So a couple of months ago Father John said in a staff meeting, "We still need to figure out who's going to preach for Ash Wednesday?"
Being me I raised my hand and said, "I'll do it."
Once this was on the books I told my parents they should come out and hear me preach for Ash Wednesday which they did. I also got to show them where I live, the beautiful Church of the Resurrection, the hard-working Latino Center of the Midlands, and my parish placement the friendly St. Andrew's.
We (my Mom, my Dad, and myself) visited the Durham museum which was a lot of fun.
However I did not realize that I would be preaching FOUR times until maybe a month before Ash Wednesday. 7AM, 9:30AM, Noon, and 7PM. That is a LOT of preaching. Thankfully I only wrote one sermon and re-used it for all four services. I can't imagine trying to create something in the moment four times in one day. It was a long day and next time before I volunteer I'm going to ask some questions.
I was impressed at how many people dropped what they were doing and attended an Ash Wednesday service. St. Andrew's had a pretty big turn out (don't have the final numbers) but it was inspiring. I think we had a few people who weren't St. Andrew's "regulars" but I loved that. I like the idea of people worshipping in the place and space they are in. You gotta go to a church that is close to where you work. You gotta go to a different church if you are a business traveler and out of town. I say do it! Make the time and space to worship. For everyone that did I want to say thank you. I am so grateful for the wonderful people who to come church. They aren't perfect and I don't expect them to be but things wouldn't be the same without them.
I hope that everyone who got to experience Ash Wednesday enjoyed it. For those who didn't maybe next year. For those of you who have jobs that prevent you from paticipating I hope you find a way to observe it outside the four walls of your local church.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Renewal in Lent
Twice a week I head over to a Nursing and Assisted Living Home to do a Bible Study. We have been working our way through the Gospel of Mark, and we recently got to Mark 12:13-17, where Jesus is asked about paying taxes to Caesar. We all pondered that story for awhile, especially verse 17….
Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (NIV Translation)
As I prepared to move on, a wheelchair bound octogenarian said something profound. She said that everything belongs to God, because God had the grace to make us in the first place. It was great to receive that witness from someone who has a multitude of valid reasons to be bitter and pessimistic.
As the season of Lent approaches, All Saints Episcopal Church is focusing on renewal. One of our offerings, which I will lead, is a book discussion based on the idea of a “practical” Christianity. How can one truly center their lives on the Gospel? Sunday morning worship is a great discipline, but someone wise once told me it’s a little like a huddle in football. You get together, take a breather, get on the same page, and head back out there to really play the game. Worship happens on Sunday morning. Ministry happens during the rest of the week.
How does the Gospel inform what food we buy? Or how we buy our clothes? Or who we make time for in our schedules? There is no cookie-cutter, one size fits all answer to these questions. But if we center ourselves on God, and try to build our house on the rock of Christ instead of sand (Matthew 7:24-27), then the Spirit will guide us.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Lent will be arriving soon
Time is a funny thing. It may be one of the few, never changing, constants in this world. But, for some unknown reason a never changing, set length of time, for example an hour, can seem like
a minute when catching up with an old friend, or a year when running on the treadmill. No matter if we experience a set period of time as a minute or a year the clock still keeps ticking and time still keeps passing us by.
Every year I feel as though Lent creeps up on me like a thief in the night. And, every year I find my- self scrambling to discern what it is I will give up or take on for the 40 days and 40 nights of allotted time for sobering reflection and awareness. It al- ways seems to be the longest and shortest time of the year. Long, for it feels like decades until I can indulge in chocolate, shopping, or a glass of wine again (various items which I have purged during the Lenten season). And short, for it seems that those things I intend to do, or to take on, pass me by day after day. Until, I find myself at Easter wondering if I had truly used the time I had been given to contemplate what it means to be a Chris- tian, what it means that God had to come down to this earth suffer and die so that we could once again live as His beloved children, walking with Him in an eternal journey of love and companion- ship.
