Halloween at Chez Hoosier

Due to some previous experience with pumpkins going unexpectedly bad too soon, we generally put off our decorating until the last minute. This afternoon, Kyle and I carved pumpkins, while Carolyn elected to paint hers. Here are the finished products:


As to costumes, Kyle was a "Spectre of Doom" sort of character... in direct contrast to his generally pleasant nature.



Carolyn went as a pirate this year.


Yes, she's almost 18 and it shows. However, I am of the opinion that one is only too old to trick-or-treat when one decides to be. And honestly, I'm just as glad to still see the eager little girl peep out from inside the young woman.




The kids garnered much sugary goodness, despite cold and rainy weather. There were very few trick-or-treaters in the neighborhood, so people (including yours truly) were giving out handfuls of treats to those who did brave the elements. Carolyn and her friend JoAnna were only out for a little while, but still came home with plenty. Kyle and his buddy Shane were more determined, and stayed out for the whole designated time. When he came home, Kyle weighed his bag: 8 1/2 pounds of candy! It's hard to maintain a Grim Reaper demeanor when one is sorting through such a haul.

Let the children come...

Yesterday was my first Sunday back at St. A's since the ordination, and I was both preacher and celebrant; the first time I've presided at the Eucharist there. It was a full house, for us-- more than fifty people, and we had ALL the kids there: our 4 teens, and 7 little ones (8 and under). The two youngest of those, Joli and Pasha, are not quite 2, and are wanderers. They were quiet, for the most part, but constantly in motion throughout the service. One blond head and one dark brown, moving back and forth, up and down the aisles.

They were still through the whole sermon-- coloring at that point, I think; but I could see them both throughout the whole Eucharistic prayer. They'd stop to listen for a bit, whenever the congregation responded; then they'd toddle on around to walk down the aisle, or visit another pew, or come up to stand with the praise team.

One of the lovely things about St. A's is that this is not considered a problem. So long as kids are are not loud or truly disruptive, this behavior is greeted with smiles. They are a very flexible congregation.

Wait, it gets better.

First, little Joli decided this week to come up twice for Communion: first with the music team, and then again with his family. His father initially tried to discourage him, but he was shaking his curly brown head, determined to stick his chubby fist out for a second helping. "It's okay," I told Dad; "He's fine. He can't have too much Jesus."

Which got a smile.

So we finished Communion, and I was cleaning up the Table during the hymn, when Pasha-- a darling little round-faced blond cherub-- comes wandering up the aisle. He walked up and down along the front of altar rail, and then climbed up the step and came right inside, toddling around behind the altar to stand next to me.

I finished tidying up as the hymn ended, and looked down at him one more time before I began the post-communion prayer-- almost a reflex glance, just enough to be sure I knew where he was, so I didn't stumble over him.

And this sweet-faced little boy looked up and reached his hands up for me.

What did I do? Do you even have to ask??

So there I was, in full liturgical vestments, standing before this congregation for the first time as a priest, leading the post-Communion prayer... with a baby on my hip.

And when I raised my hand to pronounce the Benediction, so did he.

I am so blessed in this work.

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Burdens. that seems to be a common theme in all of today’s readings

The prophet Micah - one of my favorites-- rails against other so-called prophets who burden the people by speaking out of their own self-interest, instead of focusing on the proclamation of the Spirit, and need to live into God’s will “to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” as he says later.

One of the earliest mission statements on record.

The psalmist cries out to God, speaking from under the burdens of persecution, a heavy heart and a restless soul.

Paul also talks about burdens, and how hard he and his companions worked to not add them, as they lived among and shared the Good News of salvation with the community at Thessalonica.

Then, in today’s Gospel, Jesus chimes in.

Burdens. This is a concept that his hearers would have been really clear about.
Physical: Hard work-- no hydraulics, no labor-saving devices, no technogadgets...
Psychological: Occupied people - weight of oppression, of taxes and authority and punishment

but Jesus goes beyond anything the others do, flatly castigating the religious leaders as well! Those responsible for serving and encouraging the souls in the name of God, were doing just the opposite. Though they may have had the very best of intentions, they were in fact adding spiritual burdens to an already overburdened people. Requiring adherence to every regulation and teaching in the Torah, without exception, (as though we don’t all fall short). Making a big production of things, parading about in fancy vestments, allowing themselves to be held up as models of behavior....

You know, it occurs to me that this may be a good reminder to be hearing, after last week.

I have to tell you, that was a wondrous, glorious gift of a day. Music...
God’s people gathered, and the grace-filled presence of the Spirit called for on my behalf... and the fancy clothes were certainly there; my sister-in-law made me a chasuble and stole that is a quilter’s work of art.

But let me reassure you, my brothers and sisters, that all the congratulatory praise and admiration has not gone to my head-- at least, not for very long. Because among the gifts that day were burdens, of a sort. A series of promises that I made, before God and in the presence of the bishop and people gathered...

