WOW! Friday

Another big day! Our business meeting had the usual reports and resolutions but we also commissioned our missionaries and honored a young man who had finished his missionary service. We also met the global visitors and dignitaries from all over the world that are worshipping and sharing with us. There was one issue about procedures that was a bone of contention with some and we ended up voting by standing vote instead of voice vote since it was so close... and they ran out of time to even let us know the vote. But I guess the resolution was rewritten as we were given a new copy tonight as we left and will vote on it tomorrow.
This afternoon i attended a learning track on being a green church. It started with the author of the book Serve God, Save the Planet and then I attended a session that spoke on our connection to the earth and a session on our connection with the Food We Eat. OK... that speaker made me angry as she, whether she meant to come across that way or not, started a little bit with a bit of bashing of corn fields, corn fed cattle, high fructose corn syrup, and pork producers...also somewhat implying that the pork industry had something to do with H1N1. I wanted to walk out of her lecture, but I had to stay to get my CEU credits. Most of her presentation was OK, but I was so angry (and I'm sure my expression and body language showed it) that I didn't always hear other things she said.
Tonight Dr. Watkins spoke, including many illustrations from her trip to the Congo and our need to care, not about just ourselves and what is happening here, but around the world, too. There are so many things that I have learned that disturb and challenge me (in a good way... not like the afternoon speaker)... like what sacrifices are being made in the Congo so that we can have our cell phones. The teens attending GA sang a great version of the rock song "Shining Star" which fit into the worship theme beautifully. The whole service was very uplifting, even the portion where the names of those saints who have gone on to glory since the GA of -07 were scrolled on the jumbotron. We were singing "This Little Light of Mine" as the names rolled. Their light will continue to shine in the work they passed on to others.
I thank God for all of them... I thank God for the energy of our youth... I thank God for all of you who are sharing your talents... I thank God for friends who share and support. We are One in the Spirit, We are One in the Lord... no matter where we live and love and laugh. Somos Uno! Disciplos de Cristo! We are One! Disciples of Christ!

Thursday at GA

My, my, my has it been a long day. Business meeting was at 8:30 this morning and we've been on the go ever since. The Assembly had a resolution condemning war to vote on, but it was 'referred to' two general units to look some more and reword because some felt that it was hurtful to our military folks. I can assure you that was not the intent. But it was enough to cause great dissent and so sent back for re-write. We won't get to vote on it again during this Assembly. We also heard reports from the General Units of the larger church and voted down a resolution to back to alternating GAs being in October instead of always in July. It messes with camp youth, but October does to. It was a very close vote, but the GA will stay in July. Before the business we began with a great study on Genesis from an Old Testament professor from Phillips Seminary, Rick Lowery (he also happens to be married to our General Minister and President Sharon Watkins) who is sooooo good at teaching the scriptures.
Tonight's worship was more subdues than last night's as it dealt with the next part of Genesis with Cain and Abel and our humankind's need to confess and repent. There was a very powerful time of prayer and repentance and folks could light small candles around the meeting hall and pray with one of the regional pastors along the side if you wanted. It was very moving.
I've bought enough books to keep me reading for the next 2 years until the next Assembly. Books on racism, the church's response to global creation stewardship, children's ministry, the "new" Disciples identity as it is being newly defined, a book celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Disciples "Declaration and Address" by Thomas Campbell, and much more. I've had an opportunity to re-connect with so many friends, sometimes just for a moment, sometimes for a meal. They are now serving in Illinois, Kentucky, other parts of Iowa, Tennessee, and some friends from right here in the Upper Midwest that I hardly ever see any more! It is a reminder that the GA is truly a "Family Reunion" of God's great and vast family. I've even reconnected with my cousin who is a seminary student and a pastor of a church in Erie, Kansas.
So now that really, really comfy bed and the three big, puffy pillows are calling me. It's the 2nd night in a row I'll be in bed by midnight! There's something wrong with this picture! :-) Tomorrow afternoon is the first day of the learning tracks and break-out sessions and Dr. Watkins is preaching in the evening worship.
Pray for each other! I'm praying for you! God bless!