This year is different in the sense that I will be giv- ing up, or taking on, a Lenten discipline within my Resurrection House community. Being held ac- countable for my disciplines within the time of Lent will be a completely new experience for me. I am interested to see what it will look like not only to hold myself accountable in the eyes of God, but also in the eyes of my two housemates. The time of Lent, I am certain, will pass by as it has in years before, but I hope this time will be different. With the opportunity to contemplate the meaning of Lent within community, as we take on a Lenten discipline together, it is my hope that this experi- ence will bring me to Easter with new insight and knowledge. That I will come upon Easter Sunday knowing that I, and my community, used the time of Lent to the best of our ability, coming to a better understanding and knowledge of God, Christ’s ul- timate sacrifice and free gift, as well as the power of the Holy Spirit within our world.
a minute when catching up with an old friend, or a year when running on the treadmill. No matter if we experience a set period of time as a minute or a year the clock still keeps ticking and time still keeps passing us by.
Every year I feel as though Lent creeps up on me like a thief in the night. And, every year I find my- self scrambling to discern what it is I will give up or take on for the 40 days and 40 nights of allotted time for sobering reflection and awareness. It al- ways seems to be the longest and shortest time of the year. Long, for it feels like decades until I can indulge in chocolate, shopping, or a glass of wine again (various items which I have purged during the Lenten season). And short, for it seems that those things I intend to do, or to take on, pass me by day after day. Until, I find myself at Easter wondering if I had truly used the time I had been given to contemplate what it means to be a Chris- tian, what it means that God had to come down to this earth suffer and die so that we could once again live as His beloved children, walking with Him in an eternal journey of love and companion- ship.
This year is different in the sense that I will be giv- ing up, or taking on, a Lenten discipline within my Resurrection House community. Being held ac- countable for my disciplines within the time of Lent will be a completely new experience for me. I am interested to see what it will look like not only to hold myself accountable in the eyes of God, but also in the eyes of my two housemates. The time of Lent, I am certain, will pass by as it has in years before, but I hope this time will be different. With the opportunity to contemplate the meaning of Lent within community, as we take on a Lenten discipline together, it is my hope that this experi- ence will bring me to Easter with new insight and knowledge. That I will come upon Easter Sunday knowing that I, and my community, used the time of Lent to the best of our ability, coming to a better understanding and knowledge of God, Christ’s ul- timate sacrifice and free gift, as well as the power of the Holy Spirit within our world.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Tricks to Preaching
At a Super Bowl party someone asked me, "How do you prepare to preach?"
I think they wanted to know if I had any secrets. Well I don't. Here's my process.
I wait until the week before to prepare the sermon. I know I don't have to but I also feel like trying to do it a few weeks in advance....is
1) cheating the clergy are doing it week to week and
2) too sterile for my tastes. I want to be working with it up until delivery in the hopes that I will let the Holy Spirit speak to me on the topic.
So I start by reading the lectionary. Then I spend some time (typically 24-36 hours) just thinking about it/praying about it. While I'm in the car or waiting for someone to show up for a meeting. When I'm brushing my teeth in the morning or cooking dinner for the Resurrection House.
About mid week I've determined a theme and/or an idea I want to explore. Then I dive into a commentary (or commentaries depending). I spend time reading about what others have to say and where their studies have brought them. They typically provide some historical information and/or they can provide some further insight into the theme I'm trying to teach on.
As the end of the week gets here I actually sit down and type out a draft of the sermon/homily. I don't know if I can call my preaching time a sermon:
1) Because clergy give sermons and I'm not clergy
2) I tend to preach short. I hit an idea try to create a few points
After I've got a draft down I try to put it down and take a little break from it. I come back to it and re-read it and see if it makes sense. (Sometimes I think faster than I type and sometimes I just can't articulate an idea clearly. Both of these things do not need to happen when I'm in the pulpit.)
