The Nativity

We have enjoyed experiencing various nativity presentations throughout Advent.  It has been such a joy to see these expressions of glad tidings and good news come to life in unique ways.

We have seen preschoolers raise the star of Bethlehem and guide the angels, the holy family, the shepherds, and the wise men.  We have seen the best King Herod ever--high and lofty in his dark shades and black leather jacket.  We have watched as a congregation itself was transformed into the nativity right before our very eyes.   We have seen the angels of Heaven watching the people of our "topsy turvy" World on Terrestrial Television.  And I have been touched in some way by each of these presentations in the storytelling.

These have been so much fun because Laura-Clare has not only enjoyed them while on the edge of her seat but has been able to experience the birth narrative "first hand."   These experiences have given her new language to talk about the story of the baby Jesus, and so this story has come to life in our household in new ways for this Christmas season.  In fact, she has been able to play with her Fisher Price Little People Nativity in a whole new way this year.

She can identify the characters in the story and engage with them, and in many ways, this nativity has become the focal point for our household instead of the Christmas tree.  It draws out the best in nativity fun especially when the star is pressed and "Away in a Manger" begins to play.  This is when the dancing starts.  It is a very sweet and honest response for the Christ child.  The little drummer boy played his drums.  Laura-Clare dances.

She was also dancing the day that we witnessed the presentation of a Topsy Turvy Christmas.  I was particularly struck by the "lead track" in this nativity play written by Lucy Moore and Neil Ogley.  It shares a Christmas message that a two year old may not really understand, but there certainly can be dancing.  Take a look at the lyrics.

"Topsy Turvy World"

It's a topsy turvy world we live in
We long for peace but we end up with war
It's a topsy turvy world we live in
We have enough and we still long for more
And we fight and we kill for a few miles of ground.
It's a topsy turvy world we live in
Find me a place where it all comes right way round.

It's a topsy turvy world we live in
Children go hungry and starve on the street
It's a topsy turvy world we live in
Others are dying from too much to eat
And there's plenty for all if we shared it around.
It's a topsy turvy world we live in
Find me a time when it all comes right way round.

It's a topsy turvy world we live in
We fly into space but so many don't know
In this topsy turvy world we live in
About him who made us to live, love and grow
And we've found out so much, but there's one we've not found.
It's a topsy turvy world we live in
Find me the one who will bring the right way round.

It's a topsy turvy world we live in
But God came at Christmas from heaven above
It's a topsy turvy world we live in
And live, died, and rose up to show us his love
And this love shows the way we can change things around.
It's a topsy turvy world we live in
But working with God we can turn it right way round.

Yes, fun and meaningful storytelling for all ages!

So, we may live in an upside down world, but God intends with our help to "turn it right way round."  I am always looking for glimpses of things that are "right way round" in our world.  I am always hoping that "we can change things around."  I think that when the nativity story comes alive in our midst we might just see our "topsy turvy" world and lives transformed.  Because of God's generosity through incarnation, maybe we will become more generous and selfless.  Then, maybe there will be a little less topsy turvy at all.

I saw a little less topsy turvy and caught a glimpse of "right way round" the other day while Laura-Clare was arranging the scene on her brand new felt board nativity.  Once the characters, animals, and props were situated, she carefully placed her collection of little Christmas cracker toys onto the empty manger (to our surprise without any prompting).  She said that she wanted baby Jesus to have toys to play with once he was born.

And so we receive the Christ child once again this Christmas so that our "topsy turvy" world might find itself "right way round."  May we be ready with generous and selfless hearts, with dancing, and with lots of toys.

Festive Indulgence

I am always hopeful that my blog posts will be helpful offerings for readers but especially for relatives and friends, who are far from England.  Of course, I am most interested in keeping people informed about some of Laura-Clare's experiences.  And now that Advent is in full swing and Christmas is fast-approaching, I am even more inclined to chronicle some of our journey through the holiday season.  So now for a little bit of festive storytelling!

Laura-Clare and I set off on a big adventure to London!  Yep, just the two of us.  Trains, taxis, stroller, and our good 'ole fashioned feet carried us through the day.

We ventured to the Thatcham train station despite the slippery, ice-covered paths, and we loaded onto the train that fortunately took us directly to London Paddington with no changes (and only two brief stops). Laura-Clare gazed out at fast-passing trains, watched for cows, looked at houses, and struggled to keep her feet off of the lady in front of her.  Within about 50 minutes and only a couple of gentle kicks later, we arrived at Paddington Station.

We moved along hand-in-hand, as we followed the signs for taxis.  I had made a deliberate decision not to juggle the tube because our route would have required two changes.  So, we opted for the less cost effective means of travel (but no doubt more convenient and more comfortable).  Through the taxi windows, we watched as the city passed by, and Laura-Clare was most excited to see people riding on horseback on the streets along the way.  Once we crossed through Hyde Park, we arrived at our destination--Harrods.  It was time for a bit of seasonal browsing (notice I didn't say shopping).

We ventured into the world of over-the-top consumerism and festive, holiday excess, but I must admit that several times along the way, even amidst the Juicy Couture, Godiva, Thomas the Train, and Wedgwood, I quietly hummed "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."

So, to offer my disclaimer, yes, I do understand that Harrods in Advent says nothing about Jesus.  I do understand that shiny, shimmery green, white, and red aren't heralds of the good news.  But, at the same time, I do also understand the joyful language of chocolate and much more in the life of a two year old!  And the language of chocolate in the Food Hall of Harrods speaks volumes.  This is where it began.

We entered the chocolate shop.  We looked wide-eyed into the chocolate cases:  milk, dark, white, bars, truffles, hollow, solid, assorted, mixed, decorated, cream-filled, nut-covered, bagged, boxed, on-a-stick, wrapped, organic, fair trade, sweet, bitter, mint, orange, and sugar-free.  How could we resist?

We walked away with just enough--a dark chocolate Godiva bar for Daddy, a milk chocolate teddy bear (to be eaten by the two year old immediately), and a penguin-shaped milk chocolate character (to be nibbled on by the two year old throughout the entire day).  Obviously, this was not a day full of healthy food boundaries.  So, I just this once will blame my lack of parental discipline and positive influence on something else--the yummy temptations of Harrods!

After having completed our chocolate escapades, we continued through the maze of indulgences to feast our eyes on the other rooms filled with candy, ice cream, cheese, tea and coffee, cakes, exotic fruit and veg, and yes Krispy Kreme doughnuts.  Then, we were off to the Harrods "Toy Kingdom" where Laura-Clare walked around rather aimlessly yet mesmerized.  It was wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor toys in this kingdom of sorts.  And really Laura-Clare didn't know which way to turn first.

After the toy extravaganza was said and done, we had to break for lunch.  We certainly needed our sustanence for the journey.  We found a very kid friendly restaurant in the bounds of Harrods where Laura-Clare enjoyed another indulgence of her very own--food and cartoons simultaneously!!  She watched her fair share of Bugs Bunny before she loaded up with her chocolate penguin and fell asleep.

This was my chance to explore beyond the chocolate and the toys and the candy.  I made my way straight for the china and crystal rooms.  I always have a good laugh at myself when I think about how much I love china and crystal and all the bits and bobs that go with them when, after all, I am not the most proficient cook in the kitchen.  Nonetheless, I browsed along every aisle of the breakables while the toddler slept.  No curious hands.  No running feet.  No mommy heart palpitations.  Just peace and quiet and fancy dinnerware (for a whole hour).

