Where did I notice the presence of God this week?
I went to the doctor Monday, and my friend went with me.
Going to the doctor, especially if you are worried, is an invitation to know your own vulnerability and frailty, an invitation to realize how small you are. Though I look like a Great Big Grownup, it never fails to make me miss my mom, gone 20 years this fall. It never fails to make me feel small and afraid.
We all have experiences like this- part of what it means to be human and live in an imperfect world. If we're lucky, someone will Accompany us.
My friend drove and parked in the maze of strange streets and lots, she helped navigate the hallways and the questions, listened to answers and possibilities. She steadied me and encouraged me.
All week I've been thinking about what an experience of Grace that was, of how it was, in a concrete way, the presence of Christ.
This is a primary task of Christian community: to Accompany one another. To remind each other by our presence that we are not, in fact, alone. To walk together the roads to Emmaus and the Cross and the next village, just as the disciples did, knowing that Christ is present wherever 2 or 3 of us are gathered in his name.
This church knows something about that: One member spent this week with a friend hundreds of miles away, to be present for her surgery and recovery. Others of you, I know, have made visits and made meatloaf, have brought flowers and brought soup. You have showed up to pray, you have sent the card, you have served as a 12-step sponsor. But you have also sat down to coffee and listened and cared when there was no medical issue. You've helped someone be strong, hang in there, know Grace. You know the power of this, I think.
Our world is starving for this kind of grace. Our culture is full of isolated folks who need a sense of hope and holiness that only Presence can provide. Some of them don't know how to ask. How can we do this?
We do this as a community at our quarterly services for Healing and Wholeness (Thursday, Sept 18, 5:30 pm, chapel) In those intimate gatherings, all who come are accompanied, we are present to one another. We pray by surrounding each other with singing the extended, beautiful chants. We acknowledge our need for healing in body and spirit. We make space for God's Spirit ot come and stand alongside us. Always, it is a gift.
What are things that make you afraid, or make you feel alone?
Who has Accompanied you? Was it easy or difficult for you to let them?
Is there anyone you are being invited to accompany, anyone to whom you are called to be Present this week?
Let us be a community of people who help each other who accompany one another, for surely we will meet the Holy One on the way.
Love to you-
Sandy
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Some Trees, a Parade, an Anniversary
Into this imperfect world, sadness comes as a matter of course. The sadness has come these last several days around trees. This campus is green and shady, a spot of growth and beauty in a somewhat dilapidated neighborhood. But our trees, it turns out, are as vulnerable as we are. A couple of the liquidambar in the front parking lot looked unhappy, and so we sent for a tree expert, who pronounced that a couple of them have “bacterial leaf scorch” and that there is no way to save them. Liquidambar are vulnerable to this, it seems, and we have been lucky so far… but we need to think about removing and replacing a couple of trees- and it makes me sad. I was further saddened when our Gardening Service guy pointed out that the birch that overhangs my parking space was half dead. He pointed it out to Mimi as asked if he should trim it- and it looks dreadful and desperate, a lonely white trunk with no leaves. And finally, Alfonso showed me with pride how he had ‘pruned’ the peach tree outside the offices- to prevent peaches falling on the sidewalk and causing a hazard. His intention was good, and his ‘can-do’ spirit is evident, but I am horrified at the state of this poor old tree- and have told him that under no circumstances is he to trim any other trees without approval of Stewardship.
It makes me realize how much I love these green and sheltering friends, these reminders of Creation amid this urban landscape. And I am saddened at the loss. It seems to me this area of our life needs caretakers, stewards, a couple of people who CARE about such things and who care in a different way than someone whose job it is to keep the place tidy, or someone who mows the grass each week. The beauty of this place is part of it hospitality, something we share with everyone who lives in the neighborhood or visits the property or even drives by. Caring for our corner of creation is an important ministry. Anyone feel a call to this?
Spent time this week preparing instructions for our Processional/Parade on Kickoff Sunday (which is this Sunday, the 7th) where we symbolically ‘come home’ from all our vacations and travels and summer wanderings, and begin a new year of growing together as learners and teachers. It has been fun to imagine and to do, fun to think about the color and music and symbols and kids that will help us experience God’s presence with us in a brand new year.
