I'm back after some away time. I spent most of my daytime with Sara Miles, and the rest of the time with friends, which, if you've read anything by Sara seems singularly appropriate.
This time my companion book was Take This Bread - the spiritual memoir of a twenty-first-century Christian. Part of what appeals to me in her writing is that as a newly 'converted' Christian, Sara is more concerned about orthopraxy than about orthodoxy ... more concerned about living her faith than about articulating the tenets of her faith in compliance with any particular denomination's credal values. She quotes a "wise bishop" in affirming that "there's a hunger beyond food that's expressed in food, and that's why feeding is always a miracle."
It's why, after worship, we gather to share in fellowship either within the church building, or if a formal fellowship time isn't laid on, then informally around a table at some restaurant with those who hunger for more than simply liturgy.
It identifies for me, why there is also such appeal in her writings. For Sara, unlike denominational guidelines, refuses to establish criteria for who can receive food from her food pantry. The only requirement is a name so that you may be greeted by name by those who are helping. In a society where 'charity' is hedged with rules, regulations, means tests, and other qualifications, it's a refreshing change. In a denomination where there seem to be increasing numbers of restrictions, it is the breath of fresh air I needed.
I am aware that many of the rules and regulations, guidelines and restrictions, are for our protection, safety or well-being. But it seems to me that we can always justify the narrowing of the doorway, and all too often we do not even realise that we are choking ourselves to death until it is too late. I sing the "elders' lament" -- it wasn't like this when I was first ordained -- and I cringe to hear myself now sounding like one of that group. And yet, it wasn't ... there were fewer restrictions. Yes, there were also fewer protections, and we do well to seek a balance. But when it seems as though all communication is about further regulations, in a faith where the first rebel chafed against the restrictions of his day, I wonder if we are not in danger of losing touch with that which is most important, most significant, and most life affirming in our faith. Are we becoming the restrictive Pharisees, unable to see how we are using our own created rules to control that which cannot be controlled?
That is my struggle for this summer: to seek to affirm that which renews and enriches, and to discard that which stifles and constrains and ultimately, leaves me poorer.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Another Sabbatical!
It's two years since I went on sabbatical, and I've decided it's time for another. Actually, it's probably way past due!
This time I'm going to do it a different way, a much more economical way, and I'm inviting others to come along.
I've adjusted the settings on this blog since in the past I was told it was difficult, if not downright impossible, to post here. I'm hoping that will help as we begin this journey.
The location will vary. Sometimes I will be away (vacation and some study time), but mostly I will be either on sabbatical in my office, in the parlour, in the church sanctuary, or on my deck at home. And at least part of the time when I am away I'll have internet access.
I'm going to take this time for reflection and for reading.
Conference weekend I sat down with a book that started me thinking. And it made me want to read the book which had preceded the one I read. So I set off for Amazon to find the book. It was there and I put it in my shopping cart, and then I glanced at the books below, where Amazon says, as clever booksellers will, people who looked at this book, also looked at these ... And I found another intriguing one, one that allowed me to dip into its pages, and as I read the penny dropped (or the light bulb lit, if you prefer), and I had one of those glorious moments and decided that it was time for another sabbatical, only one where people could come along with me. (We might even get together for discussion if anyone wants to do that!)
My focus will be on becoming more conscious of the holy in my life, and on reflecting that holy in my thinking ... and perhaps it will also be reflected in my living. I hope so!
The books which I have just ordered are Take This Bread: A Radical Conversion by Sara Miles book (it was her book Jesus Freak, which was recommended by a friend which set me off in the first place) and
An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor. (book) The two books together cost less than $30 (thank you for free shipping!)
So, if you're not over-booked this summer, and have some time that you might like to spend reading, I invite you to join me on a sabbatical of your own. I'm hoping that September will find us more reflective, refreshed, and ready to bring the sabbatical experience into our daily living.
This time I'm going to do it a different way, a much more economical way, and I'm inviting others to come along.
