Christmas 4

970 served!  All were blessed!  Amazing music!

Get some rest!

Merry Christmas...

Christmas 3

Lovely- spectacular!  Strings, carols, candles, Holy Communion.... warmth, beauty, peace, and togetherness.... just does not get any better!

437 served at Christ's Table tonight!

I had the chance to worship with my family as well.. such a blessing to see their faces lit by candlelight.

Warm glows all around on a dark, dreary, rainy night.

Peace, peace, peace!

Christmas 2

Marvelous!  The children were as inquisitive and excited we we predicted!  276 served at the birthday party of our Lord.

Our Holy family with big brother angel were beautiful!  Jesus slept through it all!  (It's a girl!)

Unfortunately, my voice got scratchy... here's to hoping that I can get that straightened out soon.

Only 2 mentions of Santa!

Now, for the orchestra, carols, communion and candlelight Part 1 (aka 7pm)!

Peace!

Pre-Christmas Eve 5pm

With a soggy, gray afternoon into an early evening... we begin our pilgrimage tonight to worship the Babe of Bethlehem!

Grateful for the dry sanctuary and the warmth of voices and light.

Eager to celebrate the birth of our Savior!

Our first service is all about the little ones... noise, excitement, wonder, cheer... and wiggles!  Lots and lots of wiggling and eagerness in the children.

And we are all children... reminds me of Tuesday when I visited a local nursing home during the Holiday party. There in the midst of a hundred wheelchairs was Santa.  He was dancing with an older woman who was absolutely enthralled!

It is that kind of wonder and awe- we will see mirrored in the children's eyes.

The table is set here we go...

Land of Deep Darkness

Blue Christmas Service Saturday December 20, 2014

Reverend Michelle L. Knight

Isaiah 9:2-7

“Christmas Lights: Land of Deep Darkness”

Let us pray… Come Light of the World and illumine the darkness within and around, so that we may cling to your brilliant hope.  Come, Emmanuel, come.  Amen.

The land of deep darkness…is Peshawar, Pakistan as that community mourns 148 deaths by terrorist attack.  The land of deep darkness is Sydney, Australia as the community grieves the hostage crisis and attack which left three dead and others wounded. The land of deep darkness is Sierra Leone and Liberia as medical workers go house to house checking on Ebola patients and their families. The land of deep darkness…is Anderson, Indiana where a malnourished 40 pound teenager was rescued from the abuse of her grandparents. 

The land of deep darkness…is where are families live be they Brownsburg, Avon, Indianapolis, Hendricks county… my street, your street, my home and your home.  Just five days after Christmas our goddaughter will have her third brain surgery to remove a tumor.  Yes, there is a lot of different kinds of darkness.

Indeed, our land… dwells in darkness.  Just 9 hours and 22 minutes of day light tomorrow… the year’s shortest day.  Tonight begins the longest night. 

It is no coincidence that the winter solstice is also the Feast Day for Saint Thomas the Apostle!  The ancient church leaders were wise to make this connection. You remember Thomas?!  He was the disciple who missed the opportunity greet the Risen Jesus and thus expressed his doubts about Jesus…until he met the Risen Lord for himself!  Thus there is an inherent significance when we connect Thomas's struggle to believe the tale of Jesus' resurrection, the long nights just before Christmas, and the struggle with darkness faced by those living with loss.  Winter solstice; the longest night of the year and St. Thomas, our deep darkness are good companions.

Into the darkness a prophet speaks.  Isaiah’s words resonate today as they did millennia ago when he first uttered them.  Technology has changed, but the darkness has not.  We live in a land of deep darkness; that is unfortunately, always contemporary: violence, war, anguish, suffering, pain, loss, trauma, abuse, neglect, and isolation. 

And yet, and yet, it is into this darkness Jesus was born.  This is the message of the prophet… that light is coming. Light will dawn in a child whose presence, giftedness, leadership and love will illumine the world.  No wonder his nicknames will be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.  No wonder he is worthy of all this fuss.  "We celebrate joyfully 'a son given to us' not in spite of all that is horrible, dangerous, or distressing about the world around us, but precisely because of it."(Weekly Comments on the Revised Common Lectionary, Theological Hall of the Uniting Church, Melbourne, Australia) 

Because of the darkness Jesus was born for us.

And this is our hope.

This is our light…in the midst of the deep darkness.

This is hope to hang onto because peace exists because of Him.

