Monday, September 8, 2008

Personality DNA

You can take the quiz and get your own beautiful colors! Click on "Animated Creator."


Sunday, September 7, 2008

The First 5:00 Service

It happened this evening, and we had 33 people! The crowd included several newcomers, a few folks who hadn't been attending regularly, and maybe 10 children and teenagers. What a thrill!

We started the 5:00 p.m. service for a number of reasons. First, we anticipate our 10:30 service will keep growing and we will need a place for "overflowing" folks to go as an option.

Second, parents of teens kept telling us that Sunday mornings aren't great for getting teenagers to church.

Third, I talked to lots of young adults (20s and 30s) and others who work Sunday mornings or late into the evening on Saturday. They said 5:00 p.m. Sunday would be great for them.

Fourth, we wanted to offer an entirely different style of worship. This is definitely a "come as you are" service. Jeans, flip-flops, cut-offs, t-shirts, whatever. It is also designed for people who aren't accustomed to more formal Episcopal worship or who simply prefer something more informal. And the music is decidedly more contemporary.

I'm so grateful to the many parishioners who helped start the 5:00 service and for the terrific turnout by "10:30-ers" who came specifically to support our new venture.

Now we just need some volunteer musicians so I don't have to play the piano, preach, lead prayers, preside at Communion, stand on my head, etc., etc.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Friday, September 5, 2008

Hurricanes and Churches


So we're driving towards home through some light rain caused by Tropical Storm Hanna and talking about my sermon this coming Sunday, and it strikes me that hurricanes and churches have some things in common. I mean that in the nicest possible way.
You want more on that, come to church on Sunday!

I know, how annoying.

We're in Durham, North Carolina overnight. Stopped here because we wanted to dine at the Magnolia Grill (their motto: "Not Afraid of Flavor") and shop at the Regulator Bookshop. This is part of our go-to-the-beach ritual.

Magnolia Grill dessert: walnut torte with brandy-soaked fresh figs, goat-cheese ice cream, and raspberries (for me).
milk chocolate chip pound cake with chocolate malt ice cream and roasted bananas (for Guy).

Back to the Weight Watchers routine tomorrow! And not a moment too soon.

Here's my wisdom on vacations as I reflect on the past week:

1. Do not be overly spooked by hurricane/tropical storm warnings. The Weather Channel and other outlets are in the business of fear. We could certainly have stayed down on Kiawah for another 24 hours with no ill effects. Ten years ago we left a beach in North Carolina after being there only two days because of a hurricane warning, and the hurricane never materialized. Phooey.
2. Do not be underly spooked by them, either.

3. Real vacations = sabbath. I kept thinking, "I'm being so lazy." This is the point, right? At least on my favorite kind of vacation. The lazy kind.

4. What a Guy I'm married to.

5. I am so glad I have Buck Mountain Episcopal Church to come home to.

6. The ocean is definitely a healing place for me. I can't believe I went six years without it, though the West has its own healing places.
7. Do not under any circumstances let five or six years go by between vacations!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Shakin' the Sand off Our Feet


Guy and I are on Kiawah Island in South Carolina this week, enjoying the ocean after six years (!) of being away from it. But even though we're not due to leave until Saturday, I am mentally shaking the sand off my feet and preparing to return to Buck Mountain for a great autumn season.

On Sunday the 7th, we launch ....

* Sunday School at 10:30 for three age groups -- youngest, young (primary school), and young teens

* 5:00 p.m. worship service, brand new!

On Sunday the 14th, we launch our Youth Group for 2008-09, meeting after the 5:00 p.m. service for food, fellowship, learning, and service.

And on Wednesday the 17th, former Professor of Art and parishioner Marion Roberts starts a teaching series on art and the Christianization of Britain. (Recommended reading: How the Irish Saved Civilization). Come at 6:00 for potluck supper (you don't need to bring anything), and stay for Marion's presentation at 7:00. She is a knowledgeable and entertaining presenter, and we are very fortunate to have her as our teacher.

Oh yes, and in October, parishioner Bill Johnsons, newly certified as a mentor for Education for Ministry (EfM), will launch an EfM group at Buck Mountain Church. This is an intensive, four-year curriculum modeled on the seminary curriculum for M.Div. students. Most important, it is an excellent opportunity for a profound experience of spiritual growth and deep fellowship. If you're interested, please contact Bill or me.

