my "readers" (crickets are chirping in the silence) have barely noticed my absence, but it's still a little embarrassing to have had so little to say for six weeks. Well, perhaps not so much having so little to say as not having time to process the whirlwind of my life in order to comment on it.
So the big news is that I graduated from seminary! Woohoo! (And there was much rejoicing... yay...) Yes, friends, I now have a Master of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology. And since I'm not currently pursuing parish ministry (not as a pastor, anyway), let's hear it for being overeducated and underemployed!! It could definitely be worse, as I'll be employed half-time for the next six months with the possibility of going full-time after that if we get lots of grant money, and I'm working on convincing myself it'll be good for me not to be killing myself every week just to keep my head above water. I'm getting close to believing it.
But of course the lease on the house I've been renting a house with 3 other (wonderful) women is up June 30, so I need to get packing pretty soon.I hate moving. At least this year the trauma of the move is mitigated by the fact that moving across town is far less traumatic than it would be to move across country right now. I have come to value stability and familiarity this past year in ways that would have been very surprising to me a couple years ago. Yes, God is still doing new things, and I am grateful and excited to be part of some of them - but there is so much to be said for knowing you will be in one place long enough to paint the walls or plant perennial flowers or draw up a year-long project budget (at work) without just assuming that someone else will see it come to fruition.
Well, those are a couple of my thoughts on transition at the moment. This does mean I'll be in Denver for at least another year (barring unforeseen events and circumstances, which I'm sure will come up anyway, but I can hope, can't I?), so if you know me and have been putting off that trip out to the Rocky Mountains, COME VISIT ME NOW!!
So the big news is that I graduated from seminary! Woohoo! (And there was much rejoicing... yay...) Yes, friends, I now have a Master of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology. And since I'm not currently pursuing parish ministry (not as a pastor, anyway), let's hear it for being overeducated and underemployed!! It could definitely be worse, as I'll be employed half-time for the next six months with the possibility of going full-time after that if we get lots of grant money, and I'm working on convincing myself it'll be good for me not to be killing myself every week just to keep my head above water. I'm getting close to believing it.
But of course the lease on the house I've been renting a house with 3 other (wonderful) women is up June 30, so I need to get packing pretty soon.
Well, those are a couple of my thoughts on transition at the moment. This does mean I'll be in Denver for at least another year (barring unforeseen events and circumstances, which I'm sure will come up anyway, but I can hope, can't I?), so if you know me and have been putting off that trip out to the Rocky Mountains, COME VISIT ME NOW!!
Monday, May 02, 2005
Looking up
It's sometimes amazing how things can turn around in a short period of time. Without actually having any more positive prospects for employment, I am actually really not bitter any more. Disappointed, yes, definitely, and a little anxious still too. But the weather is supposed to warm up this week (after a two-week spell that was colder than most of February), and I can't complain about the social situation any more either. Without going into any details, I have to say that I have further proof that God has a slightly wicked sense of humor, and She is laughing Her ass off right now.
Of course, if any of you out there in the blogosphere are looking to hire a recent seminary graduate with interests in peace & justice, young adult ministry, or worship and the arts, you know where to find me...
Of course, if any of you out there in the blogosphere are looking to hire a recent seminary graduate with interests in peace & justice, young adult ministry, or worship and the arts, you know where to find me...
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Not that I'm bitter...
That's my new motto: "Not that I'm bitter." It's becoming very useful. For example:
It's spring, the flowers are blooming, and all of my friends are falling in love and/or getting engaged, while I spend my weekends reading Old Testament Pseudepigrapha and watching movies on video from the library. Not that I'm bitter.
Or,
Four and a half months after I sent in my application (the day it was due), and three weeks after they flew me to Nashville for an interview, I had to call the HR office of a large churchwide agency myself to find out that I didn't get my dream job. Not that I'm bitter.
