down the floor vent hole.
Especially if you are wearing vestments and visiting with visitors.
Watching the Pastor fall backwards into a deep hole* in the floor is upsetting and should not be used as an evangelism tool.
I'm O.K. I have a perfect bruise above my knee (that's where my leg stopped going through the building), scrapes and cuts. I can walk, talk and didn't use language unbecoming a minister at the time of the accident.
One almost-new-member took me to the bathroom to help me unfurl my shredded stockings and try to keep the blood off my alb. She used her R.N. skills to advise me on what to do about tending the wounds but my mind was on my broken shoe.
Dang! I ruined a pretty pair of preaching shoes.
Gals, learn from me.
Keep out of construction areas in your church unless you keep your eyes open and your feet on solid floor.
Love,
St.Casserole
*Little Church is a raised wooden framed building, no basement, open foundation.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Q. Why Am I Carrying A Bright Pink Purse?
A. Because winter is on my nerve areas.
Getting Crabbier by the Day,
St. Casserole
Sunday, February 22, 2009
On the Way to Little Church
Driving to Little Church under clear blue skies, I saw:
-6 shiny brown chickens enjoying their escape from the yard
-a dead: opossum, raccoon and snake
-one very unusual motorcycle
-a herd of goats
-several pastures full of cattle
-the old man in overalls walking along the road
-green fields, burned fields, empty fields
-two garage sale signs
-a flock of buzzards
I organized my sermon again. I listened to "Speaking of Faith" on Public Radio. I felt content.
St.Casserole
-6 shiny brown chickens enjoying their escape from the yard
-a dead: opossum, raccoon and snake
-one very unusual motorcycle
-a herd of goats
-several pastures full of cattle
-the old man in overalls walking along the road
-green fields, burned fields, empty fields
-two garage sale signs
-a flock of buzzards
I organized my sermon again. I listened to "Speaking of Faith" on Public Radio. I felt content.
St.Casserole
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Our presbytery offers a lay pastor program for elders who wish to serve churches as lay preachers. We are building a faculty and seeking students to have a new class this year.
If you read the Book of Order, the description of ruling elders is clear. The ministry of teaching and ruling elders is similar reflecting the reformed tradition of priesthood of all believers and clerical/laity equity.
Part of me thinks it is unnecessary to designate some elders as certified lay pastors. All elders should be prepared to assume the duties of that office. In reality, I know not all elders receive the preparation needed. Elder training in congregations varies from not much, if any, to a year's worth of Saturday meetings for study.
The new student roster may include a person who is not an elder. I'm uncomfortable with the idea of providing CLP preparation to someone who has not been called to this work through the congregation and who has not been ordained. The person may decide not to participate, so my concern may be moot.
The new class of CLP's will study preaching, teaching, theology and pastoral care. Along with these classes, they will begin to form their pastoral identity where they see their faith being transformed into the role of pastor. This formation will help them realize the resources they have in one another and as a group.
Having a student participate who has not yet received the approbation of God's people as an elder will detract from the purpose of the group.
One of the weaknesses of this presbytery is the fluidity of rules. While this may allow grace to flow at times (cannot think of an example here), we never know what is going on. One pastor's reception into the presbytery happens with little "vetting" or comment; another pastor goes through the pit of hell on the floor of presbytery. One pastor is allowed to make decision contrary to the B of O and our presbytery manual. Another pastor is criticised for not following the guidelines. Makes no sense to me.
Presbytery should allow us to work together without chaos. Should, but doesn't.
Whoever has the biggest voice or assumes the most authority or has the largest congregation, greatest age or whatever determinant, gets to pick the rules.
My "fairness meter" beeps incessantly.
St.Casserole, call me an Old School Presbyter
If you read the Book of Order, the description of ruling elders is clear. The ministry of teaching and ruling elders is similar reflecting the reformed tradition of priesthood of all believers and clerical/laity equity.
Part of me thinks it is unnecessary to designate some elders as certified lay pastors. All elders should be prepared to assume the duties of that office. In reality, I know not all elders receive the preparation needed. Elder training in congregations varies from not much, if any, to a year's worth of Saturday meetings for study.
The new student roster may include a person who is not an elder. I'm uncomfortable with the idea of providing CLP preparation to someone who has not been called to this work through the congregation and who has not been ordained. The person may decide not to participate, so my concern may be moot.
The new class of CLP's will study preaching, teaching, theology and pastoral care. Along with these classes, they will begin to form their pastoral identity where they see their faith being transformed into the role of pastor. This formation will help them realize the resources they have in one another and as a group.
Having a student participate who has not yet received the approbation of God's people as an elder will detract from the purpose of the group.
