In my post BCMS Paper - First Impression I basically said I didn't find the section of the paper titled "Mission Begins with the Trinity" as compelling as I would hope. Now I'll start to say some things about why I think that is.
Referring to God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit seems familiar to me. Calling God Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer seems good to me.
Still, I find the concept of the Trinity rather obtuse. Not the concept of each of the persons of the Trinity, but the concept of the Trinity itself, as well as the concept of the relationship between the persons of the Trinity. I don't think the concept of the Trinity has ever struck home to me in a way that makes it as elevated and central as this document and the church in general makes it. I have the suspicion there are a lot of people in and around the church in the same boat. As I recall, Patrick Keifert wrote about this state of affairs among many in the church in WE ARE HERE NOW: A New Missional Era.
For one who doesn't relate strongly to the concept of the Trinity, pegging and orienting mission to the Trinity isn't as compelling as might be hoped.
So among the next questions: why don't I/we relate more to the concept of the Trinity? Should we? Why or why not?
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
The BCMS Paper- Joining the Conversation
The Bishop's Commission on Mission Strategy, Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota has written a paper called "What Are We Here For? A Theological Position Paper on Mission."
The paper makes clear that it's intended to generate conversation. I hope to join the conversation here.
In trying to respond to the paper, I feel like a line from the paper, "Mission Impossible!? Where Do We Begin?" There's a lot there, a lot to think about, a lot that might be said and asked. In keeping with yesterday's post, I'll try to just bite off bits at a time.
The paper makes clear that it's intended to generate conversation. I hope to join the conversation here.
In trying to respond to the paper, I feel like a line from the paper, "Mission Impossible!? Where Do We Begin?" There's a lot there, a lot to think about, a lot that might be said and asked. In keeping with yesterday's post, I'll try to just bite off bits at a time.
BCMS Paper - First Impression
There is so much that I like in this paper, that I hate to begin on a problematic note. However, an issue that raises concern for me comes up early in the paper, so I will talk about it early in my responses. I hope you can bear with me.
I also hope those who have obviously labored with experience, education and knowledge beyond my own; and no doubt labored with conviction and love to create a careful, meaningful and useful expression of these points, will not find me impudent or otherwise offensive. I guess honest responses are important, to me and to the results of the paper, so with intimidation & worry I'll forge ahead, submitting my perspectives for what they may be worth.
The section titled "Mission Begins with the Trinity" gave me the feeling of being head theology that isn't making a good connection to heart theology. Ideally they are one and the same, but that's not what I've perceived in reading this section.
For me, too much of the section reads like a dry, heady recitation of inherited Christian dogma. To put it another way, the preface of the paper mentions that theology involves faith seeking understanding. This section kind of seems like an understanding trying to generate faith.
I want to be clear at this point that I don't mean what I'm saying in today's post to be a comment about the specific meanings of the content. I'm not trying to say I think it's true or not or anything like that. I'm talking in general about how I feel it comes off. I'll get to my theories about why (including, but not limited to, some thoughts about the content) in future posts.
All theology is of course constructed. What I think we hope to end up with in constructing theological statements are statements that do a compelling job of reflecting what we think in our heads and believe in our hearts to be true. If we achieve that goal there is a resonance, a passion, a click. I don't find enough of that resonance or passion when I read this section. The writers may have had it. I can't comment on that. But it doesn't do it for me.
Mission seems to imply and require passion. So, if too many people respond to this section as I did, I'm afraid it won't be as effective or useful as it's desired to be.
I keep thinking that to be sure I'm being fair maybe I should read it again. (I think I've read it twice so far, and wrote most of this not long after the 2nd reading, since which some time has passed.) I probably will read it again at some point and see if I still feel this way. But I don't think its a good sign for me to have to read it again in the hope that I'll find it less dry and more compelling. It may be just me. But if it's not, I'm not sure enough people will give it that many chances. Even if they do, first impressions can be powerful and we would hope for them to be positive and compelling in this case.
Well, so much for a short post. But at least I'm posting. (Remember I said yesterday I write long things that I don't post? There's more where this came from. But I will try to keep them short if I can. Sometimes I guess it takes a bit of writing to work oneself out onto a limb...eek...I hope it doesn't crash with me on it.)
I also hope those who have obviously labored with experience, education and knowledge beyond my own; and no doubt labored with conviction and love to create a careful, meaningful and useful expression of these points, will not find me impudent or otherwise offensive. I guess honest responses are important, to me and to the results of the paper, so with intimidation & worry I'll forge ahead, submitting my perspectives for what they may be worth.
