Oh summer camp, how you consume my life for months and allow me to both be myself and stretch me in every way possible! Oh God how you have given me this incredible blessing of summer camp, yet challenge me to never be still and comfortable! Anyway - I'm hoping to share more here again on a regular basis now that it's almost September.
Yet, I am turning to a new chapter in my life as well. Since last January when I began working full time at camp, I have fully settled in here and LOVE my job. This summer I had the opportunity to work with an amazing group of young people on staff and support them/challenge them/and see them grow. I loved every minute of it (even if I didn't think so at the time) and I only hope that God continues to bless our camps and myself with many more years of summer camp!
However, now I will attempt work at camp (full time) with seminary (part time, and as much online as possible). Yes friends. I am starting. Who knows how long it will take me to finish this way - but I love my job in ministry here and I don't want to quit to go to school to do what I'm already doing here!!! I feel called to serve. I have a heart for the church, yes I know that she has her flaws - but that's mostly because the church just like the world is full of people, and we are all flawed! We hold grudges, we like our routines, we struggle with change, we judge each other, and we fail to reach out. But I still love the church. (And people in general). Even after lots of reflection, I honestly don't think that my love of people solely rests upon my intense optimism, it rests upon my Lord and God. It hasn't always been there. Many people in my life have hurt me and I have been wounded in ways that don't tend to heal easily. Yet behold the amazing power and love of God! He can fill us all with his love for creation and his people. There are so many others out there still hurting and struggling to simply provide for their families and live life. Church - lets go to them and help! In every way possible - from sharing our food to sharing our hearts and welcoming others into our places and spaces, making a home together.
Never easy, this I know. But church, I'm not backing down. I love camp - but I love camp not just for the obvious beauty, but for the fact that camp is such an amazing place to embrace the wounded and nurture them until they are ready to go back out and into the world. We all need to go. Jesus makes that clear - "go out and make disciples". No matter how much we love our churches, our families, and yes even camp - we need to go out into the world and share the love and light of God.
So I'm going out to seminary. To learn more to in turn teach more. I'm ridiculously nervous about it and excited all at the same time. A deacon. Sigh. Someday. That is my calling, to the best of my understanding. A deacon working at camp. ? Or at least a deacon working in the world.
Prayers for the world,
prayers for our leaders,
prayers for new students.
Peace,
your sister in Christ ~Erin
Showing posts with label connectivity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label connectivity. Show all posts
Monday, August 29, 2011
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Change the World
Get involved locally.
Improve health globally.
Change the World.
That's something I'm proud of coming out of our church. :)
The idea of the event is to challenge local congregations to partner with other groups in town and do some volunteer or service work. If you would like to, they also encourage you to raise money for Imagine No Malaria. (Related to Nothing But Nets - but do more than prevention - treatment, education, etc)
There are a lot of humanitarian organizations out there. Some I agree with, some I am alittle leary of. I do however appreciate the church (my church) getting out and doing something. Not that they don't, there are many amazing programs happening on the local/conference/jurisdictional/etc level. Prison ministries, homeless ministries, etc, but this is uniting, simple, and easy.
That weekend my home church is coming to camp for a retreat. Perhaps I'll talk them into a project somewhere.... :)
What will you DO to change the world?
Peace,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Extra, extra, read all about it! Politics and Punishment!
More history...
Rhoboam - was suppose to become King after his father Solomon, however when the working class came to him and asked for less work he refused and said he would make them work harder! (bad politics) and they overthrew him. it is said then that all of Isreal will reject the house of David... (forshadowing!)
But because Jeroboam (the leader) who became King strayed from God and built temples for other God's and the like, God killed his son and made Rhoboam king again.
***This is when Israel splits in 2, the northern half Israel and the southern half Judah. Jeroboam continues to be the King, but of Israel while Rhoboam is the King of Judah, and he reigned for 17 years. (but was always at war with Jeroboam)
Abijad - Ruled Judah after his father, did the same sins as his father, only reigned for 3 years, lots of war with Jerobaom. : (
Asa - took over after his fathers short rule. Ruled a long time! Worshiped God and didn't put up with pagan worshipers (even outted his grandmother!) Hurrah a good king! During his reign there was war with Israel.
