We were introduced to IHNS (Interfaith Hospitality Network of Seattle) by Rachelle. Thank you Rachelle. IHNS is a non-profit org...they help homeless children and their families by getting them off the streets and into a stable, supportive environment that gives them the support they need to obtain jobs and homes. They coordinate a network of congregations that provide community, temporary housing and food, while their staff provides case management, advocacy and direction to help families access the resources they need to take care of themselves. IHNS has a day shelter with staff to provide the case management. They ask congreagations to be the night shelter--providing, food, community, a place to sleep.
Our first time of using our facility to host these guests was last Christmas. The families came on Sunday the 19th and stayed until Sunday the 26th. It took 58 volunteers and 206 volunteer hours to host our guests. Our faith community with the help of folks like Rachelle and others helped us create a home for these families the week of Christmas. Before the families came we made of list of what would be needed to house them. Electric heaters for the bedrooms, sheets, blankets, dishes, towels, small appliances, coffee pots, silverware...etc We had pretty much everything we needed within 30 days of hosting. The families came on Sunday, had dinner, spent the night and then the van would pick them up for the day center by 7:00 a.m. We served them breakfast and provided lunch items for them to pack a lunch.
So, each evening they would come at around 6:00 to dinner prepared, folks to share a meal with and then spend the night. (Each night we had at least 2 folks from our faith community spend the night) Christmas Eve, we had a super turkey dinner with the guest families and our family--some of our children and relatives, there were so many of us...then cleaned up and prepared for our 10:00 Christmas Eve service...
We are now part of the rotation to host one week per quarter. Our next hosting week is coming up and guess what? It turns out on the rotation, the families will be with us for Holy Week. They arrive on Palm Sunday and depart on Easter Sunday afternoon. Amazing how that has worked out. We are now preparing schedules and menus and overnight hosts....
Incarnation--God became one of us and lived with us...I cannot begin to really comprehend all that means...I am not educated enough to explain theologically the implications of the incarnation, but somehow it means God came and encountered humanity, became human and forever has joined himself with us....when I dream of a faith community that is living out purpose--I wonder what it really means to be the living, breathing expression of God, Christ in a neighborhood?
A few years ago we discerned within our faith community that we would lease a facility. A facility would give us the means to faithfully pursue our purpose...as we began to think in these terms and dream of having a presence in a neighborhood, using the facility as a community center we wondered in what ways we would serve....
I began to reflect on this Scripture, meditated on it for almost a year:
John 1:14 The Message
The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish.
This text gave me life, gave me hope, gave me the faith to lease a facility for the purpose of serving a neighborhood....
Back to IHNS...partnering with IHNS is one way we use the facility to serve the neighborhood...homeless children...when they were here at Christmas time, one little 8 year old boy said to me, "I want to live here"...
We are in the very beginning process of creating a caring arm under our non-profit designation that will serve families in need, counselors and groups for marriages, family and at-risk youth....this is in seedling form...we want to partner with some other organizations in this neighborhood to see this come about...
We will be in our facility one year in April...I look back and see the relationships that are in the process of forming with the high school, with the substance abuse center down the street, with children and families that live in a low-income apartment facility where some of us tutor and serve in other ways....
I am amazed...
I am thankful...
I am hopeful for what the future holds...
I am convinced that a faith-community exists for the sake of the world...
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Fear of ALL Things Dental
I have been out of it for almost 2 weeks because a tooth was abscessing. It began almost 2 weeks ago, actually, last year I went to a local University School of Dentistry (which will remain unnamed)..because I needed some extensive work done and didn't have the money for the procedures...so went to the School. Let me just say, everytime I went for a procedure it was like entering a torture chamber...I kid you not, I was more than traumatized...
Last April, I realized it just was not worth it...so stopped my treatment.
Two weeks ago, when my tooth began to ache, I went to my dentist, after looking at the x-ray, I was asked where the previous work on this tooth had been done...apparently, it was done incorrectly and that is why I had an abscess...
I had to go to a specialist because of the complications...went on Tuesday afternoon, and after the root canal, I was in so much pain that I spent the next 32 hours on pain meds that put me to sleep....I am finally among the living today.
I think in 48 years I truly have had about 3 good experiences at the dentist...therefore, my fear of all things dental...
I am sure dentists are fine human beings...I don't know any personally, I sort of wish I did, maybe it would help my fear, not sure, glad that is over!
Other than the pain I have been through I did have some highlights...
On Saturday, I was invited to a leadership feast with Mars Hill Grad School's student leadership (thanks Barb).
What an amazing group. I brought my friend and partner in all things Kingdom, Leigh with me. The first hour we listened to the students discuss leadership. I was so amazed by the amount of honest evaluation and willingness to embrace where they were on their journey, and courage to want to grow, that when it came time for me to facilitate a discussion on leadership, I was speechless. I really could have just listened to them....