The section titled "Mission Begins with the Trinity" gave me the feeling of being head theology that isn't making a good connection to heart theology. Ideally they are one and the same, but that's not what I've perceived in reading this section.
For me, too much of the section reads like a dry, heady recitation of inherited Christian dogma. To put it another way, the preface of the paper mentions that theology involves faith seeking understanding. This section kind of seems like an understanding trying to generate faith.
I want to be clear at this point that I don't mean what I'm saying in today's post to be a comment about the specific meanings of the content. I'm not trying to say I think it's true or not or anything like that. I'm talking in general about how I feel it comes off. I'll get to my theories about why (including, but not limited to, some thoughts about the content) in future posts.
All theology is of course constructed. What I think we hope to end up with in constructing theological statements are statements that do a compelling job of reflecting what we think in our heads and believe in our hearts to be true. If we achieve that goal there is a resonance, a passion, a click. I don't find enough of that resonance or passion when I read this section. The writers may have had it. I can't comment on that. But it doesn't do it for me.
Mission seems to imply and require passion. So, if too many people respond to this section as I did, I'm afraid it won't be as effective or useful as it's desired to be.
I keep thinking that to be sure I'm being fair maybe I should read it again. (I think I've read it twice so far, and wrote most of this not long after the 2nd reading, since which some time has passed.) I probably will read it again at some point and see if I still feel this way. But I don't think its a good sign for me to have to read it again in the hope that I'll find it less dry and more compelling. It may be just me. But if it's not, I'm not sure enough people will give it that many chances. Even if they do, first impressions can be powerful and we would hope for them to be positive and compelling in this case.
Well, so much for a short post. But at least I'm posting. (Remember I said yesterday I write long things that I don't post? There's more where this came from. But I will try to keep them short if I can. Sometimes I guess it takes a bit of writing to work oneself out onto a limb...eek...I hope it doesn't crash with me on it.)
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Short, Sweet? & Frequent
I write lengthy things I never post. I'm afraid no one will read them & I'm afraid of what they might think if they do.
I'm overwhelmed by the volume of issues & questions that I want to process, get feedback about, contribute to the general dialog....
So, I'm going to try to post more frequent, shorter things. I'm going to try to resist my compulsions for detail and perfectionism.
That said, enough said.
More tomorrow.
I'm overwhelmed by the volume of issues & questions that I want to process, get feedback about, contribute to the general dialog....
So, I'm going to try to post more frequent, shorter things. I'm going to try to resist my compulsions for detail and perfectionism.
That said, enough said.
More tomorrow.
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Bells
You know the bells that ring at the consecration of the bread and the wine during Eucharist?
Today at the consecration of the bread I heard a bell ring. Not the little hand held set that go ding-a-ling-a-ling. A big steeple bell. I thought maybe it was a neighbor church that coincidentally rang their bell at that time.
Then it happened again at the consecration of the wine.
Wonderful! I think this was our bell. I think it was rung on purpose!
How appropriate that the sound marking the consecration of the bread & the wine as the body & blood of Christ is not contained in the walls of our building, but rings out to the world around.
Now as the sound of the bell went forth, let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.... bringing along within us to all those we meet the spiritual food of the body and blood of Christ.
Today at the consecration of the bread I heard a bell ring. Not the little hand held set that go ding-a-ling-a-ling. A big steeple bell. I thought maybe it was a neighbor church that coincidentally rang their bell at that time.
Then it happened again at the consecration of the wine.
Wonderful! I think this was our bell. I think it was rung on purpose!
How appropriate that the sound marking the consecration of the bread & the wine as the body & blood of Christ is not contained in the walls of our building, but rings out to the world around.
Now as the sound of the bell went forth, let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.... bringing along within us to all those we meet the spiritual food of the body and blood of Christ.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Easter at May Day
I love the annual Heart of the Beast May Day Parade.
It certainly isn't explicity or specifically Christian. It draws on mythologies of various belief systems and cultures. But if you wish to frame it that way, you can find a lot of Easter in it.
It's richer than I'll try to describe in this blog, but here's the key example as I see it. The story and themes portrayed by the parade usually flow along the lines of that which is good and full of life suffering or dying because of being overcome by evil. One of the portrayls of this is often the Tree of Life being carried through the parade in a horizontal position, draped with black cloth. It looks to me like a cross or a coffin. In the later part of the parade and especially later in the ceremony at Powderhorn Park, we experience resurrection as life triumphs and the Tree of Life is raised up again, alive, with the coming of the sun.