I'm sure this handy little phrase is employable in a plethora of fields as diverse as politics (In spite of mass voter registration efforts by progressive groups, Bush was reelected. Not that I'm bitter.), and religion (Although American Catholics on average diverge from official teaching on many social issues, the Roman Catholic Church's new pontiff is known for his archconservative defense of traditional doctrine - not that I'm bitter.). Feel free to try it out for yourself, and let me know of any exciting new uses you find.
It's spring, the flowers are blooming, and all of my friends are falling in love and/or getting engaged, while I spend my weekends reading Old Testament Pseudepigrapha and watching movies on video from the library. Not that I'm bitter.
Or,
Four and a half months after I sent in my application (the day it was due), and three weeks after they flew me to Nashville for an interview, I had to call the HR office of a large churchwide agency myself to find out that I didn't get my dream job. Not that I'm bitter.
I'm sure this handy little phrase is employable in a plethora of fields as diverse as politics (In spite of mass voter registration efforts by progressive groups, Bush was reelected. Not that I'm bitter.), and religion (Although American Catholics on average diverge from official teaching on many social issues, the Roman Catholic Church's new pontiff is known for his archconservative defense of traditional doctrine - not that I'm bitter.). Feel free to try it out for yourself, and let me know of any exciting new uses you find.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Snow Day!
It's April 10 and snowing up a blizzard all over the tulips in our yard, but I'm happy. Why, you ask? Because church was canceled today!
Now, for someone who's getting ready to graduate from seminary in less than 7 weeks (yikes!), this may not be a particularly good sign... but in the midst of classes and multiple jobs and a job search for after graduation and trying to stay sane, one morning where I don't have to scramble to be at church on time to warm up my choir and try to re-teach what we learned at the last rehearsal... that's okay with me.
Two of my roommates made snow angels and a snowperson, but then it snowed some more (I'm working on getting some photos up). It's let up enough at the moment that the birds have come out to dig for birdseed, but it's a long way from nice enough to want to drive anywhere. So I'm enjoying a nice relaxing day inside (Swedish pancakes for breakfast... watching The West Wing again... reading Anne Lamott... at some point I'll get around to homework for this week).
Now, if only school and work could be closed tomorrow too, I could really start to feel rested!
Now, for someone who's getting ready to graduate from seminary in less than 7 weeks (yikes!), this may not be a particularly good sign... but in the midst of classes and multiple jobs and a job search for after graduation and trying to stay sane, one morning where I don't have to scramble to be at church on time to warm up my choir and try to re-teach what we learned at the last rehearsal... that's okay with me.
Two of my roommates made snow angels and a snowperson, but then it snowed some more (I'm working on getting some photos up). It's let up enough at the moment that the birds have come out to dig for birdseed, but it's a long way from nice enough to want to drive anywhere. So I'm enjoying a nice relaxing day inside (Swedish pancakes for breakfast... watching The West Wing again... reading Anne Lamott... at some point I'll get around to homework for this week).
Now, if only school and work could be closed tomorrow too, I could really start to feel rested!
Saturday, April 09, 2005
The West Wing - Season Finale
Wow.
If you saw The West Wing this week (I watched the tape last night after being out of town on Wednesday), you know what I mean.
Seriously, did anyone know that politics could be so exciting?
Of course, I realize it's all fictional and specifically designed to draw us in, so that we make personal and ideological connections with certain characters and not others, and the filming, editing, and musical score all contribute to building the drama. Speechwriters have more freedom to be purely idealistic when they do not actually have to win the hearts of people on both sides of every issue. I know this. But still...
Wow.
I had been a faithful fan the first few seasons, but lost interest after the big crisis of Zoe's abduction and the Republican Speaker of the House taking over as President in Season 4. With the loss of Rob Lowe and the resolution of the major personal crises, the show seemed to lose steam, where one political tension after another began to be less exciting a storyline. But the past year's arc of the presidential campaign (WW-world is a year behind real-world) has brought back some of the energy and passion that made disaffected Democrats and left-leaning independents fall in love with the show in the first place. It hasn't hurt to have the very attractive Jimmy Smits as the idealistic Democratic underdog-but-gotta-win-because-Josh-picked-him heir-apparent to the outgoing Bartlet administration.