It ended up, I shared a bit about me and opened it to the student leaders to tell me what they would like to talk about. They asked about my journey as a woman leader and how I got to be ordained and functioning where I am today....
They asked what I love about leading, what I hate about leading, what advice I would give them about finding a faith community...I was met with such graciousness and hospitality that it was the highlight of my week.
I so appreciated their hearts...they will make a difference in this world...they have placed themselves in an environment to connect their own places of pain in the places of pain in this world that will bring healing, reconciliation and justice...I admire them....
Last April, I realized it just was not worth it...so stopped my treatment.
Two weeks ago, when my tooth began to ache, I went to my dentist, after looking at the x-ray, I was asked where the previous work on this tooth had been done...apparently, it was done incorrectly and that is why I had an abscess...
I had to go to a specialist because of the complications...went on Tuesday afternoon, and after the root canal, I was in so much pain that I spent the next 32 hours on pain meds that put me to sleep....I am finally among the living today.
I think in 48 years I truly have had about 3 good experiences at the dentist...therefore, my fear of all things dental...
I am sure dentists are fine human beings...I don't know any personally, I sort of wish I did, maybe it would help my fear, not sure, glad that is over!
Other than the pain I have been through I did have some highlights...
On Saturday, I was invited to a leadership feast with Mars Hill Grad School's student leadership (thanks Barb).
What an amazing group. I brought my friend and partner in all things Kingdom, Leigh with me. The first hour we listened to the students discuss leadership. I was so amazed by the amount of honest evaluation and willingness to embrace where they were on their journey, and courage to want to grow, that when it came time for me to facilitate a discussion on leadership, I was speechless. I really could have just listened to them....
It ended up, I shared a bit about me and opened it to the student leaders to tell me what they would like to talk about. They asked about my journey as a woman leader and how I got to be ordained and functioning where I am today....
They asked what I love about leading, what I hate about leading, what advice I would give them about finding a faith community...I was met with such graciousness and hospitality that it was the highlight of my week.
I so appreciated their hearts...they will make a difference in this world...they have placed themselves in an environment to connect their own places of pain in the places of pain in this world that will bring healing, reconciliation and justice...I admire them....
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Silent Retreat
Back from a Silent Retreat...well not silent the entire time. I went with 3 friends. We make it up as we go. We pretty much break out the time to have 3 hours of silence, then come together to prepare a meal and process what is going on for each of us. We left on Sunday afternoon and came back this a.m. so we had a good time of it. Here is where I landed:
Lectio: Matthew 6:34 The Message
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
This was just what I needed. I tend to obsess about the future, especially when change is happening. It was a much needed time with good friends--easy to be with friends.
I am rich in relationships. Relationships that are honest. Being with these women, confessing our fears, our sin, and encouraging each other on the journey is about as good as it gets!
Lectio: Matthew 6:34 The Message
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
This was just what I needed. I tend to obsess about the future, especially when change is happening. It was a much needed time with good friends--easy to be with friends.
I am rich in relationships. Relationships that are honest. Being with these women, confessing our fears, our sin, and encouraging each other on the journey is about as good as it gets!
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Women again
I started writing about my experience as a woman pastor. I left off when I began attending a Vineyard church in 1985. The lead pastor of this Vineyard church and a couple of his associates had all served in a church previously that had a woman as the senior pastor.
Sidebar--many have said to me about this woman and this particular church...because the church had it's share of problems..."that's why I could never be okay with ordaining women and having them in the senior role" I wonder why we don't say that about the many, many churches that have had serious problems led by men in the senior pastorate/
Okay, sorry for the short rant...Because the men in the lead pastorate at the Vineyard church I attended (my second adult experience in church) had no problem with women in ministry I was protected in a way from all the controversy.
In 1994 I was a part of a church plant with 4 other folks. In 1995, the lead pastor and the church I served wanted to license and ordain me to recognize the gifts and roles I had been functioning in for years. Our regional overseer at the time in the Vineyard did not think it scriptural to ordain women. I talked with him at length about it. We agreed to disagree. He told us that the Vineyard had not taken a stance on the issue so we could do what we wanted and he would bless it.
So, I was ordained in 1995 and served as the associate pastor in our local church.
In 1996, I married my husband, Rich. He had previously been the senior pastor of a church for many years. He had spent the last 10 years out of the official church ministry setting. He worked with groups and had a counseling practice. After the death of his wife he felt a sense that the rest of his life was to be about ministering within a local faith community.
When we got married, I was functioning on staff as a pastor. He was not. The first year of our marriage was a bit intense to say the least as we worked out our situation. You see, in Rich's church system, women were not ordained and not allowed in senior leadership positions. His wife was a pastor's wife.
