Transitions

Transitions are hard to navigate. Some happen so fast your coffee does not get a chance to cool down before they happen. Others, seem to drag on and on, like slow moving molasses, and those can even be just as sticky. 

I was ordained in July of this year, 24 years after I decided to enter into ministry. In September of this year, I received a call from my home church, Desert Dove Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as their Associate Pastor. I was called at the same time that our senior minister, Rev. Kathleen Day was also called. Pastor Kathleen is a .6 FTE Pastor and I am a .4 FTE Pastor. Together we serve a small congregation on the southwest side of Tucson. 

We are a small church, but we do great things. For the past year we have engaged in what we are calling our "YIGBY" process, That translates to "Yes In God's Back Yard." To live into that vision, we sold 2.5 vacant acres of our property, in partnership with City, County and State officials. We sold that land so that 63-64 units of 1,2, and 3 bedroom affordable apartments are being built. Construction is underway and they are framing the forms for the foundations as this is written. This effort assists in our mission to be God's hands and feet in an area of town that is in desperate need for affordable housing.

On-site, the complex will have a Community building which will house a pantry, meeting spaces, and commercial fridge. Additionally, the apartment management company will offer client social services as well as job training opportunities. These apartments will rent for a little over half of what the market rate rents are here in Tucson. 

Exciting things are happening and we await welcoming new families to the neighborhood. This will also enhance our ability to better serve the families of the area and bolster the efforts of our food pantry which we operate in a nearby elementary school.

These types of transitions are easy (Even working with developers and contractors.). The transitions that are not easy are the ones we face as a society. We do not know what the next four years will bring to us, but if we keep faithful to God, keep being God's voice here in the wilderness, we can accomplish great things. We can be a strong voice for the marginalized who have little-to-no voice in our present society. God asks us to 'do justice and love kindness and to walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)." God will walk this journey with us and we will respond with a prophetic voice when we are called to be in solidarity with and in service to others in God's name. 

Third TIme a Charm?

I am admitting right up front here that I am bad at creating new habits, I start out great and then things inevitably fall by the wayside, never to return. This is the 3rd time I have tried to get this blog going and who knows, maybe the third time IS a charm and this will work. If not, it will be one more attempt to resurrect something from the ash heap of time that failed to produce fruit.

My last attempt at this was waaaaay back in 2014. Six years ago. I had just barely started seminary (and I am still in seminary), there was a whole lot going on, and life was pretty Chaotic. Still is. Who would have figured that one!

So, what is happening now? Glad you asked (even though it was really me who asked), because a lot is going on. We are finally a 2 vehicle household, having purchased a truck and a car last year from a co-worker. We are without a dog, although our grand daughter is living with us and with her came her dog, so that is a good thing (Except that he can be a little ornery at times). Still working daily at the University of Arizona, still attending Lexington Theological Seminary, and still trying to have a life in the process. So, where will this all go? Who knows. Stay Tuned.... This could last a day,two days OR it could become an enduring habit and be. I'll leave this here for the time and will get back with you tomorrow???

90 Seconds

90 Seconds

Following the release of the ‘evidence’ in the shooting death of Michael Brown, one startling fact emerges: it was 90 seconds from the time Officer Wilson called in the initial contact with Brown over the radio, to Michael Brown, Jr lying dead in the street.  In 90 seconds, a life was taken, in 90 seconds a country was changed. 

90 seconds is all it took for one man to become judge and jury. 90 seconds was all it took to take 51 years of work to combat racism in America and throw it back to where it all began. 90 seconds is all it took to let us know that America has been changed forever, and not for the better. 

No longer are the rules of law for all people. If you are African-American, Hispanic, or anything but white, you are condemned to the margins of society, thrown in jail, or executed by law enforcement, no trial necessary, it is a fact of life. We have had over two months pass between the murder of Michael Brown and yesterday’s grand jury decision and testimony release. Two months where laws for use of force could have been changed. Two months where police procedures could have been revised and trainings held, so that the dark nights of August would not be repeated on a cold November evening- in the light of flames and destruction. Two months where meaningful and constructive reform could have happened, yet none did. 

Martin Luther King, Jr, hoped for the day where a person could "not be judged on the color of their skin but by the content of their character"; sadly, we are still hoping for that day. Martin Luther King, Jr., hoped for a nonviolent end to struggle for civil rights, yet 51 years of inaction, police brutality, unfair judicial systems, and systemic racism have robbed people of their hope and left them with little alternatives but to cry out and to lash out. Cry out in pain, cry out in despair, and lash out in violence. 