It reminds me that only a year ago we were launching this 2-hour Sunday format for the first time, so that adults could have education classes, so that children could learn to worship as well as to read bible stories and do crafts, and so that those who teach children would not have to miss worship as a consequence of their faithfulness. I am struck by how far we have come- how many interesting classes and conversations have taken place for adults, how many times I’ve been thunderstruck by the number and warmth of the kids who come scampering down the aisle for Time With the Children, how gently and flexibly we have adjusted as a community. We have all had to make changes, and no one likes change, but in the main we have been kind to one another, and we have tried some new things. This speaks to me of the strength of this community, and of the Spirits ability to make us able to do more than we are capable of on our own.
I am grateful for the Nurture Committee, some of whom have worked tirelessly to make this happen, and for their sense of mission and their positive spirit.
I am thankful to all the adults who have tried something new, and have taken the time to tell me of a conversation that was meaningful, a person they have come to love & admire, or a new idea that they received as a gift.
I am grateful for parents who have done the hard work of bringing kids into worship and sitting with them, and
I am so PROUD of the many kids who can sing the liturgical music by heart, and who are getting pretty good at some hymns, and who brighten the gift we offer to God each week by their presence and wholeheartedness and beauty.
It was fun to be reminded of all these things, and to be prompted to give thanks.
Hope you have something to give thanks for as well this week.
See you Sunday,
Sandy
It makes me realize how much I love these green and sheltering friends, these reminders of Creation amid this urban landscape. And I am saddened at the loss. It seems to me this area of our life needs caretakers, stewards, a couple of people who CARE about such things and who care in a different way than someone whose job it is to keep the place tidy, or someone who mows the grass each week. The beauty of this place is part of it hospitality, something we share with everyone who lives in the neighborhood or visits the property or even drives by. Caring for our corner of creation is an important ministry. Anyone feel a call to this?
Spent time this week preparing instructions for our Processional/Parade on Kickoff Sunday (which is this Sunday, the 7th) where we symbolically ‘come home’ from all our vacations and travels and summer wanderings, and begin a new year of growing together as learners and teachers. It has been fun to imagine and to do, fun to think about the color and music and symbols and kids that will help us experience God’s presence with us in a brand new year.
It reminds me that only a year ago we were launching this 2-hour Sunday format for the first time, so that adults could have education classes, so that children could learn to worship as well as to read bible stories and do crafts, and so that those who teach children would not have to miss worship as a consequence of their faithfulness. I am struck by how far we have come- how many interesting classes and conversations have taken place for adults, how many times I’ve been thunderstruck by the number and warmth of the kids who come scampering down the aisle for Time With the Children, how gently and flexibly we have adjusted as a community. We have all had to make changes, and no one likes change, but in the main we have been kind to one another, and we have tried some new things. This speaks to me of the strength of this community, and of the Spirits ability to make us able to do more than we are capable of on our own.
I am grateful for the Nurture Committee, some of whom have worked tirelessly to make this happen, and for their sense of mission and their positive spirit.
I am thankful to all the adults who have tried something new, and have taken the time to tell me of a conversation that was meaningful, a person they have come to love & admire, or a new idea that they received as a gift.
I am grateful for parents who have done the hard work of bringing kids into worship and sitting with them, and
I am so PROUD of the many kids who can sing the liturgical music by heart, and who are getting pretty good at some hymns, and who brighten the gift we offer to God each week by their presence and wholeheartedness and beauty.
It was fun to be reminded of all these things, and to be prompted to give thanks.
Hope you have something to give thanks for as well this week.
See you Sunday,
Sandy
Thursday, August 28, 2008
8-28-08 This Week at First Pres
Labor Day Weekend, and the summer, which I always wait for and always revel in, is drawing to its unofficial close. As a kid who grew up with public school teacher parents, I am especially wistful as the transition draws near- the long, light days and the time to share them are my favorite.