I have to say too that the timing of the WW-world campaign, and the improbable win after improbable win of the Matt Santos run, seems more strategic than a happy coincidence, bolstering Democratic belief in the party after the lamentable results of last year's real-world election. It's enough to give a person hope to get through the next 3 1/2 years.
SPOILER ALERT
DO NOT CONTINUE READING IF YOU DID NOT SEE THE WEST WING THIS WEEK AND WANT TO FULLY ENJOY THE SUSPENSE OF THE APRIL 6 EPISODE.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
The turning-point speeches delivered by Santos, especially that final address to the DNC, are not only politically inspiring, but ethically and theologically sound. "We are all broken" - a profound statement and fundamental to Christian belief. Perhaps an indication that Santos also has the religious convictions that have brought moral depth to the Bartlet administration.
(Yes, I know I'm analyzing fiction as though it were reality. I was an English major. That's what we do.)
The problem is that I am seriously concerned that Arnie Vinnick, played by Alan Alda, the Republican candidate for the general election campaign we'll see played out in the fall, is obviously a much stronger national candidate than the Santos-McGarry ticket. To bring a Democratic win out of this will have to stretch the credulity of even devoted WW-watchers and yellow-dog Democrats. But to go with the "realistic" option, a Republican win, I think will make thousands of loyal viewers switch off their sets - or begin watching Alias instead (see entry below for the Wednesday-night quandary). Even if Vinnick is portrayed as the best-possible Republican, there are fundamental differences in the beliefs of Dems and Reps, and it will be a sad day in donkey-town if we no longer have fantasy liberal-run world to escape to.
But hasn't it been a glorious ride?
If you saw The West Wing this week (I watched the tape last night after being out of town on Wednesday), you know what I mean.
Seriously, did anyone know that politics could be so exciting?
Of course, I realize it's all fictional and specifically designed to draw us in, so that we make personal and ideological connections with certain characters and not others, and the filming, editing, and musical score all contribute to building the drama. Speechwriters have more freedom to be purely idealistic when they do not actually have to win the hearts of people on both sides of every issue. I know this. But still...
Wow.
I had been a faithful fan the first few seasons, but lost interest after the big crisis of Zoe's abduction and the Republican Speaker of the House taking over as President in Season 4. With the loss of Rob Lowe and the resolution of the major personal crises, the show seemed to lose steam, where one political tension after another began to be less exciting a storyline. But the past year's arc of the presidential campaign (WW-world is a year behind real-world) has brought back some of the energy and passion that made disaffected Democrats and left-leaning independents fall in love with the show in the first place. It hasn't hurt to have the very attractive Jimmy Smits as the idealistic Democratic underdog-but-gotta-win-because-Josh-picked-him heir-apparent to the outgoing Bartlet administration.
I have to say too that the timing of the WW-world campaign, and the improbable win after improbable win of the Matt Santos run, seems more strategic than a happy coincidence, bolstering Democratic belief in the party after the lamentable results of last year's real-world election. It's enough to give a person hope to get through the next 3 1/2 years.
SPOILER ALERT
DO NOT CONTINUE READING IF YOU DID NOT SEE THE WEST WING THIS WEEK AND WANT TO FULLY ENJOY THE SUSPENSE OF THE APRIL 6 EPISODE.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
The turning-point speeches delivered by Santos, especially that final address to the DNC, are not only politically inspiring, but ethically and theologically sound. "We are all broken" - a profound statement and fundamental to Christian belief. Perhaps an indication that Santos also has the religious convictions that have brought moral depth to the Bartlet administration.
(Yes, I know I'm analyzing fiction as though it were reality. I was an English major. That's what we do.)