MLK understood how a people feeling lost and in despair could resort to violence; but it was not the way he chose to address the injustices facing African Americans. Nonviolence is ultimately the right answer, but when a nonviolent plea for action and nonviolent voices for change are blocked by a system that is set up to perpetuate the status quo, how can we sit here and condemn the rioters for their actions? It is we who must take the blame for last night’s events in Ferguson, Mo., because we have failed. Because of our inaction, we failed Martin Luther King, Jr, and we have failed Michael Brown, Jr.  

We need for people of faith to stand with our brothers and sisters from the African American community and call for, no—demand, meaningful change; to demand meaningful action. Time has passed- 51years of time- to talk about these issues; when will positive action take the place of talk? How many more bodies, young and old, black and brown, need to be removed from our streets before all voices are heard and respected, invited to the table, and unjust laws are changed? How many more mothers must visit their children in jail and how many more funerals of young children must take place before we remove the stain of racism from our discourse and embrace all children as beloved children of God that they are? 

We need to hear again those words of MLK: to have "justice roll down like waters"... for the "valleys to be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low." We need to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the legacy of Michael Brown, Jr.  90 seconds is not a very long time, yet so much happened in those few seconds that we cannot run away from. 90 seconds was all it took to hold up a mirror to the face of America and see the wounds that still scar us. 90 seconds is enough time for all of us to say, enough. 90 seconds should be the catalyst that begins our time of healing and more importantly, change.  Darren Wilson may go free, but Michael Brown’s death should not be in vain. 90 seconds.

Twinkies and Christian Values

I admit I log into Facebook rather frequently, it is a well known medical condition after all. However, at the moment, FB is populated with all sorts of posts either lamenting or celebrating the loss of the venerable Twinkie. For those who have just come back to earth, the issue surrounds the fact that Hostess is filing for immediate cessation of all production at it's plants around the country. This means everything from Twinkies, Apple Pies and the cupcakes with the swirlie things on top. this move will affect more than 18,000 workers, who may soon be out of work.Hostess is just one of a growing number of companies who have decided, in the days following the election, to strike back against the results of that election. Rather than pay for health care for all of it's workers, Hostess decided to go out of business. They joined a growing list of conservative business ventures who have decided that rather than pay for health benefits for their employees, they are going to employ draconian avoidance measures to 'save money'. Papa John's Pizza is going to cut back the hours of its employees in order to avoid having full-time workers, since only full-time employees are eligible for coverage under the new law. Additionally, they are considering a surcharge on their products to cover the cost of the heathcare premiums for those full time persons they still have on the payroll. There is one Denny's franchise owner who announced yesterday they are following the same strategy. At the same time, many of these owners proclaim their Christian values. That seems to me to be a contradiction of serious concern. Jesus said to his disciples in the book of Matthew Chapter 25:   ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ These are the values we as Christians need to follow. To care for the sick, feed the hungry, house the homeless, free the prisoners and clothe the naked. This is a matter of justice. A matter of profit over the health of our brothers and sisters.On the other hand, it will actually do my health wonders if they keep this up, so maybe they should keep going with this. After all, now I won't have those empty calories from the junk food they peddle. My wallet will be fatter from not spending it at Denny's, Circle K and others (Purveyors of Twinkies), and at Papa Johns. And with the money I save, I can donate to those agencies that offer healthcare to the poor, ummm.....Planned Parenthood perhaps?

Clarity

There is always the possibility that at some level, we will encounter an Epiphany. It doesn't have to be a 'eureka moment', but just that gentle nudge which often points to a new way of being, doing, living, or perceiving (an a host of of other adjectives). Today's personal epiphany is clarity. We have just finished an election season that was marked by confusion, ambiguity, and definite lack of clarity. Even now, there are local areas and States where there still is no clarity, since the totality of ballots has yet to be counted. Here in AZ, local and congressional races are uncertain, and we just don't know the outcome yet. And that makes us uncomfortable. We want it to be all settled, to be wrapped up nice and neatly in a little box with a bow on top. Let the circumstances or situation do the wrapping up for us. We see the same thing with our faith. "This is what I believe, that settles it, end of discussion." But faith, as well as life, is not a matter of certainty or clarity, but quite the opposite. Faith is messy. It tugs us in one direction, and challenges us in another, seemingly in contradictory ways. Do we believe that Christ will save us? Yes. OK then, how? Then it gets messy. Is it through faith alone, as in Paul's writings? Is it through works as in the book of James? Is it through engagement in social justice, involvement in church, etc. etc.? Beginning to get the picture about faith? It's messy. However, even in the messiness, we have clarity, clarity that all is not figured out, not wrapped up in a tight little package, and not easily categorized.The joy of faith is the duality of messiness and clarity; the tension between certainty and uncertain messiness.And praise be to God that it is so.