Then I spend some time thinking about delivery. Trying to memorize some sections so I can look away from what I've typed and look at the people. I think about pacing and flow. I move points around so that there is a process. I make sure that I've included some examples that help illustrate my point (i.e. music, scene from a popular movie, something from a book, current event, etc.)
At this point I'm ready to deliver. And yet EVERY time I get up there I end up saying something that I didn't write down. I don't just stick to the script. If in a moment I'm moved to say something "off book" I do. I try to (even at the pulpit) make space for the Holy Spirit. I use what I've written but I try not to let it box me in.
On Sunday afternoon I try to think of things I could've done better. I think about my pacing and delivery and I consider if I could've gotten my viewpoint across better. I've never had the guts to have myself recorded and REALLY examine myself but one day I probably will. I also like to look online at this point and see some other points of views. Every time I consider doing this earlier but I realize that if I do I may try to preach what the Gospel is saying to them and not what it's saying to me. I realize that can be dangerous so I steer clear.
And that's it. Anyone can do it. It requires preparation, planning, reading and research. Oh and getting in front of a group of people and trying to not let their opinion (whether good or bad) completely cloud the message you are trying to give to them.
I think they wanted to know if I had any secrets. Well I don't. Here's my process.
I wait until the week before to prepare the sermon. I know I don't have to but I also feel like trying to do it a few weeks in advance....is
1) cheating the clergy are doing it week to week and
2) too sterile for my tastes. I want to be working with it up until delivery in the hopes that I will let the Holy Spirit speak to me on the topic.
So I start by reading the lectionary. Then I spend some time (typically 24-36 hours) just thinking about it/praying about it. While I'm in the car or waiting for someone to show up for a meeting. When I'm brushing my teeth in the morning or cooking dinner for the Resurrection House.
About mid week I've determined a theme and/or an idea I want to explore. Then I dive into a commentary (or commentaries depending). I spend time reading about what others have to say and where their studies have brought them. They typically provide some historical information and/or they can provide some further insight into the theme I'm trying to teach on.
As the end of the week gets here I actually sit down and type out a draft of the sermon/homily. I don't know if I can call my preaching time a sermon:
1) Because clergy give sermons and I'm not clergy
2) I tend to preach short. I hit an idea try to create a few points
After I've got a draft down I try to put it down and take a little break from it. I come back to it and re-read it and see if it makes sense. (Sometimes I think faster than I type and sometimes I just can't articulate an idea clearly. Both of these things do not need to happen when I'm in the pulpit.)
Then I spend some time thinking about delivery. Trying to memorize some sections so I can look away from what I've typed and look at the people. I think about pacing and flow. I move points around so that there is a process. I make sure that I've included some examples that help illustrate my point (i.e. music, scene from a popular movie, something from a book, current event, etc.)
At this point I'm ready to deliver. And yet EVERY time I get up there I end up saying something that I didn't write down. I don't just stick to the script. If in a moment I'm moved to say something "off book" I do. I try to (even at the pulpit) make space for the Holy Spirit. I use what I've written but I try not to let it box me in.
On Sunday afternoon I try to think of things I could've done better. I think about my pacing and delivery and I consider if I could've gotten my viewpoint across better. I've never had the guts to have myself recorded and REALLY examine myself but one day I probably will. I also like to look online at this point and see some other points of views. Every time I consider doing this earlier but I realize that if I do I may try to preach what the Gospel is saying to them and not what it's saying to me. I realize that can be dangerous so I steer clear.
And that's it. Anyone can do it. It requires preparation, planning, reading and research. Oh and getting in front of a group of people and trying to not let their opinion (whether good or bad) completely cloud the message you are trying to give to them.
Monday, January 30, 2012
A Celebration of St Paul
On January 25th All Saints Episcopal Church celebrated the Conversion of Saint Paul at our Wednesday services. I was given the opportunity to preach a homily, and it was quite difficult. There are so many implications in that experience, and so many different directions one could go. The ability to be articulate AND succinct is a real skill, one I aspire to have someday. The transformation of Saul, the zealous Pharisee that actively persecuted the early Church (Galatians 1:13-14), to Paul, one of the faith’s greatest Evangelists, is a bold testimony to the power of God’s redemptive love.
