This coming weekend is Annual Conference for United Methodists across the state of Iowa. I hope you take time this week to pray for our time together, specifically:
* That as a conference we seek out God's Holy Spirit for discernment on issues,
* That we pray for the leadership of the conference, including Bishop Trimble,
* and, That we maintain Christian integrity when in disagreement.
Annual Conference is an important time for United Methodists to gather, to discern, to worship and pray together. I will be gone from June 4-June 7.
On the journey,
Alecia
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Twisters
The photos of a devastated Joplin, Missouri are difficult to view. Please pray for for those impacted by the storms. It is hard to imagine how the emergency response teams are able to respond -- with the lack of power, cell coverage and lack of dedicated roads and streets.
There is a new team forming at church -- Disaster Preparedness. Like all of the UM churches in Iowa, we are working on a plan. Initially it will involve the church proper. After it is in place, then we will work with the city so we can serve as an asset if the unthinkable happens.
As news reports spread of a tornado approaching Oxford and another Kent Park, it helped to speed up my desire to get those plans in place. Each of the major teams will answer questions for a worst case scenario, such as:
1. Where will this ministry meet? Think worship, Creation Kids, Food and Clothing pantry, church office. You get the idea.
2. How will you communicate to your clientele -- congegation, clients, children?
3. Where do you keep your records and inventory list, including an off-site location?
There are a lot of things to consider. Various teams,including the Trustees, have information to gather in order for us to have a comprehensive plan. If you have interest in joining this team, please contact me. Four of us make up the core group at this time: Christine Langridge (nurse), Elaine Hernandez (nurse), Peggy Tillman (worked on a Disaster Preparedness plan at a previous employment) and me.
Pray for those whose lives have been altered. Pray for churches as they minister to areas in need.
On the journey,
Alecia
There is a new team forming at church -- Disaster Preparedness. Like all of the UM churches in Iowa, we are working on a plan. Initially it will involve the church proper. After it is in place, then we will work with the city so we can serve as an asset if the unthinkable happens.
As news reports spread of a tornado approaching Oxford and another Kent Park, it helped to speed up my desire to get those plans in place. Each of the major teams will answer questions for a worst case scenario, such as:
1. Where will this ministry meet? Think worship, Creation Kids, Food and Clothing pantry, church office. You get the idea.
2. How will you communicate to your clientele -- congegation, clients, children?
3. Where do you keep your records and inventory list, including an off-site location?
There are a lot of things to consider. Various teams,including the Trustees, have information to gather in order for us to have a comprehensive plan. If you have interest in joining this team, please contact me. Four of us make up the core group at this time: Christine Langridge (nurse), Elaine Hernandez (nurse), Peggy Tillman (worked on a Disaster Preparedness plan at a previous employment) and me.
Pray for those whose lives have been altered. Pray for churches as they minister to areas in need.
On the journey,
Alecia
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
A Christian Response
As most Americans, I breathed in relief after the mission and subsequent death of Bin Laden. I found this to be a helpful article as I pondered the events of this week. Jill Sanders had the article on her Facebook page.
http://blog.sojo.net/2011/05/02/how-should-we-respond-to-the-death-of-osama-bin-laden/
Peace to you this week,
Alecia
http://blog.sojo.net/2011/05/02/how-should-we-respond-to-the-death-of-osama-bin-laden/
Peace to you this week,
Alecia
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Road Home
I was struck by a line in the cantata yesterday. The line came out of Peter's monologue. Peter's (Andrew McKnight) line was in response to "Who do you say that I am?" After naming him "the Christ, the Son of the Living God," he continued with the "Aha" line for me. He said, "This wasn't something I needed time to think about. I had a front row seat to this Man's life and ministry. I knew His Heart."
I have followed Jesus for as long as I can remember. I have had "a front row seat" to Jesus' ministry in many different settings. When I see the various ministry teams in action at the church, I see Jesus. When I watch a family getting food at the pantry, I see Jesus. When another prayer shawl goes out the door, there goes Jesus. I know who He is. I have experienced Jesus within my life and subsequent experiences. I also know who Jesus is because of seeing Him in You. I have had a front row seat for ten years.