At the same time, the arrival of Fall and the fresh start it represents never fails to grab my imagination. Though the new beginning no longer includes a back-to-school outfit, still there is much to anticipate.
First of all, there’s Kickoff Sunday, when we’ll pledge once again to share in life together: especially the learning and sharing of our faith. We will bless our learners and our teachers, and ask for God’s help to grow in grace in this new year. We’ll be helped in that endeavor by a full-on party: Lighthouse Bluegrass Band of San Diego will be with us to bring sparkle, energy, and joy to our ‘homecoming’. Band member Rev. Wayne Rice (author of several books, Presbyterian pastor, co-founder of Youth Specialties organization) will be our preacher, and after being fed by the Word, we’ll be fed by the Mariners who will sponsor a Hoe-down with BBQ sandwiches and plenty to eat. It will be a colorful, joyful, wonderful day- a terrific new beginning. How could I not be excited?
I’m also excited because this Fall we will welcome an Associate Pastor to our staff. Letters went out this week to a congregation in New York to let them know that their pastor, the Rev Eric Ledermann, has been offered an opportunity (in his words) that he cannot pass up. We elected him unanimously (Really?!? Yes! Really!!) and as he begins the slow process of his transition to this coast, there is great enthusiasm about what the Spirit will do in our midst when he arrives at the end of October. That’s still 8 weeks away, but the beginning of Fall signals that his arrival is just around the corner.
Mostly, as the season turns, I am excited that we are continuing to be who we are. Last night the Session met, and though we had lots to discuss and decide, there was such a spirit of warmth and care and gladness, that I went home grateful to be here sharing this work. Dr. Beth Liebert asked us last Sunday to work at noticing where God is present in our midst- last night’s meeting was full of signs of Grace.
Perhaps the best part was when Jim and Dawn brought their baby to present him for baptism. Their 4 year old is a veteran, having been baptized 3 years ago, and having gathered with other children at the base of the font several times since. He was able to tell me what I do when we baptize a baby, and some of what it means. A great tenderness welled up in us as we remembered that God loves us, and the community pledges its love and care for us, before we are able to understand it or earn it. As we thought about the many ways our lives are knit together: that this baby’s father was baptized here a few decades ago, that everyone present remembered Aidan’s baptism, that each of us around the table had ourselves received this grace- we found ourselves both smiling and tearful.
Grass withers, flowers fade, seasons change. God’s love endures forever. Thanks be to God that we can dwell in the midst of it. Happy Labor Day!
Labor Day Weekend, and the summer, which I always wait for and always revel in, is drawing to its unofficial close. As a kid who grew up with public school teacher parents, I am especially wistful as the transition draws near- the long, light days and the time to share them are my favorite.
At the same time, the arrival of Fall and the fresh start it represents never fails to grab my imagination. Though the new beginning no longer includes a back-to-school outfit, still there is much to anticipate.
First of all, there’s Kickoff Sunday, when we’ll pledge once again to share in life together: especially the learning and sharing of our faith. We will bless our learners and our teachers, and ask for God’s help to grow in grace in this new year. We’ll be helped in that endeavor by a full-on party: Lighthouse Bluegrass Band of San Diego will be with us to bring sparkle, energy, and joy to our ‘homecoming’. Band member Rev. Wayne Rice (author of several books, Presbyterian pastor, co-founder of Youth Specialties organization) will be our preacher, and after being fed by the Word, we’ll be fed by the Mariners who will sponsor a Hoe-down with BBQ sandwiches and plenty to eat. It will be a colorful, joyful, wonderful day- a terrific new beginning. How could I not be excited?
I’m also excited because this Fall we will welcome an Associate Pastor to our staff. Letters went out this week to a congregation in New York to let them know that their pastor, the Rev Eric Ledermann, has been offered an opportunity (in his words) that he cannot pass up. We elected him unanimously (Really?!? Yes! Really!!) and as he begins the slow process of his transition to this coast, there is great enthusiasm about what the Spirit will do in our midst when he arrives at the end of October. That’s still 8 weeks away, but the beginning of Fall signals that his arrival is just around the corner.