You might say the event succeeds at doing what we're trying to do at church. It connects universal themes to our day to day life in the context of a diverse community that celebrates the triumph of life over death and is re-energized to go forward embracing life and resisting evil, with the support of the community and the Power(s) that be.
Perhaps next year we can join in the workshops that create wonderful imaginative costumes to wear while marching in the parade and/or we can represent Gethsemane in the join in section at the end of the parade.
It certainly isn't explicity or specifically Christian. It draws on mythologies of various belief systems and cultures. But if you wish to frame it that way, you can find a lot of Easter in it.
It's richer than I'll try to describe in this blog, but here's the key example as I see it. The story and themes portrayed by the parade usually flow along the lines of that which is good and full of life suffering or dying because of being overcome by evil. One of the portrayls of this is often the Tree of Life being carried through the parade in a horizontal position, draped with black cloth. It looks to me like a cross or a coffin. In the later part of the parade and especially later in the ceremony at Powderhorn Park, we experience resurrection as life triumphs and the Tree of Life is raised up again, alive, with the coming of the sun.
You might say the event succeeds at doing what we're trying to do at church. It connects universal themes to our day to day life in the context of a diverse community that celebrates the triumph of life over death and is re-energized to go forward embracing life and resisting evil, with the support of the community and the Power(s) that be.
Perhaps next year we can join in the workshops that create wonderful imaginative costumes to wear while marching in the parade and/or we can represent Gethsemane in the join in section at the end of the parade.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Sitting on the Floor
Our church has a rug on one side of the sanctuary designed to give kids a place to move around as they play and worship during services. I've been wanting to tell you about one of the perks of sitting on the rug with kids.
I can freely sit in whatever position feels best & helps me engage in the service. No forced formal position in uncomfortable pews. I can sit on the floor. I can just be me.
Last Sunday I sat on the floor for a service at the National Cathedral in Washington!
Not in the nave.
In St Jospeph's Chapel in the crypt level (interesting place to celebrate Easter). Two of the 3 sides where the congregation sits are banks of carpeted steps! Wonderful.
Sadly, I missed seeing the Children's Chapel which I've since read is sized for a 6 year old child. (I guess I'll have to apply the travel saying....always leave something undone so you have a reason to go back)
Anyway, if you want to find a place on a floor or a rug Sunday morning at Gethsemane, with or without kids, as far as I'm concerned, more power to you.
I can freely sit in whatever position feels best & helps me engage in the service. No forced formal position in uncomfortable pews. I can sit on the floor. I can just be me.
Last Sunday I sat on the floor for a service at the National Cathedral in Washington!
Not in the nave.
In St Jospeph's Chapel in the crypt level (interesting place to celebrate Easter). Two of the 3 sides where the congregation sits are banks of carpeted steps! Wonderful.
Sadly, I missed seeing the Children's Chapel which I've since read is sized for a 6 year old child. (I guess I'll have to apply the travel saying....always leave something undone so you have a reason to go back)
Anyway, if you want to find a place on a floor or a rug Sunday morning at Gethsemane, with or without kids, as far as I'm concerned, more power to you.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
A Way to Celebrate Easter
We pay attention to Lent, Holy Week is full of services and observances, Easter is a big day...then we kind of forget about it. All this build up, then the big thing gets here and its over? Of course it isn't over in terms of its meaning. But it isn't over in terms of the church year either. The season of Easter is 50 days long. One thing available this year to help us celebrate and explore the meaning of Easter is the Alleluia Booklet. Its been put together by Gethsemane Episcopal Church with contributions from people from Gethsemane as well as others. Check it out at http://www.50alleluias.blogspot.com/
Friday, March 30, 2007
Stained Glass
Everyone should have the chance I've had recently to sit in the quite dim church with the changing sunlight shining brightly through the stained glass, or to walk around and discover the rich and varied details! Its an array of intriguing beauty, inspiration and history not likely to be discovered in the lighting and business of Sunday morning.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Stations of the Cross
Over the last few weeks I've been at church outside of Sunday mornings more often than usual. I'm amazed at the amount and variety of things that go on at church during these times. I often get to have a conversation with someone that I don't get much chance to talk with on Sunday morning.
I also have had opportunity to enjoy things in the church building itself that I wouldn't usually have the time or opportunity for, for example, the Stations of the Cross. Last year a new set of stations were installed. They're water color paintings by an artist who is part of the church. As good and relevant as the text often used for of the stations at Gethsemane is, trying to engage with the text and moving politely within a cluster of people going from station to staion didn't facilitate appreciating the paintings very well for me. Over the past few weeks I've walked around and just looked at them by myself a couple times. I think they're wonderful. I'd encourge you to take the time to just quietly take them in.