Trying to decipher God’s call in our lives can be difficult. The desire to focus on that call brought me 1,200 miles from home to participate in a discernment internship. Undoubtedly, many people have prayed for a “Paul on his way to Damascus” moment. However, at least in my experience, those direct callings are rare.
Paul did receive a revelation, but it did not make his life any “easier.” Read II Corinthians 11:23-29 for a laundry list of the dangers and sufferings he faced during his ministry. The Gospel may not make our lives more leisurely, or lead us to extravagant wealth, but it will bless us in deeper, more meaningful ways. The more we trust in God, the closer we get to being the people we were created to be. Instead of filling the void in our lives with things that perish or rust, we can fill them with Christ’s everlasting love. That is the promise Jesus gives in John 10:10.
“…I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
To live out ones faith is a daunting task. It’s not a matter of “if” but “when” something inexplicable will happen that threatens our faith. Therefore, as indicated in I Timothy 4:7-8, we need to discipline ourselves like an athlete, so that we are prepared to endure through the challenging times. Through the help of a strong community and faith in God, we just may find out that the “abundant” life is not what we expected.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Reflections on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
On Monday, January 16th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) hosted their 28th Annual MLK Unity Luncheon. And, through my association with OTOC, my non-profit, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend. I could not think of a better way to celebrate the life and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. then through this lovely event filled with remembrance, celebration, and spirituality.
One of the highlights of the event, for me, was the recognition given to the members of OTOC for their hard work and dedication to the community, as they received the IMA 2012 Drum Major Award. The award's title was taken from Dr. King's charge to minister and serve as a "drum major." "Yes, if you want to say that I was drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Feb. 4, 1968.
The event, quite appropriately, began with prayer and song, as we sang together "Lift Every Voice." There were also city officials and political figures of note who attended, lifting up the ministry and service of the community, and it's dedication to bringing equality and unity to Omaha. One person of note was Senator Ben Nelson, who lifted up the importance of young people, and the communities dedication to their success. Responding quite appropriately to his charge to the IMA members, and attendees of the event, the IMA presented four students, from the North Omaha community with scholarships for $2,000 each. This was important reminder to the community present that in the light of the recent violence and gun shootings we have witnessed and heard about on the news, there are young people within the community who are dedicated to being helpful and educated contributing members of their communities.
Finally we heard from the guest speaker, the Rev. Dr. Claybon Lea, Jr. Claybon spoke about the importance of the unsung hero, and used the Biblical character Mordecai, in the story of Esther, to drive his point home. As the unsung hero in the story of Esther, a Jewish woman who saved her people from the destruction of the Persian king, Mordecai is the driving force behind many of the events and opportunities that lead to Esther's "fame" as a heroin of the Jewish people. And, Claybon reminds us that although we may have forgotten about Mordecai's role in the story of Esther, his hard work and efforts to ensure her upbringing as a person of Jewish faith and marriage to the king still led to the events that allowed for the Jewish people to be spared from mass destruction. Claybon stressed the importance of service, giving back, and remembering the good of the larger community. He reminded us that it was not about the praise or recognition we receive but about the cause, for the good of humanity.
The event ended with a beautiful prayer and another uplifting song, as we sang to one another "I Need You to Survive." The MLK Unity Luncheon reminded me of the importance of remembering and celebrating the life, ministry, and service of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is important, I dare say crucial, that we remember; we remember the cause the goals of King. For we do not live in a race, ethnicity, or income free world, we live in a world filled with division and separation. We must continue to bear the burden, and take up the cross which Christ has given us as we follow in his footsteps, in the footsteps of the Apostles, Saints, and Martin Luther King, Jr. to fight for the inclusion, fair treatment, and love for all mankind.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
From the Desk of Intern Steven
Being in two places at the same time is impossible. No one can do it. However I find myself wishing it were possible.