Then, in the post-dinnerware, post-nap part of the adventure, we realized that there was very little that we hadn't seen except the ice cream!  So, we feasted on our final two scoop, strawberry and vanilla, indulgence, and this yummy treat would close out our day.  We had eaten our fill. We had window shopped the day away.  We had lived the festive Harrods adventure.

So, we exited London the same way we entered, but this time with memories of adventure and experiences of festive indulgence in tow.

Life Is Play

I love to watch the way play imitates life.

Of course, I know that children (including myself) have "played school" throughout the course of history, but when I watch my two year old in action--when her play imitates life, it almost feels as though she is the very first one.  It draws out a parental joy that is simply wonderful!  Part of the joy is watching her express and explore, but the other part of the joy is that her life-imitating play brings out a playful side in me that is not always easy to find.

I realize that the game of pretending offers many expressions of the things of life.  And in our household, there is a favorite at the moment.  I would call it the game of order-taking.  (Clearly, this says something about our daughter's experiences with restaurants...)  The game generally involves a piece of paper or notepad and a crayon or pencil or maybe even the Super Scribbler, a two year old, and a willing participant.  It goes something like this.

It begins with the order-taking:  "What do want?"

The response:  "I would like pancakes, please."

The order is written down.

Then again:  "What else do you want?"

The response:  "I would like some strawberries on the pancakes, please."

The order is written down.

Then again:  "What else do you want?"

The response:  "I would like some orange juice, please."

A brief pause:  "No.  You want milk."

The response:  "Okay, I would like some milk, please."

The order is written down.

Then again:  What else do you want?"

The response:  "I would like some hashbrowns with ketchup, please."

The order is written down.

You must certainly understand the game by now.  This is the joy of "tending," as our little one says.  Frankly, it is just plain fun.  And it is, of course, adorable because there is an actual order sheet brought forward in two year old handwriting (that really says nothing yet somehow says everything at the same time).

I think that in many ways this is play imitating life at its best.  There is fun yet also a means by which we can engage with one another.  There is laughter yet also a way to encourage a practice of cooperation.  We all love to play the game of order-taking!

With this said, we have happily realized that the lines between order-taking play and life are often rather blurry.  We knew this with certainty one day not too long ago when the doorbell rang.  It went something like this.

Ding-dong.

Two year old order-taker, WITHOUT crayon or paper in hand, takes off running.

She screams:  "It's a customer!!!!!!!"

(Cut to Mommy and Daddy stopped in their tracks by laughter.)

Yes, I love to watch the way play imitates life.  But moreover, I love that life is play!!

A Few Days Together

We squeezed in a few days of holiday in November, and strangely enough, it had nothing to do with Thanksgiving.  We made arrangements to visit Wales (yes, despite the potential for cold rain) and to explore beyond Thatcham.  We booked a room at a lovely B & B in a village called Llyswen just at the edge of the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacon National Park.  Needless to say, it was rather quiet in Llyswen.  Just what we wanted!

Upon arrival, we had absolutely no daily plans.  We had no itinerary in place.  We had no detailed agenda.  And really we had no specific expectations except that we would rest, play, and be together.

We piled into our cozy family-size room and loaded it down with what appeared to be enough stuff for three weeks not simply three days.  (How else do you travel with a 2 year old?)  Of course, this included all variations of weather gear for each of us--waterproof jackets, wellies, walking shoes, dry weather jackets, fleeces, hats, gloves, and scarves (these are the British Isles after all)--as well as a useful variety of toddler toys, activities, and snacks.

Somehow amidst the mounds of personal belongings we settled into the space and more importantly into the time, and it would be the start of a very relaxing and renewing (and even dry) three days.

  

We enjoyed the scenery!

We visited churches (of course)!

We played!

We indulged (yes...juice for LC)!

Our adventure into south Wales was fun and joy-filled.  It was a wonderful occasion to have a few days together so that we could share experiences, simple yet somehow extraordinary, that will be remembered for years to come.  We are very fortunate to have opportunities as a family to explore, play, and even indulge.  And for this I am grateful!

Sunday Surprises

I have been away from blogging for a month.  October was a bit head-spinning really.  Between regular Sunday morning services, Sunday evening services, and weekday evening meetings (especially amidst the Church Council season), Spivey and Moore were out a lot.  Ultimately, this means less about the being out and more about the who is going to be in.  There is a two year old to consider after all.

So far it has been our commitment that one of us is with Laura-Clare at night when the other is out.  This means that we have been very careful about scheduling our evening meetings.  (We have out of necessity welcomed iCal and MobileMe to our household and happily live with them!)  There have only been a couple of Sunday evenings recently that have required both of us to lead separate worship services, and I am able to be home before little girl bedtime.  Thankfully we have met a young lady, who has become Laura-Clare's newest friend.  (She is following in good company with Laura-Clare's sitter (and playmate) for the first two years of her life!  Thank you, Ashlan!)

For two Sunday evenings in a row, Catherine has come to "play" while we have been out.  This has been great, especially since Laura-Clare is so happy to have a friend come to her house!  Their time has been chocked full of fun!  It is simply adorable that Catherine has been teaching Laura-Clare to give a thumbs up.  What is even more adorable is that Laura-Clare, while unable actually to hold up her thumb, very confidently and proudly raises her pointer finger instead...!!

Outside of these Sunday evenings, typically, Laura-Clare alternates weeks with us on Sunday mornings.  Because all churches are not accustomed to providing nurseries, we rely on part-service Sunday school or in-service creche.  Fortunately, she is getting to know people and feeling more comfortable, but it still means that ultimately Mommy or Daddy will be the default for the vulnerable little two year old (even if Mommy and Daddy are the ones leading worship, preaching, and presiding over Holy Communion).  Needless to say, there have been some priceless Sunday moments.  I am compelled to share.

Laura-Clare arrived at church with me several Sundays ago, and she very happily joined the Sunday school group that meets during worship.  I was well aware that she would enter the service with the other children at the time of Holy Communion, but I didn't expect her entrance to be so dramatic.  Something had upset her just before the group entered, so needless to say, she caught the attention of everyone as she made her way towards me front and center behind the altar.

-fast forward-

Having completed the delicately balanced Communion liturgy, Laura-Clare and I walked forward hand-in-hand and positioned ourselves to offer the bread to the people, and I whispered for her to stand right beside me.  She stood, listened, and watched.  I began as always:  "The body of Christ broken for you....The body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ given for you...The body of Christ broken for you..."

In just a couple of moments, one of the church members received the bread and invited Laura-Clare to go and get a biscuit (a cookie!).  Initially, she asked if I could go along and was very reluctant, but in the name of cookies, she reconsidered.  I continued, "The body of Christ broken for you..."

-fast forward-

Following the morning services, our family reunited as always at The Manse, and we prepared lunch.  Despite our best efforts, Laura-Clare wandered away from the table with a slice of cheese.  Timothy followed her with gentle instruction and soon thereafter summoned me and said,  "Tell Mommy what you said to me!"  As she stood beside her Elmo chair and pinched off a small piece of cheese, she reached towards me and sweetly said, "The body broken for you."