Our Bishop writes his bi-monthly, E-Pistle.  This week my email in-box was filled with his Blue Christmas message.  Bishop Mike said it best; “Jesus was born into the darkness, to a people who were living in darkness, poverty, repression, defeat and pain. Jesus came into a hurting world to bring light, hope and healing. Jesus did not come to those who were in the midst of parties and celebrations focused upon wealth and the accumulation of possessions (in fact the grown-up Jesus had harsh words for those persons for being a part of injustice). No, Jesus came into a hurting world to help and heal hurting people.”

Jesus came to help you.

Jesus came to heal you.

He came to help and heal me too.

His light makes all the difference as we live in our land of darkness.

Earlier this Advent the clergy of our district met for worship, teaching session, and a wonderful meal at Greenwood UMC.  Pastor In Suk gave an inspiring message from her childhood. In Suk moved from Korea to the US when she was in her twenties. She told us about one of the Christmas traditions in her native Korean village. 

Imagine a huge bonfire built outside the doors of a small, simple church.  On a December  dark and cold night, children, teens and adults would tend the fire; bringing wood, stirring the embers so that heat was just right.  Special Christmas cake was baked on this fire.  And it took some time to do the baking.  As fires go... the flames needed to be tended so that the cake would not burn. 

While some folks tended the fire, other parents and church leaders were in the sanctuary leading the children and teens through the story of God.  Children ran back and forth from outside by the fire to inner warmth of the church sanctuary  where the entire story of the Bible was enacted and told from the Garden of Eden all the way to the birth of Jesus, the visitation by shepherds and wise travelers from the east.  Must have taken awhile to bake those special Christmas cakes!

In Suk reflects on the wonder and joy of that special night with her church family.  The night was a celebration of dramatic contrasts: dark and light; cold and warm; hunger and satisfaction; waiting and the expectation; unknown of the future and also hope.  And all of the evening’s activities; both the bonfire and the Word of God, were tended by the community working and sharing together.  I can just imagine running from the fire as a small child back into the sanctuary where the story of God unfolds so that young and old alike hear the long, wandering narrative of God’s saving, loving grace for humanity culminating in a stable with a child who is born for us. 

We may not be in Korea, but there is fire tonight that needs to be tended.  You are here because your fire feels dim amidst the darkness.  And we: young and old, married and widowed, single and divorced, grieving and hopeful, eager and downtrodden; as a community tend the flames of our hope together.  Our God first put the light within each one of us.  Then, gave us the gift of Jesus to further empower with compassion.  We need only stir the embers this evening. 

          You may have heard about a Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.  She is credited with wonderful insight and wisdom into the stages of grief and the process of grieving.  A less known thought of hers is this, “People are like stained - glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

            The prophet Isaiah reminds us all that we do have a light within. Together we tend the flame. Tending looks like prayer, support, encouragement, and being present to one another.  Members of our prayer ministry and pastoral staff will come forward by the kneeling rails.  Mark will provide beautiful reflective music.

            If you need prayer, encouragement or the warmth of a friend of God… come forward.

If you are here because someone you love is suffering and struggling, come forward and receive prayer for them and yourself as a person of support. Let us tend the Light of God within one another.  Amen.

Graduation!

Here is our newest graduate- fresh from receiving his MBA (focus in Accounting) from Indiana Wesleyan University on Saturday December 13, 2014!

After two and a half years of going to to school straight through; he is finished!

We are so proud of my husband!

Not only did he achieve a 4.0, but he also graduated debt free.
He accomplished all of this while working one full time job as well as two part time gigs on the side.

Besides that he completed his higher education while he mother was in hospice and saw her through to her eternal home during his toughest class, Economics!

Eric met many new friends and wonderful professors!  He is thrilled with his achievement and so are we!

He is a fantastic role model of diligence, patience, and hard work!  I am so glad he has modeled for our daughter the gifts and blessings of education.

Now, time to celebrate and catch up on rest!

Congratulations!

Female Lead Pastors of Large UM Churches

Recently while reading items in the news feed of my Facebook account, one of my clergy colleagues shared this blog entry from Reverend Jeremy Smith (blog is entitled Hacking Christianity).  he does an excellent job of working through the myths and issues surrounding the lack of female lead pastors within large churches in United Methodism.

I wish you happy reading, and then for all of us, within the United Methodist community to lift up, coach, encourage and empower leaders (female and male) for the vital ministries God calls them toward.

http://hackingchristianity.net/2014/12/why-do-the-largest-umcs-not-have-female-pastors.html

Advent

Advent, 'the coming', as a church season is here and I could not be more eager to relish and soak in the significance.

Waiting on God to end hunger, pain, sorrow, injustice, illness, disease, mental illness, despair, violence, sin, war, brain tumor's, breast cancer, ALS, etc.  I have a whole long list; my list grows every Advent, of all the things I am eagerly waiting on God to end, heal and redeem.