Jehoshaphat - good King, followed God, was a peace with Israel! reigned for a good 20 some years
Jehoram - he married a girl from the royal house of Israel (who weren't following God laws well) only reigned for 8 years and didn't follow God (did evil in the eyes of the Lord)
Azziah (Uzziah? Ahaziah?)same? - (says the book of Kings... ) ruled after his father, but again did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Got along with Ahab King of Israel (they were family), but God spoke to a man named Jehu and he killed both the kings and their entire families!
After some rocky years with Jehu leading, Ahaziah sister got away and hid her son Joash- who began his reign at age 7. Both Israel and Judah (I think... 2 Kings 12) - But in the 27 year of his reign Jehu's son became King of Isreal.
So lots of bad kings, corrupt officials I guess, doing what they please instead of God. Which in turn lead to the splitting of the country into Israel and Judah and everyone kinda getting looser on their morals. God spoke through Elijah and Elisha at this time, but the kings didn't really care.
Thoughts and questions to take away: fascinating stories by humans that are relevant today, how were they relevant to Jesus? Why are their names remembered and listed in the first chapter of the gospel? What can we learn from them?
More soon!
God Bless,
stay warm!!
~your sister in Christ, Erin
Rhoboam - was suppose to become King after his father Solomon, however when the working class came to him and asked for less work he refused and said he would make them work harder! (bad politics) and they overthrew him. it is said then that all of Isreal will reject the house of David... (forshadowing!)
But because Jeroboam (the leader) who became King strayed from God and built temples for other God's and the like, God killed his son and made Rhoboam king again.
***This is when Israel splits in 2, the northern half Israel and the southern half Judah. Jeroboam continues to be the King, but of Israel while Rhoboam is the King of Judah, and he reigned for 17 years. (but was always at war with Jeroboam)
Abijad - Ruled Judah after his father, did the same sins as his father, only reigned for 3 years, lots of war with Jerobaom. : (
Asa - took over after his fathers short rule. Ruled a long time! Worshiped God and didn't put up with pagan worshipers (even outted his grandmother!) Hurrah a good king! During his reign there was war with Israel.
Jehoshaphat - good King, followed God, was a peace with Israel! reigned for a good 20 some years
Jehoram - he married a girl from the royal house of Israel (who weren't following God laws well) only reigned for 8 years and didn't follow God (did evil in the eyes of the Lord)
Azziah (Uzziah? Ahaziah?)same? - (says the book of Kings... ) ruled after his father, but again did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Got along with Ahab King of Israel (they were family), but God spoke to a man named Jehu and he killed both the kings and their entire families!
After some rocky years with Jehu leading, Ahaziah sister got away and hid her son Joash- who began his reign at age 7. Both Israel and Judah (I think... 2 Kings 12) - But in the 27 year of his reign Jehu's son became King of Isreal.
So lots of bad kings, corrupt officials I guess, doing what they please instead of God. Which in turn lead to the splitting of the country into Israel and Judah and everyone kinda getting looser on their morals. God spoke through Elijah and Elisha at this time, but the kings didn't really care.
Thoughts and questions to take away: fascinating stories by humans that are relevant today, how were they relevant to Jesus? Why are their names remembered and listed in the first chapter of the gospel? What can we learn from them?
More soon!
God Bless,
stay warm!!
~your sister in Christ, Erin
Monday, November 01, 2010
Oh Books... how I love you!!!! (dreamy sigh....)
I LOVE to read. Just in case you didn't know. LOVE IT!
It's a retreat into another world - wonderful, colorful, and full of all kinds of emotion and adventure. I just finished reading Eragon, Eldest, and Brigsinger only to find out that their is a fourth book that concludes the story but isn't out yet!!!
I just started The Time Traveler's Wife. Oh my goodness... (happy sigh...) fabulous.
I was having a conversation with my grandmother (- who is also a reader) about what it is we love about books. I love the characters - how you can relate, or not, but exploring who they are as a person and why they choose to do what they do with the situations presented to them. Grandma loves the plot. Very different from the characters, the story itself not necessarily who is caught up in it. Finding that out is wonderful insight to my grandmother and what makes us different. =)
I love people. Young people - old people. People in general. Thank you God for giving me a love of your people. I think it's where most of my patience comes from. At the heart of the matter I do believe people are good, even though many times their actions are bad. Due to circumstances unknown people make a lot of choices that don't make sense or get frustrated, but when you get to know someone you learn all the wonderful things about them. Their likes and dislikes, how to encourage them or how to make them angry. The little things - it's what I love about people and in connection - reading about people.