We have so much to look forward to this coming year! I'm not eager to leave the beach behind, but I am eager to see what God has in store for us in the months to come.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Summer Sing-A-Longs


On Wednesday, July 9, at 6:00 p.m., we'll gather for the first of several Summer Sing-A-Longs. Please bring something to share for a potluck dinner. We'll eat, then sing for awhile. It's a lightweight Christian education/fellowship activity for all who are interested!

This Wednesday, we'll examine the oldest hymns in the 1982 Hymnal, some of which go WA-A-A-Y back to plainchant. We'll study a bit about how to sing these ancient hymns, but mostly we'll just sing them.

Next Wednesday, the 16th, we'll meet again at 6:00 for potluck supper, then I'll do a short presentation on African-American hymnody, and we'll sing some hymns from Lift Every Voice and Sing.

On the 23rd, we'll branch out into hymns being written in the wider church today. We'll talk briefly about new directions for hymnody, but mostly, again, we'll sing.

These gatherings are ideal for bringing a friend, so I hope you will! And if bringing food is a barrier, don't let that stop you. Just come!

Caution!

A poem by parishioner Nancy Neighbors. Thanks, Nancy.



Beware, my child, of attending church.
The danger there is real.
Too noisy, is it, to find God there?
A place for phonies, you say?
Dear one, it's even worse than you think:
Deep within our liturgical clamor,
the stressed, over-dressed, distracted people,
the silent ballet around the Table,
there lurks a word or a phrase for you,
to lift you, defenseless and unexpecting,
straight to God's loving, beating heart,
to heal your wounds and change you forever!

Beware, my child, of attending church.
Beware of the hymns you sing.
The words and music can leap right up,
disturb, surprise, unbalance your mind --
stagger your innocent soul with new truth.
Use caution, my child, when singing hymns!

Beware, my child, of attending church.
Don't listen when Scripture is read.
The most dangerous part of your life begins
when the double-edged holy Word of God
breaches the wall of your distractions,
tiptoes into your awareness,
and begins molding you
according to God's will
for your perfect wholeness.
Beware, O beware, my child,
of ever attending church!

Friday, July 4, 2008

A Great Day


What a blast! We cooked about 800 hot dogs and 100 hamburgers. We didn't serve all of them, but definitely a good proportion. Our float was fantastic, our inflatables were enjoyed by many children, and lots of local people got to know that we are a lively, warm, and generous congregation.


I learned today that some of our neighbors thought Buck Mountain Episcopal Church was just a historic building -- a monument -- not an actual church being used by an actual congregation. Today, they learned otherwise! (Down the road about 1/4 mile, there is such a church building, owned by the Baptist congregation nearby; they use it on Christmas Eve. Maybe that's where people got the idea that we were in the "historic but unused" category.)


I could not be more thrilled at how congregation members turned out to make this a wonderful event. Their energy and generosity are second to none!
And thanks to our good Lord for great weather, happy crowds, and a spirit of hospitality!




Thursday, July 3, 2008

The Inflatable Has Landed!

For the amusement of young folks (and older ones who can't stop laughing at the very sight of the thing), the church has rented an inflatable "bounce" contraption for the 4th of July event. It has a sports theme and is absolutely hideous. It looks like it will be incredibly fun!

No, I will NOT slide down the slide part of it. Not even if you offer to give Buck Mountain Church a significant donation! No Vicar-on-the-skids photos in Episcopal Life or National Enquirer!

Photos tomorrow ....

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

The Church Is Hoppin'

Hotdogs are collecting in the refrigerator in Deese Hall. Cases of juice boxes and other drinks are piling up. People are in and out getting ready for the big 4th of July celebration, the first of its kind in Buck Mountain history!

Today I was chatting with two parishioners who know a lot about gardening, Harry Austin and Peter Titus. They were remarking that it had been a beautiful spring, partly because there was quite a bit of rain early on. Now things are drying up, they said.

"Maybe we'd better pray for rain," I suggested.

"If it rains on the 4th of July, I'm going to hold you accountable for it!" Harry said.

So, can you retract a prayer for rain? Or be really specific about when you want it? It seems a little obnoxious to tell God, "Any day but Friday!"

Since I have returned to Weight Watchers, I'm wondering how to avoid eating hot dogs (note the plural) on Friday as we grill and serve them. I'm hoping we'll be so overwhelmed with visitors there won't be any time for self-indulgence, and especially for overindulgence.

I was happy to learn our friends Angela and Zino and their daughter, Aisha, will be here for the weekend. Aisha is four. She wants to ride on the float but she's not sure about doing it without a parent on board. We'll see if there's room for one of them to ride along -- all three blocks of the parade route!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Don't Miss This!