I also have had opportunity to enjoy things in the church building itself that I wouldn't usually have the time or opportunity for, for example, the Stations of the Cross. Last year a new set of stations were installed. They're water color paintings by an artist who is part of the church. As good and relevant as the text often used for of the stations at Gethsemane is, trying to engage with the text and moving politely within a cluster of people going from station to staion didn't facilitate appreciating the paintings very well for me. Over the past few weeks I've walked around and just looked at them by myself a couple times. I think they're wonderful. I'd encourge you to take the time to just quietly take them in.
Monday, March 05, 2007
The Labyrinth
Walk the labyrinth...Gethsemane Episcopal Church
905 4th Ave S
Minneapolis
M-W-F
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
through March 30, 2007
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Snowstorm in the City
The grid of sidewalk that shapes our perception becomes a little less dominant,
nature a bit more evident,
as I walk a footworn path in the snow.
Why is this on my Grown-up in Church blog? Aside from not having anywhere better to put it...because of its relevance to my spirituality. In my persective, the Christian tradition has a mixed relationship and often a general weakness when it comes to nature. I see this as unfortunate because I find a spiritual resonance in nature that I see as compatable with my understanding of God and my Christian faith.
nature a bit more evident,
as I walk a footworn path in the snow.
Why is this on my Grown-up in Church blog? Aside from not having anywhere better to put it...because of its relevance to my spirituality. In my persective, the Christian tradition has a mixed relationship and often a general weakness when it comes to nature. I see this as unfortunate because I find a spiritual resonance in nature that I see as compatable with my understanding of God and my Christian faith.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Looking forward to the Labyrinth
If you've never walked (or seen or even heard of) a labyrinth - don't worry. Feel free to come and give it a try. Very few, if any, instructions are needed and you can approach the experience however you feel comfortable , however you're led.
I view the labyrinth as a tool for meditation, prayer and reflection. Within that, the possibilities are vast.
Some people walk simply with an open mind & heart. Some walk meditating on Scripture. Others bring a specific prayer or a question with them into the path. Some walk marking a special occasion or a personal intention.
If interested, all you have to do is simply come and walk.
For those who may like to do some reading on labyrinths and walking them, I recently stumbled upon the book "Walking a Sacred Path" by priest and psychologist Dr. Lauren Artress. I found it interesting enough to read the whole thing. Someone else at church currently has my copy. The city library also has the book.
I view the labyrinth as a tool for meditation, prayer and reflection. Within that, the possibilities are vast.
Some people walk simply with an open mind & heart. Some walk meditating on Scripture. Others bring a specific prayer or a question with them into the path. Some walk marking a special occasion or a personal intention.
If interested, all you have to do is simply come and walk.
For those who may like to do some reading on labyrinths and walking them, I recently stumbled upon the book "Walking a Sacred Path" by priest and psychologist Dr. Lauren Artress. I found it interesting enough to read the whole thing. Someone else at church currently has my copy. The city library also has the book.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
My Blogs are Back!
Finally everything seems straightened out and I'll be able to write again!
Anticipate updates about once a week here and/or at http://www.childreninchurch.blogspot.com/.
I hope you'll join me in thought and conversation.
Anticipate updates about once a week here and/or at http://www.childreninchurch.blogspot.com/.
I hope you'll join me in thought and conversation.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Why No Posts?
Frustrating problems with being able to access my blog. Unfortunately not yet resolved. I got here this time...but once I sign out, who knows how I'll get back. I have a good guess what the problem is...but solving it is another thing. So, hopefully I'll get it worked out & you'll see some more posts here soon...or at least eventually. If nothing new is showing up, check for comments to this post where I'll tell you where I'm starting over. (I'm pretty sure I can post comments.) I hope it doesn't come to that. We'll see.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Christmas Day Off
My co-workers and I pick work schedules on a seniority basis. No one expects anyone to pick on anything but a selfish basis (nor do we intend to ourselves). We aren't always happy with our lot, but seniority is the deal and we accept it.
When it came to picking shifts for Christmas, it turned out I would be the first person obligated to work the day if no one with more seniority choose to. I assumed I'd be working.
Shortly before Thanksgiving it was my turn to pick. Unexpectedly I had the option to take the day off! The co-worker one slot above me in seniority said she didn't really have anything going on and remembered how important Christmas was as a kid. (She doesn't have kids but knows I do.) She decided to work a shift so I could have the day off (or someone else could if I didn't want it)!