One of the weaknesses of this presbytery is the fluidity of rules. While this may allow grace to flow at times (cannot think of an example here), we never know what is going on. One pastor's reception into the presbytery happens with little "vetting" or comment; another pastor goes through the pit of hell on the floor of presbytery. One pastor is allowed to make decision contrary to the B of O and our presbytery manual. Another pastor is criticised for not following the guidelines. Makes no sense to me.
Presbytery should allow us to work together without chaos. Should, but doesn't.
Whoever has the biggest voice or assumes the most authority or has the largest congregation, greatest age or whatever determinant, gets to pick the rules.
My "fairness meter" beeps incessantly.
St.Casserole, call me an Old School Presbyter
Thursday, February 12, 2009
What I Saw Yesterday
*dead craw fish thrown out on the tarmac at the Quick Stop
*bumper stickers reflecting the driver's resistance to our new President
*temperature of 70 degrees in February
*two words I did not recognize in Whistle the Cat's subscription to The New Yorker in a review of Hedda Gabler with Mary-Louise Parker as Hedda: crepuscular and termagant. The reviewer, John Lahr, used both four words apart. Thanks, Mr. Lahr, I enjoy unfamiliar words.
*crepuscular means resembling twilight. For you Twilight fans, Hey! thanks for dropping by. crespuscular sounds like a medical condition gone awry.
*termagant refers to an overbearing, nagging woman. Great. What's the word for a flustered, incapable man?
*Our early blooming azaleas are. How about that for a sentence? Camellias are finished, tulip trees are beautiful.
*Five days of moderate temperatures bring out the carpenter bees.
Love,
St.Casserole
Monday, February 09, 2009
Read The Associate
A friend said to me when I couldn't remember something, "well, you are busy upstairs". Is this why I couldn't recall which year I met Mr.C?
Last night, I wandered toward Mr.C. thinking about how fortunate we are. We've been married for almost 29 years. Our courtship was brief because when I met him, I waited only 6 weeks to ask him to marry me. But did we meet in February of '80 or '81? Somewhere in those days is an anniversary of our meeting.
Mr. C. says it was '80. I couldn't get my mind around that but I know I was the minister for his law school graduation. When was that I asked? December of '80?
This means I prayed over John Grisham's law school graduation ceremony. They were classmates.
I can remember the cute outfit I had on, some kind of Harris Tweed blazer which was right in style in 1980 and preppy enough to hurt your teeth.
As my conversation ended with Mr. C, I forgot about the 29th anniversary of our meeting and pondered why I hadn't put together that I prayed over John Grisham. I've read his books for years.
Which means, as I see it, another reason for all of us to read The Associate, Mr. Grisham's new book.
Yours, but I won't remember it,
St.Casserole
Last night, I wandered toward Mr.C. thinking about how fortunate we are. We've been married for almost 29 years. Our courtship was brief because when I met him, I waited only 6 weeks to ask him to marry me. But did we meet in February of '80 or '81? Somewhere in those days is an anniversary of our meeting.
Mr. C. says it was '80. I couldn't get my mind around that but I know I was the minister for his law school graduation. When was that I asked? December of '80?
This means I prayed over John Grisham's law school graduation ceremony. They were classmates.
I can remember the cute outfit I had on, some kind of Harris Tweed blazer which was right in style in 1980 and preppy enough to hurt your teeth.
As my conversation ended with Mr. C, I forgot about the 29th anniversary of our meeting and pondered why I hadn't put together that I prayed over John Grisham. I've read his books for years.
Which means, as I see it, another reason for all of us to read The Associate, Mr. Grisham's new book.
Yours, but I won't remember it,
St.Casserole
Friday, February 06, 2009
How to Have a Happy Life
Stop the tyranny of Cat Parties! Put the cats and dog outside of the bedroom. Make sure the lock catches when shutting the door. Sleep well without: cat fights, dog snoring, dog jewelry jangling and cats wandering up to see if you are sleeping. Move legs freely without dislodging cats who complain.
Ignore meows, woofs and notes slipped under the door by cats who "just want to talk".
Relish sleep.
St.Casserole, rested and ready for the day
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
From the Local Newspaper
The Mississippi legislature is discussing a bill to allow the adoption of fresh or frozen embryos.
From an obituary: "This is a homecoming celebration, please dress appropriately."
(awkward suggestion, like asking for funeral expenses, but needed in an area where people wear shorts and flip-flops to funerals)
The day is brilliant blue and very cold for us at 29 degrees. Adventure Cat shortened his morning walkabout to 15 minutes.
