Red Rev Ramblings

Came home for a few days from Bayfield before heading out for the July 4th weekend to Ft. Collins, Colorado, where my friends Claudia and Bill live.  I wanted to be with Claudia as she celebrated a significant birthday, (which one we won’t say as I value my friendship with her.)

I had never been to Colorado and was excited to see this land as well as friends.  I arrived in Denver on Thursday about noon.  Claudia picked me up at the airport and we began our trek north on I-25 to Ft. Collins.  Seeing these majestic mountains in distance was spectacular.  All I could say was “Oh my!”  I was awestruck by their size and beauty. Claudia kept telling me that the sense of awe would increase as we left the front range for the foothills.  She was right!  I was spellbound, but the spell would be further intensified on Saturday and Sunday when we would get to explore their beauty further from different vantage points.

Friday we returned to Denver to wander.  We enjoyed a leisurely lunch with my cousin at her home on the northwest side. What a joy to finally see her home and spend some time with her, which I haven’t done since my mother’s funeral almost two years ago.  We talked for several hours before heading back to Ft. Collins to join Bill for dinner and some sightseeing in their downtown.  The old buildings adorning their downtown are beautifully restored.  I loved seeing the different architectural designs of each one. As I wandered the streets taking in the sights I was reminded of Ithaca, New York, also a college town with similar feel.

Saturday Claudia, Bill and I got up and got on the road early as we headed to Colorado Springs, a two hour drive from their home.  Our first stop was La Foret, a 480 acre UCC camp that was a former home to a family hunting lodge and grounds.  It was offered to the Presbyterians at first, but they turned it down.  What a blessing for our wider church to be given such a gift.  The camp was in between sessions so no children were around.  We meandered the grounds stopping to walk their outdoor labyrinth.  A lovely experience it was! Claudia and Bill also wanted me to see their chapel, a pueblo style building with ancient timbers and art.  The outside gates of the chapel courtyard open to a jaw-dropping vista of the Rocky Mountains. Again, I was awestruck!

Leaving La Foret we drove south to Colorado Springs to have lunch with Rick and Cindy Myers. Many of you will fondly remember the Myers family and all they brought to our community.  Their daughter Lauren had just been married at their home the week before and I was sad not to be able to be there to witness that joyous occasion.   Their lovely home is high in the mountains of Colorado Springs, affording them beautiful views and regular visits from the surrounding wildlife.  In fact, as we were lunching, a deer came up to peer in the dining room window and munch on their rose bushes.  Cindy and Rick shared stories of regular visits from a pair of foxes that they have affectionately named Fredo and Fiona.  Also, we heard how bear and other large animals have announced their presence in their back yard on occasion, looking for sustenance and respite.

After a delightful and leisurely lunch with the Myers we headed toward Garden of the Gods, a city park of geological wonder.  These enormous red rocks of varying astounding shape and size decorate the landscape forming a garden that is indeed worthy of its name.  Wonderment overcame me as I wandered the paths and revered these ancient rocks. Fortunately, we timed our visit so that we would be there as the late afternoon sun illuminated their color and beauty, ushering us into holy communion with God’s creation.  We began and ended our day with sacred walks, being at one with God and with God’s astonishingly beautiful world.

Sunday was my last full day in Colorado.  Fittingly, we began the day with worship at First Congregational U.C.C. Fort Collins.  The service was lovely and it was a joy to meet many of Claudia and Bill’s friends as well as their pastors.  Interesting, too, to learn of the numerous connections we have together.  At times, our world seems very small and the old adage about ’six degrees of separation’ holds true.

Following service we quickly lunched and changed into our hiking gear.  We drove up to Estes Park and into Rocky Mountain National Park.  If I hadn’t been mesmerized by the scenery before, now I was overwhelmed by all that my eyes beheld.  Their wasn’t a turn in the road or a turn of my head that didn’t offer a new wonder.  The Rockies are stunning!  I was humbled by their massive beauty, almost to the point of want to write a thank you letter to God.  And the wildlife we encountered along the way–elk,deer, marmot, wild turkey, birds–left me feeling reverent for God’s handiwork.