What I gift. I've been enjoying it since I received the first part of the gift before Thanksgiving. I'll especially enjoy it as I spend Christmas with my kids and husband. They'll enjoy it too. And I'll savor it all the more because of how quickly kids grow and change. This Christmas, or another with my kids as they are now, will never come again.
I doubt any of the typical Christmas gifts I've given or received have been as much in keeping with the meaning and spirit of Christmas as this. Its a notable act of giving of oneself for the good of others.
I didn't have the clarity to express the meaning of Christmas in those terms before I reflected on this situation. I know it doesn't cover all the bases. But it seems helpful, full of potential from secular or religious perspectives.
So, thanks to to sam for insight, inspiration and the gift of Christmas Day spent with my family.
When it came to picking shifts for Christmas, it turned out I would be the first person obligated to work the day if no one with more seniority choose to. I assumed I'd be working.
Shortly before Thanksgiving it was my turn to pick. Unexpectedly I had the option to take the day off! The co-worker one slot above me in seniority said she didn't really have anything going on and remembered how important Christmas was as a kid. (She doesn't have kids but knows I do.) She decided to work a shift so I could have the day off (or someone else could if I didn't want it)!
What I gift. I've been enjoying it since I received the first part of the gift before Thanksgiving. I'll especially enjoy it as I spend Christmas with my kids and husband. They'll enjoy it too. And I'll savor it all the more because of how quickly kids grow and change. This Christmas, or another with my kids as they are now, will never come again.
I doubt any of the typical Christmas gifts I've given or received have been as much in keeping with the meaning and spirit of Christmas as this. Its a notable act of giving of oneself for the good of others.
I didn't have the clarity to express the meaning of Christmas in those terms before I reflected on this situation. I know it doesn't cover all the bases. But it seems helpful, full of potential from secular or religious perspectives.
So, thanks to to sam for insight, inspiration and the gift of Christmas Day spent with my family.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
I'm Not Waiting
Advent - a time of waiting & preparing?
My kids are waiting....to have the Advent candles lit again (how many days ago did we last do that?)...to get out the Christmas decorations that aren't up yet....to open gifts....
I'm not waiting. I'm rushing against the clock to get everything done in time for Christmas.
In a way I am waiting....waiting and hoping for the elusive year I do it different and don't end up rushed and stressed...waiting and hoping that a time comes this year when enough of the preparations are done that I can slow down and sink more deeply into the meanings and joys of the holidays.
I am preparing. It's a lot of work. I guess making straight a highway in the desert would be a lot of work too. But I'm not sure how many of my preparations are preparing the way of the Lord.
How can I think about things differently so I do things differently so my family and I observe the season with less craziness and more meaning?
My kids are waiting....to have the Advent candles lit again (how many days ago did we last do that?)...to get out the Christmas decorations that aren't up yet....to open gifts....
I'm not waiting. I'm rushing against the clock to get everything done in time for Christmas.
In a way I am waiting....waiting and hoping for the elusive year I do it different and don't end up rushed and stressed...waiting and hoping that a time comes this year when enough of the preparations are done that I can slow down and sink more deeply into the meanings and joys of the holidays.
I am preparing. It's a lot of work. I guess making straight a highway in the desert would be a lot of work too. But I'm not sure how many of my preparations are preparing the way of the Lord.
How can I think about things differently so I do things differently so my family and I observe the season with less craziness and more meaning?
Monday, December 11, 2006
Name Tags
I mentioned at church the other day that I'm glad we've gotten name tags to wear. There are so many people I know by sight, but not by name. A person who heard me said, "Oh, you too? I think we all have to admit that to each other." I felt a bit better, hearing that - maybe its not just me as much as I thought. In any case, thank you to those of you who got the name tags going!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Are You Lost Without Your Kids?
That's what a couple people asked me last night at a church event that I attended by myself. The question echoed my thoughts from earlier in the evening. I've so rarely experienced a service or interacted with people at this church without the multi-tasking associated with being accompanied by my children. It's a notably different experience to be there on my own. As important as it is to me to routinely have my kids with me at church, one of its drawbacks is that it has contributed to certain limitations in my relationships with other adults there.
I've been wanting to post a few things that don't really fit into my Children in Church blog. My experience last night was the final impetus to give myself a place to do so through this new blog. I hope it will serve a few purposes. Among them, conversation. Feel free to join in.
I've been wanting to post a few things that don't really fit into my Children in Church blog. My experience last night was the final impetus to give myself a place to do so through this new blog. I hope it will serve a few purposes. Among them, conversation. Feel free to join in.
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