-brief pause-

Our earlier struggle through the Communion liturgy was erased in an instant.  The grace of God came alive through the playful practices of a two year old.  And in some strange way, time stood still while Timothy and I reveled in the moment.

-brief pause-

I will resist the obvious urges.  I will set the theologizing aside for now.  I will save the "churchy" reflection for another day.  And I will simply say there is most certainly a two year old to consider amidst our busy lives in ministry, and with the gift of Sunday surprises and so much more, it is amazing to share life with her!

A Letter to Friends

The distance from friends and family is much more obvious.  I guess this goes without saying, so I am trying to be more diligent about keeping in contact. I plan occasionally to send an informative email so that we can remain connected in some small way.  I sent the following email just the other day and included these couple of photos as well.  It offers a bit of a glimpse of our experiences in Thatcham and in our new church appointments. We look forward to sharing more about our journey!

Dear Friends,

I hope that you are very well! We are very sensitive these days to the added distance that is now between you and us, so we want to keep in contact as often as possible. There have been several emails recently that have prompted our writing, so we want to let you know about our first two months in England. We will welcome any updates from you in return!!

We are settling into our new home in Thatcham. It is a nice town and offers easy access to many places in south England. We live just a short 3 minute walk to the train station and an easy walk along footpaths to the town center. We live right across from a large park with a children's playground, so we can easily venture out for some running and climbing. We are right between Newbury and Reading, and we are about an hour train ride away from London. Thatcham is a commuter town for many people, so the trains in the morning and evening spill over with commuting passengers.

We are literally finding our way around, learning the roads, and even on some occasions getting lost (at least for me:-)). Thankfully, we have been given a TomTom (known as a Sat Nav in Britain, not a GPS) as a gift, so we are appreciating the navigational assistance. We actually found it much easier to acquire two cars and a Sat Nav than to get cell phones. Until we have been residents for at least a year, we are dependent upon the less convenient, high maintenance pay-as-you-go phones. (I mean no disrespect to any pay-as-you-go people out there.)

On a given work day, we take Laura-Clare to nursery (Monday - Thursday). She enjoys her time at Woodlands, and she is flourishing amidst the many offerings that they have even for a two and a half year old. She is managing, despite our initial concern, to be very agreeable with the requirements of wearing a hat and wearing wellies for outside play. On the other hand, she has everyday for three weeks rejected her lunch because she is extremely selective (i.e. picky and headstrong). Fortunately, she does eat her morning snack and afternoon tea. No worries. She is not going hungry. :-)

The going favorite toy for Laura-Clare right now (besides her ever-faithful Baby Madison, of course--thank you Angie and David!) is the excellent Play Doh Big Barrel that I found at the Toys-R-Us in Reading recently. It is chocked full of Play Doh and accessories, offering hours of fun for Laura-Clare to "squish and squash." She has also added to her favorites collection a new, little pram for Baby Madison. Laura-Clare loves to push the baby in the pram on our walks to the park.

We are juggling our new home life with our new ministry responsibilities, and we are appreciating the challenges. The Methodist Church has quite a different structure from The United Methodist Church, so we are learning much along the way. Although the two Churches share some similar terminology (District, Circuit, Superintendent), these function in different ways. We are having fun trading stories and making comparisons. This is certainly one very interesting part of being in ministry in a new culture.

There is a deep interest with the church in Britain to explore new ways of worshipping and simply being church. What we might call emergent worship in America is called fresh expressions in Britain. Fresh expressions are being explored quite a bit in seemingly unexpected places, and it offers exciting possibilities for new ideas in the local churches. Also, there are distinct and vital ecumenical relationships within communities.

We officially began our ministry work on September 1st and were welcomed with a worship service on our first Sunday. This was a lovely occasion for our two Circuits to come together. (Feel free to read my blog post about this welcome service.) Since then, we have now had three Sundays for preaching and leading worship after months of being in limbo. It has helped to give us much needed grounding. We are each and everyday trying to make the most of our time in this new place. In addition to the things of ordinary daily life, we are happy for the opportunities to explore. We are looking forward to a few days away to Wales in November for a break before Advent and Christmas.

Needless to say, we are overjoyed, curious, excited, and overwhelmed by the experiences thus far. We will appreciate keeping connections with you and do hope that you will keep in touch!

Love,

Amy (and Timothy and Laura-Clare)

A Day of Formal Welcome

Early on I asked, "Would it be possible to experience this calling of ministry and life in the church somewhere besides North Carolina?" I had been in North Carolina for almost my entire life, of course, except for the two years that I spent in Scotland. I had a familiarity with Great Britain and, therefore, an interest in the "somewhere else" being Great Britain. So this question had immediate direction. I asked it and explored the possibilities.

I was well aware that there is vital ministry to be done in North Carolina and that my commitment is with The United Methodist Church in Western North Carolina. I understood that my yearning for new experience in ministry and life in the church would consequently remove two people from ministry in the WNCC; yet, I could not ignore the sense of excitement and curiosity for ministry that was stirred when thinking about serving within another Church in a new cultural context.

I navigated the application process and waited.  I waited for months and lived in complete limbo.  I received the invitation to go.  I struggled with the reality.  It meant that I would extend my lifelong, North Carolina roots and would expand my United Methodist ministry connections.  It meant that I would have to move my family.  Ultimately, it would bring to life the answer to my question.

Obviously, I have come to England.  I have extended and expanded the things in my life that are most familiar.  I have come to serve in The Methodist Church.  If I were still in North Carolina, I would continue to call it the British Methodist Church.  But clearly after 7 weeks, I am no longer in the Tar Heel state.  And so none of the differentiation is necessary (or appropriate really)..."The Methodist Church" it is.

Here I am thousands of miles away from the Western NC Conference of The United Methodist Church that I know so well.  Here I am in The Methodist Church.  And somehow I am beginning to feel at home.  Don't get me wrong.  The surroundings are different.  The church structures are definitely not the same.  Yet, I believe that by grace my new place in life is being transformed, and I am being transformed in it.

I may not be Home, but I am feeling at home--for good reason. Yes, we have been welcomed graciously and hospitably. Yes, we have been met with kindness and generosity. Yes, we have been given a comfortable place to live. Yes, we are renewing connections and making new ones. But, really my feeling at home in The Methodist Church began when we experienced the Church's practice of a welcome service.

On every occasion that a minister arrives in a new appointment (no matter whether from within the UK or from abroad), a Circuit offers services of welcome. Timothy and I had been hearing about the plans for this worship service long before we arrived, but we had no specific expectations. We knew that it would be a joint welcome service being offered by both of our Circuits.  We knew that it would include our carefully selected hymn choices, "Be Thou My Vision" and "Amazing Grace."  That was really the extent of our knowledge.

Not only did we have little expectations and knowledge, but we would have never been able to predict what the occasion would become for us and the community of Methodists.  We realized that this service was a unique opportunity for our Circuits to join together--for leaders in the Circuits to work together--for the people called Methodists in the Reading and Silchester Circuit and the Newbury and Hungerford Circuit to worship together.  We came to understand that in this service of worship Circuit boundaries were being opened to the future and The Methodist Church in some small way was being made ready for the promises of tomorrow.  Our welcome service was formative and memorable.

I must take you through the experience.