I've adjusted the settings on this blog since in the past I was told it was difficult, if not downright impossible, to post here. I'm hoping that will help as we begin this journey.
The location will vary. Sometimes I will be away (vacation and some study time), but mostly I will be either on sabbatical in my office, in the parlour, in the church sanctuary, or on my deck at home. And at least part of the time when I am away I'll have internet access.
I'm going to take this time for reflection and for reading.
Conference weekend I sat down with a book that started me thinking. And it made me want to read the book which had preceded the one I read. So I set off for Amazon to find the book. It was there and I put it in my shopping cart, and then I glanced at the books below, where Amazon says, as clever booksellers will, people who looked at this book, also looked at these ... And I found another intriguing one, one that allowed me to dip into its pages, and as I read the penny dropped (or the light bulb lit, if you prefer), and I had one of those glorious moments and decided that it was time for another sabbatical, only one where people could come along with me. (We might even get together for discussion if anyone wants to do that!)
My focus will be on becoming more conscious of the holy in my life, and on reflecting that holy in my thinking ... and perhaps it will also be reflected in my living. I hope so!
The books which I have just ordered are Take This Bread: A Radical Conversion by Sara Miles book (it was her book Jesus Freak, which was recommended by a friend which set me off in the first place) and
An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor. (book) The two books together cost less than $30 (thank you for free shipping!)
So, if you're not over-booked this summer, and have some time that you might like to spend reading, I invite you to join me on a sabbatical of your own. I'm hoping that September will find us more reflective, refreshed, and ready to bring the sabbatical experience into our daily living.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Homeward Bound
Well, I'm coming into the home stretch, heading home for the last time on sabbatical.
During this time away I've read John Bell's book "10 Things About Jesus .... " I wasn't sure what I thought of it at first, but he has interesting and sometimes challenging points. My copy is now full of my comments and markings, of significance to me alone, that will pull my eye back to what was to me a relevant point when I read it. I was quite surprised to find that he too is opposed to the "man of sorrows" description of Jesus - only he does a much better job of finding scriptural support for his perspective, but then, he was writing a book and I was simply reflecting my belief .... that's my story ....
I also had time to dip into the book I picked up at the Festival of Biblical Storytellers, on telling the Gospel story. But I've only dipped. My dipping tells me that I will be returning to it for further study.
So I have a week of sabbatical left and several books that have been opened but not really perused, which brings me to another reflection about sabbatical and sabbatical planning. I overbooked myself in many ways. I don't regret it but think that I had enough for four or five months packed into my three ... this final week will probably find me reflecting more and attempting to accomplish less. I'd like to put together the slide show for those without internet connection or interest in the blog. We'll see how I manage that.
And now ..... now I have a train to catch!
During this time away I've read John Bell's book "10 Things About Jesus .... " I wasn't sure what I thought of it at first, but he has interesting and sometimes challenging points. My copy is now full of my comments and markings, of significance to me alone, that will pull my eye back to what was to me a relevant point when I read it. I was quite surprised to find that he too is opposed to the "man of sorrows" description of Jesus - only he does a much better job of finding scriptural support for his perspective, but then, he was writing a book and I was simply reflecting my belief .... that's my story ....
I also had time to dip into the book I picked up at the Festival of Biblical Storytellers, on telling the Gospel story. But I've only dipped. My dipping tells me that I will be returning to it for further study.
So I have a week of sabbatical left and several books that have been opened but not really perused, which brings me to another reflection about sabbatical and sabbatical planning. I overbooked myself in many ways. I don't regret it but think that I had enough for four or five months packed into my three ... this final week will probably find me reflecting more and attempting to accomplish less. I'd like to put together the slide show for those without internet connection or interest in the blog. We'll see how I manage that.
And now ..... now I have a train to catch!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Update
Well, I did say that I'd be back in Ontario -- I just didn't anticipate that it would be quite this long between posts .... but my little netbook is not always up to the challenge of picking up a weak signal and so .... silence!
