Summer Swim Memory

Our swim lessons this week reminded me of my first summer Duke Divinty Internship in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. I broke several glass ceilings that summer. Not real ceilings, but figurative and symbolic ones. Let me explain...

I was their second female seminary student to preach, teach and led at these 2 small churches. These good folks were still trying to figure out women in ministry. There I was being me. I did not offer excuses or explanations about gender and ministry, I just assumed leadership and went forward! I recall the men liked me but, the women well... that was a little odd. The younger ones and I had a ball. The mid-life and almost retired aged women looked at me funny and gave me little thin smiles.

Add to my gender, I was from the north. I had no idea until I lived in North Carolina that the Civil War in the United States is actually the War Between the States. (I usually did really well in US history- hugh!) And I also was misinformed about how northern Indiana is considered by tarheels. My ancesters were either Quakers who moved to Indiana to avoid the conflict or had not yet immigrated from Lithania. So I was a female leader and a Yank! Are you getting this picture?

Now the crowning jewel in that summer internship happened mid-summer. The family I lived with had an inground pool that I very much enjoyed using throughout the summer. It didn't take long until my blond hair (made even more blond from the summer sun) turned green from exposure to chlorine! Yes- green. Very green. Noticably green. Shocking green.

You got the picture now- single leadership-minded Yankee female pastoral intern with GREEN HAIR!

Now you know why the women looked at me funny.

Coordinated Christians

Throughout this week our preschooler is learning how to swim. Eager and excited she puts on her swimsuit and rushes to the car to go to the pool!

When we arrive at the pool her face is full of awe at the older kids jumping in, splashing around, and diving off of the high drive. "I can't do that yet, Momma!" she whispers to me. "But you will one day," I whisper back.

When we decide to trust Jesus and believe what he offers is better than anything else, it is like jumping into a deep pool; full of unknown and depth. That act takes courage, confidence, and a sense of adventure. But deciding to trust Jesus is also like swim lessons... learning a new thing each day like blowing bubbles, kicking your feet, and then coordinating your arms motions with your legs. Little by little we develop the skills and motion of faith, belief, and trust in God as well as ourselves.

Living a life of faith is about practicing the motion and action of belief until it is mastered and you can swim across the pool, jump in the deep end, and even go under water. Thank goodness we have a great place to practice all these things- it is not called the pool, but the church! See you there on Sunday for more swim- err faith practice!

Summer Reading

Now that my sunburn is healing and my dog is no longer eating rocks, I am onto other projects. Mulching flower beds, sorting leftover items from the garage sale, and reading through my summer stack of books.

At conference a couple of weeks ago a book about Benedictine monks/sisters caught my eye. I've been reading a chapter in the afternoons since that time. Thoughts on humility made me squirm and words about obedience made me cringe. Because I've had such a reaction to the book, I think it's been a good one to spiritually stretch me this summer.

Four other books wait their turn to be read as soon as I stop shuttering from St. Benedict's challenging expectations for the Christian life. I wonder if No Man Is An Island, My Soul Waits, Helping Our Children Grow In Faith, and Embracing Parents: How your Congregation Can Strengthen Families will cause me to bristle too.

I'll let you know how the reading goes.

Summer Sun!

Last Saturday night I learned a lesson in a rather painful way. Note to self for future reference- always spread and apply sun screen in an even and smooth manner. Never clump or miss any areas.

Because of my failure to follow the above directions, I now have a very weird shaped sunburn!

I love the summer sun, don't you?!

Best Things of VBS

One of the best things about VBS is... well the volunteers. I am amazed at the youth and adults we have sharing their time and their faith with God's youngest disciples! The young adult helping group is awesome- looking out for the little ones and offering encouragement.

Another great thing about VBS is... snack time! We need a little sugar boost to get us through our busy morning!

The best thing about VBS is... worshipping God with over 150 children. Children leading in praise. Children praying. Children singing. Children honoring God in their dance and happy movements! That is the part of VBS that inspires me and moves me deeply... children worshipping.

Whta moves you about Vacation Bible School?

Thoughts Overheard at Conference

The following are thoughts I overheard this past week at Conference. Some of these thoughts inspired me and others led me to quiet reflection.

• State of Indiana is #2 in the nation for being addicted to gambling.
• The United Methodist church in Bande Aceh (Indonesia) lost 53 of their 100 members douring the 2004 severe weather. Hoosier United Methodists sent $200,000 to help rebuild that church. Today in a Muslim nation they have over 300 in worship on a Sunday!
• A homeless man who has received assistance from Fletcher Place Community Center was beaten and set on fire last week in Indianapolis.
• John Wesley's 3 Simple Rules: Do no harm, Do Good, and Stay in love with God.
• "We are praying and envisioning a Christ-healed Africa," Dr. Peter Storey, former UM bishop of South Africa
• Natanga Conference UM pastors in the Congo eat every other day after they choose to stay in ministry while their nation fights a Civil War.
• Calvary UMC in Brownsburg is in the top 5 for growth this past year in South Indiana.
• "Most important thing to remember and do is support each other," retiring Pastor
• #1 job of Hoosier United Methodists is evangelism
• Indianapolis West District where calvary is located has over 7,000 Native Americans who are not part of a church community- yet!
• 5 practices of a Fruitful congregation are radical hospitality, passionate worship, intentional faith development, risk-taking mission & giving, and extragent generosity

Leaving for Annual Conference

Tomorrow is the day I leave early for a drive down to Bloomington for our Annual Conference gathering of South Indiana United Methodists. Lot's of presentations, decisions, and conversations take place at this gathering. Everyone stops to chat with everyone else because we rarely get to visit one another.

I am not sure what to expect this year. Hot humid weather will be in season. Checking out the book table will be a must see. Catching up with people will be fun.

The BIG DEAL this year is the vote to merge or not merge with our North Indiana United Methodists. That and the budget will be big stuff.

I do especially enjoy hearing about our Mission efforts here in the US and abroad.

So, we shall see what the next three days will be like!