Changes

So much has happened since January. As usual, I have not been able to catch up with my postings here. Is it because I think no one reads this thing? Maybe. But anyway, I spent a week at camp over the 4th, this time as camp nurse. It was a good week. Got behind on my studies, but had fun overall. Today though, is our friend Heather's last day at church before she and her husband head off to Texas. She has taken a Senior Pastor call in Katy, Texas-near Houston. Seems like we have a new place to visit now! Time to get ready for church, see you later!

Anticipation

Well, I have arrived here at Lexington. These next 10 days are going to stretch me, challenge me, and who knows what else. This is certainly going to push my comfort zones and we will see how the days ahead progress. To spend 10 days in an intense exploration and learning about faith, process, church, and more. I will finally get to meet the people I have only until now seen in two dimensions online. I have reading to do tomorrow and then tomorrow night the classes begin. Join me in this journey and we'll see where God takes me.

Time Flies on By

So much has happened since I last checked in to this venue. Yes, I have been in Seminary now since June of 2011. What a ride this has been! It is one of the reasons for not been here posting (other than procrastination). I have been up to my neck in classes, classes, and more classes. Lexington Theological Seminary has transitioned their on-site seminary into an online offering.

You might think "Oh, he's getting a degree from an online church? Is it the church of what is happening now?" Actually this is the hardest thing I have ever undertaken. Think about trying to take a full semester class in just two weeks, with all the depth of theology, nuance, process, and a whole bunch more all rolled up together. It challenges your brain, your patience, your skills and most of all, your sanity. But I still have my sanity, I just don't know where it is at the moment.

Through this journey so far, I have felt close to God, far from God, indifferent towards God, and enamored and enthralled by God. Sometimes over the course of the same five minute span. I have learned how to read and understand Revelation (there is no "S" at the end)and I still struggle with understanding Brueggemann, although I think at times I always will.

Soon I will be traveling to Lexington, KY for 10 days of classes on campus. I will come home after classes with 6 credit hours. 10 days, 8 classes, and the month after coming home is the time to finish papers, create the practical assignments, and wrap-up the coursework. Speaking of which, must get back to reading. May God travel with you all this evening and all evenings.

Acceptance

Good morning! I know this wierd, I am writing this so soon after my last post, but there is news to tell. I have been accepted into Seminary! Lexington Theological Seminary has accepted me for classes, which will start in May. It seems so surreal. Here I was, a high school dropout, now I am going to get my Master's Degree in Divinity. It's hard to sometimes imagine...

I am alternately thrilled and yet terrified. Am I up for it? Can I do this? I know that if I place my trust in God, I will be successful. We'll get through this, and I have the support of my wonderful sweatheart who is my number one fan. With love like that on your side, how can you fail? Impossible, I say. Well, need to get ready for work, everyone have a truly WONDERFUL day!

Well, Quarterly it is. Here it is April first and this is the first time I have had the opportunity to post anything in this space. Seems like I have been on a whirlwind since January. The church I pastored for over 6 years closed. I am now working a temporary job, but it isn't enough for the bills. Looking to find a flexible schedule job that has a decent income. Where are they? Hopefully one will be found. On another front, I have officially applied to Graduate School. Tonight, I clicked the submit button on my application to Lexington Theological Seminary. Looking for a Master's in Divinity, that will lead to full ordination and another church pastorate. If accepted, I will be able to post my adventures in Seminary for all to see...does anyone ever read blogs these days? You can take the journey with me. It should be an exciting path of discovery, since the Seminary is online. Three to five years of study and some face-to-face time at the Seminary itself. What an adventure! Speaking of adventures, this last weekend I went to Bethany WV. Nice tiny little town just west of Pittsburgh, PA. STayed at Bethany College, one of our church's oldest colleges. In our spare time, we went to see the home of one of our founders, Alexander Campbell, who started Bethany College in the 1840's or so. Across the street from his home there is a graveyard where he and many of his family are buried. Called God's Acre, you have to climb over a 4' tall stone fence to enter it. And.... what's really weird is once you come over the wall, you come face to face with a mailbox.... Yes, a mailbox. Now I know the sign on the front of it said Cemetery information, but seriously you get the first idea of who is getting mail here? After all, they are not a very lively group, the residents of the place. Oh well, it works for them I guess. All in all, had a great trip to WV, hope I get to go to the conference being held there next year. That's all for now I guess. I'll be back soon. (Hopefully with good news about Seminary acceptance.)