Mostly, as the season turns, I am excited that we are continuing to be who we are. Last night the Session met, and though we had lots to discuss and decide, there was such a spirit of warmth and care and gladness, that I went home grateful to be here sharing this work. Dr. Beth Liebert asked us last Sunday to work at noticing where God is present in our midst- last night’s meeting was full of signs of Grace.
Perhaps the best part was when Jim and Dawn brought their baby to present him for baptism. Their 4 year old is a veteran, having been baptized 3 years ago, and having gathered with other children at the base of the font several times since. He was able to tell me what I do when we baptize a baby, and some of what it means. A great tenderness welled up in us as we remembered that God loves us, and the community pledges its love and care for us, before we are able to understand it or earn it. As we thought about the many ways our lives are knit together: that this baby’s father was baptized here a few decades ago, that everyone present remembered Aidan’s baptism, that each of us around the table had ourselves received this grace- we found ourselves both smiling and tearful.
Grass withers, flowers fade, seasons change. God’s love endures forever. Thanks be to God that we can dwell in the midst of it. Happy Labor Day!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
7-03-08 Death, Discernment, Sabbath
THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRES 7-03-08
It has been quite a week-
On Saturday, many of us gathered at Bobbit Chapel to remember Ken, who died suddenly last week at the age of 41. The grief was deep and profound, as was the care expressed by the community who gathered and filled the room. It is good to know, even in our most painful moments, that we are not alone- that the community of faith gathers around us to hold us up, and that the Spirit of God accompanies us in the loneliest of landscapes. We continue to pray for Jim and Sheila as they grieve and heal, knowing that grief is not the end.
On Sunday, we celebrated our Leonard Scholars, and prayed with them for their preparation for lives of Christian service in all kinds of ways. They are in the process of discerning how to live out their sense of Call, how to honor God in their studies, their relationships, and their professional lives. It is a joy to be part of that process with them, and to know that God is using us to help shape the lives and futures of these college students.
This weekend, our APNC met with a candidate for the Associate Pastor position, and it has been exciting to think about this long-anticipated leap for our congregation in terms of a ‘real person’: what would it be like to have this person here? Would they like this area? Could they love this congregation? What kind of a leader or pastor or friend might they be? If this is The Person, how will we know?
Discernment is an art, and there are no ‘3 easy steps to certainty’ in our walk with Christ. We are invited to use our minds, our hearts, our intuition, our body wisdom, our trusted community, and our experiences and what we know of scripture to help us notice where God seems to be present and where the Spirit seems to be leading us. Our rep from the Committee on Ministry said to me yesterday, “Your committee has really done their homework- and not only that, they have done their Prayer work as well. They have taken the work of prayer and discernment seriously.” It made me proud of who they are, and of who we aim to be as a church.
Today the Personnel Committee will do my annual review. The discernment task as we sit together will be to try to come to consensus on where God has been at work in the ministry we share, and where my work has been clear and pointing us toward the Holy One; also where we sense direction being given for the year ahead: what might be adjusted or changed? How might goals be set or priorities shifted? What might I need to let go of? It is a precious thing to have companions willing to reflect on such things, and help me grow into who God dreams I might be at my best.
Tomorrow my family and I head off for 3 weeks in the forest, under the redwood trees that surround our (somewhat decrepit) old family cabin in Camp Meeker, California. I am not sure I have ever been so ready for a Sabbath season. From the time of Norma’s death last fall it seems like the pace has never slowed, as we moved to a 2-hour format, welcomed new members, paved and painted, and moved through Advent-Christmas-Lent-Easter-Pentecost and the string of deaths this spring has brought to us. My body and spirit are weary, and I am eager to be in a familiar place with shade and books and coastline and trees.
I know from experience, however, that shortly after I arrive, my heart will be filled with longing for this place and for you- for this is Home, and I carry you all with me wherever I go.
I will post a reflection or two from the cabin porch, and I will be back at the end of the month. Take care of one another while I am gone, love each other with the love of Christ.