Often quoted from the bible is the saying "We were created in God's image". People I get. God? Not so easy. I can't just go over to God's place and hang out, learn the things that make God happy, the way God likes a sandwich or just watch the general day to day life of what makes God - well, God. I want to know more - and all my questions point me to the bible. But it's not the same. It's like reading the diary of your best friend and wanting them to be there telling you about it instead.
Yet I was wonderfully warmed by the beginning of The Time Traveler's Wife. In a way, I felt like it related to my relationship with God. Sometimes I feel God's presence. Sometimes I don't. Sometimes I feel like I know God is with me and where we are going and other times I am alone and lost. And often it happens abruptly. I pray for the strength to keep seeking God. To read and learn more. To continue to deepen that relationship.
I love to refer to God as "the lover of my soul". Most day's I can't imagine how anyone who has really seen my soul and who I am can love me, yet I am loved. Loved and accepted and encouraged. I also know love isn't just a feeling, it's a choice. Many times when I am reading stories of what God has done I don't love God - I hate God. Sodom and Gomorra? Even the battle of Jericho? What about the people who lived in that city? What about the babies of Bethlehem? It's complicated I know - sometimes it's about human free will... but sometimes it seems like it's about punishment and vengeance. I have this love for people - all people, not just Christians, not just "nice" people - but all people. I think if you get to know someone you can find redeeming qualities and pain that causes things that you don't like. But we are called to love our neighbors. Everyone.
Faith, Hope, and Love. I've seen that if I share love, I can give hope, and eventually help teach faith. But in that order. Love someone first. Not just the people who love you. Love all of God's children. and love God - even when it isn't easy.
That doesn't mean not to ask questions. Niether does it mean in this relationship I will always understand or get my way. But if God can love me with my flaws, I won't give up on loving God and trying to learn more and continue to seek.
In peace and love,
your sister in Christ~Erin
It's a retreat into another world - wonderful, colorful, and full of all kinds of emotion and adventure. I just finished reading Eragon, Eldest, and Brigsinger only to find out that their is a fourth book that concludes the story but isn't out yet!!!
I just started The Time Traveler's Wife. Oh my goodness... (happy sigh...) fabulous.
I was having a conversation with my grandmother (- who is also a reader) about what it is we love about books. I love the characters - how you can relate, or not, but exploring who they are as a person and why they choose to do what they do with the situations presented to them. Grandma loves the plot. Very different from the characters, the story itself not necessarily who is caught up in it. Finding that out is wonderful insight to my grandmother and what makes us different. =)
I love people. Young people - old people. People in general. Thank you God for giving me a love of your people. I think it's where most of my patience comes from. At the heart of the matter I do believe people are good, even though many times their actions are bad. Due to circumstances unknown people make a lot of choices that don't make sense or get frustrated, but when you get to know someone you learn all the wonderful things about them. Their likes and dislikes, how to encourage them or how to make them angry. The little things - it's what I love about people and in connection - reading about people.
Often quoted from the bible is the saying "We were created in God's image". People I get. God? Not so easy. I can't just go over to God's place and hang out, learn the things that make God happy, the way God likes a sandwich or just watch the general day to day life of what makes God - well, God. I want to know more - and all my questions point me to the bible. But it's not the same. It's like reading the diary of your best friend and wanting them to be there telling you about it instead.
Yet I was wonderfully warmed by the beginning of The Time Traveler's Wife. In a way, I felt like it related to my relationship with God. Sometimes I feel God's presence. Sometimes I don't. Sometimes I feel like I know God is with me and where we are going and other times I am alone and lost. And often it happens abruptly. I pray for the strength to keep seeking God. To read and learn more. To continue to deepen that relationship.
I love to refer to God as "the lover of my soul". Most day's I can't imagine how anyone who has really seen my soul and who I am can love me, yet I am loved. Loved and accepted and encouraged. I also know love isn't just a feeling, it's a choice. Many times when I am reading stories of what God has done I don't love God - I hate God. Sodom and Gomorra? Even the battle of Jericho? What about the people who lived in that city? What about the babies of Bethlehem? It's complicated I know - sometimes it's about human free will... but sometimes it seems like it's about punishment and vengeance. I have this love for people - all people, not just Christians, not just "nice" people - but all people. I think if you get to know someone you can find redeeming qualities and pain that causes things that you don't like. But we are called to love our neighbors. Everyone.