Thank God for God and Advent.  A special time for waiting... resting... reflecting on what is and what is nto yet to be...

I talked with Calvary's children about how Advent is like an adventure a faith journey into the past to remember Jesus birth, and also a journey into the future to celebrate Jesus will come again in fullness, glory and splendor.  And we do this journey NOW!  In the midst of the have-done, almost-accomplished, yet-to be of the world.

What a relief Advent is that I do not do a thing.  But God does.  What a joy Advent reminds me that God is moving, and working and I can trust in my waiting on God.

Advent, come on!  And Come!

What I am Thankful for...

I am grateful for..

a forgiving, loving, amazing God in Christ Jesus

my handsome, supportive, brilliant husband

my talented, witty, smart, affectionate daughter

my parents who gave me life

my mother who gave me Jesus

my father who grows me as a person of compassion

my Gram for loving me brilliantly

my Grandpa for his tangible signs of affection and faith

my aunt who loves as I am

my uncle who listens

my in-laws who give me family such great love

my cousins who keep me sane

my friends who laugh at my weirdness and appreciate my mind

my warm, safe, clean home

my dog who is a steady presence of affection

my health

my intellect

my wacky humor

my Bishop, DS, and clergy colleagues who make ministry more fun by doing it together

my congregation who show forgiveness in how they put up with me

I could go on and on and on and on....

So very, very much to be grateful for.

I am living my Thanksgiving in how I give my life back to Jesus!

So Many Reasons to Like Thanksgiving- Lincoln is One of Them

Thanksgiving is my favorite non-liturgical holiday!  Yet, it is almost a holy day as we are blessed by a generous God, an unwavering woman named Sarah Hale, and one of my favorite historic US Presidents!

Proclamation of Thanksgiving

Sarah Josepha Hale, a 74-year-old magazine editor, wrote a letter to Lincoln on September 28, 1863, urging him to have the "day of our annual Thanksgiving made a National and fixed Union Festival." She explained, "You may have observed that, for some years past, there has been an increasing interest felt in our land to have the Thanksgiving held on the same day, in all the States; it now needs National recognition and authoritive fixation, only, to become permanently, an American custom and institution."

Prior to this, each state scheduled its own Thanksgiving holiday at different times, mainly in New England and other Northern states. President Lincoln responded to Mrs. Hale's request immediately, unlike several of his predecessors, who ignored her petitions altogether. In her letter to Lincoln she mentioned that she had been advocating a national thanksgiving date for 15 years as the editor of Godey's Lady's Book. George Washington was the first president to proclaim a day of thanksgiving, issuing his request on October 3, 1789, exactly 74 years before Lincoln's.

The document below sets apart the last Thursday of November "as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise." According to an April 1, 1864, letter from John Nicolay, one of President Lincoln's secretaries, this document was written by Secretary of State William Seward, and the original was in his handwriting. On October 3, 1863, fellow Cabinet member Gideon Welles recorded in his diary how he complimented Seward on his work. A year later the manuscript was sold to benefit Union troops.

Washington, D.C.
October 3, 1863
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. 

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. 

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln


William H. Seward,
Secretary of State

Another Saint

All Saints Sunday is one of my favorite liturgical Sundays during the church calendar year because we celebrate our loved ones, the gift of resurrection, the communion of saints, and the the wonder it is to be in the Body of Christ.

Since our last All Saint Sunday, my step-grandfather died. Gene was married to my maternal grandmother.

He had many quirks, hearing issues, and foibles, but he was very good to my grandmother and made sure she traveled around the world a bit.  Gene delighted in making young kiddos giggle especially my Diana.  He served our nation well during World War II and I am grateful for his service.  Gene was uncertain about things of faith, Bible and theology, yet he was at least willing to listen and allow others their beliefs.  He was an avid golfer, shrewd business man who enjoyed driving fast!

I know he was very despondent after my grandmother's death. So now since his passing in October of this year, I am grateful that he no longer struggles with health issues and moreover, I am glad that he is re-united with his first wife, second wife, and children who preceded him in death.

I celebrate that he was a part of our family's life for several decades and ensured great joy for my grandmother.  I thank you God, for the gift of Gene's life and his presence in mine.

Dream Come True

Last Saturday night here at Calvary UMC I was able to have a dream come true.

When I was a young girl in my early 'tweens' I was enthralled with Anne Frank and her famous Diary.

Ever since that time I have wanted to meet a survivor of the Jewish (Nazi) Holocaust during World War II.

You cannot imagine my inner thrill when that dream came true on Saturday not only for myself, but also for my daughter!  I was speechless.