Peace,
Sandy
It has been quite a week-
On Saturday, many of us gathered at Bobbit Chapel to remember Ken, who died suddenly last week at the age of 41. The grief was deep and profound, as was the care expressed by the community who gathered and filled the room. It is good to know, even in our most painful moments, that we are not alone- that the community of faith gathers around us to hold us up, and that the Spirit of God accompanies us in the loneliest of landscapes. We continue to pray for Jim and Sheila as they grieve and heal, knowing that grief is not the end.
On Sunday, we celebrated our Leonard Scholars, and prayed with them for their preparation for lives of Christian service in all kinds of ways. They are in the process of discerning how to live out their sense of Call, how to honor God in their studies, their relationships, and their professional lives. It is a joy to be part of that process with them, and to know that God is using us to help shape the lives and futures of these college students.
This weekend, our APNC met with a candidate for the Associate Pastor position, and it has been exciting to think about this long-anticipated leap for our congregation in terms of a ‘real person’: what would it be like to have this person here? Would they like this area? Could they love this congregation? What kind of a leader or pastor or friend might they be? If this is The Person, how will we know?
Discernment is an art, and there are no ‘3 easy steps to certainty’ in our walk with Christ. We are invited to use our minds, our hearts, our intuition, our body wisdom, our trusted community, and our experiences and what we know of scripture to help us notice where God seems to be present and where the Spirit seems to be leading us. Our rep from the Committee on Ministry said to me yesterday, “Your committee has really done their homework- and not only that, they have done their Prayer work as well. They have taken the work of prayer and discernment seriously.” It made me proud of who they are, and of who we aim to be as a church.
Today the Personnel Committee will do my annual review. The discernment task as we sit together will be to try to come to consensus on where God has been at work in the ministry we share, and where my work has been clear and pointing us toward the Holy One; also where we sense direction being given for the year ahead: what might be adjusted or changed? How might goals be set or priorities shifted? What might I need to let go of? It is a precious thing to have companions willing to reflect on such things, and help me grow into who God dreams I might be at my best.
Tomorrow my family and I head off for 3 weeks in the forest, under the redwood trees that surround our (somewhat decrepit) old family cabin in Camp Meeker, California. I am not sure I have ever been so ready for a Sabbath season. From the time of Norma’s death last fall it seems like the pace has never slowed, as we moved to a 2-hour format, welcomed new members, paved and painted, and moved through Advent-Christmas-Lent-Easter-Pentecost and the string of deaths this spring has brought to us. My body and spirit are weary, and I am eager to be in a familiar place with shade and books and coastline and trees.
I know from experience, however, that shortly after I arrive, my heart will be filled with longing for this place and for you- for this is Home, and I carry you all with me wherever I go.
I will post a reflection or two from the cabin porch, and I will be back at the end of the month. Take care of one another while I am gone, love each other with the love of Christ.
Peace,
Sandy
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
This week my mom and I are at general assembly in San Jose. We have met so many people who share the same beliefs as us. I had lots of fun watching the moderator election. We didn't get to see all of the election but we found out the next day the Bruce Reyes-Chow is the new moderator.He has 3 daughter which I think is very cool because it means he is very aware of youth views.
Bruce is 38 years old( which is younger than my mom! ) and a pastor at a new church development in San Francisco. He shared with the assembly that he is a blogger on his own church website and is always looking for new material.
My mom and I have also seen many family friends like Sheila Denton, Elizabeth Norquist, and even people from our own church like Larry and Melodee Kistner and Susan Skoglund. People have flown in from all over the country to be here.
I have enjoyed my experience at GA because it has taught me alot about our religion and the people who practice it.
Bruce is 38 years old( which is younger than my mom! ) and a pastor at a new church development in San Francisco. He shared with the assembly that he is a blogger on his own church website and is always looking for new material.
My mom and I have also seen many family friends like Sheila Denton, Elizabeth Norquist, and even people from our own church like Larry and Melodee Kistner and Susan Skoglund. People have flown in from all over the country to be here.