St.Casserole, fascinated by the World
From an obituary: "This is a homecoming celebration, please dress appropriately."
(awkward suggestion, like asking for funeral expenses, but needed in an area where people wear shorts and flip-flops to funerals)
The day is brilliant blue and very cold for us at 29 degrees. Adventure Cat shortened his morning walkabout to 15 minutes.
St.Casserole, fascinated by the World
Monday, February 02, 2009
I Need Help Finding A Primer on Pastoral Care for Lay Adults
I'm teaching a lay ministry program in the Spring on pastoral care.
Can you suggest a basic primer on pastoral care for a varied group of adults? Many are educated, as many are high school graduates only. All are active in church.
Thanks, I need suggestions!
St.Casserole
Can you suggest a basic primer on pastoral care for a varied group of adults? Many are educated, as many are high school graduates only. All are active in church.
Thanks, I need suggestions!
St.Casserole
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Ministry Things
Do not forget to take up the offering. If a church member waves a check at you, consider that you may have forgotten.
Take all food offered to you. If you have a new or newish car, please do not bring home a crock pot of hot soup. Just don't.
If you forget where you are in your sermon, you are in trouble. Look down at your outline and begin praying.
Even if the Holy Spirit is watching your back, wearing your chasuble inside out will show.
Pick a few hymns the congregation knows. Just a few. No one is asking you to be perfect.
Arghhh,
St.Casserole
Take all food offered to you. If you have a new or newish car, please do not bring home a crock pot of hot soup. Just don't.
If you forget where you are in your sermon, you are in trouble. Look down at your outline and begin praying.
Even if the Holy Spirit is watching your back, wearing your chasuble inside out will show.
Pick a few hymns the congregation knows. Just a few. No one is asking you to be perfect.
Arghhh,
St.Casserole
Friday, January 30, 2009
People in Trouble? Call Them
Here's some advice on being a pastor:
If you hear a colleague is in trouble, call them. You don't have to do a gossip monger on them, don't even mention the trouble. If they want to talk about it with you, they will bring it up. But call them. Don't leave your peeps out to dry in misery.
If a local official or neighbor or whoever gets indicted. Call them. Write a note if you'd rather do that but get in touch with them. Let them know you know they are in trouble and you are praying for them.
It doesn't matter if you think they are guilty. An indictment means the grand jury says they need to be in court. Grand juries present one side of the issue, the defendant doesn't get to present his/her side.
Probably you don't know anyone in jail. Think about how isolating and miserable it is to have your name in the paper as an accused.
Our Mayor is indicted. His wife, too. I doubt they did anything wrong but the Grand Jury handed down enough charges to scare the skin off an elephant. People are judging them without knowing the case. The couple have elementary school children. Once the government decides to move on you, you are in big trouble. I think the Mayor's troubles are a technicality without any thought of fraud. Whatever is going on, anyone who knows the Mayor needs to hand him support rather than allowing him to dance in the wind, friendless and pronounced guilty.
Come on, reach out to the troubled.
St.Casserole
Friday, January 23, 2009
Oh! Now I understand. I thought we were a charm worn on a cat's collar used in a game like marbles.
Oh!,
St.Casserole
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Wonderful Day! 2
In 1993 on Inauguration Day, I dressed nine month old LD up, got fixed up myself and sat on the sofa with her to watch Bill Clinton's first Inauguration.
Clinton's election made me happy.
Today, LD is off at Art School, I'm at home with cats and dog. I'm in my flannel jammies transfixed by history unfolding on my TV.
Wish we could hear TD Jake's message at the private worship service. He's articulate and smart.
I hope Michelle Obama's outfit is lined with thermal something for warmth when the ceremony moves outside.
I am having a happy attack.
St.Casserole
Clinton's election made me happy.
Today, LD is off at Art School, I'm at home with cats and dog. I'm in my flannel jammies transfixed by history unfolding on my TV.
Wish we could hear TD Jake's message at the private worship service. He's articulate and smart.
I hope Michelle Obama's outfit is lined with thermal something for warmth when the ceremony moves outside.
I am having a happy attack.
St.Casserole
Wonderful Day!
Wonderful Day! I'm watching the Inauguration at home today. The cats all have new collars to celebrate. Sister, the best dog Nanny in the world, is spiffy in her new collar, too.
I have hope. I want to be part of the change. I want to see the United States realize progressive government.
When you hear the crowd roar in Washington, listen for my voice in that mix.
St.Casserole
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Young Clergywomen
Preacher Coffee Group this week discussed the good influence of the young clergy in our conferences, presbyteries, etc. We have one just-about-30 year old who drinks coffee with us. We consider him a treasure.