Wow- what a spunky, inspiring, intelligent lady!  I was so thrilled to meet her and listen to stories... and then to share her with our Brownsburg community!  WOW!

Eva is my new hero. If you don't know her story- find out!

www.candlesholocaustmuseum.org

"Forgive and heal."

Hike in Nature

On an afternoon of our daughter's fall break, I grabbed the family and forced them to go on a hike in a local park.

My husband took the photo of our backsides as we hiked along collecting beautiful leaves!

It was an exhilarating afternoon with warm winds, gorgeous leaves falling on us, and such color around us!

I can still smell the air from the afternoon.

October, Where Did You Go?

I looked up for a brief fleeing moment today and realized, "October ends this week!"  And then a second thought came to my mind, "What have I blogged about this month?"  One look at this blog tells that story. Nothing has been written.  Nada.  Zip.  Zero.

Until today.

October has been spent on a fall break vacation, too many conference commitments, and a zillion details of church ministry.  In the middle of all that stuff, October has also held my 14th wedding anniversary, my husband's 40th birthday, and the death of my step grandparent.

Surprise birthday party for the spouse along with the countdown for his MBA studies preoccupied my nights and weekends when various other little details floated in and out of my mind.  Now that I think about it, I did not get much sleep in October.

Sigh.

Where did your October go?

American Legion Posts

Normally, I do not loiter outside of buildings, but last night I loitered.  I never felt safer than I did waiting outside the American Legion Post here in Brownsburg.  Quite a collection of memorials, flags and other patriotic signage!

My host welcomed me and we wandered through the bar, er canteen?!  Until we wound are way into the large dining hall that I had visited during a wedding feast years ago.

Fascinating to meet our local vets.  Share their stories and learn about what they do for others.  I was intrigued by the empty chair upon which the colors of the MIA flag were laid throughout their meeting in recognition of their on-going passion to bring the last soldiers home.

Thank you vets!  For who you are, what you have done, and what you continue to do for our country and our local communities!

The Paradoxical Commandments

While working on my sermon on forgiveness for this coming weekend, I stumbled upon a treasure that perhaps many folks already know.

I found Kent M. Keith's "Paradoxical Commandments" from 1968 from The Silent Revolution: Dynamic Leadership in the Student Council.  Apparently, he wrote these as part of a booklet for student leaders.  

They have been used by business leaders, military commanders, government officials, religious leaders, university presidents, social workers, teachers, rock stars, parents, coaches, and students. Mother Teresa thought the Paradoxical Commandments were important enough to put up on the wall of her children's home in Calcutta. 

“People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. 

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.

Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.

Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.

Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.

Give the world the best you have anyway.” 

A Decade as a Parent

Ten is the age my kidlet arrived at this past Monday.  She is now in the double digits and quite proud.

A decade of living on the earth and I still remember the smell of her baby soft black hair the day she was born. Weird that my nose has a ten year old memory? And very cool at the same time as well.

Happy Decade to my babe, who isn't a babe, anymore.  The next big birthday you will have, my dear, is when you transition into being a teen.

Egads, as a Momma, I am not ready for that.  Let's soak in 10 for as long as possible!

Devotion and Blog at Upper Room

After years of attempts, near-misses, fails, and rejects; last year The Upper Room Daily Devotion accepted one of my devotions.  It was written about my mother in law regarding her long journey with cancer.

I received word from the editorial staff about 4 weeks after her death.  The moment was bittersweet. My excitement over publishing something was diminished by my sense of loss and grief.  But then, God is always good.

When the staff from Upper Room asked me to write a follow up blog and include a picture, I jumped at the chance to finish my mother in law's story.  Or at least finish my story of her.

Here is the link to that blog for you to enjoy.

Be blessed... even in bittersweetness.

http://devotional.upperroom.org/blog/2014/08/knight083114

Joy!

In spite of a deluge of rain on Saturday night, our ladies had a terrific retreat on JOY this past weekend.  There was a Euchre tournament, too many snacks, and strange gnats, but over all it was a lovely time for prayer, praise and renewed purpose!



Several of the ladies found it very difficult to tolerate our side-ways Y!  Even after we explained the emphasis on choosing JOY no matter our circumstances (as represented in our sideways Y)... many were still unable to resist straightening the Y.  Got to be a joke.

Of course, what retreat would be a retreat without an opportunity for a prayer walk on a Labyrinth!  Here is Calvary's own Renewal Labyrinth perfectly set in our worship room for the weekend.

Several ladies enjoyed some quiet, personal time in this lovely space.

