Several years ago our Annual Conference required mandatory participation of UM clergy in small groups called Covenant Groups. The idea was noble and honorable... small group accountability, Christian collegial support,and friendship etc. But the instigation of covenant groups felt awkward especially since such a thing was required and not assumed or expected or even already such a part of our pastoral culture that we'd voluntarily do such a thing on our own.
Enough grumbling...my group met yesterday after we instigated the best homework for ourselves in the world. Typically, we have been reading a book together and then discussing that as well as our families, selves, churches etc. Not sure what other groups do, but this last time between our meetings we assigned ourselves movie watching homework. We watched for Robert Duvall films, The Apostle, Tender Mercies, Get Low and The Great Santini.
As we discussed the theme of redempion it because apparent to me that pastors (at least my covenant group of them) enjoy movies. That must be because our work is based out of the Greatest Story ever. Not only do we have experience in telling story, but we know how to craft language so that others feel invited into the story... probably isn't a bad idea for clergy in their retirement to consider going Hollywood!
At least for the popcorn privileges!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Day of Generosity
Two of our favorite people caused our family to re-arrange our Saturday routine last weekend. And believe me- they were worthy causes!
The First Annual Tiger Run was organized in Shelby County at Triton Central High School (Fairland, Indiana) in honor of Rodney Monhollen class of 1984 (our cousin) who is living with ALS (or Lou Gehrig's disease). Over a hundred folks showed up to walk or run 5 miles or to do the family walk of one mile. All proceeds were benefiting the ALS portion of MDS. Just under $6,000 was raised!
Bless Rod and his wife Nicole, but they made it out onto the high school track to participate in the opening prayer and shot gun start! How inspiring and moving to see their children, baseball teams, friends and family, and Class of '84 alums all walking or running in honor of Rodney! A great morning...
...after our family finished our family walk we hopped into the car and drove back to Avon because our goddaughter Grace along with her friend Macei hosted the First Annual Give Back Softball Tournament.
Gracie and Macei were co-recipents of a Make A Wish in November of 2010. This spring the girls and their familes wanted to give back... so they hosted and organized a 24 team softball tournament along with a silent auction in order to send other children on their Make A Wish wish.
There was Grace running from one field to another as a designated hitter for any team that needed a run! Both she and Macei are inspiring not just in how they live with their health issues, but in how they practice generosity at a young age. Their event raised almost $11,000!
What Saturday of community support, generosity, love and compassion in action, and inspiration! Thank you Rodney and Grace for leading us all into a deeper way of living life to it's fullest!
The First Annual Tiger Run was organized in Shelby County at Triton Central High School (Fairland, Indiana) in honor of Rodney Monhollen class of 1984 (our cousin) who is living with ALS (or Lou Gehrig's disease). Over a hundred folks showed up to walk or run 5 miles or to do the family walk of one mile. All proceeds were benefiting the ALS portion of MDS. Just under $6,000 was raised!
Bless Rod and his wife Nicole, but they made it out onto the high school track to participate in the opening prayer and shot gun start! How inspiring and moving to see their children, baseball teams, friends and family, and Class of '84 alums all walking or running in honor of Rodney! A great morning...
...after our family finished our family walk we hopped into the car and drove back to Avon because our goddaughter Grace along with her friend Macei hosted the First Annual Give Back Softball Tournament.
Gracie and Macei were co-recipents of a Make A Wish in November of 2010. This spring the girls and their familes wanted to give back... so they hosted and organized a 24 team softball tournament along with a silent auction in order to send other children on their Make A Wish wish.
There was Grace running from one field to another as a designated hitter for any team that needed a run! Both she and Macei are inspiring not just in how they live with their health issues, but in how they practice generosity at a young age. Their event raised almost $11,000!
What Saturday of community support, generosity, love and compassion in action, and inspiration! Thank you Rodney and Grace for leading us all into a deeper way of living life to it's fullest!
Graduate!!
There they are...the 2011 Calvary Learning Academy Kindergarten (am) graduates!
May the Lord bless you and keep you
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you
Lift up his countenance upon you
and give you peace.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Farewell One Legged Hugs
With sadness... I share that our last kindergarten chapel was today. (sniff) Many of you may be aware that our Calvary Learning Academy Weekday Ministry board along with our Administratice Board made the sad decision to close our kindergarten program after this year's class graduates. We have had eight amazing and successful years...
Eight years for me (and Mr. Mark, our music director) of Tuesday chapel time. The students have held their own liturgy each week by beginning with the lighting the Christ candle (each student acolyting for the first time). We would remind ourselves that Jesus Christ is the Light the World. We sang songs and hymns, told Bible stories, explored the pipe organ and piano, talked about the stained glass windows and liturgical banners. But my favorite part of chapel has been hearing the students pray.
Nothing like listening in on children as they converse with the Almighty. We've talked about boo boos, sick pets, dead grandparents, fire fighters, vacations and birthdays. We've remembered teachers and staff who have been ill. We have prayed for our world and children in other parts of our world who suffer and are in need.
I shall miss their prayers and their praying. My Tuesdays will no longer be the same. Mostly, I shall miss the one-legged-hugs I receive from little people who have jack-o-lantern smiles.
May God bless and keep you forever CLA's Kindergarten Class of 2011... you will remain in my memory and prayers. Never forget how much God loves you and that you are prayed for always.
Maddox
Mason
Owen
Allison
Diana
Ryan
Nathan J.
Charlotte
Nathan K.
Joe
Jonathon
Aaron
Ellie
Calista
Blaine
Brian
Madylene
Anna
Dylan
Attica
Eight years for me (and Mr. Mark, our music director) of Tuesday chapel time. The students have held their own liturgy each week by beginning with the lighting the Christ candle (each student acolyting for the first time). We would remind ourselves that Jesus Christ is the Light the World. We sang songs and hymns, told Bible stories, explored the pipe organ and piano, talked about the stained glass windows and liturgical banners. But my favorite part of chapel has been hearing the students pray.