... to respect and be guided by the pastoral direction and leadership of our bishop;
... to be diligent in the reading and study of the Holy Scriptures
... to minister the Word of God and the sacraments of the New Covenant, that the reconciling love of Christ may be known and received?
... to be a faithful pastor to all whom you are called to serve;
... to pattern my life in accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that you may be a wholesome example to your people?
... to persevere in prayer, both in public and in private...

These are weighty promises, asking commitment to arduous tasks. I have no illusions that I can continually live up to them, day after day after day. On my own, they would be formidable burdens, indeed.

Now, don’t think you’re off the hook, brothers and sisters. Let me remind you that you have also been ordained for ministry. If you have been baptized, you have been visited by the Spirit’s power and grace, and equipped in miraculous ways to do the Lord’s work, no less than I have been. And likewise, you have made promises-- willingly taken on burdens in preparation for and in response to that gift. And we shoulder the load again every time we renew our vows in the baptismal covenant. (Pull out those prayer books, please, and turn to page 304.)

Let’s go through this; and think about the burdens we are taking on when we make these promises.

Celebrant: Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People: I will, with God's help.
Celebrant: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People: I will, with God's help.

Heavy burdens, indeed. But the blessing is that God’s burdens are very, very different than the ones we lay on ourselves, or on each other. They are different, because they come supported by grace. As the collect says this morning, “it is only by God’s gift that faithful people offer true and laudable service.”

All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." That’s what I think this means, brothers and sisters. Whenever we try to do it on our own, we’re going to stumble. We’re human; stumbling is what we do best. Our burdens become a load too heavy to bear; we can’t stand up under it. We fall forward, and land on our face; we trip, and end up landing hard on our backsides.

But when we admit that we are not solely responsible-- when we remember to humble ourselves enough to ask for help from God, and from each other-- share our burdens with Jesus Christ and his disciples-- when we acknowledge our need of the Spirit’s grace and forgiveness in our lives, and admit that every single person on this earth is just as entitled to it as we are... when we are willing to accept help, as well as give it... it becomes a gift beyond price. Instead of being weighed down, we are carried, and built up. The Kingdom of God is built up.

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me... “ Jesus says, “...and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

This is Good News, my brothers and sisters; good news worth sharing. Please pray for me, as I do for you, that we rejoice in this burden-- and that we continue to proclaim it, here in worship and the breaking of the bread, and each week after we leave this place. Not only with our lips, but in our lives.

A Light Blazes!!

You know, I hang around with a fair number of really smart, really articulate people. Academics, scholars and theologians. . . the sort of folks who write and speak brilliantly, and have their words published with a certain regularity. I'm not the least bit envious, honest. I am simply tickled to be able to open books or journals and say, "Look! I know him/her! Isn't that cool??" and to know that my gifts lie elsewhere.

But today, I'm kind of amazed to note that the RevGalBlogPals have published a collection of Advent devotionals, and I am among the contributors! The book is entitled A Light Blazes in the Darkness: Advent Devotionals from an Intentional Online Community. I've read several of the other reflections in this collection, and I am honored to be included in this caring, faithful company of priests, pastors and friends.

The book is available for a very reasonable price, and all the profits are going to hurricane relief efforts on the Gulf Coast. (incidentally, this was one great reason for publishing through Lulu rather than Amazon: the royalty percentage-- and hence our donation-- is substantially larger).

In a combination of altruistic fervor and shameless self-promotion, I've also included a link in my sidebar that will allow you to purchase a copy or three (which will then make shipping free!) for yourself.

I am just so excited about this!

Ordination Day

You know, I'd love to be able to tell you all about the wondrous gift of a day that last Saturday was; I really would. I wish I had the words to express how grand it was to have so many people gather; how grateful I am for all the time and effort put forth by liturgists, and musicians, and family, and friends; how incredibly humbling it is to stand in the presence of such love and support; how heavy, and yet how light, the weight of the Spirit is...

Maybe these photos will say what I cannot.


The presentation.


The litany.


The sermon.


The laying on of hands.


The Eucharist.

". . . Willing and ready . . ."

Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be
filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.

A Light Blazes in the Darkness!

A Light Blazes in the Darkness:
Advent Devotionals from an Intentional Online Community

Pilgrimage

I've been on edge for the last couple days. Unusually emotional-- tears smarting the back of my eyes at odd moments, that sort of thing. Not generally in my character.

Yes, the ordination is only a few days away, and that's undoubtedly been a contributing factor. And I'm beginning to be keyed up-- lots of details coming together that need to be coordinated. Beloved friends coming in to town, as well as family, and all the planning and activity that goes with liturgy and reception and overnight guests. . . it's a hectic time, and my organizational gene is in high gear. But I'm not nervous; not in a way that would trigger this raw feeling.