I've finished one of my books -- "Re-Enchanting Christianity". I'd say it's a good book, but I find myself wondering if I only think that because we agree about so many things. Still, there it is. And I must admit that there was much that was challenging to me, and that dared me to articulate what exactly I do believe, and what I don't. But throughout this summer, I have been confronted time and again by the reality that the church is failing people .... we're failing to make connections between faith and the urgent issues in their lives. We tend to rely upon platitudes -- "pray and have faith" being among the most frequently quoted, when those words have absolutely no meaning for them -- and how can they become meaningful unless we help make the connections?
The other challenge is that when most of the "unchurched" think of 'Christians' they think of rigid and unbending people who are more concerned with ritual and tradition than with spirituality. Shocking, isn't it, that those who are seeking a more spiritual life, or a deeper spiritual dimension in their lives seldom think of the church as a possible source or inspiration? So many people searching for meaning, and we aren't even on their horizons -- and not always because of negative experiences in their youth. One of the comments is "I'm interested in the man Jesus, and I'd like to know more about him and his life, but Christians???? As far as I can see, they have no connection with Jesus and his life.
But think about our debates, think about what truly exercises local congregations, and then consider the larger issues of life and show me where there is an intersection. We debate what is worn by worship leaders (clergy and choirs), and people are being destroyed for seeking to vote in Afghanistan. We struggle with the best and most effective hours for summer worship, and the people of Palestine are oppressed beyond our belief (and we stop short of recommending boycott.) The economic situation is challenging at best, and we debate whether we appreciate what the minister said on Sunday morning.
I loved what I learned about Biblical storytelling in North Carolina, and all of my summer experiences have stretched and challenged me .... and now I'm in the process of assimilating what I've learned and how it has and will continue to shape me, and how I approach what we do .... And now, perhaps, it's time for me to get off of my soapbox (I'll be back on it soon!) and see how much more I can integrate .... and contemplate where it will lead me in the future.
Oh, and for those who don't have access to the Internet, I'm hoping to put together a slide show so that they can see where I've been, though that only barely touches the events that have shaped and influenced me this summer. There's absolutely nothing that can compare with taking a block of time to read, learn and reflect about ministry when one has been actively engaged in this life for some time. This has been so much more effective than a term at a theological college, no doubt in part, because I've lived the life and know where my questions lie. And the chance, provided most effectively in the UK, to meet with and discuss faith and issues with people who have absolutely no affiliation with any organised church, or even those who have only recently become involved has been invaluable.
I've finished one of my books -- "Re-Enchanting Christianity". I'd say it's a good book, but I find myself wondering if I only think that because we agree about so many things. Still, there it is. And I must admit that there was much that was challenging to me, and that dared me to articulate what exactly I do believe, and what I don't. But throughout this summer, I have been confronted time and again by the reality that the church is failing people .... we're failing to make connections between faith and the urgent issues in their lives. We tend to rely upon platitudes -- "pray and have faith" being among the most frequently quoted, when those words have absolutely no meaning for them -- and how can they become meaningful unless we help make the connections?
The other challenge is that when most of the "unchurched" think of 'Christians' they think of rigid and unbending people who are more concerned with ritual and tradition than with spirituality. Shocking, isn't it, that those who are seeking a more spiritual life, or a deeper spiritual dimension in their lives seldom think of the church as a possible source or inspiration? So many people searching for meaning, and we aren't even on their horizons -- and not always because of negative experiences in their youth. One of the comments is "I'm interested in the man Jesus, and I'd like to know more about him and his life, but Christians???? As far as I can see, they have no connection with Jesus and his life.
But think about our debates, think about what truly exercises local congregations, and then consider the larger issues of life and show me where there is an intersection. We debate what is worn by worship leaders (clergy and choirs), and people are being destroyed for seeking to vote in Afghanistan. We struggle with the best and most effective hours for summer worship, and the people of Palestine are oppressed beyond our belief (and we stop short of recommending boycott.) The economic situation is challenging at best, and we debate whether we appreciate what the minister said on Sunday morning.