I just got back from a trip to see family, friends and attend a wedding of a dear old friend. I don't regret going. I had a BLAST. It was truly a once in a lifetime kinda thing. However there was work for me to do here that I could've been doing and maybe even should've been doing.
Balance is hard. How do you find balance in your life? Work isn't everything but it is important. Your life can't revolve around leisure and having fun (well it can but it comes at a heavy price.) You have to find balance. And I think I'm getting closer to find it. While I was gone I did some reading when I had some free time but I didn't fret over what was going on back in Nebraska. (seriously can't believe y'all saved the snow until I got back.) I shared with a lot of people what I'm doing and what it is all about. I caught up with others about what was going on in their lives. It was wonderful.
Of course they all asked, "So are you going to Seminary in the fall?" I usually responded, "Great question and when I know the answer I'll tell you. Most likely no, even if that is what I would like, a little bit more time needs to pass before I can step forward." I wonder all the time what my life will be like on June 1st 2012 and even Jan. 1st 2013. The truth of the matter is I don't know. I know I will have completed this program (I hope successfully) and that's about it. I know I won't go back to Atlanta. It was a professional dead end for me and even a spiritual one. I had grown as much as I was going to in the diocese of Atlanta.
Christmas away from the family wasn't as hard as I was expecting. There were things I missed and I had moments of saddness and loniliness but that didn't define my holidays. My holidays were filled with joy and celebration of our new born King. I was invited to partake in new families and spend time with new people. I enjoyed it. Two of my greatest fears about being a priest have been encountered and dealt with. The holidays was a big one and now it's been dealt with. The other was how to love a parishioner without crossing any boundaries.
I'll continue praying, worshipping and seeking and I hope that God will show me the way. It's hard though. People are usually so busy offering their own opinion you have to try to make things quiet in the hopes to hear something from the Lord. Blessings to all of you this Epiphany.
I just got back from a trip to see family, friends and attend a wedding of a dear old friend. I don't regret going. I had a BLAST. It was truly a once in a lifetime kinda thing. However there was work for me to do here that I could've been doing and maybe even should've been doing.
Balance is hard. How do you find balance in your life? Work isn't everything but it is important. Your life can't revolve around leisure and having fun (well it can but it comes at a heavy price.) You have to find balance. And I think I'm getting closer to find it. While I was gone I did some reading when I had some free time but I didn't fret over what was going on back in Nebraska. (seriously can't believe y'all saved the snow until I got back.) I shared with a lot of people what I'm doing and what it is all about. I caught up with others about what was going on in their lives. It was wonderful.
Of course they all asked, "So are you going to Seminary in the fall?" I usually responded, "Great question and when I know the answer I'll tell you. Most likely no, even if that is what I would like, a little bit more time needs to pass before I can step forward." I wonder all the time what my life will be like on June 1st 2012 and even Jan. 1st 2013. The truth of the matter is I don't know. I know I will have completed this program (I hope successfully) and that's about it. I know I won't go back to Atlanta. It was a professional dead end for me and even a spiritual one. I had grown as much as I was going to in the diocese of Atlanta.
Christmas away from the family wasn't as hard as I was expecting. There were things I missed and I had moments of saddness and loniliness but that didn't define my holidays. My holidays were filled with joy and celebration of our new born King. I was invited to partake in new families and spend time with new people. I enjoyed it. Two of my greatest fears about being a priest have been encountered and dealt with. The holidays was a big one and now it's been dealt with. The other was how to love a parishioner without crossing any boundaries.
I'll continue praying, worshipping and seeking and I hope that God will show me the way. It's hard though. People are usually so busy offering their own opinion you have to try to make things quiet in the hopes to hear something from the Lord. Blessings to all of you this Epiphany.
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