Wednesday Activities at GA

This afternoon was an awesome State of the Church address by General Minister & President
Sharon Watkins including an amazing video presentation using the opening texts from Genesis. Our emphasis is the new mission statement of the denomination, promoting unity to a fragmented world. And they are doing a lot to promote that we are truly part of the world, including speakers in the video from the Disciples of Christ in Puerto Rico and The Disciples of Christ in the Congo.
Tonight the worship service included singing Jesus Loves Me in three different languages, Spanish, Korean and English. We also sang All Creatures of Our God and King as a group of rhythm folks from the Congo came in playing their huge, interesting drums and other rhythm instruments. Tonight's preacher was Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale from the Ray of Hope Christian Church in Atlanta and her church choir sang a song, too. I wouldn't want to be any preacher or singer who would have to follow them. Powerful, Powerful, Powerful. And I'll tell you more when I get back, but I want you to know that the next time someone says to you, "You are a piece of work!" Tell them thank you. We are created by God to be in relationship and to be stewards of all God's creation, bringing it all together as one... people and the earth. The symbol of the GA is a tree. The leaves of the tree are hands in shades of green and our offering tonight were our commitments written on green paper hands... and I tried to upload a picture of the communion table that is so creative and so beautiful, but for some reason it won't load. I'll try again tomorrow or sometime... but, the offering table is hand created to look like the bottom of a tree trunk... everything about the table is symbolic, and written prayers are going inside throughout GA. By the way... they say it's for sale if a church would like to buy it. The opening rate for it is about $8900. :-) Just wonderin' if Jerry would like me to put our name in.
There's a time change here... we're on Eastern time so as I type it's 10:30 in Stanhope, 11:30 pm in Indianapolis and time to go to bed! It's an early start tomorrow

We're at General Assembly!

My friends and fellow pastor, Connie W and I made it to Indianapolis last night! We stayed in a "cheap" hotel on the outskirts of Indy last night, after checking out where the convention center and our assembly hotel were....right in downtown Indianapolis. As we drove in this morning, we had to drive right by Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts, which is only about 2 blocks away from our hotel. I'm not used to this 'lifestyle'... the valet unloaded our car and brought our bags to the room (we had to tip him, of course), I'm paying for internet access, and our room is so beautiful and upscale I'm almost afraid to sleep in the bed. :-)
This afternoon we attended the opening business session which included the State of the Church address, more on that later. We also saw a small part of the exhibitors because we kept getting stopped by people we know. The exhibit hall is an every day experience. I have the 2009 chalice for my collection. Now we're resting between sessions and will soon head back across to the convention center (across the street) for evening worship. Will write before going to bed.
Blessings to you all!!! Thanks for the traveling prayers!

Getting Ready to Go to GA!

Well, I think I'm pretty much ready. The laundry has been done, the suitcase packed, Marshall's bag has been packed (toys, food, tie-out). He's staying with Bob & Annie while I'm gone. My 'back up' is in place and know that God will watch over her and everyone in the Parish... shoot... they'll probably thrive without me. :-) I've checked pretty much everything off my to-do list except for a couple things that can't be done until just before leaving. I'm excited about going to General Assembly. It has been described as the Disciples really huge family reunion. I know I will see many old friends who are serving in other churches around the country and will also make new friends. I know there will be thought-provoking discussion and debate about many of the issues during the business sessions... because that's who we are as Disciples. Always up for a debate... thank you Alexander Campbell. I know that I will be mentally and intellectually enriched by the workshops offered on Friday and Saturday afternoon. I think I'm going to follow a Learning Track on Spiritual Practices... but there are so many workshops to choose from I haven't made up my mind yet. Most of all I know that I will be spiritually fed and energized... sometimes to the point of shouting AMEN and sometimes having goosebumps and sometimes to tears... in the amazing worship services together with some of the best of the best Disciple preachers speaking. I'm also looking forward to getting to know my travel-buddy and hotel roommate, Connie, who is the pastor in Vinton. We have only met a couple times... but after a week together we'll get to know each other a LOT. I don't even know if she's a night owl like me. But... it's all an adventure and I can't wait! I'll keep you posted on my travels and experiences!