I loved what I learned about Biblical storytelling in North Carolina, and all of my summer experiences have stretched and challenged me .... and now I'm in the process of assimilating what I've learned and how it has and will continue to shape me, and how I approach what we do .... And now, perhaps, it's time for me to get off of my soapbox (I'll be back on it soon!) and see how much more I can integrate .... and contemplate where it will lead me in the future.
Oh, and for those who don't have access to the Internet, I'm hoping to put together a slide show so that they can see where I've been, though that only barely touches the events that have shaped and influenced me this summer. There's absolutely nothing that can compare with taking a block of time to read, learn and reflect about ministry when one has been actively engaged in this life for some time. This has been so much more effective than a term at a theological college, no doubt in part, because I've lived the life and know where my questions lie. And the chance, provided most effectively in the UK, to meet with and discuss faith and issues with people who have absolutely no affiliation with any organised church, or even those who have only recently become involved has been invaluable.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
August 11, 2009
It was a wonderful day. It was also a very, very warm day! We visited the garden at the Biltmore Estate this morning, just as we planned. It was a very good plan. There weren't a lot of people around, and we got to enjoy the garden without crowds, and before the day got really hot. We congratulated ourselves on our planning , especially as we moved on to do our last shopping at The Winery (each section of the Estate has items in common, but also has items unique to that area, so we needed to be sure we had what we wanted from each part of the Estate.)
Then we headed out of the Estate, noting the darkening sky, and also the increasing crowds ... and were congratulating ourselves when the heavens opened and we were struck by a most impressive thunderstorm complete with very heavy rain. At the gates to the Estate we pulled over and waited for the heavy rain to abate, then went into the Gift Shop for our very last visit! And then, it was on to the yarn shop, where we did a little more damage.
We finished our day with dinner out, and the joy of packing up ready to go home ... next time I write I will be in Ontario - specific location yet to be determined, by time, inclination and computer access. See you then!
Then we headed out of the Estate, noting the darkening sky, and also the increasing crowds ... and were congratulating ourselves when the heavens opened and we were struck by a most impressive thunderstorm complete with very heavy rain. At the gates to the Estate we pulled over and waited for the heavy rain to abate, then went into the Gift Shop for our very last visit! And then, it was on to the yarn shop, where we did a little more damage.
We finished our day with dinner out, and the joy of packing up ready to go home ... next time I write I will be in Ontario - specific location yet to be determined, by time, inclination and computer access. See you then!
Catching Up
Well, I warned you that the Festival looked as though it would be a busy time! It was a wonderful experience. The rest of the addresses by the keynote speaker were every bit as good as the first one. Good enough to move me to want to purchase his books about the Gospels (also titled 'Provoking') .... 3 pretty heavy books that had me debating how I'd get them home. But in trying to find a link for you, I discovered that a Canadian publisher (Wood Lake Books), not only had his books, but that they were considerably cheaper, and in Canadian dollars! When I also learned that they would ship them for no additional cost, I placed my order, and my books should be there ( I hope) when I get home. Well, if not this trip, then after the next one.
The rest of my workshops were excellent! I've learned lots, had the chance to use what I learned, and am wondering how this will play out when my sabbatical is over. Next year's Festival will also be at Ridgecrest, and you'll know how much I learned and enjoyed it when I tell you that I'm already thinking that I will be back!
Friday night I went to "Lighting the Fire", where for the first time we gathered around a fire pit instead of doing it in a circle inside. We needed the fire more for light than for heat, but it was fun.
Saturday's worship service was wonderful -- but then, all of the worship experiences were. Of course, on Sunday my novice group also had our first experience of actually 'telling' a Biblical story, so now I'm not actually a complete 'novice' any longer!
The Saturday worship was actually the grand finale of the Festival, and many headed out immediately afterward, going either to Charlotte or Asheville for their flights. My friend from Tennessee had arranged to meet me at Ridgecrest and picked me up and we headed into Asheville, home of Biltmore House and the estate attached to it. I just checked -- it covers some 8,000 acres!