It's not even remotely religious, but it sure is spiritual:

http://www.vimeo.com/1211060

It's a video of a young man dancing in many places in the world. Often he has a group of local people dancing with him. He is sponsored by a brand of gum (Stride). There is no stated political or other kind of purpose. But I think Matt gives a really good sermon here.

I find it beautiful. I hope you will too.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

56 Years

Dick and Nancy Bartoes, long-time parishioners at Buck Mountain, celebrated their 56th anniversary yesterday. I asked them to come up to the front of the church at our announcement time, in recognition of this very special milestone. Dick said to the congregation, "I just feel so blessed to have had this woman as my wife for 56 years." Nancy said, "I'd like to say the same to you." What a beautiful thing to witness!

Dick told me that he and Nancy have decided to donate their piano to the church for use in the sanctuary. This is great news, as we don't have one currently, and the piano in our office/education space is in pretty rough shape. As a long-time pianist, I am excited to anticipate how we non-organists in the congregation might contribute to worship. (I love the sound of organs, but they scare me as a musician. The pedals ... weird! And what's with those stop things???)

Another beautiful Sunday with spirited, Spirit-filled worship and a joyful sense of community. I couldn't ask for more.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Hot

I took the canine princesses on a walk this morning at 9:00, figuring it was still early enough not to be killer hot. I was wrong. It was seriously hot. I'd taken along a plastic bag to pick up garbage along the side of this beautiful, little-traveled country lane, and by the time I'd bent over to retrieve trash once or twice, I realized I was getting trembly and light-headed. (This was midway through the 1.5 mile journey.) The poor canine princesses were seriously hot in their double-layer fur coats. I have a neat canvas contraption, a folding bowl, that I bring for them. I can unfold it, fill it with water, and give them a drink. That, and taking plenty of rest breaks, gets us through.

The heat this morning made me think of my dear father, who worked outside most of his life. Like me, he was "hot-blooded," meaning he tended toward the warm end of the spectrum no matter what the weather or circumstances. He perspired a lot (as I do). He really felt the heat, especially when he walked in it for miles a day as a meter reader for what is now Dominion Power. But he never complained about it. When I complained about it, he'd say,

"Come on now, kid, it's a beautiful day. It's summer. It's SUPPOSED to be hot."

Leaving aside the question of how much global warming is affecting our summer weather (for the moment), I have to say I think my father had something there. It IS supposed to be hot here at this time of year. It was part of Daddy's spiritual practice, though he wouldn't have called it that, to look positively on the weather. It was a matter of gratitude. God gave us the weather -- appreciate it!

We fretted about moving from Wyoming because we loved the weather there. It literally never once in five years got anywhere near as hot there as it was here today. And I know there are two, maybe two-and-a-half more months of this hot-humid thing ahead. Can I retrain myself to think positively about heat and humidity?

One thing I have noticed here: We are out in the country, so there are breezes I never felt when we lived in Alexandria. There are also lots of beautiful scents on the breeze, scents of wildflowers and grasses and trees. Now that I get up earlier in the day, I'm also beginning to understand that the summer is more tolerable if you get your serious outside time in way before 9:00 a.m. (I was running late today.)

Okay, Lord. In my ongoing effort to be a good steward of all you give me, I am going to cultivate gratitude for the weather -- including "hazy, hot, and humid." As the sweat rolls down my face, I will try to remember to say "thank you."

And I do sincerely thank you, Lord, that historic Buck Mountain Episcopal Church is air conditioned!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Gearing Up for the 4th

Okay, let me admit right from the start that I'm not a big 4th of July person. I haven't been since childhood, when I greatly enjoyed the fireworks we could have at home (mostly sparklers). Group expressions of patriotism make me nervous, with the exception of singing a patriotic hymn or two in church on appropriate occasions.

But this year -- this year is different.

This year, Buck Mountain Episcopal Church is hosting a big 4th of July event. We are giving away free hot dogs and drinks on the church grounds for all who come to watch the Earlysville 4th of July Parade. Now lest you think we will be overwhelmed with crowds, the Earlysville Parade is apparently a modest one. Indeed, when our Senior Warden, Geoffrey Mattocks, called the sponsoring neighborhood association to inquire about the church having a float in the parade, he was told that there never are floats in the parade, just the Fire Department, tractors, and antique cars.

Ha! This year there WILL be a float -- ours!

Said float will consist of our Senior Warden's flat-bed trailer pulled by a tractor, rigged up with boards to make the sides safely high, loaded with hay bales, atop which children will perch. The children of the church (under the guidance of two adult artists, Lucia Bakewell and Marla McNamara) created placards depicting the church's work in the world; these will be affixed to the sides of the trailer. The kids will have fun stuff to throw from the float.

