I just received the phone call I have been waiting for. Bishop Ted Schnieder called to let me know that I have been assigned to the Metro DC synod for first call. I will speak with him again around the 9th of March. Thanks for your continued prayers - I will keep you posted as I learn new things!
Love y'all.
Kim
Monday, February 26, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Vocation and Calling and Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Well, I must confess. I think I am addicted, or at least bemused by the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And all of this as a result of an assignment for my senior Pastoral Leadership course.
For this practical assignment we must engage a pop culture piece with theology and faith, and produce a practical "something" (newsletter, Sunday school class, sermon) to engage theology and faith with the pop culture piece. So I have chosen Buffy (thanks to some profs. here at Trinity - you know who you are!) and vocation. I will be publishing another blog that speaks directly to this intersection of pop culture, vocation, and faith.
Tonight, me and a friend watched three episodes that pointed to vocation. One in the first season, one in the sixth, and one in the seventh. I will be over the next few days looking for other episodes that touch on vocation - either explicitly or implicitly. Then I will be parralleling or connecting (without stretching either the tv show or the texts beyond what they are saying) the episodes with Biblical texts, and faith/theology writings that speak to vocation and calling.
So, right now I am looking for a title for this new blog - any thoughts? I am even thinking that after this project, I will keep going and analyze the entire series for other parrallels and intersections. (But that's just my geekiness popping out!)
Are you a Buffy fan? Let me know!
For this practical assignment we must engage a pop culture piece with theology and faith, and produce a practical "something" (newsletter, Sunday school class, sermon) to engage theology and faith with the pop culture piece. So I have chosen Buffy (thanks to some profs. here at Trinity - you know who you are!) and vocation. I will be publishing another blog that speaks directly to this intersection of pop culture, vocation, and faith.
Tonight, me and a friend watched three episodes that pointed to vocation. One in the first season, one in the sixth, and one in the seventh. I will be over the next few days looking for other episodes that touch on vocation - either explicitly or implicitly. Then I will be parralleling or connecting (without stretching either the tv show or the texts beyond what they are saying) the episodes with Biblical texts, and faith/theology writings that speak to vocation and calling.
So, right now I am looking for a title for this new blog - any thoughts? I am even thinking that after this project, I will keep going and analyze the entire series for other parrallels and intersections. (But that's just my geekiness popping out!)
Are you a Buffy fan? Let me know!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
And the region is....
That's right...as you know (if you read my previous post) I learned tonight of my regional assignment. I have been assigned to Region 8...woo-hoo. This is like going home.
Watch for more to come....synodical placement is next. I will keep you posted. Thank you for your prayers and support!
Watch for more to come....synodical placement is next. I will keep you posted. Thank you for your prayers and support!
The Call of the God and the Church
Today, February 20, 2007 is what is known in the ELCA community as Assignment Day. On most of the ELCA seminary campuses it is known as "Draft Day." Over the last day or so, all of the regional coordinators (9 regions), one bishop representing their region, and one partner from each seminary (usually a faculty or staff member from the seminary) have gathered and have been discerning where, geographically, graduating MDiv seniors will begin their ministry.
There are mixed emotions running around campus. There is great excitement because after all, we're really doing this! Many of us can't wait to "get back out there!" There is also fear and anxiety of the unknown, because literally we don't know where we are heading. And even after the regions are disclosed, there is still much to be done before we know anything else. Then there is some anger and pain, for those who didn't "make it" through the candidacy process for various reasons.
As one who is in this process right now, it has been a ride! Trying to figure out how to express and share my excitement, nervousness, etc...with friends and family, while trying to care for my classmates who are in different positions has been tough. I have been told that I should not express my emotions because it will cause others to feel that they are "left out." Well, I trust that God has all within God's arms of love and grace, and that each and every one of us has a calling from God. Our callings and timing of our callings are unique, and we need to acknowledge that. But I am praying that we can ALL support each other and provide space and encouragement for all to express their emotions and feelings in relation to this. (Watch for a posting of a great release of these very emotions by the newly formed musical group, "The Executive Committee." :-)
So with that I ask for your prayers. Please pray for our church and her discernment of the stewardship and placement of new leadership. Please pray for the seminaries of our church as they live into their vocation to equip, foster, and nurture leaders for Christ's church. Please pray for those of us who are in the Assignment Process this day. Please also pray for those who aren't in the process and are dealing with other issues in their lives.
And finally, I wish to thank all of you who have supported me, continue to support me, and hold me accountable in the midst of this process in my life. My parents have joined me here in Columbus for the worship this evening when my region is announced. If any of you are in the area and have time, please join us for Eucharist tonight.
7:00pm - Affirmation of Vocation - Assignment Day Eucharist - Gloria Dei Worship Center, Trinity Lutheran Seminary.
There are mixed emotions running around campus. There is great excitement because after all, we're really doing this! Many of us can't wait to "get back out there!" There is also fear and anxiety of the unknown, because literally we don't know where we are heading. And even after the regions are disclosed, there is still much to be done before we know anything else. Then there is some anger and pain, for those who didn't "make it" through the candidacy process for various reasons.