Faith, Hope, and Love. I've seen that if I share love, I can give hope, and eventually help teach faith. But in that order. Love someone first. Not just the people who love you. Love all of God's children. and love God - even when it isn't easy.
That doesn't mean not to ask questions. Niether does it mean in this relationship I will always understand or get my way. But if God can love me with my flaws, I won't give up on loving God and trying to learn more and continue to seek.
In peace and love,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Educating our Kids
There are a lot of interesting things to think about that don't really matter. Like what makes the sunset mostly red or why we only see the constellation Orion in the winter in this hemisphere. I mean, they do matter in the grand scheme of the world, but not necessarily in my world. Or the questions like Is God omnipotent and changeless? Because if he is then why does he rule differently today then in the old testament? Not to say that there is a right answer but interesting topics to discuss. Discuss - not debate. Talk about in a respectful and loving way. (Sometimes I have discovered these kinds of topics can lead to hurt feelings or uncomfortableness among some present...sorry! We didn't mean it!)
And then there are the things that matter that I simply rejoice that other people know and take care of that I don't really understand or want to know about. Like the laws. I like to vote, but I don't want to be a politician. I want to elect someone whom I have faith in and be able to say thanks or please don't do that. Scientific research too! I don't want to stare at petri dishes trying to find a cure to cancer but I'm really glad someone else does!
There are however things I do care about that do matter. For one, my faith. God has touched my life in such an amazing way I want to share it with others. I can only imagine as a parent how much you would love your child and want to share the wonders of the world with them. For many parents this includes their faith. So the question to discuss here is should you, the church, or anyone indoctrinate kids?
I can see both a yes and no answer to this. There is a common thought today that well... I just let my kids decide when they get old enough. (falling on the no side) Yes, faith is a personal decision. Yes, kids often follow the values of their parents and other role models around them. If the ideas are shared and presented. But, we don't let our kids (mostly) decide when their bedtime should be, what is good for them to eat and not, how much TV to watch, what is appropriate to wear or say... the list goes on. It's just a part of parenting. We teach kids what is good and right and what is bad and wrong. So why is faith questioned?
Well... faith or religion?
There is also many who teach kids theology that personally I think goes a little to far. Yes, Jesus loves them and I agree kids should know that. But I just watched the documentary Jesus Camp lately and was very distressed at some of the things happening. I have read about Islamic extremist schools for young boys that teach the west is evil and a threat to peace and happiness and God.
Hitler also educated youth. With propaganda they believed that still today makes many of us tremble. So there are extremes to this question. What do we teach kids about faith and God and the church?
I think that this is a fascinating question. It came up in a discussion with my sister yesterday. We were talking about God parents somehow and she mentioned how her and her fiance just touched the subject a while ago and he was not okay with me as a God parent because I am not catholic and they are. We don't believe the same things.
Well yes and no. Earlier in the conversation she laughed at me and said "why aren't you catholic?". We share so many fundamental beliefs about God and faith. That's why we are all christians!! Yet we often don't know the truth behind the differences or over emphasis them.
I say teach the kids the truth of the gospel. Use scripture for references. And teach them the differences of the major faiths and famous religious people and what they said. Saint Augustine is one of my favorite people - yes a catholic! But I still love being a part of the United Methodist Church. I also love Luther - (just saw the movie LUTHER as well - excellent!)
Bottom line - we all love God and have a very unifying message in his gospel. Teach that to anyone with ears who will listen.
In peace,
your sister in Christ~Erin
And then there are the things that matter that I simply rejoice that other people know and take care of that I don't really understand or want to know about. Like the laws. I like to vote, but I don't want to be a politician. I want to elect someone whom I have faith in and be able to say thanks or please don't do that. Scientific research too! I don't want to stare at petri dishes trying to find a cure to cancer but I'm really glad someone else does!
There are however things I do care about that do matter. For one, my faith. God has touched my life in such an amazing way I want to share it with others. I can only imagine as a parent how much you would love your child and want to share the wonders of the world with them. For many parents this includes their faith. So the question to discuss here is should you, the church, or anyone indoctrinate kids?