Quarterly Update?

Now it looks like this will get written in every quarter...consistency right? Right. Well, application process is underway for Seminary, since I graduated from the University of Arizona in December. GPA not what I would have liked, but not too bad overall. 2.8 something.

Currently sitting in Sacramento typing for a bit waiting for the chance to construct a Nordic Track Eliptical with my son. Never attempted something like that before--this should be interesting. A major construction project. Heard tell it should take us two hours, I bet three or four but we'll see.

Yesterday went with son and family (wife and granddaughter) to Frisco to truck around and go to a really neat museum (full of aquariums, birds, butterflies etc)....way cool. Granddaughter Madison liked the ferry ride over to Frisco until we hit the wake of a ship; about a three to five foot swell and she got a little scared. It passed, she was cool about it. Rest of ride uneventful.

Totally enjoying the rain/foggy weather we've had here in Roseville in the last five days...in Tucson it is like this: Sunny 70,Sunny 70,Sunny 70... . Not bad but Tucson could mix it up a bit from time to time. When I get back to town, will try (I know-said that before) to write more frequently, but I am geared up and ready to go with this again. We'll see what happens in the long run. Take it easy, everybody!

Discernment

So much going on, so many changes in my life. Last month we went through the passing away of my wife's best friend. This month it looks like it will be my friend whom cancer takes into its grim grasp. That combined with starting the last semester at the U of A is bringing some things to a close and opening doors to others. Somewhat scared of seminary in the spring. What will it be, can I do it? Time will tell, but a glimpse of the future would be really nice too. Looking at many things, what do I give up, what gets added to my life? Maybe we can explore that.

Saturday morning

Ya'll have caught up with me getting started here on Saturday morning...

In a few minutes I have to study for the last time for a midterm test that begins at 9am; shouldn't be too hard (watch, now I'll blow it)

The kids come into town Tuesday and we see them Thurs, can't wait..

Well, just trying to get in the habit of writing a little either every day or every few days. not to much else to say this morning so g'bye!

Whassup?

OK, let's admit it- writing on this thing once a year just isn't going to hack it. I'm prepping a new website for my church and if it is going to be kept up, the habit better start here. But, since I am doing this at 1am, it may be a good idea to find another method to develop that discipline. What to write about?

Well there are lots of things. I am (hopefully) 6 weeks and one semester from graduating then it's off to Seminary. Might take a small break before I do that since I've been going to school for 13 years now(started the U of A in 1997)...But at least the end is in sight.

The kids are back from Turkey (went to see them last Nov) and our son will soon be heading back to Korea. Mobility is amazing.....

Well, going to try and sleep now ...g'night.

I have been busy

I have been so caught up with life, I couldn't remember the last time I had written here. Looking back over my previous posts, it seems I'm always saying I've been busy, I'll write more, etc etc. I think what might work better is to not apologize, sign in when I can and just write whatever, whenever and take it from there. Since last being here I've connected with facebook and have really gotten involved with it. I learned how to post some videos, pictures, and some other computer stuff.

School this year includes a class on Medieval Jewish History, interesting stuff.... I have a paper proposal due in two weeks with no idea of the subject. I will be soon getting tested to see if there is a language learning disability going on. Maybe I'm on the road to FINALLY getting my undergrad degree. (to think it has only taken about 10 years).

With this economy though there is talk the university may cut some degree programs, hope mine isn't one of them. To come so far and to get stuck by that, well I'll just wait and see what happens. Will write more soon....bye.

Back again

Sorry, I thought I was back but then..... well, life happens.
Actually the election happened and It has been so great to see the new future take shape. It'll be a future of hope, a future of change and perhaps, dare we even try to believe, a return to sanity for us?????????

Also, Hebrew happened. Yes, I tried to take Hebrew classes and flamed out so bad that a volcano looked tame. Hebrew is one hard language to get, but it will be learned. I want to, I need to and ..... in a strange way, even though it's kicking me at the moment, I love the language. I just need to study more and perhaps even get tested to see if there is a language learning disability going on. The professor seems to think so.

Oh well, nothing much else to report for now. Getting ready for Thanksgiving at friends tomorrow and cleaning the fireplace for the season's first real cold spell with bad weather....

Sitting by a warm fire seems real good right now. See ya!

I'm Back!

