The Mystery

We each search for meaning and to find our purpose in life.  We ask that burning, sometimes haunting question Why?   Psychologists say there is a part of our brain that seeks a Divine Being and since the beginning of time humanity has created a being which is in control.

For me God is the Mystery - the One in which I live and move and have my being.  The mystery that God came to us through Jesus is as real to me as my need for air and water.  I make my way to the manger, lighting candles, listening to those Carols that remind us of shepherds, angels, and the desire of humanity for peace and love. 

I sit in the quiet and experience the Mystery as the days grow shorter and colder.  My spirit is warmed and I know I am loved. 

God bless.

Rejoice!

Today is the third Sunday of Advent - a Sunday in which we are encouraged to rejoice always!  Our Advent door is open and we are given the invitation to make the journey to Christmas Day.  I sometimes feel as if I am walking on holy ground and like Moses, I too want to take my shoes off as I focus on what these days mean for me and the gift I find in Jesus.

While the challenges of this season surround us, we are reminded that God acted in the past, acts today, and will act in the future.  We may be waiting for medical tests results, watching a loved one prepare to die, or struggling with finances - there are a multitide of challenges we all face.  Our loving God will give us the strength and grace to move through them as a natural part of this life. 

I continue my own journey to Bethlehem, guided by the love of God and my desire to serve God more each day.  I learn to shed my own burdens and trust in God's faithfulness as I minister to others and give God thanks for each and every person that is placed in my path.

Rejoice always!  And again I say rejoice!  Take time this week to reflect on your own joys in this season of Advent. 

God bless.

Advent Adventures

Advent is here - a time I cherish.  I have just returned from a trip back east to Roanoke, Virginia to the first church I pastored.  It brought back many memories.  How naive I was when I first began pastoring - so full of hope. 

In the midst of Advent I hold on to the hope that Christmas brings.  The wonder and beauty of this season fills me with peace and I know that miracles still happen.  That "peace on earth" is possible, those who are outcasts will be welcomed, and "joy to the world" will be experienced by everyone!

I know that this can be a challenging time for many people.  Even now a friend of mine has a sister who is dying.  I spoke with another person who is struggling with poor health and will not live much longer.  Someone else is dealing with depression and struggles to go through each day.   I listen to each person and offer them my words of hope in this season we call Advent. 

Advent is an invitation for us all to open our hearts and lives up to the wonder and mystery of Christmas.  Like Mary and Joseph we too can go on a journey that will lead us to a place in which we can experience the love of God.  We can kneel at the manger and know what it feels like to open ourselves up to being vulnerable.  We can stop looking for something that is not there and give thanks for what and WHO  we do  have in our lives, the people, the friends, the lover, the partner, the family.

Our Advent Adventure can bring us to the realization that the greatest gift of all is the gift of God's love and that we are created to share our love with each other.  It is the legacy we will leave behind.

My prayer is that you will experience the love of God in such a profound way that you are filled with all the hope and joy that Christmas offers to us. 

I will write again before Christmas!

A Season of Gratitude

The calendar has changed to November and here in Albuquerque the weather has turned cold.  At this time of the year my thoughts turn to Thanksgiving and all the joy this day brings.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, maybe because it was my mother's favorite holiday or maybe because it brings family and friends together.  I enjoy the planning of the big day, what to cook, who will come to "break bread" at the table, and the connection it will create among a group of people.

When my mother was living I usually went to her house where we all gathered.  We had a tradition of using a new tablecloth each year and each person would sign their name and leave a message.  At the time it seemed kind of silly, but looking back on it I treasure the memory. 

Now I live far away from my family.  My mother is gone for many years now, and I have tried to create a family tradition with my daughter and grandchildren.  Time moves on, things change, traditions change, and I have learned to treasure what moments of connection I do have with loved ones.

This is a season of gratitude for the many ways in which God moves in my life and in the lives of my loved ones.  I give thanks for what I do have and appreciate the people that I have come to know and love. 

Though I may not always remember to tell the people in my life how important they are to me, I hope that my actions demonstrate my love and gratitude. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  I hope in some way you are blessed.

Pastor Judy

Love in the Park

Today I did a beautiful wedding ceremony in a park in downtown Albuquerque for two women in our community.  It was simple yet one of the most moving ceremonies I have officiated. 

The wind was blowing the leaves in the trees, sun shining, the young couple full of hope and promise with their love. 

Love is the greatest gift of all.  To love a partner, friend, faith community, stranger, God, and yes even our so called enemy is what we have been created for.  Why is it so easy for folks to say "they love you" yet actions speak otherwise.  Why is it so hard for us to abandon ourselves into our lovers arms with all the love, trust and passion that is in our soul?   And when we do give ourselves to another how often is that love dismissed?