I can see both a yes and no answer to this. There is a common thought today that well... I just let my kids decide when they get old enough. (falling on the no side) Yes, faith is a personal decision. Yes, kids often follow the values of their parents and other role models around them. If the ideas are shared and presented. But, we don't let our kids (mostly) decide when their bedtime should be, what is good for them to eat and not, how much TV to watch, what is appropriate to wear or say... the list goes on. It's just a part of parenting. We teach kids what is good and right and what is bad and wrong. So why is faith questioned?
Well... faith or religion?
There is also many who teach kids theology that personally I think goes a little to far. Yes, Jesus loves them and I agree kids should know that. But I just watched the documentary Jesus Camp lately and was very distressed at some of the things happening. I have read about Islamic extremist schools for young boys that teach the west is evil and a threat to peace and happiness and God.
Hitler also educated youth. With propaganda they believed that still today makes many of us tremble. So there are extremes to this question. What do we teach kids about faith and God and the church?
I think that this is a fascinating question. It came up in a discussion with my sister yesterday. We were talking about God parents somehow and she mentioned how her and her fiance just touched the subject a while ago and he was not okay with me as a God parent because I am not catholic and they are. We don't believe the same things.
Well yes and no. Earlier in the conversation she laughed at me and said "why aren't you catholic?". We share so many fundamental beliefs about God and faith. That's why we are all christians!! Yet we often don't know the truth behind the differences or over emphasis them.
I say teach the kids the truth of the gospel. Use scripture for references. And teach them the differences of the major faiths and famous religious people and what they said. Saint Augustine is one of my favorite people - yes a catholic! But I still love being a part of the United Methodist Church. I also love Luther - (just saw the movie LUTHER as well - excellent!)
Bottom line - we all love God and have a very unifying message in his gospel. Teach that to anyone with ears who will listen.
In peace,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Water
Water - the Nile, the Mediterranean, the Danube, Caspian Sea, the Mississippi, Indian Ocean. Plants - Palm Tree, arctic lichens, lily of the valley, corn. Animals - lions, tiger, bears - oh my! People - Grandfather Eli, baby Annika, cousin Fred, friend Hose. Resources - copper, titanium, nitrogen, oil.
Balance.
Sometimes I think too broad and I forget that things have names. The world is more than just water, plants, animals, people, resources. Those words refer to real places and things and are equally important, without any we would not survive.
I spent the night at the Cincinnati Zoo last night for an education program (love my job) and meet up close some amazing animals. When we teach children about animals and ecology we try to teach them that the world is connected. While these animals are wonderful, if we don't care about the plants they need to live we won't have the animals either.
We all need water, and water connects us. As I reflected on "worldly" things today many thing came to mind. I saw animals from across the planted today and one thing that connects all of us is water. Water has a significant meaning to many people as well. It symbolizes being clean and life giving - but as we know all to well it can also be destructive. Think about how important the Jordan River is to the people who live around it, and the important water sources near you. How do we take care of our watersheds?
The next time you take a drink, or a shower - think about how what water means to our world and give thanks. How it keeps life sustained not only for you, but for a palm tree in Florida which may be providing shade to a refugee from Haiti taking a cool drink.
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
Balance.
Sometimes I think too broad and I forget that things have names. The world is more than just water, plants, animals, people, resources. Those words refer to real places and things and are equally important, without any we would not survive.
I spent the night at the Cincinnati Zoo last night for an education program (love my job) and meet up close some amazing animals. When we teach children about animals and ecology we try to teach them that the world is connected. While these animals are wonderful, if we don't care about the plants they need to live we won't have the animals either.
We all need water, and water connects us. As I reflected on "worldly" things today many thing came to mind. I saw animals from across the planted today and one thing that connects all of us is water. Water has a significant meaning to many people as well. It symbolizes being clean and life giving - but as we know all to well it can also be destructive. Think about how important the Jordan River is to the people who live around it, and the important water sources near you. How do we take care of our watersheds?
The next time you take a drink, or a shower - think about how what water means to our world and give thanks. How it keeps life sustained not only for you, but for a palm tree in Florida which may be providing shade to a refugee from Haiti taking a cool drink.
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin
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