Well, Hello there world!
Been away from this for awhile, because of being busy, busy, busy... In the time I've been gone, Big Brother 10 has started (YEAH!!!!!!!!!!), Burn Notice and Saving Grace are back with new episodes (USA Network), my daughter moved back into town and is now rather close by.(Another YEAH!!!!!!)-

I spent a week with the kids from church camp (51 junior high kids) and all of us came back in one piece and all of us were tired but happy. I'm going to write more about camp in future posts, so ya'll just have to wait for that...hey, something to look forward to later, right???????????? SOoooooo...... things have been really hectic in these parts...Summer monsoons have started, but so far they have been a dud. One day we had some moderate rain, but the lightning and heavenly fireworks are surely missing.

On the downside, our main computer, the good one, is toast.... darn thing wouldn't boot up, sytstem recovery didn't work and we took it in and the video card and motherboard are toast..........services will be held on the weekend...only trouble is, until we can afford to fix it, we have no Skype.....AAAggggghhhhhh! Oh well. This good ol' 1999 model that's makes molasses looks fast while flowing is still going (knock on wood) and we're still connected to the world. One thing I've started doing recently with my Sweety is a daily morning reflection/meditation and I tell ya, that's been the best thing. It has given grounding to my day and has been a mark of sanity in our otherwise hectic and insane world.

Be back again soon

Where to go from here...

Haven't added to this blog for awhile, partly because I'm still wondering which direction to take in my writings. Which also is the story of my life's journey in many ways: which directions do I take?

I'm a progressive minister, serving a small church in Tucson,Arizona; a church struggling to find its identity. In recent years there's some emerging clarity on where my identity may be hiding, but I'm still, in some respects, dealing with that question. Recently the realization has come that there's a need to lighten up considerably. This goes along with the realization that there's a God to trust and a direction to follow, not so much a need of trying so hard to hang on and control everything.

The story about the mountain climber comes to mind: A guy is mountain climbing and he comes to the edge of a small cliff. Suddenly the ground gives way and he starts falling, stopping himself only with the luck of a small tree growing out of the side of cliff. Hanging on for dear life he hears the word of God calling and telling him, "It is OK to let go, I have you." Whereupon he thinks for a moment and says, "Is anybody else up there?"

I've also been there, but arriving to the point where I could now say, given the same circumstance, "O.K., here I go," and then let go of the tree. Now that I've said that, there's still lingering fear, but also a sense of relief and acceptance. Hopefully no cliffs will give way in the near future to test this newly declared sentiment.......

So, as I try and figure where I'm going and where this blog is going, guess we'll just explore ahead together and see where we end up. It'll be an interesting journey...

Time to rest

Too often people fail to take time to rest and recharge, I'm guilty of that too...

However, earlier this week we set aside time to rest and regroup our thoughts. (Working over 50 straight weeks can test even the hardiest of soul's patience and sanity). There's something special about sitting on a porch at a cabin in the mountains looking down upon the ducks in the river and the hawks in the sky. Listening to the rythmic sounds of the water from the river coursing its way over the road and around the rocks, lulls you into a sense of calmness. Two days and three nights of no schedules, no demands, just you, your partner and time. Time to watch a hummingbird feed the young in her nest, to hear the sounds of dogs barking at the who knows what in the houses on the other side of the river.

At night you experience the sounds of the evening without traffic noise, airplanes or sirens-just you and the wind through the trees, lulling you into a tiredness that is natural, not born from exhaustion and fatigue. Taking a walk along the riverside without anything else on your mind opens you up to seeing seashells in the rocks by the river. That alone is not exceptional, until you realize the river is 5,000 feet up in the mountains of northern Arizona, thousands of miles from any current seas where such things are usually found.

When you come back into civilization, the trick is how to keep the feelings fresh and new, without getting sucked back into the routine of life too fast or too strong. Yes, there are things to do and take care of, but you try to do them maybe a little bit slower, maybe a little more serenely. Perhaps it will work, perhaps not; but the committment is made to never again wait so long to recharge the batteries and take time to rest.

The world of hi-tech

We've rapidly been thrust upon the stage of being hi-tech. Guess having kids move halfway around the globe has something to do with that. In the last week, we've activated a webcam, gotten a computer microphone and installed the appropriate software. This morning we gave it the first really official tryout and made a real-time call to Turkey. We saw our son-in-law, daughter, grandkids and the even the dog.

It is the wierdest thing to be here at 8:30 in the morning and have them be finishing their day (almost) at 6:30 at night. While we waited for Kim to get back from buying dinner at the store, we even played live online checkers with Rick. (I was losing pretty bad- perhaps there are drawbacks to hi-tech) I also added Carol's and their blogs to my site, check them out.

Someday I will get used to this...or not. We'll see how it goes. But it does make family seem like they are right next door. Now I'm on a mission to get all computer-connected family (hear that, Justin?) to get wired and online! Every journey has to have tasks to accomplish along the way.