The hiking, however, challenged me.  I was hoping not to have altitude sickness, as I had now been in Colorado for several days. WRONG!  It takes longer than a few days to acclimate to being at almost 12,000 feet.  Dizziness and nausea set in, and I discovered I could not hike more that a 1/4 mile without feeling such symptoms.  But, then I would rest, recover and start again.  It took a long time to get to see the various lakes we wanted to visit along the trail.  Claudia and Bill were very patient and gracious.

We drove home to Ft. Collins to find most of the stores and restaurants closed for the July 4th holiday.  But, Whole Foods was thankfully still open.  We purchased some food for our last supper together.  Dinner was a quiet affair as we were all tired, and pleasantly full from the day’s offerings. Sleep was most welcome as we gave thanks for a fabulous day and a fun-filled weekend.  I hope to be able to visit again and stay a bit longer.  Claudia and Bill are already planning on where they are taking me next.

Thank you God, for the privilege of being able to visit a land of sacred wonder!

The last day in Apostle Islands beheld great weather and beauty.  We took the boat back out to Madeline Island and parked the car in the National Park to hike the Big Bay Trail, the Boardwalk Nature Trail and a little path leading out to the Amnicon Point–a hike that took us about 5 hours altogether. The path follows the shoreline with breathtaking views of flat rust colored rocks, crystal clear water, the occassional waterfall and a lagoon. We saw a variety of birds and wildlife, but my hiking partner, Diane, was anxious to see a black bear.  I, on the other hand, was all too grateful not to encounter one on the trail.  We returned to the trail head and our car where lunch was awaiting us in a cooler.  Both of us were famished and couldn’t  wait to picnic at a table nearby. We scarfed down a salad, fruit and more water to rejuvenate our depleted resources. Feeling much better, we decided to go back to town and do some shopping at St. John’s UCC artisanal store.

We drove back into town via the gravel road on north side of Madeline Island.   Diane voiced her disappointment over not having had the opportunity to see a black bear.  But, I had a hunch that we still might.  About 10 minutes into the drive, I had to quickly stop the car, as a very large black bear wandered out in front.  He or she, (I couldn’t exactly tell from my perspective,) looked intently at us. The bear decided we were harmless, and meandered off into the woods on the other side of the road, munching as he/she went.  We backed up the car to get another look at this enormous and elegant creature.  We watched from the roadside for quite some time before the bear made its way further into the forest out of sight.  I was thrilled to have had this experience, although all too happy to have encountered this gentle giant from the car!

Feeling blessed by the joys of the day, we ended it by dining at The Pub. We watched as the sailboats and ferries make their crossings and witnessed a beautiful sunset from the patio of the restaurant.

What a joyous and fulfilling day!  And, what a wonderful way to end my time of sabbath rest and writing in northern Wisconsin!

Today is a rainy day in Bayfield which will keep me inside writing.  It is probably good for me to rest my weary body, as yesterday I biked 16 hilly miles.  The fields of orange Indian Paintbrush and the white and yellow wildflowers were stunningly beautiful.  The islands were wrapped in mist and fog, creating a mystical look, calling and ushering me to ‘the thin place.’ I listen and wait for hear God’s voice.

This makes it a good day for writing today. Hopefully, my muse will arrive.  Lord knows I’ve entertained her enough.

Prayers and love to all my friends at First Congo, especially my dear colleagues who are carrying more of the ministries of the church while I am  on sabbatical.

I am most grateful to have some rest and reflection time in Bayfield, WI courtesy of a First Congo Friend.  Following the work of Conference Annual Meeting and a busy week of work at Moon Beach Camp, I greet this sabbath time with open arms.  I’ve never been to Bayfield before, so exploring this area is a joy and delight.

This morning I toured the Apostle Islands by boat.  These outcroppings of land are exquisitely beautiful!  Each one is uniquely created over time by the waters and waves of Lake Superior. And the gradations of color in the red rocks is mesmerizing.  I am struck by how much of this landscape reminds me of the coastline of Maine, particularly Acadia National Park, where I’ve spent so much time over the years camping with my children.