With the heat and humidity, this quiet, cool space was lovely for prayer.

Our cross become a focal point during our worship services... here you can barely see the tissue papers that are pinned to it.

Each woman wrote of what busts or blocks her joy and we left that on the cross for Christ to restore, heal. and redeem Friday night.

After a day of teaching, Saturday evening we draped our cross with the beautiful, colorful ribbon circle of "Remember When".

Retreatants scribbled a time in their past when God was there for her on the ribbon... these were then tied together to help one another remember.  After a beautiful group dance of blessing and singing of how God holds us, we together adorned our cross!

Indeed joy burst forth from us in celebration, thanksgiving and praise!

Joy- Women's Retreat

 Less than a week from now my bags will be packed for yet another retreat.  Hard to fathom that I have been leading and facilitating retreat ministry for almost two decades now.  Geez- what does that mean?  Probably not much.  Still something to learn.

Here we go again... taking over two dozen women on retreat in the woods. We're not ready... shopping to do, sessions to write, bread to bake, snacks to make, gift bags to create, and setting to embellish!  While I avoid my retreat preparations nostalgia blooms. 

Because I am feeling nostalgic about retreats with Calvary UMC ladies... here are my set of unique memories.  Remember when:

• the carpet caught on fire at the retreat center because our sparkler activity well, caught on fire.
• ladies (not to be named) stayed up all night to talk, talk and talk!
• Orpah made an appearance!
• we drove hours and hours up north to Lindenwood...and there was nothing nearby to eat!
• we had a volleyball game and cheerleaders?
• multiple microwaves were put to use for the creation of our scarves (and we burned one up).
• the year we had to call 911 because one of our ladies fell down the stairs?
• retreat that we hired a massage therapist for everyone?
• the retreat leader (me) sent terrible directions and got half the women lost in Tipton!?
• one of you walked a labyrinth for the first time and fell in love with God more deeply?
• we laughed and laughed and laughed so hard our cheeks hurt and our abs got a workout?
• the baby pool for Sara's first baby that a certain pastor did not know how to organize because she knows so little about gambling?
• we had to beg the retreat center kitchen to bake our communion bread.
• Clari Bel, Dodie and Laurel would anchor our retreats in wisdom... not to mention other amazing women like Lodoscia.
• our last year at Tipton- St. Joseph's Retreat and Conference Center. so sad.

You may have your favorite memories...share one with a friend.  Or make a new one with us.

Rejected Poems!

Earlier this year I sent several poems into a publication which I humbly thought met their thematic requirements.

Both were rejected!  "Boo", said my husband.

In the interest of sharing and also the risk of rejection or at least dislike, here are my poems; Am I and Prism of Self In Prayer.  Enjoy. Or Not.

Am I

I am a woman.

gifted

balanced

insightful

compassionate

loving

hardworking

funny

inquisitive

playful

passionate

sexual

uncertain

afraid

impatient

lonely.

I am a woman.

            Sister

Granddaughter

Leader

Pastor

Daughter

Cousin

Friend

Mother

Confidant

Teacher

Preacher

Shepherd

Spiritual director

Prophet

Prayer

I am a woman.

and it isn’t easy

being me.  

Prism of Self-In-Prayer

Who am I before God? In prayer?

I am yellow

            light - surrounded by.

I am purple

                        bowed -bent low to.

I am deep blue

                        poor – in spirit with.

I am pink

                        finite – graced upon.

I am magenta 

                        small – magnitude of glory.

I am burgundy

                        Human – loved by Divine.

I am in the sight of God

Who is.

I am me- before God.

Search me and know my heart.

Cracked Paths

While on retreat last weekend, my feet were able to take me on a wonderful walk on a Chartres or Medieval patterned labyrinth at the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center in Beech Grove, Indiana.

Sadly, the pavement on which the labyrinth was lovingly painted has many cracks and crevices throughout as if nature was creating her own secondary version of a labyrinth.

Cracks vary in their depth and length.  It seems that some attempts at repair were made.

Throughout my walk I began to ponder the significance of 'cracks on my path'.  While the way is very clear... there can be crevices to stumbled into or trip over.  Cracks also represent the brokenness in my life... that God's grace smooths over so that I can more readily follow.

Yet, like this photo of a small tree, life can be found in the cracks and crevices.  I pray that new life, fresh opportunities, and joy can be found even in the unwanted openings in my journey.

May God use even my cracks for healing and hope in others and myself.  May it be so.

Candidacy Retreat

 Last Friday and Saturday, I was honored to retreat with 34 candidates for ministry from our state of Indiana!  Amazingly diverse group of ages, stages, ethnic backgrounds, lifestyles and gifts for ministry.  WOW!