Now he found himself in a total role reversal. He was in some ways, the pastor's wife. He can tell his own story but we often laugh at the way the circumstance of life sometimes turns out so different then we could have imagined.
In 1998, the lead pastor I worked with resigned and Rich and I, together assumed the lead pastor role. We co-pastor in every way. We lead the leadership team meetings, we lead the all-group meetings, we take turns teaching and preaching...we truly carry the responsibility of the faith community equally.
The thing that is hard in the Vineyard. Even though the Vineyard is open to women in lead pastor roles, there is still so many areas it is not really recognized. For one, if you go on the Vineyard USA website, the board is made up of all men.
In our area there has been several ELI conferences held. ELI is a Northwest Vineyard project aimed at connecting, equipping and encouraging emerging leaders in the Northwest to lead within and plant from their local churches. At each of these conferences the visible leading has been men. A few of us raised the issue, why not have some women teach, or lead segments...we were basically told they were not going to talk about a the "agenda"
At one of the conferences I was asked to sit on a panel. There were 3 men and 3 women I think. In response to a question, one of the women talked about how at an early age she knew she wanted to be a pastor's wife. Please hear me here, there is nothing wrong with that. What I am about to say has no bearing on her role, call, destiny, I think everyone has to faithfully live out what they are called to.
She made the statement that her role was no different than mine. Someone asked me if I saw it the same. I said I couldn't comment on our roles as I don't know what her role encompasses. What I would say might be different is that I never dreamed of being a pastor's wife, I dreamed of being a pastor. I was a pastor before I was a pastor's wife. I would still be a pastor whether I was married to Rich or not.
I think I was not experienced by some so well that day. I heard from a couple of folks that they thought once again, "Rose has the woman agenda"
In our faith community, most of the young people are like I used to be--they don't even know it is an issue...When some folks come into our community and realize I am a pastor they don't stay. I find our community embraces and honors the giftings and callings of both men and women. I am thankful I am in this community. I hear horror stories of women less fortunate.
Well I am done for today..I'm leaving tomorrow with 3 friends to go on a silent retreat for 48 hours. Even though I have just been gone and have a ton to catch up on, I think this will be a good way to start my work. I am looking forward to the solitude...lots to hear from God on right now.
Peace
Sidebar--many have said to me about this woman and this particular church...because the church had it's share of problems..."that's why I could never be okay with ordaining women and having them in the senior role" I wonder why we don't say that about the many, many churches that have had serious problems led by men in the senior pastorate/
Okay, sorry for the short rant...Because the men in the lead pastorate at the Vineyard church I attended (my second adult experience in church) had no problem with women in ministry I was protected in a way from all the controversy.
In 1994 I was a part of a church plant with 4 other folks. In 1995, the lead pastor and the church I served wanted to license and ordain me to recognize the gifts and roles I had been functioning in for years. Our regional overseer at the time in the Vineyard did not think it scriptural to ordain women. I talked with him at length about it. We agreed to disagree. He told us that the Vineyard had not taken a stance on the issue so we could do what we wanted and he would bless it.
So, I was ordained in 1995 and served as the associate pastor in our local church.
In 1996, I married my husband, Rich. He had previously been the senior pastor of a church for many years. He had spent the last 10 years out of the official church ministry setting. He worked with groups and had a counseling practice. After the death of his wife he felt a sense that the rest of his life was to be about ministering within a local faith community.
When we got married, I was functioning on staff as a pastor. He was not. The first year of our marriage was a bit intense to say the least as we worked out our situation. You see, in Rich's church system, women were not ordained and not allowed in senior leadership positions. His wife was a pastor's wife.
Now he found himself in a total role reversal. He was in some ways, the pastor's wife. He can tell his own story but we often laugh at the way the circumstance of life sometimes turns out so different then we could have imagined.
In 1998, the lead pastor I worked with resigned and Rich and I, together assumed the lead pastor role. We co-pastor in every way. We lead the leadership team meetings, we lead the all-group meetings, we take turns teaching and preaching...we truly carry the responsibility of the faith community equally.
The thing that is hard in the Vineyard. Even though the Vineyard is open to women in lead pastor roles, there is still so many areas it is not really recognized. For one, if you go on the Vineyard USA website, the board is made up of all men.
In our area there has been several ELI conferences held. ELI is a Northwest Vineyard project aimed at connecting, equipping and encouraging emerging leaders in the Northwest to lead within and plant from their local churches. At each of these conferences the visible leading has been men. A few of us raised the issue, why not have some women teach, or lead segments...we were basically told they were not going to talk about a the "agenda"
At one of the conferences I was asked to sit on a panel. There were 3 men and 3 women I think. In response to a question, one of the women talked about how at an early age she knew she wanted to be a pastor's wife. Please hear me here, there is nothing wrong with that. What I am about to say has no bearing on her role, call, destiny, I think everyone has to faithfully live out what they are called to.