We'd arranged a package that includes accommodation plus unlimited access to Biltmore House and the estate for the next five days. Wonderful!
I know it sounds excessive, but we've been to the estate twice and will be heading back a little later today. Included in our package was an audio tour, so we got to walk through the house with headsets, listening to a narration, not only about the rooms were were seeing (we visited some 51 of those!), but also with additional background stories. The tour of the house alone, with the help of the audio tour, took us around two hours -- and a lot of walking!
Also included was a buffet lunch at Deer Park Lodge which we enjoyed following our house tour. The estate is large enough to have shuttle buses that take visitors to the various sites on the estate, so after the tour we hopped on one of the buses and rode past the stop at A Gardener's Place (that's for today!) to Deer Park Lodge where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch.
While we were waiting for the shuttle to take us back to the parking lot (it takes the buses half an hour to circle the estate), we were treated to a very noisy thunderstorm passing overhead. Fortunately for us, there wasn't a lot of rain with this storm, and it was well over before the shuttle arrived to take us to our car.
We rounded off our day with a visit to a yarn shop (everything in moderation!), and then headed back to our hotel.
Today's agenda includes the gardens ....
I'm sure that you could visit everything at Biltmore House in one day, but you'd need to start early and just keep on going ... we've been enjoying the opportunity to visit a section, enjoy it, and then go off to do something else (or as on our first day, visit something else in Asheville and then visit the Biltmore). If you visit their site you'll have a better idea of what I mean -- the Estate is absolutely huge, and I cannot imagine trying to visit everything: house, farm, garden, winery, etc., all on one day.
And now I'm off to get ready for our visit to the gardens!
The rest of my workshops were excellent! I've learned lots, had the chance to use what I learned, and am wondering how this will play out when my sabbatical is over. Next year's Festival will also be at Ridgecrest, and you'll know how much I learned and enjoyed it when I tell you that I'm already thinking that I will be back!
Friday night I went to "Lighting the Fire", where for the first time we gathered around a fire pit instead of doing it in a circle inside. We needed the fire more for light than for heat, but it was fun.
Saturday's worship service was wonderful -- but then, all of the worship experiences were. Of course, on Sunday my novice group also had our first experience of actually 'telling' a Biblical story, so now I'm not actually a complete 'novice' any longer!
The Saturday worship was actually the grand finale of the Festival, and many headed out immediately afterward, going either to Charlotte or Asheville for their flights. My friend from Tennessee had arranged to meet me at Ridgecrest and picked me up and we headed into Asheville, home of Biltmore House and the estate attached to it. I just checked -- it covers some 8,000 acres!
We'd arranged a package that includes accommodation plus unlimited access to Biltmore House and the estate for the next five days. Wonderful!
I know it sounds excessive, but we've been to the estate twice and will be heading back a little later today. Included in our package was an audio tour, so we got to walk through the house with headsets, listening to a narration, not only about the rooms were were seeing (we visited some 51 of those!), but also with additional background stories. The tour of the house alone, with the help of the audio tour, took us around two hours -- and a lot of walking!
Also included was a buffet lunch at Deer Park Lodge which we enjoyed following our house tour. The estate is large enough to have shuttle buses that take visitors to the various sites on the estate, so after the tour we hopped on one of the buses and rode past the stop at A Gardener's Place (that's for today!) to Deer Park Lodge where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch.
While we were waiting for the shuttle to take us back to the parking lot (it takes the buses half an hour to circle the estate), we were treated to a very noisy thunderstorm passing overhead. Fortunately for us, there wasn't a lot of rain with this storm, and it was well over before the shuttle arrived to take us to our car.
We rounded off our day with a visit to a yarn shop (everything in moderation!), and then headed back to our hotel.
Today's agenda includes the gardens ....
I'm sure that you could visit everything at Biltmore House in one day, but you'd need to start early and just keep on going ... we've been enjoying the opportunity to visit a section, enjoy it, and then go off to do something else (or as on our first day, visit something else in Asheville and then visit the Biltmore). If you visit their site you'll have a better idea of what I mean -- the Estate is absolutely huge, and I cannot imagine trying to visit everything: house, farm, garden, winery, etc., all on one day.