This stained glass was on the door welcoming retreatants to worship.

 The woman at the well (from Gospel of John) goes and tells everyone she meets about Jesus, the Messiah.  Her generosity makes me consider her one of the early evangelists.

This tapestry hangs in the stairwell at the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center... notice the outpouring from her container seems endless and too much for what 'should' fit within her vessel.

This cross and the branches surrounding it was backlit with so much light that you cannot see the word: Alleluia written in gold letters on the cross.

Beautiful!  Just like these amazing servants of Christ willing and able to answer the call of God upon their lives!

Bummer Summer Number Two

Our summer has been a bummer because of that boot over there... My kiddo on the 2nd day of Vacation Bible School (officially 4th day of summer vacation) broke her growth plate in her left ankle.

Apparently, VBS is dangerous or at least hazardous to growth plates.

After our doctor visit this morning we have learned that she will be wearing this thing-a-ma-bob until the first three days of school.  Grr.

It is a bummer of a summer.  She has been unable to:

• ride her bike
• run
• skip
• jump
• swim
• walk long distances
• play in the ocean in Florida
• ride in the boat at the lake
• enjoy the hot tub

Previously there was a bummer summer between kindergarten and first grade as she recovered from mono.  I certainly hope that there is not a four-year pattern emerging.  

I am off to try and find more 'keeping-her-busy-activities' to make the time pass.

4th Parade

A week ago during the best July 4th weather in a decade our little trio of a family headed to Brownsburg for the annual July 4th Parade!

This time we went to the parade in style.  Our little red Mustang, picture to the left, participated in a local Mustang club parade entry.

We thought our 14 pounds of candy would have been enough.

HA!

We ran out (my kidlet has a terrific candy throwing arm) about 2/3 of the way through the parade.

Way too much fun and so were the hamburgers and shakes we had for lunch!  Terrific 4th Parade, then a party with family, and jazz music/fireworks with more family in the evening.  Truly one of our best 4th's as a family.

God Bless the USA!

Rest or Bust!

While on vacation (the worst one ever) I did find time to read one trashy novel and one spiritual book. Counter balance is my usual reading-vacation mode.  Quickly, I became fascinated by MaryAnn McKibbon-Dana's Sabbath in the Suburbs: A Family's Experiment with Holy Time.   To all the busy mothers out there who I know struggle for quality time and spiritual depth for themselves and their families- this is a must read!

Anyway, much of the book inspired my sermon from last week on Matthew 11:28-30... but one poem that MaryAnn borrowed from another author, I think, really sums up what Sabbath and rest are about as people of faith.  I share it here for you...

Six days you shall be a workaholic; on the seventh day, 

shall you join the serene company of human beings.

Six days shall you take orders from your boss; on the seventh day, 

shall you be master/mistress of your own life.

Six days you shall toil in the market; on the seventh day, 

shall you detach from money matters.

Six days shall you create, drive, invent, push; on the seventh day, 

you shall reflect. 

Six day you shall be the perfect success; on the seventh day, 

shall you remember that not everything is in your power. 

Six days shall you be a miserable failure; on the seventh day, 

shall you be on top of the world.

Six days shall you enjoy the blessings of work; on the seventh day, 

shall you understand that being is as important as doing.  (Blu Greenberg).

Beach Time

Beach time ebbs and flows like the waves massage the shore.

Regular home time is all hurry there and rush here. Very little pause for quiet.

My sermon text for this weekend is convicting me and I have not even delivered the sermon yet.

Sigh.

I hate it when the preacher is preached to first.

Beach time is like Sabbath time which is the nature of our message from Matthew 11:28-30.  It is a lesson I am still learning and unlearning especially as my family returned un-rested, un-renewed, un-satisfied from our vacation away.  Yet another reminder that much, too much of our soul work is in the interior of our hearts.

Ah- if there was a beach for me soul within!

Now, that would be something.

Tales of the Worst Vacation Ever!

Here we are at sunset on America's #1 Beach- Seista Key, Florida.  The sun is setting on the Gulf of Mexico like it set on our worst family vacation.

I am sure there are vacations in history that out do ours in trouble and calamity.  But for our small family of three who sought the refuge and joy of the ocean and beach; this was not the vacation we were looking to experience.

Yet, if I step back from my suitcases of dirty laundry and unanswered emails long enough to stare at this photo.... some of the best parts of our trip come and settle in my mind.

Prayer Note to our Narnia Cast & Crew

Dear Cast and Crew of Narnia!

