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.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
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
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
Saturday, September 3, 2011
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
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
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