On the journey,
Alecia
I have followed Jesus for as long as I can remember. I have had "a front row seat" to Jesus' ministry in many different settings. When I see the various ministry teams in action at the church, I see Jesus. When I watch a family getting food at the pantry, I see Jesus. When another prayer shawl goes out the door, there goes Jesus. I know who He is. I have experienced Jesus within my life and subsequent experiences. I also know who Jesus is because of seeing Him in You. I have had a front row seat for ten years.
On the journey,
Alecia
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Rites of Spring
It was an amazing Sunday witnessing 12 confirmands making vows to confirm their faith. Having spent several months with this group, I knew how much went into their thought process. Each young person wrote a Statement of Faith which explained his/her beliefs. They wrote on topics, such as redemption, grace, the God-head. Nothing like trying to wrestle with the differences between prevenient, justifying and sanctifying grace when you are 12-14 years old.
The students turn in a rough draft of their Statement of Faith. Invariably, my last comment on the paper is always, "And why does any of this matter to you? Why do you want to follow Jesus?"
Perhaps each of us should undertake writing what we believe during this Lenten journey. And oh yes... why does any of it matter to you?
On the journey,
Alecia
BTW -- If you would like to read this class' Statements of Faith, one is available in the library and at the Information Booth.
The students turn in a rough draft of their Statement of Faith. Invariably, my last comment on the paper is always, "And why does any of this matter to you? Why do you want to follow Jesus?"
Perhaps each of us should undertake writing what we believe during this Lenten journey. And oh yes... why does any of it matter to you?
On the journey,
Alecia
BTW -- If you would like to read this class' Statements of Faith, one is available in the library and at the Information Booth.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Vacation
My week-long southern tour visiting family drew to a close last night. It was relaxing, fun and restful. I can't remember the last time I was able to sleep in after 8 AM so many days. Doug and I spent time in the homes of my adult nieces and nephews. I want to be the type of aunt who continues to track with them throughout their growing up years. Doug worked on home repair projects with spouses, while I connected in deeper conversations than are possible at Christmas. It felt good to be with family.
I realize that God give's us our church family in much the same way. I have the privilege of being in intimate conversations where tears and laughter are common. I forget what a privilege it is to be in community, one with another. It is powerful. While it was great to take a step back and refresh my soul this past week, it felt good to come home.
I hope you find time in this day to stop, breathe deeply and take in the moment.
On the journey,
Alecia
I realize that God give's us our church family in much the same way. I have the privilege of being in intimate conversations where tears and laughter are common. I forget what a privilege it is to be in community, one with another. It is powerful. While it was great to take a step back and refresh my soul this past week, it felt good to come home.
I hope you find time in this day to stop, breathe deeply and take in the moment.
On the journey,
Alecia
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Ash Wednesday or Thereabouts
It is hard to believe we have already travelled from Christmas to the beginning of Lent. A season of reflection in the midst of our lives is an important annual journey. If you want to read a great, simple reflection on Lent, return to the homepage and scrolldown to the lower right hand corner and click on "Want to know more about Lent?". It's a fast read but offers good insight.
The smudge of the cross mingled with the woody scent of the burnt palm leaves brings home how quickly journeys move from "Gloria in excelsis Deo" to "Hosanna" to "Crucify." I feel exposed with the dark stain of the cross marking me on my forehead. I have given voice to all three expressions at various points along the way. The Lenten pathway helps guide me home, back to the dust of the earth and the breathe of the Spirit.
I hope you find a place of quiet regularly during this next six weeks. It is not as much about doing, but rather in being with the One. Quiet, still, thoughtful.
On the journey,
Alecia
The smudge of the cross mingled with the woody scent of the burnt palm leaves brings home how quickly journeys move from "Gloria in excelsis Deo" to "Hosanna" to "Crucify." I feel exposed with the dark stain of the cross marking me on my forehead. I have given voice to all three expressions at various points along the way. The Lenten pathway helps guide me home, back to the dust of the earth and the breathe of the Spirit.
I hope you find a place of quiet regularly during this next six weeks. It is not as much about doing, but rather in being with the One. Quiet, still, thoughtful.
On the journey,
Alecia
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