Bob's EPSpace

Renewed Friendship

When I decided a few days ago to take a crack at a Blog I was hopeful that my conversation might engage some persons I would otherwise miss. To put it another way I thought this old guy just might connect with those who are a bit younger.

The comment by Karen Craven has lead to a wonderful reconnect with a family that had a great influence on my life many years ago. Her father chaired the search committee that brought me to the Synod of Lakes and Prairies. Not long after that, her Father died a too early death. I was shaken by that tragedy. Her Mom and I talked several times. The faith she held at that time was a strength to me.

So here I am excited again by how reaching out comes back in such a wonderful way. There is little that beats genuine friendship.

Now about Karen's remarks regarding my Easter comments. I agree with her whole-heartedly. As we dialogue and converse with those of different persuasions it is important that we approach the conversation with a deep personal conviction and understanding of what we ourselves believe. This is not an attempt to reach the lowest common denominator. Rather, these conversations should lead all of us to a greater iunderstaning of the God that we are trying to explore and experience.

For a few months last year Carolyn and I were priviledged to have a young woman from Pakistan live with us in our home. In November her parents came to visit. Her father is a Muslim and a student of the Koran. For several hours we shared our faith and understaning of the Bible and the Koran. It was an enriching spiritual experience for both of us.

So there it is: very different friendships that have been a blessing to me and mmy experience of God is enhanced and increased.

My First Pastorate

On our way to Mobile ,Al we stopped by Fredericktown, MO where I first served after my ordination. In fact I was ordained by Iron Mountain Presbytery, Synod of Missouri in 1955.

What a feeling it was to relive those early days of ministry. My heart goes out to those members and Elders who were so kind and helpful as I began to understand what ministry is all about. As we drove over the once familiar streets the homes of members helped me recall particular experiences.

The church building we finished contructing in 1957 is still looking good. A new edcuational wing has been added and the parking lot paved. It was good to see the congregation still cares about the building. However I found the memory of the planning and construction of the building only called back the memory of particular persons.

When visiting with one of our more mature (older) pastors last week we were thinking back on our years of ministry. Both of us said it is the people who we remember most and how their "faith encounter" is the  thing that brings the warmest feelings in our hearts.

We after all are in the "people" business for our God. It is not buildings, or programs or winnning battles that matters most. It is the growth in spiritual life of people that really matters.The trip to Fredericktown, MO, brought that back to mind once again.

 

Presbytery Council Meeting

Just a few thoughts before I climb into bed! Carolyn and I have driven over 600 miles today on our way to an Elder Hostel in Mobile, AL. Thus, there has been ample time to reflect on two very good meetings that I took part in yesterday: STIR and Pres. Council. It is obvious that many in the Presbytery are not only talking about but are really doing things in some new ways. That should not come as a surprise to us Presbyterians.  Aren't we Reformed but always Reforming? Another way to put it: "We are on a journey together.".

One statement I made at both meetings has picked up some traction. "Every meeting we hold should have the opportunity for personal and spiritual growth." This is not a new idea with me. It has been a fundamental  value in my life and work for decades. I have kept this concept before our leaders when I was a Pastor, a Presbytery Executive and as a Synod Executive. I know the effect it has on the organization as well as in the lives of the people who are involved.

At the end of a term of service anywere in the church.the result should not be exhaustion but rather growth and renewed dedication with a burst of energy. So how do we plan our meetings to get that result? I'm sure we can think of a multitude of ways.

Well I'm off to bed

Bob.

Bubble Up Again

So here is another "bubble" to consider. The day after the "Bubble" in the Southern Kingdom I experienced a "Bubble" at the Kwanzaa Task Force. This group was talking about their partnering. Representatives were there from a wide variety of congregations. In fact the membership includes persons from: Christ Church, Westminster, St. Luke, North Como, Church of the Way, Church of the Apostles, First- Stillwater, and House of Hope.

As the discussion progressed I raised the question to the group hat was raised to the Southern Kingdom by our Representative in Mexico-- What do you expect your churches to get out of this Partnership? It is a two way street.

It did not take long for the stories to unfold as to what has happened over the years in both directions due to the partnerships. No doubt this concept is working.

Soon we were talking about how this partnership could benefit the whole Presbytery. So tonight  the Prebytery Council will discuss some of the possibilities. Wouldn't it be exciting to have Kwanzaa leadership and the Task Force help us to get a grip on some of the issues we are facing  today? Could we possibly have the main agenda -- not pre-presbytery--deal with items that grab us were we live?

Who knows? Let's see how the Spirit moves tonight!

Bob

Bubble Up

For the past few weeks I have been hearing a lot of discussion about how we ought to let things "bubble up" insead of having "top down" decisions.. "Bubble up"surfaced yesterday morning when I was having breakfast. with several denominational leaders. "Bubble up" also was on the table when I met with other Executive Presbyters from across the Synod last week.

So what is a "bubble up"? How do we recognize it? How do we let the  bubble rise and expand before some person or group reaches out to pop it?

I have already seen  some "bubble ups" as I have talked with many persons both clergy and lay persons in PTCA. Let me talk about just one buble up ---- "partnering"?

When I was invited to meet with Cluster Group Four, "The Southern Kingdom", I was told they were strictly a fellowship group---"No work allowed." Arriving a little early for the meeting, I was amazed to walk in to a heavy discussion that sounded like work to me. The discussion was about partnering with churches in Mexico.

During the discussion we had a call from Mexico which was taken on a speaker phone so we could all talk with our representative in Mexico. His first question to the group--"So what do you expect your churches to get out of this partnership?" He was very clear this was a two way street. If there was to be a partnership it was to be sharing both ways or else it would never happen.

A side issue here--did you know there are 1.2 million Presbyterians in Mexico? Now there is a real partner for us.

So here is the center of the bubble---parnership only works when both partners benefit.

Let's not pop that bubble!

                                 

After Easter

Easter Sunday was a tremendous experience for me. The worship service at St. Luke, where I attended with my wife, Carolyn,  was perhaps the most meaningful Easter yet! The pastor's message was insired and inspirational.When all  the congregation sang the Halleluja Chorus at the end of the service my body was tingling.

The more I come to experience the reality of God in my life I encounter a Spirit far beyond what I would have anticipated earlier in life. As one of our comtemporary writers states, "I cannot define God for you, all I can do is express my experience with God." That experince appears to be increasing with my age.

Over thirty years ago I celebrated Easter worship in St. Petersburg, Russia. The service began at 10:00 PM  on Saturday night and lasted until 3:00 A.M. on Easter Morning. We stood all that time. They have no seating. That was another of my most memorable Easter's. Just before midnight, we paraded around the church with the Archbiship.Then when the bells rang midmight, for the start of Easter, the doors of the cathedral were thrown open to symbolize the rolling away of the stone from the tomb. Then too, my body tingled at this this Easter experience. 

During this Easter season, I find myself trying to understand the experience with God that people have in other parts of our Christian family. Even betyond that, what is the experience with God that people have in Religions other than Christianity? There must be a way their bodies also tingle with their experience of God.

First Post

Hi,

I plan to be on this blog quite often and will welcome your comments.

Plese feel fre to send me suggestions and ideas.

Bob