As one who is in this process right now, it has been a ride! Trying to figure out how to express and share my excitement, nervousness, etc...with friends and family, while trying to care for my classmates who are in different positions has been tough. I have been told that I should not express my emotions because it will cause others to feel that they are "left out." Well, I trust that God has all within God's arms of love and grace, and that each and every one of us has a calling from God. Our callings and timing of our callings are unique, and we need to acknowledge that. But I am praying that we can ALL support each other and provide space and encouragement for all to express their emotions and feelings in relation to this. (Watch for a posting of a great release of these very emotions by the newly formed musical group, "The Executive Committee." :-)
So with that I ask for your prayers. Please pray for our church and her discernment of the stewardship and placement of new leadership. Please pray for the seminaries of our church as they live into their vocation to equip, foster, and nurture leaders for Christ's church. Please pray for those of us who are in the Assignment Process this day. Please also pray for those who aren't in the process and are dealing with other issues in their lives.
And finally, I wish to thank all of you who have supported me, continue to support me, and hold me accountable in the midst of this process in my life. My parents have joined me here in Columbus for the worship this evening when my region is announced. If any of you are in the area and have time, please join us for Eucharist tonight.
7:00pm - Affirmation of Vocation - Assignment Day Eucharist - Gloria Dei Worship Center, Trinity Lutheran Seminary.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Opening the door (PS - Check out my new footer!)
I was in class this afternoon and we had a panel of pastors in talking with us regarding various outreach/missional positionings and ministries that their congregations engage in. Then it came time for questions. And it seemed at first that we just didn't have anything beyond surface level, DUH questions (I think this has a lot to do with us seniors being just one week out from learning of our regional assignments - there's just not much more mental room right now.)
But then someone asked a question about the "membership model" of church - as one of the pastors said they find many issues with this modern model. The person asked, if you don't have a membership model when the folks you are serving come into your church for your outreach, how do you share the gospel? That is your call as a church to share the gospel.
I looked at my neighbor and gave a strange look because to me it sounded like this person was saying that unless you are a "member" of the congregation, that you could serve them and thus share the gospel. Or that you must be a member in order to receive the gospel that is called to be shared. I was literally dumbfounded.
One of the pastors spoke up and began to articulate the numerous and concrete ways that the gospel is shared daily in their outreach ministries (providing for food, school supplies, etc...) And then the pastor said, "I mean I ask the question, what if we really believed that Jesus said what he said?"
Truly, that is it! If we lived what we say we believe, and do and be what and who we are called to be, things like providing food, etc...won't be an issue. We would just do because that's what we do, because of who we are, that is who we are called to be.
And I looked at my neighbor and I said that sharing the gospel is as concrete as opening the door, offering a hand, sharing bread, providing clothing, helping others to seek employment or housing, fighting for the human rights of all people. The gospel is opening the door!
So per the membership model - well, it has (or had) its place, but in the end it is not about members, it is not about numbers. Our call as Christians, our call as disciples, and our call as the church is to live the gospel - to open the door!
But then someone asked a question about the "membership model" of church - as one of the pastors said they find many issues with this modern model. The person asked, if you don't have a membership model when the folks you are serving come into your church for your outreach, how do you share the gospel? That is your call as a church to share the gospel.
I looked at my neighbor and gave a strange look because to me it sounded like this person was saying that unless you are a "member" of the congregation, that you could serve them and thus share the gospel. Or that you must be a member in order to receive the gospel that is called to be shared. I was literally dumbfounded.
One of the pastors spoke up and began to articulate the numerous and concrete ways that the gospel is shared daily in their outreach ministries (providing for food, school supplies, etc...) And then the pastor said, "I mean I ask the question, what if we really believed that Jesus said what he said?"
Truly, that is it! If we lived what we say we believe, and do and be what and who we are called to be, things like providing food, etc...won't be an issue. We would just do because that's what we do, because of who we are, that is who we are called to be.
And I looked at my neighbor and I said that sharing the gospel is as concrete as opening the door, offering a hand, sharing bread, providing clothing, helping others to seek employment or housing, fighting for the human rights of all people. The gospel is opening the door!
So per the membership model - well, it has (or had) its place, but in the end it is not about members, it is not about numbers. Our call as Christians, our call as disciples, and our call as the church is to live the gospel - to open the door!
Monday, February 05, 2007
Excellent blog post...check it out
From The Corner this is a reflection that calls us to look to the women in the church for vision, mission, etc....Find the women and you will find the church.
He points to and quotes another blogger that I love to check out - Sarcastic Lutheran.
Makes for good reading and reflection - also a great diversion from the 'work' that needs to be done. :-)
He points to and quotes another blogger that I love to check out - Sarcastic Lutheran.
Makes for good reading and reflection - also a great diversion from the 'work' that needs to be done. :-)
Why? Pt. 2
My previous post discussed my concern and tension re: various visible public pieces that folks I am aquainted with post online. I struggled with my own sense of responsibility with this, and after talking with two incredible women who I trust, I decided that my responsibility was to share my concern without names with someone who would be interested in knowing this and could have some positive effect on this.