Yesterday I enjoyed worship at St. John’s U.C.C. on Madeline Island.  Rev. Marina Lachecki is their pastor.  Worship was meaningful and engaging.  This is a vital small congregation whose life and ministries are unique to this island community.  The congregation has a wonderful outreach ministry selling local artists work–weavings, pottery, pictures, poetry, writings, jewelry etc. And the artists teach islanders a craft that they too can learn to help sustain them body, mind and soul during the long winter months when few visit or stay to enjoy island life.

Following worship, Pastor Marina, my friend Diane and I enjoyed lunching together.  We had a most interesting conversation about the connections between Native American spirituality and Celtic spirituality–one that will lead to future conversations and writings between Pastor Marina’s and myself.  I am pleased to make such interesting connections.

Mid-afternoon friends from First Congo were coming into to town from a two-day sailing adventure.  They joined us for drinks and more theological conversation.  Ah the joys of being a minister!  I am never far away from the larger existential and theological questions of life, within myself or engaged with others.

All of this has led me to finally do some writing–it’s taken a long time to get to where I’m ready to write.

It was a quick turn-around to leave Conference Annual Meeting in Green Lake, WI  and then drive to Moon Beach Camp in St. Germain, WI–a 4 hour trip.  I actually needed some sleep and laundry time to get myself prepared and went home for the night before heading out.

Upon arriving, I quickly got to work on the Flower Power team, beautifying the campus with planters and hanging baskets, mulching and much needed weeding.  The rest of the work crew from 1st Congo had been hard at it since 8:30 that morning, so I was feeling a bit behind in efforts, but comforted to know I have the rest of the week to make up for it.

Several other churches, a total 80 people, have joined in to prepare the facilities and grounds for a season of camping and all those who will enjoy this sacred place in the North Woods of Wisconsin.  We are privileged to have such a beautiful camp and vital outdoor ministry  in Wisconsin–both here at Moon Beach and at Pilgrim Center in Green Lake.

There is a never-ending list of projects which our director has to offer us for our endeavors–some easier than others.  The ones which require shimmying under buildings I’ve managed to avoid, although I am not averse to hard work, including lifting, cleaning, digging in the dirt and dredging the waters.  The team is amazing in all they are willing and able to do to make camp ready for those who come for a season of mission and ministry at Moon Beach. God bless the staff and volunteers who continue to create a great camp and camping experience for so many people.

The 2010 Conference Annual Meeting was successful and insightful.  Our speakers this year focused their insights and contributions around the theme New Occasions Teach New Duties.  Revs. Martin Copenhaver, Lillian Daniel, Jim Griffith and Mitri Raheb all brought significant gifts to share with the 700 plus attendees about the spiritual practices of discernment, testimony, service, and integrity of commitment respectively.

Our own Steve Hirby was hard at work with me at the technical table where we were permanently planted throughout the weekend assisting the meeting with our PowerPoint savvy and slide creation high jinx. Our Conference Minister especially enjoys our creative endeavors–sic.

On a more serious note, the 2011 Conference budget and the Conference Restructuring and Re-Staffing plan were approved, as was the ratification of the changes made to the By-Laws and Constitution of the United Church of Christ recognizing and affirming multiple paths to ministry.

Our delegates and ministers Sara Companik, Rev. Robin Reed, Steve Hirby, Rev. Steve Savides and myself all enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie of the wider church and experiencing the joys of the United Church of Christ in action.

May 17-22 Nashville, TN Festival of Homiletics.  1200 + pastors from various faith traditions gathered for worship , lectures, and workshops.  It is a week of teaching and preaching from some
of the best in the country.  This conference revives, inspires and sustains me in a way that no other conference does all year long.

I had hoped that I would be able to spend the majority of time this year with John Bell, a leader in the Iona Community.  John has written some 98 hymns for the new Scottish Hymnal and has been an instrument of transformation for dying churches throughout Great Britain and around the globe.  His insights about vital church worship are significant and not to be overlooked. But I was only able to spend one evening and a day with him as John couldn’t get a flight out of Britain because of  volcanic ash. We did have one Skyped lecture with him which was difficult to hear because of the connection.