Today I realized what at least part of the issue was. Amid all the bustle, something-- or rather, someone-- was missing.

So I stopped for a visit. It's been a while since I did so, long enough that I had a hard time finding the place. I did a little bit of housekeeping (not much, really) and then sat for a long time, watching the squirrels chase each other through the grass... listening to the acorns fall off the old oak trees lining the walkway... feeling the breeze blow past... talking, and listening...

Monday morning adrenalin

The week began with a bang. I had to be at New Employee Orientation (for that on-call chaplain's position I mentioned a while back) at the hospital yesterday morning by 8:00 am. It's a 40-minute drive (during morning commute time), and I don't like to arrive at the last minute, so I needed to leave by 7:15. That meant getting up around 6:15, so I can take my time getting ready (and monitor the kids' progress in the bargain). A simple thing, for this morning person; I rarely sleep later than that anyway, especially on a school day.

Except that I didn't sleep well the night before. It was just one of those nights where I woke up with too many thoughts and details in my head, and couldn't get back to sleep. I finally gave in and got up-- prayed a little, wrote a few things down, sent a couple of emails-- so I could relax and get another hour or two before the alarm went off.

The alarm didn't go off. And when my eyes opened, the clock said precisely 7:07.

ACK!!

I said something distinctly unclerical, and ran.

Yes, I made it-- out of the house at 7:19, into the hospital parking lot at 7:54-- but it wasn't pretty. And wouldn't you know, the chair of the Pastoral Care Dept. met me at the door, digital camera in hand, so she could take a picture to post on the hospital's Intranet system.

Oh, well... at least they'll recognize me when I get paged in the middle of the night.

There's religion. . . and then there's religion

Today was spent in ecclesial adventures, connected by a triangle of hour-long road trips as I bounced between the congregations I serve. I left home this morning to go up to the north side of Chicago, to an ecumenical meeting hosted by Reconciler. Then this afternoon I traveled over to a contemporary music seminar hosted by St. A's. These were both good events-- solid, prayerful conversation and worship, much food for thought, and insights to Christian focus and ministry. And I even got a bonus: a precious few minutes at the the beginning of my first meeting spent hugging Si, home for an all-too-brief weekend visit from college.

Others, however, had different devotionals on their plates.

Although I didn't get to see any of the games, I will be happy to agree with the Ref. that (aside from the *sigh* less-than-stellar efforts in Lafayette) this game contributed to an overall decent football day.

Why? Well, first because I am not a Notre Dame fan. Living in northern Indiana, within hailing distance of South Bend, I hear just about all I can stomach of the Fighting Irish pride on the gridiron. Quite bluntly, there's an element around here that crosses the border into arrogance, leaving me petty enough to root for just about anyone the Domers are facing on any given day.

Secondly, I will note that this is the one week each year when the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana has an Official Football Team, explicitly declared thus by our bishop. +Ed may have been sporting his standard purple shirt this week, but a maroon and gold USC cap was also part of his daily wardrobe, even at the 3-day clergy retreat. Today he was in the stands, sitting among the ND season ticket holders (one of the perks of his office is a set of tickets, provided annually as a gift by the university) in full Trojan regalia.

So I am certain that the outcome of the game made the Right Reverend Father-in-God a happy man. As for me. . . sitting here less than a week away from a second set of vows to abide by his authority and direction, I'm thinking that a happy bishop is "a good and joyful thing."

***************

Meanwhile, Quotidian Grace points out that during the playoffs, churchgoing baseball fans can also get a little carried away. . . at least in Houston.

RevGal Friday Five

1) The weather in your location:

• Sunny Days - Sesame Street (Some early morning fog has burned off, and it's a gorgeous fall day here.)
  

2) Where you are typing this:

• Soul Kitchen - The Doors (At the table, actually-- got the kids off to school, and just finished breakfast.)
  

3) Where you might like to be sitting if you could be anywhere:

• The Wild Mountain Thyme - Joan Baez (It's a perfect day for a hike into the middle of nowhere.)
  

4) A chore you have to do this weekend:

• Feed the Children - Jim Colyer (The usual domestic drill.)
  

5) Something delightful you will do or would like to do this weekend:

• Saturday in the Park - Chicago (Kyle has a soccer game that I will be missing, because I will be doing various ecclesial things. Good stuff, really-- solid visioning conversation at Reconciler, and then catching the tail end of a worship music seminar at St. A's. But I do like watching the kid play, and I really wish I could be at the park.)
  

Last Requests

I know that things have been light on content here at chez Hoosier, lately. It's been a hectic time as The Day approaches, and life has been rather absorbing otherwise to boot. As much as I'd like to blog something of substance every day, it just isn't happening.