Relay for Life

Boy was this a busy weekend! It was Watermelon Day in Stanhope, we had Angel Food Ministries distribution day, so that meant going to Ames to pick up food (that's a whole 'nother story!) and distribute the food at the Parish, I did a graveside funeral, the gals hosted a bridal shower at the church and then I spent almost 2 hours talking with the bride and groom to get to know them and get wedding logistics nailed down. But the most important thing I did (with due respect to everything else), at least for my heart and soul... was participate in the Hamilton County Relay for Life. I was greatly honored and humbled to be asked to offer the opening prayer Friday night, but that was such a miniscule thing compared to how I was touched by the whole event... especially the tears in my eyes during the survivor lap, especially when friends Laura, Mara, Betty J, and Arlene went by...and walking the track during the luminary service with all the lights out except for the candles lit inside the hundreds of luminaries lining the track. As we walked in silence, a local radio DJ, Pat Powers, read off the names of people whose names were on the luminaries (either in Memory of or in Honor of). I tried to pause briefly in front of luminaries for friends...Margaret, Doris, Charles, Jeannie Mac, Arlene, Laura, Mara, Amanda, and others... and, of course, to say a prayer of thanks in front of a luminary for dad.

But it was a lot of FUN, too! Our team captain, Miriam, was so organized, not just with our team, but also as a member of the Relay planning team.

There was dancing and teams had fundraisers, like our 'track your laps' cords with a bead for each lap around and bowling, and selling purple wrist bands, a pie auction, selling candy, and much more. at 11 there were fireworks.

Oh yes... another inspiration in the evening... one of our youngest 'team members' ... Amanda Ostrem, was also the Honorary Chair of the event. Amanda is just 4 years old and just came through a horrendous couple years fighting a very aggressive form of leukemia. You'd never know it from the energy and spunk this little princess has. The picture is of Amanda giving a princess wave during the survivor lap, riding on her dad's shoulders.

As of Friday night, Hamilton County had raised over $50,000. Final totals aren't in yet. THANK YOU to everyone that helped with the team and our fundraising events, especially those friends and family who supported me for the event and to help eradicate this awful disease that has touched us all. Oh... and by the way... from over 4 miles in laps, plus 30 minutes of non-stop dancing (thank goodness for the 60 degree temps). Plus other walking and standing from 5 pm to midnight. Yes, when I got to bed at 2 am my lower half was screaming "What have you been doing!!!???" but I'm OK now... mostly. :-)

Better than I thought

The 4th of July is over and it wasn't as bad as a thought. I had my cheeseburger and corn on the cob and potato salad. I watched the History Channel all day long that was running a great series called "The Revolution" and I love early U.S. History. Then Marshall and I got in the car and headed for the fireworks in Ames. We got there about 7:30, so drove by and scoped out the parking lot which had several people having picnics and 'tailgating', but not too many early birds. So we went thru the fast food drive up and drove by the bandshell park. Everything was done and everyone had disbursed! I was surprised. The streets of Ames were amazingly quiet. So we went back and found our parking spot, shared dinner and then went for a walk to see some of the folks gathered. It was so much fun to walk around and 'people watch'... and when you have a big beautiful golden on a leash people automatically say hi and children want to come up and pet him. Families had picnics, youth were throwing footballs and baseballs back and forth, some families had board games going on in the back of pick up trucks, kids in their p.j.s, one group playing a bean bag toss game, kids on scooters and every nationality (it was Ames after all) you could imagine. And... of course... lots of sparklers, snakes, roman candles, bottle rockets, large sparklers, and various other legal and non-legal fireworks people were setting off. The parking lot displays were a pretty good prelude to the big show. The Ames display finally started at 10 and it was great. Marshall was very aware (but not scared of) all the fireworks and noise around him, but then laid down and slept through the actualy fireworks show. Guess it didn't spook him much. :-)
So, all in all, what I thought was going to be just another 4th to dread it turned out to be a pretty good one. I'm already planning on going back next year... and inviting my family and maybe some friends to bring their coolers and a picnic and lets have our own party in the parking lot. Who knows.