The welcome service was held in a neighboring Benedictine abbey called Douai Abbey just a few minutes outside of Thatcham. www.douaiabbey.org.uk Because of its size and its convenient location to both Circuits, this beautiful and unique worship space was used for this afternoon of formal welcome.  Our Circuit Superintendents and the Senior Circuit Stewards had organized and planned the service as well as the reception that would follow.  Our District Chair for the Southampton District would be the preacher, and the two Superintendents would be worship leaders.

My parents were still with us from North Carolina, so they were able to celebrate this occasion as well.  I was grateful for their presence and for their being able to share this experience.  So, we along with over 400 other people filled Douai Abbey to share in this afternoon of worship and fellowship.

The liturgy was especially crafted to offer formal welcome, and within the service itself, Timothy and I were each asked to make a response of commitment along with the gathered congregation.  We each shared public words of promise.  We each made brief introductions about our lives and our thoughts on ministry.  Then, we were each welcomed by local clergy from our ministry areas, as they approached us and greeted us, and we saw for the first time just how vital ecumenism is in Great Britain.

I will never forget my sweet, little daughter in her flowing summer dress on this day of celebration.  As we spoke and received welcome and sang hymns during the latter part of the service, my daughter was outstretched on the stairs below the altar with her crayons and paper.  She was moving about, keeping watch on the congregation.  She was dancing, as the organ pipes offered the timeless music of "Amazing Grace."  And it was pure joy!!

The abbot of Douai Abbey even leaned in at one point to a person down the row from me and said, "Those steps were made for children."  I would guess that those Abbey steps don't find children on them very often.  But, on this day of formal welcome, I am grateful that they did.  To some extent it was as if our little girl found her own moments for welcome.  She opened herself to everything and everyone without reserve.  And there is no doubt that before the close of the service we all found our place.  We had been welcomed, initiated, introduced, and offered love in the midst of it all.

It was a day of formal welcome--a day that will always be remembered!

Celebrating the Spirit of Gratitude

September and October mark the Harvest Festival season for British churches.  Churches use the harvest theme to craft worship and to give reason for eating together.  Mmmmmm! :-)  We have begun our ministry service in England just in time for Harvest, and so I share some reflections that I have offered in light of the season.

I celebrate the spirit of gratitude that has persisted throughout God’s salvation history! I celebrate the practice of giving thanks that remains at the heart of Christian community! I celebrate the gift of humility that enables the people of God to set self aside and offer appreciation for the gifts of life! I celebrate specifically for two reasons.

First, it is time for harvest festivals when we seek to be intentional about acknowledging God’s goodness and provision in our lives. Second, I have personally been more aware and sensitive to the presence and prompting of God while in the midst of transition. We may be reminded of this spirit of gratitude during the celebrations of harvest or any impacting life change, but really the practice of thanksgiving should be ongoing rather than intermittent for our lives of faith.

We may know well the voice of the Psalmists in offering thanksgiving to God. It is certainly evident in Psalm 136: “O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures for ever. O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures for ever; who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures for ever; who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures for ever…O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures for ever.” (NRSV) This litany reminds us why we give thanks at all—God acts on our behalf and loves us always.

There is willingness by the Psalmist to pray and to share this spirit of gratitude in a way that bears witness to God and to a professing trust in God. And this willingness opens the door for all of God’s people to follow this example and claim the posture of humility and gratitude. Is your heart open to this longstanding spirit of gratitude? How might you express your thanksgiving for God and for life that abounds? Are you able to finds words that express your own litany of thanks for our God of love?

With this harvest season and with this new season of life into which I have come, I am thankful that God has called me into ministry with you in Thatcham! I am thankful that God set out a path for me to follow and has provided along the way! I am thankful that these provisions have come because of your willingness to respond and reach out to my family and me! I am thankful for your gracious hospitality! I am thankful that we are now traveling together, as we share ministry for the sake of the good news of Jesus Christ! This is my litany of thanksgiving for God, for you, and for the possibilities that await!

I most certainly am celebrating the spirit of gratitude, the practice of giving thanks, and the gift of humility that shapes the character of God’s people! And I pray that our practices and offerings of thanksgiving for this season will become the constant offerings of our lives!

Get to Know the New Minister

The youth group at Thatcham Methodist Church sent me a list of questions so that I could introduce myself to them.  I think that they are fun and insightful and worth sharing!!

What Is Your Favourite Meal?
My favourite meal will not involve meat, as I am a vegetarian, but it most likely will involve some sort of rice. I really enjoy a creamy, cheesy risotto because I don’t make it or get it very often!

Are you musical?  Do you play any instruments?
I played piano and alto saxophone when I was much younger and, unfortunately, have not honed these skills for many years.

Do you know any parts of UK and do you have any favourite places?
I previously lived in St. Andrews for two years, so I am somewhat familiar with Scotland. I would definitely count St. Andrews and Edinburgh as favourites. I explored a fair bit of Scotland in the south, along the isles of Skye and Mull, and into the Highlands, but I hope to go to northern Scotland while I am living here again. I have seen some of the Lake District, London, the Cotswolds, and Wales, as I travelled along obvious American tourist routes, but I am looking forward to seeing much more. (If you have any suggestions of your own favourites, please offer them!)

What do you think of the English weather?
Admittedly, I would have hoped for a bit more sun in August when we arrived but have been very pleased with the sunshine that has come with September. With that said, I am very happy with the cooler temperatures (as it is very hot in the summer where I come from in North Carolina). I would count English weather as a prominent part of the experience of my living in England, so I will take it as it comes.

Do you like animals?  Have you any pets?
For the past seven years, I have had two orange tabby cats—Cupar and Pumpkin George. They are now living in new homes in North Carolina.

Do you have any brothers and sisters?  Do you come from a big family?  How do you feel leaving them behind?
I come from a family of four with my parents and one sibling. My parents live in High Point, North Carolina, the town where I grew up. My sister is two and a half years older than me, and she lives with her husband in New York City. It was a very difficult decision that we would move so far away from family.  But we felt strongly about the opportunity, and we trust that the trade-offs will be very exciting and worthwhile.

Are you sporty? Do you play and sports?
I am an active person, but I do not really play any organized sports. I enjoy walking, working out, and playing with my very active two and a half year old daughter.

What will you miss in America the most (apart from your family)?
Very simply…I will miss Mexican food and watching the television comedy show for which my sister is a writer (Saturday Night Live).

Beauty in the Rain

Admittedly, we have felt a lot of rain and wind since we arrived in England.  Yes, you are probably saying to yourself, "What else would they expect?"  But, actually, there usually is a very nice summertime in Britain.  Although, this year is an exception.  (And the Brits have been apologizing for the dreary weather since the day we arrived. :-))

We had one completely sunny, blue sky, and very warm day last weekend, and needless to say we spent all day outside.   Besides that there has really just been early autumn.  I don't really mind the cool because we left the way too hot summer in NC, but there are times when a little more sunshine would be nice.

With that said, we enjoyed a beautiful benefit of the rain one evening last week.  As you can see, we viewed the most vivid rainbow that we have ever seen.  It stretched completely across the sky and showed a glimmer of light in the midst of rain, rain, and more rain.  We will take what we can get along the way and will be grateful!!!