She made the statement that her role was no different than mine. Someone asked me if I saw it the same. I said I couldn't comment on our roles as I don't know what her role encompasses. What I would say might be different is that I never dreamed of being a pastor's wife, I dreamed of being a pastor. I was a pastor before I was a pastor's wife. I would still be a pastor whether I was married to Rich or not.
I think I was not experienced by some so well that day. I heard from a couple of folks that they thought once again, "Rose has the woman agenda"
In our faith community, most of the young people are like I used to be--they don't even know it is an issue...When some folks come into our community and realize I am a pastor they don't stay. I find our community embraces and honors the giftings and callings of both men and women. I am thankful I am in this community. I hear horror stories of women less fortunate.
Well I am done for today..I'm leaving tomorrow with 3 friends to go on a silent retreat for 48 hours. Even though I have just been gone and have a ton to catch up on, I think this will be a good way to start my work. I am looking forward to the solitude...lots to hear from God on right now.
Peace
Friday, February 04, 2005
Women Part 2
I just returned from the Emergent Conference in San Diego. I was not there for the entire conference. I went with Off the Map. OTM had a critical concerns course on Tuesday and Wednesday.
I attended a couple of the Emerging Women's Leaders Initiative meetings. One in particular was very eye opening for me. A roundtable with women leaders and Dan Allender. Dan met with this group to brainstorm the issues of women in leadership and how Mars Hill Grad School might be helpful.
A number of issues struck me but the most helpful was this: In my association (not my local church) over the past few years there was much talk about women pastors and more specific if women should be ordained and serve as a senior or lead pastor. During several of those discussions I was experienced by others as having an "agenda" agenda being a negative thing.
Dan pointed out to me that I am in a double bind--because I do have an agenda....
So, I have been thinking about that statement and to be honest I have to own, I do have an agenda. I looked up "agenda" and here is the dictionary definition....1 : a list or outline of things to be considered or done2 : an underlying often ideological plan or program ...
Here is my agenda that I won't give up...
I want to see space created in the church for women to lead
I believe (and many good people disagree) that women can and should be ordained if that is how God has called them and gifted them to function in His body....
I want to see more women visible so that younger women or women that have not seen female leadership modeled can and be encouraged to pursue faithfully what God would have for them.....
I don't want to see men or women as token leaders for the sake of making any kind of statement.....
My experience in meeting with leaders in my association has been met with a mix...some men and women very supportive and some men and women not.. it has run the gamut
I am fortunate, in my association, each local church is autonomous so each church can decide on the issue as they see it...
what is sad is that when we all come together for a conference or seminar it is still usually more often than not men who do all the visible leading....
I cannot change that, but I can create space for women in my sphere of influence to grow and reach for all that God has for them...
I also will watch for opportunities to voice my "agenda" when necessary and where I find openness for honest dialogue...
By the way, Brian McLaren is a class act...did you see him on Larry King?
I attended a couple of the Emerging Women's Leaders Initiative meetings. One in particular was very eye opening for me. A roundtable with women leaders and Dan Allender. Dan met with this group to brainstorm the issues of women in leadership and how Mars Hill Grad School might be helpful.
A number of issues struck me but the most helpful was this: In my association (not my local church) over the past few years there was much talk about women pastors and more specific if women should be ordained and serve as a senior or lead pastor. During several of those discussions I was experienced by others as having an "agenda" agenda being a negative thing.
Dan pointed out to me that I am in a double bind--because I do have an agenda....
So, I have been thinking about that statement and to be honest I have to own, I do have an agenda. I looked up "agenda" and here is the dictionary definition....1 : a list or outline of things to be considered or done
Here is my agenda that I won't give up...
I want to see space created in the church for women to lead
I believe (and many good people disagree) that women can and should be ordained if that is how God has called them and gifted them to function in His body....
I want to see more women visible so that younger women or women that have not seen female leadership modeled can and be encouraged to pursue faithfully what God would have for them.....
I don't want to see men or women as token leaders for the sake of making any kind of statement.....
My experience in meeting with leaders in my association has been met with a mix...some men and women very supportive and some men and women not.. it has run the gamut
I am fortunate, in my association, each local church is autonomous so each church can decide on the issue as they see it...
what is sad is that when we all come together for a conference or seminar it is still usually more often than not men who do all the visible leading....
I cannot change that, but I can create space for women in my sphere of influence to grow and reach for all that God has for them...
I also will watch for opportunities to voice my "agenda" when necessary and where I find openness for honest dialogue...
By the way, Brian McLaren is a class act...did you see him on Larry King?
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