While some of us grill hot dogs and pour drinks, others will provide tours of the historic church building and our really beautiful memorial garden. This will be a great opportunity to welcome our neighbors and raise our visibility.

I sent out press releases and public service announcements yesterday. Let's hope this is the first of many creative BMEC hospitality events!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Sis & Bro-in-Law Are Here!

Not here at our house. Here and about to move into their new house, a brand-new house they built as their retirement/dream home. It's just a few miles from us. We went to see them and the house today. It's a beautiful house with a wonderful porch overlooking a little valley. Janet and Larry were exhausted from the part of the move-in they did today, but they're looking forward to a new life in a new place, after living their entire lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

It took guts to make this move, and I'm so glad they did. They plan to attend Buck Mountain Church. In fact, Larry (the former business owner and promotional whiz) plans to help me recruit members and is threatening to be my "manager." Now why I would need a manager, I cannot guess .... But if that means he helps me bring new people into the fold, I'm all for it!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Abundance

Last night our Adult Christian Education committee met. I learned that we have been overwhelmed with gifts in this department: Art professor Marian Roberts has agreed to present a two- to three-week series (with slides) on the Christianization of Britain; the Rev. Janet McDonald has offered to present a four-week series on Anglican writer Dorothy L. Sayers, with the class possibly culminating in the production of a play! These are both scheduled for this fall.

Not only that, but our Deacon, the Rev. Anne Hunter, will return from Maine (where she spends half her year) in the fall, and she will do a presentation on the vocational diaconate.

AND there is a possibility that we will start an Education for Ministry group this fall.

For a small-ish parish, this certainly seems like an abundance of good things! I'm grateful.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Yeah Baby!

Tonight I had the great pleasure of visiting with a family in the parish who have joined recently. I don't want to share their names for privacy reasons, but I do want to report on some statements made by their wonderful kindergarten-aged son.

"I don't really like the church part, Reverend Connie," he said. [He means coming in from Sunday school for worship and Communion.] "I just like to go to Sunday school," he said.

(I'm thinking how I never liked Sunday school, only the church part!)

While giving me a tour of the vegetable garden, this young man pointed to a wild onion and solemnly said, "You don't want to eat those. They can kill you!"

And maybe my favorite comment of the evening, because of its honesty: "You know why I don't like the Communion part? The wafers taste bad."

A child's view is so different: I wouldn't have thought about how the wafers taste as a reason to enjoy or not enjoy Communion, but he's right, they don't really taste very good. Of course, they don't need to taste good in order to accomplish their purpose, but if we really do understand the Eucharist as a family meal, maybe we ought to think about taste and texture. Maybe that's why some churches use really great homemade bread, though I have to admit that distributing it is much more unwieldy than distributing those neat little wafers.

My young friend and I ended the evening by sharing a vigorous little dance of joy and glee while we shouted, "Yeah, baby!" I invited this young man to do the same in church, but he said he'd let me do it by myself. (Not any time in the foreseeable future ....)

Monday, June 16, 2008

Mudhouse Moment

Got a triple nonfat latte today from the Mudhouse counter in our local Exxon gourmet gas station. The young woman who manages the coffee outlet strikes me as profoundly spiritual, intelligent, and thoughtful. She has waxed rhapsodic about why she loves this work -- "the art, the science, the people."

She asked me how my weekend had gone. I told her it was busy as I'm a pastor. "That's funny," she said. "You remind me of a youth pastor I knew once. Did you ever know Name Name?" I said I didn't, and hoped that I was reflecting some positive aspect of that person.

"That would be hard, because there really wasn't much positive about her," she said. "It was all about making herself feel better. It's like that a lot with ministers. They seem to think they are little angelic beings who are better than the rest of us."

I said something like, "That must have been hard, having a youth pastor like that."

She said, "It wasn't hard, it was kind of sad -- for her."

We discussed the fallibility of ministers a bit longer (me admitting fully to my own). Then, referring to what she perceives as hypocrisy in the church, she said, "That's why I choose not to enmesh with religion."

Well, girl, I understand. Been there, felt that, chose that. Came back after 15 years of that to be so fully enmeshed in religion that I could fairly be accused of being a Church Lady.

Now I don't need to save this young woman's sparkly, beautiful soul. But I do wonder: How do we communicate our faith in a way that speaks to her concerns? And if not at this point in her life, how about a little later?

And so begin the musings of the Vicar of Earlysville on the Buck Mountain Blog.