And now I'm off to get ready for our visit to the gardens!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Well we started the day with another wonderful worship service. It's amazing what storytellers can do ... and they've given me some ideas. And then we went off to our workshops where my group practised actually telling the story of Abram (Genesis 15:1-6) We'll be telling it as a group during Saturday's closing worship.
After lunch we went for another workshop. you might remember that mine was "Grounding the body, Opening the Heart." It was wonderful ... it was learning exercises and massage techniques to help keep us grounded and open as we told stories. It was fun, it rejuvenated and relaxed us, and left us with some techniques we can continue to use!
Then it was on to the Keynote Speaker, who left us with some unsettling images and interesting and challenging questions. Tomorrow's presentation is addressing ways to resolve some of those challenges and promises to be very interesting.
After dinner we gathered for our "Epic Storytelling" Session. Storytellers signed up to tell parts of the story found in Genesis, and for just under an hour and a half, teller followed teller (or sometimes, pairs of tellers) as they presented the first 11 chapters of Genesis -- without notes! It was amazing and wonderful ... and we were blown away by how much genealogy could be committed to memory and presented in interesting ways.
We had a little time between dinner and storytelling and so I took out my camera for just a couple of shots.
My friend in Tennessee told me to turn slightly to the west and look south and the distant ridges would probably be Tennessee -- so that's what I did when I came out of the Spilman Auditorium
And though I didn't take a picture of the Spilman auditorium building (yet), I did take one of the building next store - which is where we registered and is just across the way from our Exhibitors Hall -- and though you can't see them, there ARE rocking chairs on the front porch!
Now doesn't that just look typically southern????
I went out for a short walk after I got back to my room tonight, met up with another couple of like mind. They were from the south and so I asked them what I could hear. They told me it was tree beetles. Then we heard something else and they headed off down the hill and I headed toward my room. It sounded more like a growl, and since they had just told me that a bear had been seen near one of the residences, just a cub .... but you know, where you see a cub, Mama is not likely far behind! So I thought it might be wiser to head indoors ... So I came to chat here instead!
And now it's time for me to say good night!
After lunch we went for another workshop. you might remember that mine was "Grounding the body, Opening the Heart." It was wonderful ... it was learning exercises and massage techniques to help keep us grounded and open as we told stories. It was fun, it rejuvenated and relaxed us, and left us with some techniques we can continue to use!
Then it was on to the Keynote Speaker, who left us with some unsettling images and interesting and challenging questions. Tomorrow's presentation is addressing ways to resolve some of those challenges and promises to be very interesting.
After dinner we gathered for our "Epic Storytelling" Session. Storytellers signed up to tell parts of the story found in Genesis, and for just under an hour and a half, teller followed teller (or sometimes, pairs of tellers) as they presented the first 11 chapters of Genesis -- without notes! It was amazing and wonderful ... and we were blown away by how much genealogy could be committed to memory and presented in interesting ways.
We had a little time between dinner and storytelling and so I took out my camera for just a couple of shots.
My friend in Tennessee told me to turn slightly to the west and look south and the distant ridges would probably be Tennessee -- so that's what I did when I came out of the Spilman Auditorium
And though I didn't take a picture of the Spilman auditorium building (yet), I did take one of the building next store - which is where we registered and is just across the way from our Exhibitors Hall -- and though you can't see them, there ARE rocking chairs on the front porch!
Now doesn't that just look typically southern????
I went out for a short walk after I got back to my room tonight, met up with another couple of like mind. They were from the south and so I asked them what I could hear. They told me it was tree beetles. Then we heard something else and they headed off down the hill and I headed toward my room. It sounded more like a growl, and since they had just told me that a bear had been seen near one of the residences, just a cub .... but you know, where you see a cub, Mama is not likely far behind! So I thought it might be wiser to head indoors ... So I came to chat here instead!
And now it's time for me to say good night!
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