The problem is that I am seriously concerned that Arnie Vinnick, played by Alan Alda, the Republican candidate for the general election campaign we'll see played out in the fall, is obviously a much stronger national candidate than the Santos-McGarry ticket. To bring a Democratic win out of this will have to stretch the credulity of even devoted WW-watchers and yellow-dog Democrats. But to go with the "realistic" option, a Republican win, I think will make thousands of loyal viewers switch off their sets - or begin watching Alias instead (see entry below for the Wednesday-night quandary). Even if Vinnick is portrayed as the best-possible Republican, there are fundamental differences in the beliefs of Dems and Reps, and it will be a sad day in donkey-town if we no longer have fantasy liberal-run world to escape to.
But hasn't it been a glorious ride?
Monday, March 21, 2005
What I've Been Reading on Spring Break
(Note: I tried to post this last night, but the internet connection freaked out on me, and since it was late I just went to bed instead. So classes have resumed, but I still wanted to put this up.)
+++
Without the kick-in-the-pants/fingernails-on-chalkboard incentive of classes, I do actually enjoy reading, both for pure pleasure and for my own edification. This week I've run the gamut of cotton candy to - well, if not steamed spinach (reportedly good for you but utterly uncomestible), at least a good granola. Here they are, for your own reading pleasure (or not), in the order in which I picked them up:
The Princess Bride (30th Anniversary Edition), William Goldman (fiction)
Nutritional value: Hot fudge sundae. It could be more sinfully delicious, but not a whole lot. And yet, there's some, uh, protein and calcium in there... somewhere...
Why: Recommended by an online friend as "better than the movie." If I had read the book first, I'm sure I would agree. But it's hard to top years of Cary Elwes and Robin Wright in your head. Still, the book does provide a lot more mind-teasing humor than the film. Intentionally short on closure and clarity, which drives me up the wall a little. As I'm sure it's meant to.
Grade: A/A-
Can You Keep a Secret?, Sophie Kinsella (fiction)
Nutritional value: Cotton candy. I can read about one book every three months that's this fluffy and sugary and still enjoy it.
Why: Long layover in the Pittsburgh airport, and I deserved it after the emotional stress of family stuff earlier in the week. Pretty funny, good sense of voice, but no real attempt at depth of any kind. I've read better in the same "chick-lit" genre.
Grade: C
The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations, Dan Kimball
Nutritional value: Granola. Crunchy, pretty thought-provoking (especially if you haven't already read half a dozen other books on related topics...), but very accessibly written.
Why: Okay, I have an academic and professional motivation for picking this up (independent study and work in young adult ministry), and my reasoning for trying to get through part of it during break is primarily to cut down on my workload during my final quarter in seminary. This does seem to be the most relevant book out there from an evangelical perspective trying to address current trends in reaching unchurched young people, but I'm having a hard time sticking with it long enough during break to actually make progress.
Grade: B+
The Dirty Girls Social Club, Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (fiction)
Nutritional value: I really wanted to come up with something clever and culturally relevant here, like nachos or quesadilla con pollo or platanos fritos or something, but I'm pretty sure all of my reference points would be offensive to Latino/a people. Let's see... how about batido de mango, a mango smoothie? One of my favorite (daytime) drinks when I lived in Venezuela - sweet and rich and fruity so it has to be a little good for you, right?
Why: I was looking for something light but still interesting at the local branch of the public library. The Boston setting, girlfriend-group approach (alternating first person perspectives from each of the six main characters), and Latina culture caught and held my attention. As a white girl with only a bunch of northern European ancestors on both sides, I can't say for sure how "authentic" it is, but it seems to ring true (to me, at least) in the diversity of experiences, voices, and perspectives it contains. Honest and lively and a little heartbreaking at times. And I stayed up late the night before classes started to finish it.
Grade: A
And now, onward to spring quarter and my last 10 weeks of forced reading for at least a few years, I hope.
+++
Without the kick-in-the-pants/fingernails-on-chalkboard incentive of classes, I do actually enjoy reading, both for pure pleasure and for my own edification. This week I've run the gamut of cotton candy to - well, if not steamed spinach (reportedly good for you but utterly uncomestible), at least a good granola. Here they are, for your own reading pleasure (or not), in the order in which I picked them up:
The Princess Bride (30th Anniversary Edition), William Goldman (fiction)
Nutritional value: Hot fudge sundae. It could be more sinfully delicious, but not a whole lot. And yet, there's some, uh, protein and calcium in there... somewhere...