A Note from Thatcham

The following note was offered to several relatives and friends and expresses a brief update about our life in England thus far:

Dear Friends,

Now that we must keep up from quite a distance, we are checking in and hoping that all is well! We want to offer a brief update about our experiences thus far, and we would love to hear back from you too!

We have now had four full weeks in England after our morning arrival on August 7th. We were kindly met at the airport by representatives from each of our church circuits, and they drove us directly to Newbury (about an hour southwest of London). The manse in Thatcham was being vacated and prepared when we first arrived, so we stayed in Newbury while we were getting over jetlag and enjoying some sightseeing.

My mother-in-law joined us during these initial two weeks while Newbury was our temporary "home base," and we enjoyed many day trips to visit and re-visit different areas of the south (Oxford, the New Forest, Stonehenge and Salisbury, south Wales, and London). After a week and a half we traveled north to Sheffield for our Induction Course for The Methodist Church. We spent three full days in this orientation, and we are grateful for the official introduction to The Methodist Church and its Circuit system. While we remained in Sheffield, my mother-in-law bravely ventured off on her own to London to await her morning flight back to NC. We returned to Newbury for one more night before we moved into the manse in Thatcham on Friday, August 22nd.

We were so pleased to have our daughter in her new home, and she has settled very well with her new room and her new bed. She will begin at her nursery next week and will most regularly attend four days a week. We are so pleased with it and feel very confident in the care and instruction that will be offered. We have been working diligently to unpack and organize in Thatcham, and thanks to my parents who arrived on August 26th we have made tremendous progress. The manse is a lovely home, and we are thankful to be so comfortable in it already.

Along with the help in the house, we have also been able to show my parents around as well. We have explored a lot locally and have ventured to Stonehenge with them and also to Eton and Windsor. We were able to access the private campus of Eton College (William and Harry's high school stomping grounds) with a dear friend (and temporary tour guide), who teaches theology at the college. We spent yesterday in London with my mom's oldest niece and her family (my cousins) for a family reunion of sorts.

We officially started our work with the churches and circuits on Monday, September 1st. This has been a week more or less to ease into the ministry duties and the new settings; although, my husband has already been a part of one funeral and has another one plus a wedding on the schedule for this month. We have been welcomed very graciously, as the two circuits hosted a dinner for us Friday night with the circuit leadership. Also, The Methodist Church has a formal practice of welcoming new ministers into a circuit, so there will be a joint welcome service for us this afternoon. (In addition to welcome services, they also formally do farewell services, both of which are excellent practices for churches in the itinerancy.)

This is a short version of our first four weeks in England. We will try to offer updates regularly. We are excited about the challenges that come with new life and new ministry, and we are hopeful in the possibilities that await! Please do keep in touch and let us know how you are these days!

Much love from us all!

Comfort and Convenience

Within three weeks, we have bought two cars.  We arrived with none and now are comfortably and conveniently sharing two just as we are accustomed.

The first, a Vauxhall Zafira, is large by British standards (although easily medium size in our eyes).  It has already been an asset in our travels with a two year old and with visitors.  And even this "larger" vehicle still gets 40 mpg (thank you Europe!).

The second automobile, a Rover 216 SLI, fits right into the little car landscape.  It is economical and practical yet fun for zooming along the roundabouts.  The cars have helped us in these early days to navigate our lives, especially as we find our way throughout our sections of the Methodist Circuits.  Adding these cars to our household has brought to light the reality of just plain starting from scratch.  And we have just what we need.

It is a rather strange but exciting feeling to start new--to know to some extent that life is not dependent on the stuff that you own.  Don't get me wrong.  I have left behind a collection of stuff that is meaningful to me (which has made a temporary home with parents in North Carolina) and that I even long for in certain moments.  But, really I claim a sense of liberation in the 17 boxes and 5 suitcases that transported a small portion of my family's precious belongings to England.

We arrived mainly with clothes and shoes, some special wall-hangings, select children's books and toys (including a sweet, little, pink bike dismantled into a large suitcase), a few necessary electronics, reference books (only 4 boxes to be exact--that was hard!), and pertinent papers and documents.  We each lived out of a suitcase for two weeks and, after almost four weeks, have only just unpacked the boxes.  We have been diligently making some necessary purchases to make our house a home, but generally, we are living comfortably with the scaled-down version of our material world.

In the midst of these reflections, I can't help but remember the 2 carry-ons, 2 suitcases, and 3 boxes that carried us in 1999 into our two automobile-free years in St. Andrews, Scotland.  We certainly are nowhere near that scaled-down this time around, but we are happy with another new beginning that has caused us once again on some level to reach at the heart of need and not the frivolity of want.  I welcome this practice at the start of another new season of life and hope that it sustains itself along the way.  Although, there is no doubt that I will happily enjoy the comfort and convenience of our two, "new-to-us" cars.

If I Hadn't Known It Was Sunday

I must admit that last Sunday was a strange day. Really, if I hadn’t known it was Sunday, I wouldn’t have actually known it was Sunday. There were none of the usual signs, symbols, or rituals.  There was no indication that it was a sabbath day for the purpose of particular Christian practice.  Well, I guess it was a sabbath of sorts...

It was all set into motion by the fact that we finally moved into our manse in Thatcham on that Friday (August 22).  We joined all of our boxes and suitcases, which had been waiting on us for two weeks, and we began to envision the house for ourselves.  We realized very quickly that we would need to make our first pilgrimage to Ikea.

With no official obligations for the Sunday, we did what was most unusual for us.  We made plans for this side journey and traveled the one hour and fifteen minutes to Bristol (much like the distance between Glenville and Asheville).

We caught our first glimpse of the blue and yellow box building, as we motored along the dual carriageway towards Bristol's town centre.  It was well-positioned exactly as the map indicated, but we could see absolutely no way to access it.  And then it faded into the distance.  (For those of you from High Point or the Triad of North Carolina, it is rather like trying to get to Hanes Mall going east on I-40 in Winston-Salem.  It can't been done easily.)

After a short tour of Bristol, we proceeded onto the carriageway headed in the opposite direction, and once again, we saw the bright yellow and blue in the horizon.  This time an exit appeared, and so we proceeded into the car park.  We happily found a parking space very near the entrance in the designated family parking area (thank you Ikea), and we unloaded, organized, and embarked upon the practices of this particular sabbath day.

Without hesitation, we followed the meticulous directions and fell into line with the thousands of other people on this sabbath journey (yes, thousands and thousands--at least half of south England it seemed).  We carefully let the arrows guide us through the massive showroom--living room to bedroom to kitchen to children's space.

We deliberated, made our decisions, and moved with the masses to the self-service warehouse where we would retrieve our furniture-to-be.  We navigated the trolleys filled with furniture and accessories, the stroller with the two year old, and ourselves to the end of the line.  We followed the final few arrows.  We avoided the last of the crowds.  And we came to the other side of this sabbath day pilgrimage.

It was a very strange day away from the signs, symbols, and rituals of particular Christian practice.  And somehow in the midst of thousands of people in this self-service world, we were really our own little island.  We didn't engage or interact.  We just shopped and shopped.  I guess these are the rituals of an Ikea pilgrimage.  There is no doubt that, if I hadn't known it was Sunday, I wouldn't have know it was Sunday.