Can you feel and sense the difference prayer makes?  I hope so because you have been prayed over by name twice today with a group of amazingly God-dedicated ladies.  I spent the morning at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove.  Otherwise known as a house full of nuns!  And they are adorable!  :)

These Benedictine nuns (that's their order or 'breed') choose to seek God in everyone and everything!  Check out my attached photo.  These two words, SEEK GOD, are over the door which separates the public greeting area from the private residences of the monastery.  Makes me think about all the scripture stories about seeking GOD!

This week is a special week for the sisters.  This is their retreat week which means they are living, working, and doing ministry together in complete SILENCE!  No talking!  Other than the lovely perky nun who answers the phone and door... no one is allowed to speak unless in worship together.  They are reading special Bible passages together during meals or dining in complete silence.  And they are observing extra spiritual disciplines as a community like confession, lectio divinia, fasting etc. 

Intriguing! Imagine living, working, and doing ministry together without words, but deep silence.  What would that be like for you?  Your families?  Our congregation(s)?  Or even our TFC rehearsals? Imagine only speaking/singing your lines. Consider what we might hear from deep within ourselves when we are silent.  Or what we may notice in the world around us without noisy clutter?  Or how the voice of God may accurately become louder the quieter we become. 

I noticed something today as I moved up and down the hallways making my way here and there in the building.  We don't need talking and words as much as we think we do in order to build, create and have community/fellowship/teamwork.  The sisters that I would pass in the hallways gave me eye contact and a little smile.  No words from either of us- I have been there before during the silent retreats; I know I better keep to the rules.  :)  And I sensed deep community even with the silence.  Amazing. 

Praying for you each individually and as a developing faith community to build bonds of peace, love, and life purpose from Holy SILENCE!

Be blessed in the quiet today,

Pastor Michelle

VACATION Count down

Even though we have 48 hours until our flight... the countdown to vacation has begun.  Much laundry and packing yet to do... but mentally I watch the eagerness of my family to 'hit the road'.  The sandy beaches of mid-Florida await us even though my daughter is in a walking boot and crutches, we will make the most of this time together and away.

Hopefully, I will have the chance to re-visit the labyrinths that I walked during my 2006 Renewal Leave.  It will be fascinating to re-kindle those connections.

Mostly, I am ready to hear the waves crash, listen to the gulls cry, fly kites, dig in the sand, and be together as a family on the shore.

Christmas photo will be made next week!  Yahoooo!

Retreat Planning

Time again to plan another retreat!  Seems like I just led one!  Ha, and I did!

This August's retreat will be unique because we are using a facility new to us.  More than that I am so glad to welcome back to team leadership, Rhonda, who has served on teams in the past.

When planning a retreat there is much reading, editing, organizing, and pruning out what does and does not work.

I am eager to see how the theme of choosing joy will be lived in our in our lives as the retreat theme is created through us.

We appreciate your prayers and well wishes.  Register by clicking here:  Women's Retreat registration

Too Busy to Blog

Even though life and ministry have been extremely full since the beginning of May; I wanted to stop and celebrate special God/ministry/family moments:

1. Met amazingly dedicated UMW women while leading a retreat in Fort Wayne.  They may have been 20-40 years older than I, but I want to have their passion when I am their age!
2. My preacher/pastor soul was fed in ways I did not even realize I was hungry while at the Festival of Homiletics!
3. Turned another year older and felt good about it!
4. Preaching a meaningful and memorably Mother's Day sermon and received the BEST compliment ever from a woman who never had children, "Usually this holiday is a downer for me and I feel out of it.  But today was the first time in worship on Mother's Day that I felt included!"
5. Walked a 5k with less preparation than I should have and did not hurt myself.
6. Met and visited with terrific pastors from Indiana while at Festival.  So glad to get to know these women and men of God better.
7. My kiddo ended her year with straight A's in last nine weeks, and AB honor roll for the year.  She was proud of her accomplishments which means the world to us!
8. Finished another year of volunteer work at the local elementary school and all my secret ninja like praying while in that building.
9. Presented a comprehensive, complicated and controversial motion at Annual Conference to the body at large and did not have tomatoes thrown at me; helped the conference moved forward in meaningful directions.
10. Made it through the first anniversary of my mother in law's death with tears, frustration, loneliness, etc.
11. Was blown away by our impressively compassionate and amazing youth during VBS this summer!
12. Touched by the music and spirit of our Youth Sunday worship!

Vacation Bible School

Our Vacation Bible School began on Monday- hundreds of children, amazing volunteers of youth and adults!  Games, songs, treats, Bible stories, and laughs- oh my!  This is one of our best Christian Education events/programs during the year. And we do it together as a congregation because that is what it takes.