After I shared my concerns I left and felt wholly free and sure that I did what I needed to do. We, as human beings, must hold each other accountable - especially when there is potential for pain, damage, and conflict. So for those that told me they were thinking about it, were disturbed by it, or were curious what I did - that's what I did.
After I shared my concerns I left and felt wholly free and sure that I did what I needed to do. We, as human beings, must hold each other accountable - especially when there is potential for pain, damage, and conflict. So for those that told me they were thinking about it, were disturbed by it, or were curious what I did - that's what I did.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Recent conversations - experiences
Over the past two weeks or so I have been continually reminded of the importance of hospitality and welcoming within the faith community. Sadly these reminders haven't been, "Yes, we're doing it!" Rather they have been the kind of experiences that we wish we never experienced, much less brought somone else to experience. I thought I would share some of these with you, and then my current reflection on our call to welcome and live our call to hospitality.
So, this past week many of the internship supervisors were here to interview for the 2007-2008 internship year. It was great to meet up with my former supervisor again, have a drink, and share some new things with each other. Also through this experience I was able to have a conversation (albeit short) with a pastor whom I met in my first year here at Trinity. I saw this pastor at lunch and stopped by to say hello, while he/she was amidst a conversation. He/she was basically saying that the Lutheran church's new hymnal the ELW was a waste of time, money, and just another indication that the Lutheran church has 'sold out' and lost our way and our mission as a people. He/she said that a "church that needs to have a hymnal to proclaim who they are is dying. It is like we are saying 'To be a Lutheran is to have this hymnal and the liturgies in it.'" I told him/her that I didn't disagree with everything he/she said about the ELW but that to say that the new hymn book and the use of the corporate liturgy is a selling out and a loss of mission was way off. I said that our liturgies are a part of who we have been, who we are, and who we will be - and to completely just trash that to 'attract' folks may indeed be exactly the selling out that he/she was lamenting about. Well, I had to go and the conversation stayed pretty much there - which is sad because I really am passionate about our worship being authentic, historic, and current all at once.
My second experience was at a local congregation. The worship service was great, but I was on the outside. The bulletin assumed too many things for the worshipers, and for one who is not of this tradition - well, I was lost. I, the one training to be a pastor, who has grown up in the church, and has wandered through many churches in my days, I was lost. I was shuffling the bulletin, flipping pages in the hymnal, and just looking around for someone who might help. At one point I just closed the pages and focused on what was being spoken - I participated by listening.
I have also been in much reading and thinking regarding young adults in the church, and much of the current post-modern movement. Many young adults who come to the church, they don't feel welcome. There is often no place for their full contribution and participation. There is often assumed knowlege that locks people out of the community if they don't 'possess' it. Do a quick scan of blogs authored by young adults and you will find reflections and ponderings that speak to this sense of being on the outs, this sense of hypocrisy that is felt and experienced by the church, which at its very core should be wholly and fully welcoming.
To be continued...
So, this past week many of the internship supervisors were here to interview for the 2007-2008 internship year. It was great to meet up with my former supervisor again, have a drink, and share some new things with each other. Also through this experience I was able to have a conversation (albeit short) with a pastor whom I met in my first year here at Trinity. I saw this pastor at lunch and stopped by to say hello, while he/she was amidst a conversation. He/she was basically saying that the Lutheran church's new hymnal the ELW was a waste of time, money, and just another indication that the Lutheran church has 'sold out' and lost our way and our mission as a people. He/she said that a "church that needs to have a hymnal to proclaim who they are is dying. It is like we are saying 'To be a Lutheran is to have this hymnal and the liturgies in it.'" I told him/her that I didn't disagree with everything he/she said about the ELW but that to say that the new hymn book and the use of the corporate liturgy is a selling out and a loss of mission was way off. I said that our liturgies are a part of who we have been, who we are, and who we will be - and to completely just trash that to 'attract' folks may indeed be exactly the selling out that he/she was lamenting about. Well, I had to go and the conversation stayed pretty much there - which is sad because I really am passionate about our worship being authentic, historic, and current all at once.
My second experience was at a local congregation. The worship service was great, but I was on the outside. The bulletin assumed too many things for the worshipers, and for one who is not of this tradition - well, I was lost. I, the one training to be a pastor, who has grown up in the church, and has wandered through many churches in my days, I was lost. I was shuffling the bulletin, flipping pages in the hymnal, and just looking around for someone who might help. At one point I just closed the pages and focused on what was being spoken - I participated by listening.
I have also been in much reading and thinking regarding young adults in the church, and much of the current post-modern movement. Many young adults who come to the church, they don't feel welcome. There is often no place for their full contribution and participation. There is often assumed knowlege that locks people out of the community if they don't 'possess' it. Do a quick scan of blogs authored by young adults and you will find reflections and ponderings that speak to this sense of being on the outs, this sense of hypocrisy that is felt and experienced by the church, which at its very core should be wholly and fully welcoming.
To be continued...
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