How easy it is to throw away friends, lovers, and family members who hurt and disappoint us.  We live in a disposable society so it must be easy just to toss out our loved one when they disappoint us, hurt us, or have a flaw or two. 

Here is a story - a true one at that. 

The man and woman grew up in the mid west - simple farmers who toiled their land, raised their children and loved one another through the good and not so good.  When they were in  their eighties the woman got sick and died. 

The children and grandchildren returned to the simple farm for the funeral and burial, all which took place on the sacred land that the man and woman had toiled and lived on.  After the burial they went back to the farmhouse for a meal. 

Later that night the oldest daughter went to check on the father.  He was not in the bed.  She searched the house.  No where to be found.  She happened to look out the kitchen window and there she saw in the distance her father holding a lantern by his wife's grave.

The daughter runs to the dad, certain he has lost his mind with overwhelming grief.  He stands there at the grave, tears running down his face, onto his shirt.  He  looks at his daughter with love in his eyes and says:

"I am so thankful that your mother did not have to know this deep pain of loss."

And that my friends, is true love.  May we all have it, if not today, in the future. 

Blessings and love to all of you who take time to read this blog.

Pastor Judy

Looking Ahead

It has been a few weeks since I have taken the time to sit and write.  Have been busy at church with planning toward the end of the year.  It seems like the church cycle echos the rhythm of life, birth, death, changes.  New people come into our lives and others leave them - either by choice or death.  Seasons and celebrations come and go.  Religious observations such as Easter and Christmas are certain every year. 

I  must confess that I have a hard time saying good-bye to people and letting them go.  When people move away from the area I always give them my blessings, but there is a part of me that longs for them to stay.  When people leave church for one reason or the other I feel the loss deeply and pray that the person is well.  Sometimes people come back and that is always a great joy to me. 

Life does not stay the same and we can accept the changes with grace or we can resist.  I find that resisting is a waste of time and energy and I must learn to accept those things over which I have no control. 

There are people in my faith community who have lost life partners of thirty years or more.  The passing of their loved one leaves them with a sense of loss and longing and yet the memories of what they shared bring them some comfort. 

As I look back on my own life I want to be able to say that I did what God had called me to do - maybe not on some grand scale, but in some small way I touched the lives of people and what I did made a difference.  It will be some comfort to me as I look back on my years. 

Today's blog is a bit rambling, but this is where I find my thoughts at the moment.

Blessings and peace and until next time

Rev Judith

With the Israelites

It is Saturday night and I am finishing up my sermon for tomorrow.  I am in Exodus - the stories of the Hebrew people being led to freedom by Moses.  But first, they have to spend forty years in the desert, learning to trust God!

We may read these ancient stories and look down on the Israelites for whining and complaining to Moses about their thirst.  If you think about it they are in the desert and lack of water is a real concern.  How often do I complain about the little things in life - whining to God when things don't turn out the way I had hoped?  And then I remember the many times in my life when the presence of God surrounded me and I was filled with awe. 

Tomorrow morning I will go to church and ask God to give me the words to speak as I share with folks about the wilderness wanderings of the Hebrew people.  Hopefully, the words I share will be a reminder that God is still with us, cares about us, and loves us.  Can we ask for anything more?  It is late so for now, good night and God bless.

Return to Church

Last Sunday, September 18th, I returned to church.  I was a bit nervous about the whole thing, but once I started it all came back to me.  The sense of awe as I prepared for worship, a feeling of "wanting to get it right" for God and the people of God.  Being open to the Spirit moving in and through me.

When I returned to Albuquerque last week there was a hint of autumn in the air and it felt good after the hot days in Florida.  Cooler weather will soon be upon as we pack up our summer toys and clothes.  I wonder what this winter will bring? 

There are several changes I want to bring about in church and change can be a challenge.  Nearly 80% of all churches in the United States are experiencing a decline in attendance and membership.  With this sobering fact I still see churches that claim to be "good and old fashioned,"  "traditional," and even "worship like it use to be."

If the 21st century church does not change it will continue to  decline.  How can we be relevant during these challenging times?  What speaks to you as a non-churchgoer or a regular churchgoer?  Please send me your feedback!

For now, have a great weekend and enjoy the weather.  If you are in Albuquerque, New Mexico come visit us at Metropolitan Community Church of Albuquerque.  All are welcome!

Endings & Beginnings

My Sabbatical is coming to a close.  July 1 seems like it was just a few weeks ago with the promise of weeks with no schedules or demands as I looked at my calendar and all the free time ahead.

Last night I returned from the MCC Clergy Retreat in Del Ray Beach, Florida.  Did not get a chance to go to the beach but I did walk the Labyrinth and reconnected with other clergy throughout the denomination. 