We are very excited to partner this year with our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.  The older students have made bookshelves that will go into the future home of Habitat families as well as raising funds for a family's home!

If you missed the week, then be sure to worship with us this weekend because the children and youth will share their music and their mission efforts!

Preacher Camp!

Last week I spent time with 1,800 preachers from a variety of mainline Protestant denominations from North America!  It was, in other words, preacher camp!

And it was awesome for a preacher nerd like myself!

Wow!  To the left is a photo from Central Lutheran Church a congregation of 600 which hosted half of our preaching services and lectures during the week.

To the right is a photo from Westminister Presbyterian church which hosted the other half of our preaching services and lectures.  Within walking distance of each other we were able to move to and fro in order to fill our souls.

I must say that my preacher-soul was fed to overflowing, filled up, preacher out, washed and cleansed, renewed and redeemed, powerfully encouraged and hopeful!

WOW!  Gotta go again to preacher camp!

Thanks to my husband and daughter who made it through the week without me, our conference for my continuing education grant, and my congregation/staff for letting me alone for a week!  And my UM colleagues who I was able to deepen friendships with during our time.

Retreat with the Ladies of UMW

I expect this weekend as I retreat with the United Methodist Women of Indiana that I will re-learn- "This ain't your grandma's church group!"

I expect to meet mighty and amazing women of God who are engaged in spiritual growth and mission in action.

And I expect some of the ladies will be grandmothers and others will not be!  What an honor to be invited to lead them in retreat this year as they explore the theme of It's Happenin': Living Sacramentally.

But I do expect a lot of fun as we play and pray together!

I cannot wait!  Let's do this!

Mother of Methodism's House Rules

While working on my sermon for Mother's Day I paused to have lunch with another clergywoman.  She shared with me her sermon musings and that she had just researched on Susanna Wesley- especially her House Rules!  Well, I thought I have to see the mother of Methodism for myself!

So here are Susanna's House Rules.  Remember she was born in 1669 and that was 345 years ago.  Some things may have changed yet, you may surprised as I was with Susanna's common sense and fairness.  Remarkable lady!

Susanna Wesley's 16 House Rules
1. Eating between meals not allowed.

2. As children they are to be in bed by 8 p.m.

3. They are required to take medicine without complaining.

4. Subdue self- will in a child, and those working together with God to save the child's soul.

5. To teach a child to pray as soon as he can speak.

6. Require all to be still during Family Worship.

7. Give them nothing that they cry for, and only that when asked for politely.

8. To prevent lying, punish no fault which is first confessed and repented of.

9. Never allow a sinful act to go unpunished.

10. Never punish a child twice for a single offense.

11. Comment and reward good behavior.

12. Any attempt to please, even if poorly performed, should be commended.

13. Preserve property rights, even in smallest matters.

14. Strictly observe all promises.

15. Require no daughter to work before she can read well.

16. Teach children to fear the rod. 

Ten Things I Like About Being Diana's Mom

Yesterday read a great article about celebrating Mother's Day by making a list of the reasons why (as a mother) I like being a mother.  I will share them with you and then also with my kiddo.

1. Being part of watching, shaping, and growing a human being into an amazing person is totally intimidating, addicting, and beautiful!
2. My kid is just plain too cool!  She geeks rocks, birds, woodland creatures, and reading!
3. When you are blessed with the gift of life it opens your generosity "glands" so that all other kids are precious too. Not that they weren't before, but the weight and joy of that is changed!
4. I like her gifts of dandelions, artwork, and notes in church.
5. Hugs from kids are the best!
6. Because when you parent with your life-partner you are privileged to watch him grow as a person and a father- that is just too cool to witness!
7. Her friends become your investment!
8. Parenting is a life long faith lesson in surrender, sacrifice, and silliness!
9. Because it is an excuse to relive the BEST parts of childhood like ice cream cones, bike rides, beach play days, toys and toys and toys!
10. My Diana is the only one like her in the world... and she is amazing!

Mother's Day Run?

If May isn't full enough of a laundry list of busyness for mothers to keep in their heads (graduations, teacher appreciation, testing, field trips, field days, family birthdays, recitals, end-of-the-year award banquets and etc.), I decided to add something for me.

Weird, but true.

I am squeaking some training in so that I can run/walk a 5K event this Saturday designed for mothers.

Mother's Day Rose Run is what I shall do for me while the my kiddo is at her grandmothers and my husband is at the IMS inaugural Grand Prix!

The exercise will do me good and so will the sense of achievement when it is all over!

Just remember to tell my family, they are fixing dinner this weekend!

It is, after all, Mother's Day!