Why: Recommended by an online friend as "better than the movie." If I had read the book first, I'm sure I would agree. But it's hard to top years of Cary Elwes and Robin Wright in your head. Still, the book does provide a lot more mind-teasing humor than the film. Intentionally short on closure and clarity, which drives me up the wall a little. As I'm sure it's meant to.
Grade: A/A-
Can You Keep a Secret?, Sophie Kinsella (fiction)
Nutritional value: Cotton candy. I can read about one book every three months that's this fluffy and sugary and still enjoy it.
Why: Long layover in the Pittsburgh airport, and I deserved it after the emotional stress of family stuff earlier in the week. Pretty funny, good sense of voice, but no real attempt at depth of any kind. I've read better in the same "chick-lit" genre.
Grade: C
The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations, Dan Kimball
Nutritional value: Granola. Crunchy, pretty thought-provoking (especially if you haven't already read half a dozen other books on related topics...), but very accessibly written.
Why: Okay, I have an academic and professional motivation for picking this up (independent study and work in young adult ministry), and my reasoning for trying to get through part of it during break is primarily to cut down on my workload during my final quarter in seminary. This does seem to be the most relevant book out there from an evangelical perspective trying to address current trends in reaching unchurched young people, but I'm having a hard time sticking with it long enough during break to actually make progress.
Grade: B+
The Dirty Girls Social Club, Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (fiction)
Nutritional value: I really wanted to come up with something clever and culturally relevant here, like nachos or quesadilla con pollo or platanos fritos or something, but I'm pretty sure all of my reference points would be offensive to Latino/a people. Let's see... how about batido de mango, a mango smoothie? One of my favorite (daytime) drinks when I lived in Venezuela - sweet and rich and fruity so it has to be a little good for you, right?
Why: I was looking for something light but still interesting at the local branch of the public library. The Boston setting, girlfriend-group approach (alternating first person perspectives from each of the six main characters), and Latina culture caught and held my attention. As a white girl with only a bunch of northern European ancestors on both sides, I can't say for sure how "authentic" it is, but it seems to ring true (to me, at least) in the diversity of experiences, voices, and perspectives it contains. Honest and lively and a little heartbreaking at times. And I stayed up late the night before classes started to finish it.
Grade: A
And now, onward to spring quarter and my last 10 weeks of forced reading for at least a few years, I hope.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Sweet Release
We interrupt this program to bring you breaking (well, sort of) news:
I have finished my finals! (Yay! Hurrah! Praise Jesus!)
May there be much rejoicing throughout the land. Kerryland, that is.
Now if I can just stay conscious long enough to pack for a trip back east, I can sleep several hours tomorrow on the plane.
Here's hoping the snow in Boston will let up by early afternoon so my flight can land.
We now return to regularly scheduled programming, already in progress.
I have finished my finals! (Yay! Hurrah! Praise Jesus!)
May there be much rejoicing throughout the land. Kerryland, that is.
Now if I can just stay conscious long enough to pack for a trip back east, I can sleep several hours tomorrow on the plane.
Here's hoping the snow in Boston will let up by early afternoon so my flight can land.
We now return to regularly scheduled programming, already in progress.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Confession
Apropos of nothing, I would like to say how relieved I am that Lorelai and Luke are back together on Gilmore Girls. There's enough heartache in my own life - I can't have my TV friends and heroes falling apart too.
Yes, I am a 26-year-old grad student who watches the WB. During finals.
In my defense, I dare you to find a funnier show about strong, smart women.
(Never mind that I also watch Everwood... hey, it's set in Colorado, I'm in Colorado... uh... yeah.)
While I'm on a TV rant, what fool decided to move Alias to Wednesday nights opposite West Wing? How am I supposed to get my smart-liberal-politics fix and my strong-woman-kicking-ass fix when I also have to lead choir rehearsal and can't tape both?!