Today I begin the last leg of my journey.  I will stay at a hotel tonight, alone with my thoughts and ideas, as I prepare to return to the pulpit on Sunday.  My Sabbatical ends officially on Sunday and I begin again to do what I feel called to do - to make a difference, to do something that matters, which for me is being a MCC Pastor. 

During my Sabbatical I faced many endings, some of which created grief while other endings brought me relief and more focus.  Life is like that, a cycle of endings and beginnings.  Sometimes we are in control of the changes, while other times an ending or beginning is thrust upon us.  I have leaned on God ever so much as I shed tears and learned new things about myself. 

Sunday draws near and I begin again, hopefully, to make a difference as I return to the wonderful  people God has called me to in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  I have much to share with them and I know they will be eager to bring me up to date on their lives and how God is working among them. 

Endings and beginnings..............

Peace and love,

Pastor Judy

Tiptoe into September

What is about these late summer days that make people cross and cranky?  Is it the heat that seems to suck the energy out of  you?  It is said that crime goes up during an extended time of summer heat along with domestic violence calls and fights among families.

The writers of the gospels tell us a story of when the disciples were arguing among themselves about who would be the greatest among them when Jesus came into power.  Ah!  His power was  a trip to the cross after pain and humiliation in the court of Pilate.  There is a basic belief that people respond out of fear or love.  Does that go for cranky people?  Pilate made a decision based on fear and sent Jesus to the cross, but first he washed his hands of the event (literally).

We have tiptoed into September and my sabbatical will soon end.  I have mixed feelings around returning to work - truth be told.  Fear, excitement, direction, boldness, energy, these are the words that resonate with me as I countdown to September 18. 

If you are reading these words ask yourself how it is with you today, right now, this moment.  Are  you busy arguing with those you love around issues that will not matter in less than twenty-four hours?  Or, maybe you are locked in fear over the changes  you see ahead.  Ask yourself if you respond to others out of fear or love.  Do your words build up or tear down?  

Stay cool - September is here.  Back home the weather is slowly changing.  Soon the vibrant colors of autumn will adorn the trees!  May we clap our hands in joy - like the trees of the field! 

See You Soon,

Pastor Judy

New Directions - Learning in St. Louis

August 28, 2011


This week I traveled to St. Louis, Missouri for the MCC Programming Summit.  In MCC Churches we find many people who cross our doors and discover a relationship with a God of love and grace.  Some people stay with MCC, having found a place they can call home.  Others will stay for awhile and then leave because they are just not a "regular church goer" or they find a church that finds their style of worship.

Almost all mainline churches have a wealth of resources in which to create programs for a church.  Programs which feed the spirit and allow people to connect.  We at MCC are creating ways in which our churches can develop a program that fits the needs of the people at a particular church.  It is exciting work and I look forward to returning from my sabbatical and begin in a new direction.

New directions - we all find ourselves at points during life that call us to go in another direction.  Either by force or choice, changes will roll our way that cause us to make decisions that change where we live, who we live with, or even where we might find our life's work. 

Where do you find yourself today?  Maybe you are in a rut and seek a new direction.  You find yourself wanting change but not sure how to proceed.  Sometimes we have to step out in faith and trust the God of Creation to show us a way.  Other times we just need the courage to embrace the change.

Wherever you are in your life today may all directions lead you to a God of love and grace.  May you have the courage to be an active participant in your life journey - with all its ups and downs, challenges and joys.

I return to work in twenty-one days having been on sabbatical for the last sixty days.  I have been praying and seeking God's direction in my future and in the church I call home.  God lead us this day to a place of newness.  Let us not be afraid to embrace change and what will come with those changes. 

Blessings,

Pastor Judy

Weddings, love and feelings

August 5, 2011

I am entering my second month of Sabbatical and getting use to having time on my hands.  Last week I started walking and made a goal to walk  at least three times a week.  This week I am aiming for four times a week.  Exercise is good for your body and your soul.

Saturday I have two weddings to officiate.  I always enjoy weddings and standing with the couple on their important day.  I have been reflecting on what love is and what love is not as I have the time to look within at my own journey. 

I follow the teachings of M. Scott Peck, author of The Road Less Traveled.  One of the most important things I learned from him was that love is NOT a feeling.  Peck was a psychiatrist and when couples would come to his office with the complaint that they had fallen out of love and they no longer felt the same way about each other - well that was when he said the real love can begin.

That true love which we all long for and too often spend our life looking for is an illusion until we learn that love is an action, an activity.  Genuine love implies that we extend oneself for the purpose of nurturing our own and our beloved one's spiritual growth.  True love is an act of will that transcends those "feelings" we  have when we first begin a new relationship with someone. 

Too often people get addicted to those wonderful feelings we have when we first  get to know another as the relationship grows.  Those feelings are nice, but they don't last forever.  What comes after that is deep, genuine, true love and the desire to be a part of the spiritual growth of our beloved.  It is also a  give and take of each other's needs and desires.