John Bell’s absence afforded me more time with other preachers like Anna Carter Florence, Barbara Lundblad, Tom Long, and some new folks who I hadn’t encountered in the ten years I’ve attended this conference–a joy.  I am so grateful to David Howell for organizing this tremendous conference that is a feast for the soul.

Thursday afternoon a number of attendees braved the rain to help with the flood relief efforts.  The damage to Nashville was far from the devastation wreaked by Katrina.  However, it is still awful!  People’s homes and belongings destroyed by flood water.  It was heartbreaking to come across treasures like family photos, a plate made by some young child as gift for Mother’s Day, family heirlooms destroyed by mold.  Mountains of soggy sheetrock and insulation that had to be moved to the street for pickup was overwhelming.  Rev. Bill Rishel was cut in the process of hauling stuff and had to get shots.  I only ended up with rashes on my legs which are still being treated.

It was a privilege to work with clergy from all over the country and Canada in an effort to help those whose lives will be forever changed by this disaster.  It was also a joy to get to know some of the staff from The Upper Room, the United Methodist Publishing House, located in Nashville.  They worked alongside us the entire afternoon.

Please continue to keep the people of Nashville in your prayers.

May 8- 16 were spent visiting with my son and his family.  I hadn’t seen my granddaughter, Allie, since January, so I wondered how she would receive her GiGi.  I worried unnecessarily as this lovely 3 year-old welcomed me with open arms and an open heart.

Allie and I played all week, mostly on her swingset where she would scream with delight as I pushed her, higher and higher on her favorite two-child swing. Occasionally Allie’s best friend would wander over to share our play time.  The highlight for the week was when Gigi found an inexpensive slip and slide at Kohl’s and hooked it up to the garden hose.  Hours of fun were had by Allie and Abby as cold water and a sheet of brightly colored plastic provided cool entertainment for the girls and the grownups who watched on from their folding deck chairs.

You might be wondering what sabbath rest comes from such simple moments.  It is amazing to me how children teach us to let go–let go of everything that distracts, disorients and detracts from living fully in the moment.  Allie teaches me to live fully in the moment and helps me let go of all else that begs for my attention.  What would it be like if you lived fully in each moment?

It was weird not being at First Congregational U.C.C. on Sunday. Worshiping in another faith community always seems strange to me, even though I love the adventure. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, hear different faith stories, participate in different ways of worshiping, different traditions and see with new eyes how God is speaking in their lives, in their community.

I visited St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, in Green Bay, on Sunday.  My friend Diane Rew serves there as Sr.Pastor.  Their sanctuary space is lovely and traditional. Stained glass windows, line both the aisles and tell the biblical stories.  Without knowing the history of each window, it’s interesting to me to see if I can read the stories depicted–a lost art these days.

Feeling like a duck out of water, I found it comforting that we sang one of the hymns, we had sung at First Congo the week before.  Interesting how certain familiarity breeds comfort.  And yet, worshiping in a new way, helps us see experience God’s presence in a new way.

One of the “take-aways” for me in this worship experience was how at the end of the communion liturgy, the clergy invite the congregation to consider those members who cannot be with the gathered community this day and to pray for them as the bread and fruit of the vine will be shared with them in the coming days and to ask God’s blessing on them and the gifts that will be shared with them.

Every communion sunday we place on our table sacramental gifts that are shared with our Friends in Christ, our elderly and homebound members.  But, is the wider congregation mindful of these gifts and the ministry they offer?  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to lift this up, prior to our Prayer of Thanksgiving and then mindfully incorporate this ministry into our prayers?  Just a thought dear friends.  Let me know what you think.

It’s just two days away from the start of this sabbatical and I’m counting down the list of things that need to be done here at church before I can let go.  Pastor Steve has put a metaphorical STOP SIGN on my office and gently, but firmly suggested no entry to my sabbatical space.  Let’s see if this is doable!!!