Yes, I am a 26-year-old grad student who watches the WB. During finals.
In my defense, I dare you to find a funnier show about strong, smart women.
(Never mind that I also watch Everwood... hey, it's set in Colorado, I'm in Colorado... uh... yeah.)
While I'm on a TV rant, what fool decided to move Alias to Wednesday nights opposite West Wing? How am I supposed to get my smart-liberal-politics fix and my strong-woman-kicking-ass fix when I also have to lead choir rehearsal and can't tape both?!
Monday, March 07, 2005
A Poem I Didn't Write
Worst thing about a school year based on quarters: It's March, and I'm in the midst of finals.
Compounding that misery, it's been in the 50s and 60s consistently the last couple weeks, and as a former New Englander I feel like I ought to be out making the most of it (especially since most of my spring break will be spent back in the 35-degree snowiness of yore).
So to aid in my procrastination (hey, I'm more than halfway through the 48 pages I will have turned in by Friday), I present you with a poem that I did not write, but which I love. (Please don't tell Mr. Larkin, as I don't have permission, but it's too great not to share.)
"Water"
If I were called in
To construct a religion
I should make use of water.
Going to church
Would entail a fording
To dry, different clothes;
My litany would employ
Images of sousing,
A furious devout drench,
And I should raise in the east
A glass of water
Where any-angled light
Would congregate endlessly.
-- Philip Larkin
Compounding that misery, it's been in the 50s and 60s consistently the last couple weeks, and as a former New Englander I feel like I ought to be out making the most of it (especially since most of my spring break will be spent back in the 35-degree snowiness of yore).
So to aid in my procrastination (hey, I'm more than halfway through the 48 pages I will have turned in by Friday), I present you with a poem that I did not write, but which I love. (Please don't tell Mr. Larkin, as I don't have permission, but it's too great not to share.)
"Water"
If I were called in
To construct a religion
I should make use of water.
Going to church
Would entail a fording
To dry, different clothes;
My litany would employ
Images of sousing,
A furious devout drench,
And I should raise in the east
A glass of water
Where any-angled light
Would congregate endlessly.
-- Philip Larkin
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Greetings & salutations!
Welcome to my brand-new blog!
Not sure yet what I'll focus on here, but I welcome your comments. Just please try not to prove to me that it's impossible to be liberal and a Christian. We do exist, and there are more of us than you might think! (Genuine questions about what that means are welcome.)
Beyond that, I find real value in established religion, in my case the United Methodist Church, as uncool as that is these days. Spirituality is an important part of religion, but when it's set loose as its own esoteric option, it tends to lose the support and accountability that communities can provide.
Granted, the church has its own issues, and plenty of them, which is part of why I identify with liberal/progressive movements (theologically and politically). Renewal, adaptation, and ongoing reinterpretation of the tradition are crucial to the continuing vitality of institutionalized religion - at the same time that the stories, songs, symbols, rituals, and events of the tradition through history provide an important counterbalance to society's emphasis on the new and the now.
Well, that's my starting-point. Who knows where the journey will take us!
Not sure yet what I'll focus on here, but I welcome your comments. Just please try not to prove to me that it's impossible to be liberal and a Christian. We do exist, and there are more of us than you might think! (Genuine questions about what that means are welcome.)
Beyond that, I find real value in established religion, in my case the United Methodist Church, as uncool as that is these days. Spirituality is an important part of religion, but when it's set loose as its own esoteric option, it tends to lose the support and accountability that communities can provide.
Granted, the church has its own issues, and plenty of them, which is part of why I identify with liberal/progressive movements (theologically and politically). Renewal, adaptation, and ongoing reinterpretation of the tradition are crucial to the continuing vitality of institutionalized religion - at the same time that the stories, songs, symbols, rituals, and events of the tradition through history provide an important counterbalance to society's emphasis on the new and the now.
Well, that's my starting-point. Who knows where the journey will take us!
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