In my experience as a pastor I find that I love many, many people.  It is my hope that people within my congregation know how much I love them.  Often I think of myself as a mid-wife who nurtures the people of God and participates in their spiritual growth and re-birth into a transformed and renewed life.   

May my heart be filled with love this day that is evidenced by my actions.

Pastor Judy

Mountain Tops and Valleys

Have you ever noticed that life is made up of times in which you live on the mountain top and other times down in the valley?  Many of us dread those valley experiences when we feel as if our prayers only go to the ceiling and drop back into our laps.  We look at where we are and don't like the place.  We can see the mountain top and know that is place we desire, but climbing that hill seems like more than we can handle.

The Bible is full of stories of people who have gone through the valleys and mountaintops of life.  People that were favored by God experienced the most difficult of times and yet God was always there guiding and leading. 

How long we stay in the valley determines when we make it back up the mountain.  Sometimes we have to make major changes in our life before we get there - changes that are uncertain and painful.  I believe that God will give us what we need in our life journey so that we can get to the mountain top. We can let go of the fear and uncertainty of what is ahead if we know that God is leading.

My prayer today is that I will trust in God and let go of any fear or uncertainty I may have of my future.  Amen.

Holding Up Our Arms

I am mostly on Sabbatical to rest and recharge.  In the last few weeks I have been doing a lot of resting - days filled with no plans or schedules.  I am enjoying the time but the change is a challenge. 

The stories of Moses and the Israelities have been calling to me these last few weeks and I have enjoyed reading about Moses and the wilderness experience. 

The Israelites had to face their enemy and God gave them instructions.  Moses was to hold up his hands and as long as he did that, the Israelites would win.  After a few hours his arms got tired.  When he put his arms down the other side would win. 

So the people put a stone under Moses' arms and two people held them steady.  The Israelites experienced victory.

I give God thanks for the many people who have held up my arms in ministry.  The journey has been long filled with many miles, many faces, and many places.  For the people who have supported me I say to you, thank you for believing in me to be a messenger of God to the people of God. 

How often do we hold up the hands of each other when we get tired?  Or offer to take up some of the burdens of another working along side of us in ministry? 

Another Saturday night with nothing to do to get ready for worship in the morning.  A strange feeling.  

I miss my church - the joy, the love that is given one to the other.  In the next few weeks I will begin visiting other churches in the area to see what it is like. 

I will close for now. 

Entering Into Sabbatical

It is Saturday night and I can't believe that I am not preparing for worship tomorrow morning.  I will  miss my faith community - the joy I experience with this beloved group of people.

It is my belief that we were made to live in community with each other - each community creating themselves - over and over again - as new people come and others leave.  My thoughts often turn to Moses and the Hebrew people as he led them out of slavery into freedom.  But first, they had to journey in the wilderness - the dry, desert for forty long years. 

The people held been slaves to Pharaoh and conditions were unbearable.  Along comes Moses performing signs and wonders as he says "Let my people go."

After terrible plagues the Hebrew people are set free.   They flee Egypt until they face the Red Sea.  Again, another miracle from God saves them.   Many of us may remember that majestic scene when Charlton Heston  (Moses) parted the Red Sea.  

Fast forward a little - the people had been out in the dry, unknown desert for about three days. They could not find water.  They want water, they need water.  Even the animals are thirsty.  They come to a place called Marah and the water is bitter.   Earlier they had been dancing and playing tambourines.  Today they begin to grumble and complain.  Not against God, but against Moses.  

After crying out to God, Moses throws a stick in the water and it becomes sweet.  They head out and end up in a place called Elim with twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees.  

Maybe you have guessed now where I am going with this.  Sweet Waters.  That place of rest and refreshment from the God who heals and invites us to our own place of Elim.  From a place of bitterness to a place of sweetness.  

I have named my blog Sweet Waters as I slow down and obey God's invitation.  I  hear the words of Jesus "Come to me all who are weary......  . "

The story of Elim is a story we are all familiar with as we reflect on our lives.  There is another reason I like the name Sweet Waters.

When I lived on the Outer Banks of N.C.  there was a great restaurant named Sweet Waters.  Good food and  good times with family and  friends.   Sweet Waters - a place of rest and nourishment.   

God make a promise to the Hebrew people telling them that God is a God who heals.  Even when we go from praising God to grumbling and complaining.   When we become bitter and angry because of life's disappointments, God offers us healing.

My prayer for the next few days:  God, I open myself to your healing.  Amen.

I invite you on this journey with me.  Maybe we can all create our own place of Elim over the next few weeks. 

Shalom,

Rev. Judy

This story can be found in Exodus beginning with Chapter 1 - 15.

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