Today, however, my husband showed me this obituary from the Chicago Tribune. It was just too good not to bring to your attention:

Theodore Roosevelt Heller, 88, loving father of Charles (Joann) Heller; dear brother of the late Sonya (the late Jack) Steinberg. Ted was discharged from the U.S. Army during WWII due to service related injuries, and then forced his way back into the Illinois National Guard insisting no one tells him when to serve his country. Graveside services Tuesday 11 a.m. at Waldheim Jewish Cemetery (Ziditshover section), 1700 S. Harlem Ave., Chicago. In lieu of flowers, please send acerbic letters to Republicans.

A belated Friday Five

Okay, so I'm behind schedule. Waaay overdue. But better late than never, yes? Anyway, here's my shot at the latest RevGal "Friday Five" meme:

1) What is your earliest memory of church?
When I was small, children did not attend "big church" until we were in grade school, and then only once a month until we were maybe 12 or so. The rest of the time, we went upstairs to our own little chapel (complete with altar and small organ) for worship. I do not remember the name of the woman who led chapel then, but I can still see her clearly: middle aged, with 1960's "Helmet Hair," dressed in a progression of slightly frumpy suits that simply screamed Utterly Respectable Matron.

But she was kind, and didn't make us talk when we didn't want to, and spoke gently, eschewing the artifical heartiness so many folks feel the need to put on around little people.

And she sang. She had a decent voice, and loved music, and and took us along for the ride. Of course our repertoire contained childhood staples: "Jesus Loves Me," and "The B-I-B-L-E," without exposure to which mainline Protestant children were not considered properly educated. But we also sang "Real" hymns. She taught us (by rote-- many of us weren't reading yet) the first verses of "Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus," and "The Saints of God" and several others that conventional wisdom would have said weren't appropriate for children's worship.

I loved it.

2) How old were you when you first took Communion?
I was just past my 10th birthday. In those days, one did not take communion in the Episcopal Church until one had been confirmed; so they confirmed us very early. The only things I remember about that day were that my mother made me a new dress, and that I was terrified of the bishop-- a stern old man, indeed.

3) What is your favorite Bible verse/passage?
That's hard to narrow down-- depends on where I am in my life. In the old Testament, I love the poetry of the Song of Songs, and the story of Ruth. Aaron's defensiveness in Exodus over the idol ("There I was, minding my own business, melting the gold, and out popped this calf! Who knew?") makes me laugh every time.

In the New Testament, I'm partial to Luke 7:36-50, the story of the sinful woman-- the whole image of Jesus seeing us as we truly are, and loving us. James' instructions to "count it all joy, when you meet various trials..." has helped me take a deep breath and keep moving, more than once. Colossians 1:25-29, where Paul is talking about his call to service, has been integral to my own journey.

Those will do to start with.

4) What verse/passage nicks you uncomfortably?
Again, there are several. The gospel of Matthew has several challenging spots. James is also good at bluntly nailing my practical Christianity to a hard wall.

5) What's your favorite hymn or praise song?
You're not making this easy, are you? Hymns: "Amazing Grace," "Come thou fount of every blessing," "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation," and "Lord of all hopefulness" come immediately to mind. Praise songs: "Create in me a clean heart," and "The Waymaker" are a couple of old favorites, and "In Your Presence" has been stuck in my head all morning.

New Kid on the Block

My favorite technogeek and newly minted clergy spouse has finally succumbed to the inevitable. He has started his own blog! Please take a moment to stop by The Idle wanderings of a Mind in Neutral, and say hello.

Slackin' off

Okay, so much for even thinking I can do everything. As you well know, some things slip by the wayside; this week, the blog has been among them.

The list of what has kept me moving?

• Church - St. A's, as well as Reconciler. Both have upcoming events that require some planning and arranging. They also (naturally) involve a time conflict for me, but the good folks with whom I work have been most generous about helping me to juggle (read, taking on the lion's share of the chores).
• Ordination planning - still pleasant, mind you (and thank you for all your good wishes!) but details keep cropping up that I hadn't considered. I've got a post coming about some particular traditions that I'll put up as soon as I stop twitching.
  
• Hospital Orientation - TB testing and situational education requirements at St. Mary's Medical Center, for whom I will be serving as an on-call chaplain. I applied a few months back, was eventually interivewed, offered (and accepted) the job; but it's been a timing challenge to get the "you have to do this before you can work here" details out of the way.
• Birthday - The boy will be 11 next week, which calls for appropriate recognition. Cake, ice cream, and planned festivity with several of his cohorts.
• Writing - a few overdue letters, a weekday sermon or two, and (as of yesterday) a collaboration with Reverend Mommy about one more devotional for the RevGalBlogPals Advent collection.
  
• Miscellaneous - household maintenance, child transport, soccer games. . . the myriad tasks that simultaneously keep me in the running for the title of Domestic Goddess, and remind me why I'll never earn the crown.

Now I'm off again; but I promise to be back much sooner next time.