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Archives for July 2015

What to expect… the Reverend Mother years

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The pregnancy. The Reverend Mother should be able to: “Get into a standing position,” despite morning sickness that kicks in by middle hymn. (Note: Around 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, RevMom needs to convince staff and congregants that she is not dreadfully hungover.) “Cruise” maternity leave policies . “Clap hands” if the congregation has one. If congregation does not, RevMom should be able to “indicate wants in ways other than crying.” … will probably be able to: Find liturgically correct maternity clothes. Borrow from congregants. Other times in ministry, this might/will definitely be odd. But, newly pregnant, this becomes great bonding. (Note: Normal stores not sell $30 purple dresses, but maternity stores do!) Withstand bizarre comments. Visitor looks at your belly: “So, they let y’all do that these days?” Response: “Yes, they do now!” (Helpful Tip: Start charging for inappropriate comments. “Yes, Frank, any mention of ‘water breaking’ during the worship service … [Read more...]

The Journey: Growing Up in Christ

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by Deborah A. Rundlett CreateSpace Independent Publishing. 188 pages REVIEWED BY LEIGH B. GILLIS The metaphor of journey is often used to talk about the spiritual life, not just by Christians but by people of many faiths. In Catholic mystic tradition, St. Teresa of Ávila’s “Interior Castle” framed the metaphor of spiritual journey, from exterior to interior. The journey was to begin by “entering the room where humility is acquired rather than by flying off to the other rooms. For that is the way to progress.” In Rundlett’s book, “the destination is not a place but rather a state of being. For Christians, this state of being involves Christ being formed in us.” Spiritual formation is really the central theme of becoming followers of Christ who are vitally alive. The point of entry here, too, is one of humility and readiness for transformation. But this book is not her solo effort. Both Muskingham Valley and Peace River Presbyteries participated in a journey through the nascent … [Read more...]

Presbyterian Writers Guild opens three-phase writing contest

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LOUISVILLE (PNS)  Inspired by Jesus’ practice of teaching with parables, the Presbyterian Writers Guild is offering a three-phase writing contest as it builds toward its luncheon at the 2016 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly in Portland, Or. The Guild chose the format as a way to inspire theological reflection on issues that confront the church. Open to all members of the Presbyterian Writers Guild, the contests will accept submissions from any genre including mystery, romance, fantasy, historical fiction, science fiction and others. There are three levels to the contest, and entrants may participate in any or all of the levels. All entrants must agree to adhere to the identified deadlines and give permission for their work to be used in the manner described. Level 1—The Opening Hook—Deadline Sept. 27, 2015 Participants are invited to submit an opening hook for a fictional story based on the theme of their choice connected to an issue that confronts the church … [Read more...]

Theological conversations highlight need for training on cultural diversity, humility

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LOUISVILLE (PNS) Incidents of racially charged violence across the country—from Ferguson to Baltimore, and in many other cities in between—and the public reaction and outcry for justice that followed each have once again brought to light underlying racial tensions that exist in American society. While many victories have been won in terms of legislation over the past several decades, women and men from racial minority communities still face obstacles of prejudice and stereotypes that have yet to be dismantled. In an effort to begin to work toward dismantling the underlying racial tensions and systems that keep racism alive in our society, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)— specifically the office of Gender and Racial Justice in Racial Ethnic & Women’s Ministries—has begun hosting conversations focused on cultural diversity and humility with various groups across the country. “Conversations like these are a stepping stone for the church—for individuals, churches and … [Read more...]

Doing short-term mission well: Prepare, learn and share

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by Ellen Sherby Amanda’s farewell from an urban Honduran community is forever burned in my mind: She pats Pedro on the head before turning around to step into the rented tour bus to leave. As interpreter and group facilitator, I am stunned and embarrassed for Pedro and for Amanda: Pedro is not a sweet seven-year-old boy; Pedro is an adult. Amanda’s gesture is not one of equals, as brother and sister in Christ. The church Amanda traveled with has come to this community more than once in the past few years. Despite orientation intended to help her group develop deeper connections, they seem to see Hondurans as helpless people instead of able partners in God’s service. A much sweeter memory comes from the northernmost mountains of Nicaragua: A group of women from Presbyterian churches in the U.S. and women from a rural coffee-farming community gather spontaneously to talk about being girls and women in two very different cultures and realities. While they talk, the North American … [Read more...]

Pastoring, pregnancy and parenting

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Ever since I announced my pregnancy to my congregation in March, I am greeted multiple times on Sunday with the loving and curious question, “And how are you feeling today?” I struggled, at first, to answer that question so frequently. Maybe it’s because I’ve felt good and, to this point, been very healthy during the pregnancy. So there’s just not much to say. But that simple question is also a sign that the dynamics between congregation and pastor have shifted because of this life-changing event. My congregation now routinely reaches out to me with pastoral care and concern. I am used to being the one inquiring about their health concerns, their friends who are ill, their parents living with dementia. Now I am the one with a special concern worthy of weekly updates and frequent prayers. Experiencing this shift can be hard for pastors. Though our position means our lives are public, we do not reveal all. We work hard to make sure that when we share our issues, we are not asking … [Read more...]

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