Rev. Bird Dog said that when he was a young pup preacher, the old guy preachers made things difficult for him. They lied to him, let him know he knew nothing worthwhile and used him for scut work. He says he vowed to never do that to a younger pastor.
I witnessed similar stuff as a young pastor. Older preachers made it clear that I needed to "apprentice" for years before anyone took me seriously and because I was a woman, my sojourn as a scut worker would last longer. I vowed to not treat younger colleagues like this.
When I preach about Samuel's call tomorrow, I'll reflect on his prophetic ministry even though he was young. "Even though", as if God recognized age as a blessing! Age doesn't mean much with second career pastors and the absolute brightness of so many of the young clergy I meet.
Summer before last, I went to the Young Clergywoman's Conference at the College of Preachers. That conference is in the top two continuing ed. events I've ever attended. I have great confidence, respect and hope for young clergywomen. Second career gals, too, impress me.
I want a young clergywoman nearby with time to talk with me. Lord, send me one, ok?
St.Casserole
Rev. Bird Dog said that when he was a young pup preacher, the old guy preachers made things difficult for him. They lied to him, let him know he knew nothing worthwhile and used him for scut work. He says he vowed to never do that to a younger pastor.
I witnessed similar stuff as a young pastor. Older preachers made it clear that I needed to "apprentice" for years before anyone took me seriously and because I was a woman, my sojourn as a scut worker would last longer. I vowed to not treat younger colleagues like this.
When I preach about Samuel's call tomorrow, I'll reflect on his prophetic ministry even though he was young. "Even though", as if God recognized age as a blessing! Age doesn't mean much with second career pastors and the absolute brightness of so many of the young clergy I meet.
Summer before last, I went to the Young Clergywoman's Conference at the College of Preachers. That conference is in the top two continuing ed. events I've ever attended. I have great confidence, respect and hope for young clergywomen. Second career gals, too, impress me.
I want a young clergywoman nearby with time to talk with me. Lord, send me one, ok?
St.Casserole
Friday, January 16, 2009
29 Degrees
Computer probs fixed~!
Cold here! 29 degrees outside. Cold for us! Hope bugs die! Kill all mosquitos! 55 degrees yesterday! Turned on heat! Cats on bed! Wearing fleece now!
Happy!
St.C.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Waiting for Repair Person
The computer fix-it person arrives this morning. He'll pull wires, type in commands and wave a magic wand over this machine.
I'll be doing laundry, reading the book open on the kitchen counter and looking out the windows.
Together, we may get the 'net/computer/bloggage up to speed.
Until then, I remain,
St.Casserole
I'll be doing laundry, reading the book open on the kitchen counter and looking out the windows.
Together, we may get the 'net/computer/bloggage up to speed.
Until then, I remain,
St.Casserole
Monday, January 05, 2009
There is a long stretch of state highway to LD's school. This four lane, mostly without traffic road goes on forever. The road is lonely day or night. Gives me the creeps but the alternative route takes about 20 minutes longer. I do not want to drive this stretch alone at night and I am a brave woman.
The new semester began today so LD stocked up on school supplies, more shoes, junk food for the dorm and new make-up. The kids dress like kids and most do not wear make-up although the town around them is filled with beautifully made-up groomed women who believe "a woman without jewelry is like the sky without stars." I'm talking really Southern dressed up women. I pulled my hoodie over my head, put on sunglasses and kept quiet.
I'm glad to be home but I miss LD.
St.Casserole
Friday, January 02, 2009
Thinking About 2009
I'd like to see the Northern Lights. This pic was taken in Tromso, Norway from Information Jack's blog.
I want a satisfying way to relate to Presbytery.
I want to explore flexibility in my sermons but not sure what I mean by this yet.
Is this the year I write a letter to the Presbyterian Outlook? May.be.
I want five wooden pallets to build into a compost container for my back yard. I know where to get the pallets but need a truck to bring them home. I'll use one for the base, four for the sides and leave the top open. I'll staple chicken wire inside the container so water flows through it. I want good compost to add to my flower beds to limit how much watering I do to keep plants and shrubs alive.
This is the year to finish Little Church repairs and restoration. Really.
What is someone of my generation supposed to wear? I hope to discover the answer this year.
More peace, less poverty. More food for more hungry people. Health care for everyone.
Education for life for everyone. Encourage the Arts. Recycle more. Give more. Garden more. Read and study new areas of interest. Support the new President. Pray for the world and my backwater portion of the world.
Kiss cats on the head.
Read Calvin through the year to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of his birth.
Sit down with LLS and explain everything I know about Calvin to her without jumping up and bolting from the room.
Love,
St.Casserole
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