At the Altar

We arrived in Sheffield on Monday for the Methodist induction course, which offers an introduction to The Methodist Church for those clergy like ourselves who have other Church affiliations.  This is the first of our official duties since our arrival in England almost two weeks ago.

We are in good company with others from Mozambique, the United States (Oregon and Maryland), England, Gambia, and South Africa.  We have already been enriched by this global fellowship.  In fact, our daughter has become fast friends with the other children from Gambia and Mozambique.  She commented very sweetly this afternoon that she wanted to go and play with her "sister."  (Her little girl heart offers wisdom that seems far from little.)

As we all arrived yesterday (of course after sharing a cup of tea), we gathered together and centered our hearts and lives.  It was a welcome moment when we met one another for the first time at the altar.

We encircled the holy space and, despite the differences, instantly found common ground.  And it was on this common ground of Christ where I was given new perspective in the midst of this new journey.  I experienced several things in and through this worship.

First, I realized that I have very effectively disengaged from community and practices that shape and sustain my life.  On one hand, this disengagement is rather important because my transition out of my appointment necessitated that I find pastoral distance from the church that I called home.  On the other hand, this disengagement propelled me into too distant of a place where I was closed off to the purpose of my life in faith and even to God.  I was in need of a new openness and engagement with my faith.

It was yesterday at the altar where the common ground of Christ gave me renewed faith.

Second, I envisioned more clearly than ever before why I have come with my family to England.  Yes, I have come to experience new culture.  Yes, I have come to seek adventure.  Yes, I have come to reconnect with friends.  But really, I have come to live out active ministry.  I have come by way of God's prompting to offer my gifts in a Church that is unique to me.  I have come because I believe that God will use me and challenge me in new ways to share the good news.

It was yesterday at the altar where the common ground of Christ gave me renewed vision.

Third, I recognized that I have been functioning in a mode of survivalism simply to make it through.  And although this has been somewhat necessary, such survivalism depletes energy and spirit.  I have allowed myself to be depleted by closing myself off for the sake of making it through.  But now, I have caught a fresh glimpse of my deep desire to do more than just survive.  I want to seek life-giving practices that fill me instead of deplete me.

It was yesterday at the altar where the common ground of Christ gave me renewed life.

Renewed faith.

Renewed vision.

Renewed life.

I was offered these gifts at the altar yesterday, and now I am reminded that they will carry me forward.

Holiday Travels

It still remains very difficult to imagine, but we have actually moved to England.  To some degree the reality of it has been softened because we have deliberately used this first week for holiday travels.  Work, schedule, and routine will come soon enough...

Our gracious hosts in Newbury have offered us amazing hospitality, as we wait to move into the manse in Thatcham.   And this gift of space and time has provided us the opportunity to explore.  We have enjoyed the market town of Newbury as our first "home base."  It is well-situated in south England, so we have experienced quite a bit in these early days.

We traveled to Oxford for an afternoon and re-visited Christ Church Cathedral.  We drove into the New Forest as far as Lymington (near to the Isle of Wight).  We spent a day in south Wales, visiting the lovely town of Chepstow.  We explored Chepstow Castle and went into the Welsh countryside for a visit to Tinturn Abbey.  We ventured to London for a morning of play at the Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens.

Next we will re-visit Stonehenge and find our way through Salisbury before we are off for a three day Methodist Church Induction Course near Sheffield.  So, we are easing our way into life and ministry in England by enjoying some holiday travels.

First Day Fog...

The first day fog extended well beyond the first day...

Following six days in England, I finally feel as though the fog has lifted.  The initial few days brought a delicate balance of new adventures and new challenges, and we have been both excited and exhausted.

We shared the excitement of searching, choosing, and acquiring an automobile, and we may now add Vauxhall to our list of personal vehicles.  The Vauxhall (with four happy passengers) has already found its way to the New Forest and to south Wales!  We have enjoyed most of all the joyful exploration that comes with a toddler and ancient ruins!  And this has opened the door for the promise of many adventures to come!

We endured the exhaustion from toddler jet lag, and now we can say that we have jumped the dreaded hurdle (hence the challenges!).  We faced a few days of early morning bedtimes and sleep deprivation, feeling the temporary strain on the heart and the mind.  But, thank goodness we have begun to claim great victory in a 9:15 p.m. bedtime.  This certainly helps the day to day adventures!  (More about these in coming posts.)

We have come a long way in six days--beyond the fog and the jet lag.  And we have willingly opened our lives up to further adventures and probably further challenges too!

We Have Finally Arrived...!

We have finally arrived...!  Following our transatlantic flight (thankfully with a very agreeable two year old who slept two-thirds of the way), we are now in Newbury, England and have been welcomed very graciously!!

We have learned first hand about the preparations that have been and are being made for us in England, and we are grateful!  Once we have moved beyond this first day fog, we will be able to see the manse that will be our home and will begin to explore the immediate and surrounding areas.

We are happy for the adventure!

We are grateful for the experiences that await!

We have finally arrived...!

The Day Before Sunday

It's Saturday on a holiday weekend, and I am carefree and work free at the High Point homestead.  The day before Sunday is often not very carefree or work free.  Don't get me wrong.  The joyful rhythm of my life in church ministry is exactly that, my life.  But, I do appreciate this unusual break.

I am not thinking about a sermon.  I am not thinking about the Sunday routine.  I am not thinking about the hurried Sunday juggling act.  I am officially in between jobs.  This explains the leisurely Saturday...

I completed my service at Cashiers UMC.  I packed and cleared out my office.  I preached my final sermon and said my goodbyes.  I exited following five final days on a youth mission trip (the best one yet!).  Now I am experiencing summer days that sort of reflect those of younger years--less responsibility, less structure.

Yet of course, I am making necessary arrangements for our August departure to England; although, doing so with an out-of-the-ordinary amount of time.  Fortunately, we now have three passports with three valid entry Visas.  (This is a relief!)  We are sorting, packing, selling, and moving the things of our household.  We are car-shopping and nursery school-shopping at a distance.  We are learning about Thatcham, our soon-to-be home, and the surrounding area, and we are getting excited.

All the while, I am reveling in the summer days!  And I am happy that it is the day before Sunday!!

Thirty-eight Years Too Long

On my next to last Sunday at Cashiers UMC, I was more than just relieved that it wasn't time yet for my final sermon. I was grateful to hear a sermon by someone else, Dr. Mickey Efird. I didn't have the opportunity to be in a class taught by Dr. Efird while I was a student at Duke Divinity School, so it was a joy to receive his morning message. He lifted up the story of the man at the pool in the Gospel of John, and it resonated very clearly with me.

Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Bethzatha... One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" (John 5:2, 5-6 NRSV)

Dr. Efird offered a much more interesting translation of the phrase, "Do you want to be made well?" He suggested that a more faithful reading of the Greek would be, "Are you willing to receive healing?" The nuance of this alternate reading is both eye-opening and challenging.

The former phrase from the NRSV requires a simple "yes" or "no" or maybe even duh!...of course!...yes. The latter phrase to some extent requires more than a simple "yes" or "no." It encourages and maybe even demands introspection, honest self-reflection, and heartfelt desire for change, especially in light of the man's lengthy stay at the pool.