Nothing like listening in on children as they converse with the Almighty. We've talked about boo boos, sick pets, dead grandparents, fire fighters, vacations and birthdays. We've remembered teachers and staff who have been ill. We have prayed for our world and children in other parts of our world who suffer and are in need.
I shall miss their prayers and their praying. My Tuesdays will no longer be the same. Mostly, I shall miss the one-legged-hugs I receive from little people who have jack-o-lantern smiles.
May God bless and keep you forever CLA's Kindergarten Class of 2011... you will remain in my memory and prayers. Never forget how much God loves you and that you are prayed for always.
Maddox
Mason
Owen
Allison
Diana
Ryan
Nathan J.
Charlotte
Nathan K.
Joe
Jonathon
Aaron
Ellie
Calista
Blaine
Brian
Madylene
Anna
Dylan
Attica
Birthday Thank You!
Calvary family- you got me good! I had no idea about all of your birthday plans!
Thank you to all who sent me cards (still reading them). The kindergarten students made me cards that are absolutely precious and I shall treasure their cards always!
Thank you to all who sent in gifts and tokens of love.
Thank you to all who threw confetti at me and watched me blow out 40 candles at the surprise party (especially Katie and Eric)! Thank you to everyone who kept an excellent secret!
I was overwhelmed with love and affirmation which ‘softened’ this birthday year! I appreciate your love so much.
Here’s to 40 more great years!
Love and blessings,
Pastor Michelle
Thank you to all who sent me cards (still reading them). The kindergarten students made me cards that are absolutely precious and I shall treasure their cards always!
Thank you to all who sent in gifts and tokens of love.
Thank you to all who threw confetti at me and watched me blow out 40 candles at the surprise party (especially Katie and Eric)! Thank you to everyone who kept an excellent secret!
I was overwhelmed with love and affirmation which ‘softened’ this birthday year! I appreciate your love so much.
Here’s to 40 more great years!
Love and blessings,
Pastor Michelle
Friday, May 13, 2011
40th Birthday!
I have survived! I have entered a new decade and well, don't feel or look any different. Ha!
Because of my loving family, fabulous friends, super staff, and outstanding congregation this birthday has been the best ever! All the cards and gifts have certainly helped to 'soften' the blow of this birthday. (Thanks everyone for the fuss.)
The kindergarten students even made me birthday cards! They are precious. My daughter's card reads, "Happy Birthday Pastor Mommy I love you!" Adorable!!!
Now, I am off to dinner with my husband and daughter!
Because of my loving family, fabulous friends, super staff, and outstanding congregation this birthday has been the best ever! All the cards and gifts have certainly helped to 'soften' the blow of this birthday. (Thanks everyone for the fuss.)
The kindergarten students even made me birthday cards! They are precious. My daughter's card reads, "Happy Birthday Pastor Mommy I love you!" Adorable!!!
Now, I am off to dinner with my husband and daughter!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Change!
Tomorrow is the day that this ol' body crosses the border into another decade... and leaves behind 39 years. sigh.
I must admit that I have had a tough time processing this birthday and all that it means. Fortunately, I do not have many regrets in my life... and I am blessed to the degree that I have accomplished many of my goals. What's next?- remains the big question looming over me.
At lunch yesterday which the staff surprised me with (along with hiliarious cards)- I confessed that I need new goals for the next forty years! (Also, I informed them that I would NOT post on my birthday an almost naked photo of myself as one of my colleagues did on his big birthday recently.)
All my 40th birthdayness is heightened by the fact that my 'baby' (of 6 and a half years) graduates next week from kindergarten here at Calvary UMC.
I have been a spoiled working mom. Ever since I returned to work from my maternity leave, my little one has driven to work with me every day. We've been able to have lunch together whenever we've wanted. I have helped with her field trips and class parties. If she got sick, I was usually in the building. If my daughter had a need, I know and trust all those who have cared for her and knew she was in great care.
Truly, I have been spoiled! What a gift this congregation and our Learning Academy have given me and our family. We are so blessed!
All that ends next week when she graduates from our Learning Academy prepared for public school and the first grade. (ACK!) To be honest, I cannot decide which is tougher... this birthday or sharing my daughter and allowing her to grow into her next challenge... But both at the same time is cause for reflection.
I must admit that I have had a tough time processing this birthday and all that it means. Fortunately, I do not have many regrets in my life... and I am blessed to the degree that I have accomplished many of my goals. What's next?- remains the big question looming over me.
At lunch yesterday which the staff surprised me with (along with hiliarious cards)- I confessed that I need new goals for the next forty years! (Also, I informed them that I would NOT post on my birthday an almost naked photo of myself as one of my colleagues did on his big birthday recently.)
All my 40th birthdayness is heightened by the fact that my 'baby' (of 6 and a half years) graduates next week from kindergarten here at Calvary UMC.
I have been a spoiled working mom. Ever since I returned to work from my maternity leave, my little one has driven to work with me every day. We've been able to have lunch together whenever we've wanted. I have helped with her field trips and class parties. If she got sick, I was usually in the building. If my daughter had a need, I know and trust all those who have cared for her and knew she was in great care.
Truly, I have been spoiled! What a gift this congregation and our Learning Academy have given me and our family. We are so blessed!
All that ends next week when she graduates from our Learning Academy prepared for public school and the first grade. (ACK!) To be honest, I cannot decide which is tougher... this birthday or sharing my daughter and allowing her to grow into her next challenge... But both at the same time is cause for reflection.
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