Wednesday February 23...

and I had the delightful experience of having somebody at church tonight wonder why I hadn't written anything here lately! I didn't know anyone was reading it!!! I've had two deaths this week at church, and, for some reason, have had a renewed urgency about pastoral callling. A funeral today---a good funeral, actually, if any clergy out there know what I mean. A faithful woman, a believing family, and a great funeral meal at church...

More tomorrow, after going to the KC Emergent cohort with Caleb...
Thanks for reading!!!

ConneXion Coffeehouse--Part Deux

And something tells me there will be a part trois and quatre, aussi. In an hour or so, I am going with part of the Coffeehouse task group to look at equipment that a Christian coffee house that has gone out of business is selling--at a fraction of the price it is worth. It is such a rush when that God thing seems to be there--but I just want us to really believe that God thing seems to be there. Ah, this leadership thing. What a trip.

Last week's window view

Last week's window view
Originally uploaded by scoxjohnson.

The sun peaking through the palms...last week, while on Kauai on vacation, I awakened fairly early, for me at least, due to the time change...often getting up about 5 am, and getting the chance to see the sun rise over the Pacific. Lots of thoughts and emotions--the destruction of the tsunami, the beauty of the coast, Transfiguration Sunday on its way, with the brightness of Christ bursting through all the confusion and conflicting thoughts that run through my own mind...even when that confusion and conflict is caused by the many interests and concerns and passions I have for ministry and for what I feel called to do and be.

I am thankful especially this week for friends in the connexion--new and old, and one in particular who listened to me on Tuesday, and with forthrightness and honesty allowed me to feel more settled in mind and heart. Living as a single woman, I am always joyful to find men who offer that strength and can deal with my own strength in ways that are neither condescending nor overly reserved, but enable me to get a perspective on how I understand myself in ways that are refreshing, enlivening and health-giving.

The light of Christ shines brightly for me right now, and I am very, very grateful.

ConneXion Coffeehouse--a vision for ministry

It's Tuesday night after Church Council, where we heard from the ConneXion Coffeehouse task group...which received unanimous (that is NOT spelled correctly) support from the council members--yes, we are turning the original sanctuary, later Keystone Sunday School class in to a real coffeehouse/gathering place. It looks to cost about $40,000 for start up improvements, furnishings and supplies. The group received permission to ask the congregation for financial support to make this happen. One of the great gifts of ministry is to see an idea catch fire in a congregation and for people to find their voices in support. The Holy Spirit at work indeed!

More soon...I was on vacation (yes, on Kauai for a week) and read much ... Anthony Bloom's "Beginning to Pray" and Jim Wallis's "God's Politics" as well as Josephine Tey mystery novels and Honolulu newspapers...I'm revved up and ready to roll! A bit jet-lagged and head-achy but I have no right to complain!