When asked about his willingness, a simple "yes" or "no" would not suffice for the man at the pool, considering he had positioned himself in the same place for THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS! There would definitely be more required in his response. Something had kept this man by the pool for all these years. After all, as Dr. Efird said, "For some reason this 'ole boy didn't even try to role himself into the water." In turn, Dr. Efird allowed for some speculation within this story, and so he offered four barriers that might have caused thirty-eight years worth of difficulty for this man.

First, he might find himself to be a barrier. Sometimes facing self and being honest is most difficult. Second, he might find the world to be a barrier. It may just be easier to hide and ignore rather than to confront the struggles, sadness, and overwhelming needs in the world. Third, he might find other people to be a barrier. Interacting with people requires vulnerability, and amidst conflict and pain it may not seem worth it. Fourth, he might find a fear of failure to be a barrier. There might just be too much cost in taking a risk.

And now, Jesus is standing before the well-positioned man at the pool and is looking him in the eyes. "Are you willing to be healed?" He must overcome the thirty-eight years. He must overcome the barriers. He must set aside the excuses. And he must trust (maybe for the first time in his life).

Then, the man hears the commanding words of Jesus: "Stand up, take your mat and walk." In an instant, the well-positioned man found himself on the other side of barriers and excuses. He allowed Jesus to transform, to open his life up, and to draw him away from the side of the pool. I can imagine that he not only became a man that could walk, but he became a man who would see the next thirty-eight years very differently.

Are you willing to receive healing? Are you willing to trust? Are you willing to be made new? Are you willing to receive grace? Jesus can liberate us from the barriers and excuses that keep us too well-positioned. Jesus can transform us into people who see the gift of a new journey.

I am willing.

I don't ever want to be so well-positioned that I am unwilling to move. I don't want to be the same person that I was yesterday. I don't ever want to be able to say that I waited thirty-eight years too long.

Conference Conversations

I made my way through the congested roads with my immediate destination at heart and in sight--Lake Junaluska, of course. I creatively found a parking space, as to be in close walking distance--"create-a-space," of course. I maneuvered amidst the masses--United Methodist masses, of course.

Specifically, I was amidst United Methodists from all over the left half of North Carolina for our annual conference meeting, which happens at the same time each year.  We descend upon beautiful western NC at Lake Junaluska, and we meet.  Of course, we meet to share faith-filled connections and for official Conference matters, but really we meet for conversation and catching up.  We see long-time friends.  We talk.  We become acquainted with new colleagues.  We talk.  And then, we talk some more.

On Wednesday night at the clergy session, it was revealed to those present that my husband and I would be appointed at churches in England.  Those gathered voted and made it official.  And the chattering began along with the questions.  Where are you going?  What will you be doing? etc. etc. etc.  We joyfully shared our story (the short version), again and again.

"We will be living in south England in Berkshire County, an area one hour southwest of London.  We will be serving separate appointments and will be in two adjacent Circuits.  We will be living in a town called Thatcham, which is not too far from the well-known tourist destination of Windsor.  We have had an interest in returning to the UK for another experience, after having lived in Scotland two years previously, and so we applied to serve directly through The Methodist Church in Britain.  We complete our current appointments in June, depart for England in August, and begin our ministry appointments on September 1st.  We are thrilled about the opportunity, and we eagerly anticipate our new experiences!"

(Definitely, the short version.)

The clergy members voted and the Bishop set the 2008 appointments at this session of Annual Conference, and my husband and I continue to claim our story--long or short.  In our telling, there is joy...!  In our sharing, there is excitement...!  In our speaking the words, there is reality...!  Yes, reality...  And after being with the masses of United Methodists, things are now really sinking in.

I think about all that is familiar.  There are long-time friends and colleagues on the North Carolina side of this journey, sending us forth with blessings and encouragement.  They are listening and sharing our joy.  They are thinking about the possibilities of visiting.  They are pleased for our willingness to set out on this adventure.

I think about all that is yet to be known.  There are new friends and colleagues on the England side of this journey, offering words of introduction and kindness.  They are welcoming us even before we arrive.  They are planning for and awaiting our arrival.  They are gearing up to share in our adventure.

With England in mind, I do understand the reality of such a move.  On the one hand, I am sensitively aware that there is much of the familiar that will be at a distance.  On the other hand, I am equally as certain that there is much of the great unknown to be experienced.  So at this point, I must be content and find a balance between the two.  Thanks to the chattering, the talking, and the heartfelt conversations amidst the United Methodist masses, I have become more comfortable with the reality of life transformed and have drawn closer to the goodness of adventure.

Journey Stones

"So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever." (Joshua 4:7c)

As I approached the crest of Mt. Battie in Camden Hills State Park off the coast of Maine (after a moderate climb), I stopped to observe and to photograph the stacked stones.

I realize that such monuments are often memorials for persons who have met untimely death while mountain climbing and yet these simple stacks are probably just symbols.  But, I also realize that stacked stones are a way for the people of God to remember the faithful activity of God in their lives.  And so I stopped to remember...

Joshua led the people of God across the Jordon river, and they stopped.  They gathered stones and stacked them as a memorial to God.  In response to their faithful God, it was important that they never forget.

I stood still in my tracks by the stacked stones and remembered.  As I gazed out at the boat-speckled harbor in the distance, I remembered.  My eyes reached for the islands in the horizon, and I remembered.  With the dramatic beauty of creation before me and the joy of family vacation all around, I couldn't help but remember the faithful activity of God.

At the close of wonderful holiday week in Maine, I am grateful to have had time to relax, time for new experiences, and time to reconnect with my husband, daughter, parents, sister, and brother-in-law.  Most of all, I am thankful to have been able to remember--to remember that life is filled with gifts.  And these gifts bring undeniable joy!

I not only stopped to observe the stacked stones at the top of Mt. Battie, but my husband and I formed a new stack.  We claimed the practice of remembering not only in our thoughts but in our gestures.  And maybe our journey stones will help someone else remember too!

The Cross at the Center

It is simply a few weeks now until I complete my ministry service at Cashiers UMC.  I am teetering between North Carolina and England, and my heart is caught in the middle.  I shared some final words with the congregation in our June newsletter, which I have included below.

My eyes were drawn to its rainbow of colors—to its mesmerizing pattern. I actually saw the small shapes instead of only the large image. With the rays of the morning sun, I felt a warmth from the streams of glowing light. The details caught my attention, as if for the very first time. The sanctuary cross definitely finds a prominent place among us, and hopefully we do occasionally see it with a new perspective. I most certainly did.

While hearing the sounds of worship, I noticed. I caught a new glimpse. I received that image of the stained glass cross and all of its truth with new perspective. Although I have seen it numerous times before, it really was as if I was seeing it for the first time. I reflected on those small shapes, thinking about their purpose in forming the larger shape of the cross. I reflected on their different directions. I reflected on their distinct colors. God invited me through this fresh encounter with the cross to consider the life and shape of the body of Christ.

Then, I heard that little voice of Avery Morgan. She was before us, awaiting the waters of baptism. She was looking at all of us, and she was truly thinking her baby thoughts out loud. We all were watching and listening, as the water trickled down her head and her expressions traveled throughout the sanctuary. As she was carried towards the aisle to receive her special welcome into the body of Christ, her eyes were drawn to that brightly glowing cross, and in an instant she was silent. She noticed and caught a glimpse.