I have enjoyed my experience at GA because it has taught me alot about our religion and the people who practice it.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
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This week
Today we bid farewell to a lion, to one whose heart and faith have touched many of us.
Bill Leonard’s memorial service is today, and we will weep and laugh as we release him into the care of the God he trusted and loved.
The stories about him are sweet and funny and inspiring, stories of friendship in spite of disagreement, of generosity and loyalty, of his enormous heart. One of the great joys of his life was mentoring others, encouraging them, helping them along.
I know that I am different because of his support: more confident, more sure of myself. I know that I was more readily received by a congregation that had never in its 137 years had a woman pastor because of Bill’s unqualified support and love than I would have been otherwise. He gave advice when asked, he gave support always, and he was funny and loved to laugh. I miss him like crazy.
Last Sunday we welcomed in 7 confirmation students (Confirmands) into full membership in the church, and we baptized an 8 year old who asked her mother to arrange it- she wanted to be baptized. This church is a place where children thrive, where they find their voices, where they discover a faith that they can live. And this church is that way, in part because Bill Leonard (and others like him) have made darn sure that people of all ages care about such things. As I look at the row of these bright, thoughtful students, standing on the chancel with their sponsors behind them, I am grateful to be part of their lives, and in awe of what God may have in mind for them. It seems to me they shine like the sun.
I am deeply grateful and full of sadness today.
It is on days like this that I am most thankful for the promises of scripture,that do not depend on how I am ‘feeling’ or on my circumstances in order to be hopeful. The eternal God is our resting place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Come to me, Jesus says, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
What a good idea. Rest. And rest in the presence of the One who loves us best.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRES
6-5-08
“He touched people we don’t even know about, he made a difference in the lives of people we don’t even know.”
These were the words spoken by Duke’s son, as he reflected on his father’s life as we prepared the memorial service. His dad was a member of this church for over 40 years, sang something like 1600 anthems with our choir, and gave of himself in numerous ways. He was a leader, whose life bespoke service and patience and also childlike playfulness and curiosity. He died of complications after an auto accident. We miss him terrifically, and will likely miss him more as days go by.
His son is right of course. Not only about his dad, but about each of us: God gives us the capacity to use our lives to bless others and change the world. We will, like it or not, touch others whose names we don’t even know.
C.S. Lewis once said that every person we meet will one day be a creature so twisted that we will no longer be able to recognize their humanness; or else a creature of such indescribable beauty and holiness that we will be tempted to fall down in worship. This is the destiny of each of us.
And every interaction we have, he said, with everyone we meet, moves them a step closer to one of those destinies or the other.
Our kindnesses, our gestures of mercy or love make a difference. Similarly, our abruptness, our mean-spiritedness, and our thoughtlessness also matter. They touch and change us, and they touch and change others.
Kevin came in today to talk about the ability to see and love beauty that was still present in his mother, even 2 days before her death from cancer. He spoke of her capacity to see, cherish, and acknowledge small kindnesses; that a lifetime of training her eyes to see goodness and beauty held her in good stead as her life neared its close.
And in my conversation with our executive presbyter this afternoon, he said, “I am convinced that there are miracles going on all around us- but we walk as if we have blinders on!”
God is at work, my friends:
using our words and actions to touch others,
Offering us small miracles of grace and beauty,
Showing us that the Spirit is present.
This Sunday, we will baptize a young child and promise to raise her to see the gifts God is continually offering, to help her recognize the miracles, to help her know about following Jesus so that her life may touch others for good.
Also this Sunday, we will bless our graduates and give thanks for their presence in our midst as they have grown up. We will pray for how their lives will go on to touch others.
And we will confirm 7 young people who feel ready to choose discipleship and unite with this community of faith to join us on the journey.
It is a sacred journey we share, my friends. “In life and death we belong to God, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. ..” May we live as people who treasure the gift of life, who know the power of our actions, who have eyes to see the miracles of grace. Amen.
P.S.- when you show up on Sunday, look carefully at the sanctuary we call home: it has a gorgeous coat of fresh paint, and looks brand-new and beautiful! a small miracle we helped make happen!
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