From The Desk of Intern Steven

"But Mary pondered and treasured these things in her heart"

These words hit me strong this year (and not just because I heard them 4 times). I thought about Mary's response to God's calling. They didn't immediately spurn her into action but instead she processed them internally. She didn't ignore the things going on around her. She didn't respond with apathy (as many people do.)

What am I treasuring? What am I pondering? Anything?

It isn't an easy question to answer. I find myself thinking, "I don't have time. I'm so busy." But maybe that's the point. Maybe in the midst of all that is going on we must take time to ponder our vocation from God and treasure the blessings given by our Heavenly Father.

What are you treasuring? What are you pondering?

I can tell you this. I have been pondering what paid work the Lord wants me to do. Where I can work for a paycheck but have it be more about the money I'm being paid. Nobody thinks they are getting paid too much (even if much of America thinks they are).

I've been treasuring people. I've always told people the greatest thing about me is my family and friends. This Christmas being so far away from so many people I've known and love I'm remembering to be grateful that they are in my life (even if it is at a distance.) However I've also been grateful for the warm reception that Nebraska has given me (and really all the interns.) I didn't spend this Christmas alone. I had brunch with some wonderful people, I had a Christmas Eve dinner with some fun people, I had a lovely Christmas luncheon with some people I knew and a few new faces.

I encourage each and everyone of you to take time. Ponder what the Lord is calling you to do. Treasure what you've been given. I know it feels like you don't have time but MAKE time. Your spiritual journey is your own. You set the pace. Are you sitting down on the path with your hands over your eyes? Are you running along so quickly you can't process what's going on around you? (Guilty)

I hope in 2012 to be a little better at slowing down. When a priest says, "This one over here. It's like he's afraid to not be doing something. That if he holds still God may actually speak to him. So he keeps moving to avoid God's call." it's time to slow down. It will be hard for me. But if Mary can do with the responsibility of being the mother of God's One and Only Son then I gotta at least try.

Merry Christmas to all!

A December to Remember

Christmas is only one week away (that is Saint Nicholas of Myra in the picture). This will be my first time away from home on December 25^th, but I will not be alone. Several people have generously offered to take me in over the holiday season, and the invitations are much appreciated. Over the early months of the program I have spent a lot of energy on getting settled, understanding my responsibilities, and developing a routine. Starting in 2012, I expect an increased emphasis on discernment about what the next step will be. What that looks like, I do not know, but I have faith that God will steer me in the right direction, even if it’s not the direction I expected.

For my non-profit hours, I have been splitting time between Miller Park Elementary and Life Care Center of Elkhorn. It is a blessing to interact with people in the early stages of life, as well as older adults. The vigor and spirit of elementary kids is refreshing. The experience of the elderly is a valuable resource. Somehow, it is possible to see Christ in both a 1^st grader and a 90 year old. There is something about our shared humanity, our common needs, that connects us in ways that don’t make sense on paper.

All Saints Episcopal Church is a special place. I was given the opportunity to preach at all the weekend services on Third Advent. It was difficult, and many edits were made, but I was able to focus on the Gospel, keep the message biblical, and speak from the heart. As I looked out at the people, it was incredible to think of the potential in that church. There are young people, teachers, doctors, lawyers, all walks of life really. If the Church can offer people formation, inspiration, and rejuvenation it is wonderful to think of the possibilities.

Theology Cafe

      Over the past few months Father Tom (rector at Church of the Holy Spirit) has been hosting a "Theology Cafe" at Panera Bread on Tuesday mornings. It has been quite an enjoyable experience, and I would have to say one of my favorite ministries that I am able to participate in at Church of the Holy Spirit. We typically have around 8 people (including the little ones) and have recently been asking different attendees to bring a book to share and discuss with the group each week. The books have covered a wide variety of topics such as  C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce, a book from the Fly Lady, triathlon training guide (thanks Drew), and today Heaven is for Real. These books have lead our conversations in some interesting directions. And, today as we discussed Heaven is for Real, a recent best seller, about a little boys momentary death experience, we delved into what it was this little boy from Nebraska saw, heard, and felt as he went Heaven.
       Hearing how these various books have effected or impacted the attendees at the Theological Cafe has allowed us all a small (or not so small) window into each of their lives. Learning what it was inside the book that had sparked something inside the presenter has allowed us to see a little more of who they are, but has also allowed us to share a little of who we are. It has been quite a blessing to share my Tuesday mornings with this group. Hearing new and interesting questions, learning various opinions or points of view on theological topics, I come each week with no expectations or agenda only anticipation as to where the coffee, books, and the Holy Spirit will lead us.

A Trip To Central City - Intern Steven

The Sunday before Thanksgiving the Youth of St. Andrew's took a trip out to Central City, Nebraska to visit the parish of Christ Episcopal which was founded 139 years ago. I didn't have to drive but I got to go and I really enjoyed it.

Prior to going out there, the Youth group had been rehearsing hymns out of the 1982 hymnal. 450, 536, and 537.

450 = All Hail the power of Jesus' Name
536 = Open Your Ears O Faithful People
537 = Christ for the world we sing

The kids worked really hard however the hardest part was getting them to sing loud and confidently. This shouldn't have been such a challenge. At St. Andrew's we have a rowdy, energetic youth group and I thought we could funnel that directly into the singing. Things didn't really work out that way and we had to really push on them to keep their chins up and sing out loud and proud.

When we arrived we took the attendance that Sunday from 15 to 40. It is a BEAUTIFUL Episcopal Church. Beautiful wood interiors and stain glass windows. A small but sacred place. I felt blessed to be there. The church was very kind and they bought pizza for the kids and stayed and had lunch with them.

This is the norm for Nebraska. Nebraska isn't filled with large churches but rather has many smaller parishes. I realized that if I'm going to stay here this could be the type of church I end up working for.

I could feel how glad the parish was to receive us and there was a wonderful bond and connection. Episcopal churches need to get better at this. Sometimes we get a little competitive with each other when we actually are on the same team.

I don't know what my future may hold BUT I do hope to stay on for the summer expansion program (if it is an option.) I'd love to be attached to a smaller parish like this one and see ministry from another view point. Christ Episcopal doesn't face the same challenges as St. Andrew's and has completely different needs. But it is still a faith community. It still follows Christ and worships the Lord. I want to be apart of this. Where two or three are gather Christ is present. I think sometimes we think it needs to be two or three hundred and that isn't what the scripture says. I think it's time for us to rediscover the gifts of the small church and the gifts of small groups. We can get lost in the shuffle if the crowd is large but when the community is small people know when you are present and when you are missing.

I'd like to give thanks out there for every small parish. For every parish that doesn't have the resources to employ a full time priest  but still finds a way to celebrate the Risen Lord every Sunday. They do a great service to their community and it speaks out of being faithful and true even in the hardest of times.