In this moment, I knew with even more certainty that this cross tells us something of the life and shape of the body of Christ. It tells us that even a little baby is welcome. It tells us that we are able to find our place differences and all. It tells us that our lives of faith are joined one by one by one. It tells us that there is more than enough room for each of us and for others.

As I prepare for my departure this month, I am grateful that the cross of Christ joined me with you and you with me. I am grateful that I found my place in the part of the body of Christ that is Cashiers UMC. By your faithful witness and practice, you have given me more than enough reason to trust that the body of Christ offers hospitality and kindness. This is immensely encouraging, as I finalize my plans to move to England and to find my new place in the body of Christ. I hold this truth of the cross close at heart and find comfort in the midst of transition.

It has been a joyous four years, and I sincerely thank you for sharing faith, ministry, and friendship. I deeply appreciate the time that I have had in ministry with you. I will hold dear the memories and will cherish our life together. I will depart knowing that I have formatively experienced the love of Jesus Christ in Cashiers UMC. And this formation will be a blessing, as I carry out pastoral ministry in England in Thatcham Methodist Church and Kingsclere Methodist Church.

I will be at Cashiers UMC until Sunday, June 22nd, and then I will close out my time in ministry that week with the youth on the summer mission trip. We will leave for England on August 6th and will begin our new ministry appointments on September 1st.

With the brightly glowing cross in the forefront, I will trust. I will give thanks. I will be sad. I will be excited. I will look back. I will look ahead. I will love. I hope that I will forever see the rainbow of colors, the mesmerizing pattern, and those unique shapes. I hope that the image of the cross will throughout my journey of faith bring me into moments of humbling silence. I hope that the streams of light will always offer comforting warmth. I hope that my memory of this cross will remind me over and over that there is more than enough room in the body of Christ. May we continue to catch a glimpse of this brightly glowing cross and know that it binds our lives together forever in the name of Jesus Christ.

Thankfully, I have a place in the body of Christ right now in North Carolina, and with trust I look forward to my place in the body of Christ in England.

One Hand and Three Fingers

I am now able to count on one hand the number of times that I will preach at Cashiers UMC before I complete my service on June 24th—three times to be exact.  It seems strange not only because it signifies the ending of a 4-year tenure in Cashiers but because I have been preaching unusually often lately.

My colleague in ministry has been away on a 6-week sabbatical (this partly explains my delay in blog-posting), so I have been solely responsible for the preaching and worship leadership amongst other things.   It has been a busy time but a gratifying time.   I have been sprinting from sermon to sermon; yet, I have now slowed to a single digit jog.

I am presently planning for the three—two Wednesdays and one Sunday—at Cashiers UMC. Yet, I am also to some degree planning for the quarterly preaching plan in the Newbury & Hungerford Circuit.  I have begun to think about this schedule because of recent correspondence with the Circuit Superintendent.  As strange as it may seem from this end of the Atlantic, obviously, he will be including me in the preaching rotation.

On September 1st, the sermon count will start all over again.  Until then, I will keep my eyes fixed firmly on one hand and three fingers.

Practicing Hospitality

For many, the far-flung village of Glenville is a holiday destination.

Nestled in the Appalachian mountains Glenville is home to the highest (3492 feet) large body of water in the Eastern US.  It has unique history.  The climate is near perfect.  The mountains are peaceful and beautiful.  The skies are bluer than blue.  The lake offers limitless outdoor fun. How could it not be inviting to people!

For my family, Glenville is simply home.

Yet, it is great when holiday destination and home intertwine.  It provides unique opportunity for hospitality.  And this practice of hospitality is important for my family of three.  It is at the core of our lives together--our lives in ministry--our lives of faith.

I understand hospitality to mean having a welcoming spirit and being open to others.  If we are hospitable, we are willing to set ourselves aside for someone else.  It often demands generosity, selflessness, and maybe even sacrifice.

I intentionally make every effort to claim this spirit of hospitality not just because it is a nice thing to do.  I seek to be hospitable because I identify myself through God's narrative, a narrative of openness, generosity, selflessness, and yes sacrifice.

Admittedly, these characteristics of hospitality don't just happen.  We may be given through God's grace the mind and eyes to know, but it really takes practice to be open, generous, and selfless.  Ultimately, when this grace and practice find rhythm together, setting oneself aside for another becomes a privilege and a gift.

My family experiences this giftedness when we are able to offer hospitality, especially in our Glenville home.  We will joyfully host several sets of visitors in Glenville in the coming weeks, and so we will offer hospitality a little bit more in this mountain destination.  We certainly want to stay in good practice.  We want to hone our skills.  We want to ready ourselves for the next destination spot that will become our home.  And I am so excited!!

I am excited for my life to bear witness to the hospitable character of God, but I am also excited about the opportunity to extend hospitality to family and friends in England!  What a privilege and a gift this will be!

Pink Flowers

My dogwood tree has two pink flowers!

Champion of Change

My days are filled with the truth of change.

My husband and I are noticing the effects of change. We learned that we would be able to live a dream and move to England.

Cashiers United Methodist Church is noticing the effects of change. I announced my departure, and my colleague announced his six-week sabbatical.

The Wesley Foundation is noticing the effects of change. My husband and the students are anticipating the close of this semester and the inevitable goodbyes.

My two year old daughter is noticing the effects of change. Just days ago she began the new journey of night time sleep without her pacifiers.

In the midst of it all, my daughter is undoubtedly the champion of change.

To be very honest, I am not sure who misses the pacifiers more, my daughter or her mother.

My own separation anxiety does not arise out of the minimal restlessness at night in the time before sleep; instead, it finds its way through my not too distant memories (last weekend in fact) of that little mouth and those little hands clutching those little pacies.

Admittedly, I shed tears even thinking about it. I recall the constant and careful rotation, as we would sit and read. From right hand to mouth to left hand and back again, the pacies would move as if on an amusement park ride. Yes, tears. But, tears of joy and new life.

Somehow the changes in life for me, as monumental as they really may be, pale in comparison when seeing through little girl eyes--when remembering the goodness of pacifiers. I am a grateful mother. And my daughter is truly the champion of change!

Moments of Surprise...Over and Over

I scared the turkeys away this morning when I stepped onto the back porch.  I watched and listened to them fade away into the hill.  I, also, caught a lengthy glimpse of a beautiful woodpecker on a tree.  It changed its course before my daughter could see it for herself, but we discussed its visit.  If it is not a moment with the turkeys or woodpeckers, it's a moment with the deer or owl or bear or hummingbirds.

For some reason, moments such as these continue to surprise me.  Even after four years of living on a secluded mountain, I somehow have these experiences over and over, as if for the very first time.  I guess this is the undeniable city girl in me.

When we moved to Glenville, I didn't have any concept of darkness.  I had always lived in places where street lights illumined the night.  To be honest, I know now that I had never really seen stars and certainly not a shooting star streaming across the nighttime.

Every time there is a full moon, as there has been lately, like clockwork I ask my husband the same question, "Did you see the full moon?"  Really, his response should be, "Of course...  How could I not see it on this dark mountain."  But, he always graciously says, "Yes."  Then without fail, I respond, "Oh, isn't it gorgeous?!"

I deeply appreciate the beauty of the mountains, and I treasure every surprise moment that I experience over and over.  Yet, I still can't deny the city girl in me.

Thatcham, England

Our home-to-be in Thatcham!!