Flashback Post: The Superpower of Creating Dialogue

Below you will see an article from the May 2013 edition of our church newsletter, The Spire.  I felt the need to republish it here so that I could link it to our soon-to-be new website! 

Dear church family,

I do believe that the ability to create dialogue is the most incredible Superpower that we have as human beings.  No other creature on earth can participate in conversation the way that we can.  Surely other species can signal to one another about hunting and gathering or about the need to nurture their young, and as research evolves I am awestruck by how the communication that goes on between other species is far beyond what we originally thought possible.  Regardless, we can be sure that human beings are able to talk about issues that are infinitely more sophisticated and intellectual than any other species.  What a blessing we have!  Or is it a curse? 

Our Dialoguing Superpower allows us to talk about deeply emotional issues with people who disagree with us (e.g.: politics and religion; ways of raising children; the definition of a “healthy” lifestyle).  And when we make the decision to use this Superpower, we have to make another decision at the same time—will we let the alternate opinions of others make or break our relationships with them?  Though at times it may seem difficult, the best decision is to allow differing opinions to form and strengthen us as individuals.  In college, for example, several courses in Asian religions and belief systems made me more certain that Jesus was The Way for me.  My husband’s advocacy of plain black coffee made me more certain that I take cream and sugar.  My brother’s confidence that it doesn’t get better than living in Washington D.C. prepared me to move to a small rural town. 

This all has a point and is relevant to our current church context.  The Open and Affirming (ONA) process that has begun in our congregation is a time when we are invited to put on our Superhero capes and become Dialoguers.  ONA is a designation given to congregations which “make a public covenant of welcome into their full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.” This is one of those deeply emotional conversations, isn’t it?  But it is one that we have to have in the 21^st century, because the Church has a call to stay relevant and maintain a voice in the conversations of our society.  Since its foundation, the Church (our own and the institution as a whole) has been at the forefront of social justice and civil rights dialogue and now, in a time when church conversations revolve around potlucks and building maintenance more often than issues of caring for the marginalized and downtrodden, it’s time for the First Congregational Church of Ripon to say once again, “Hold on, we have a Superpower and we’re going to use it.” 

When we use this Superpower, we won’t all agree.  And that’s why we have to remember to make the decision to allow differing opinions to form and strengthen us as individuals.  We will be a diverse community of God’s children whether we agree or not.  And that, in itself, is a gift; we learn little when we are only exposed to those who agree with us.  So for the next year and a half to two years, we will occasionally get together and talk about becoming an ONA church.  I want us all to feel free to put our true opinions on the table in the form of healthy, respectful dialogue in which many viewpoints are represented by speakers with open ears and open hearts.  When we take the vote, it may pass and it may not, but we can be assured that as a church we will have a voice in this extremely important issue of our time, and that’s what makes us a strong, vital part of the Body of Christ. 

As we begin this process, there are a few points that I want to make very clear.  One: Your voice matters.  I don’t want to see anyone hiding in the shadows because they think their opinion is the unpopular one.  No one will be kicked out of our church for a different opinion.  Which brings me to point two: There is no pre-determined outcome of this vote. Whether our congregation votes yes or no, we will emerge from the process a stronger church family for having asked the question.  Furthermore, we will remain a church family that, like any other family, has differences and disagreements but continues to be bound by love for each other and our common desire to learn what it means to be Christian in a world that is always in transformation.  And finally I want to make point three: No matter where you stand on the issue, I am your pastor.  That means I’m here to listen when times are tough, show up in the toughest and most amazing times of your life, and pray for your peace and well-being because I care deeply about you.  Please let me know if you want to visit over coffee or in my office and have a conversation about the process.  I’m always glad to get to know each of you better anyway!

With the hope and peace of May’s flowers,

Pastor Joanna 

P-K Baptism

Whether or not to baptize one's own child is a pretty heated debate in the Pastor World, many saying they'd like to be "just a mom" or "just a dad" for the ceremony, while others (myself included) say it's a great honor and a privilege to perform the act of baptism on their own child. 

I don't know that there's a right or a wrong here, just whatever is more meaningful for you as a pastor-parent.  But I do know that for me, I really struggled to find options for liturgy in this situation, so it wouldn't feel like I was asking myself questions.  I raised this concern with my husband, a poet, and he took the liberty of converting the liturgy from the UCC Book of Worship into something we could use.  I thought I'd share it here so that others can have access and adapt it according to their context. Let me know what you think! 

Liturgy for the Baptism of a Pastor's Kid

Adapted heavily from the UCC Book of Worship

WELCOME

Pastor/Parent:

Dear friends, we are here to celebrate the gift of grace and the gift of life, converging to form a mighty river, the sacrament of baptism.

ALL:

Thanks be to God!

Pastor/Parent:

Jesus was baptized by John in a river that was murky and unpredictable.  From that point on, his mission was clear and his teachings shed the light of truth on all who heard his undying words.

ALL:

Let the water like a fresh spring cleanse and renew the spirit; let the light like a lighthouse guide and draw us home.

Pastor/Parent:

This sacrament is an outward and visible sign of the love and grace of God.  The promise of the gospel, and the commitment to fulfill it, is not only for us but for our children, too.  Baptism with water and with the Holy Spirit is the seal of a new covenant between God and the church and this new disciple of the great rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth.  In a moment, we will, as a congregation, reaffirm our faith; let us recall our own baptisms and our commitments to God’s church and to each other.

ALL:

In water we were made one with each other by the grace of God.  May our lives flow as one as we surge to help raise this new member of our community.

PARENTS SPEAK FOR THE CANDIDATE

Pastor/Parent:

As a parent and a pastor, I desire to baptize this child into the faith and family of Jesus Christ.

Partner/Parent:

With the help of God, I will encourage this child to resist the powers of evil and to pursue freedom of the spirit in a new Christian life.

Pastor/Parent:

With the help of God, I will teach him/her so that he/she will understand Jesus as a liberator of the mind, body, and soul.

Partner/Parent:

I promise, by the grace of God, to be an example of discipleship, to fight against oppression and for justice, to exhibit love beyond all love and patience beyond all patience, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus as I am best able.

Pastor/Parent:

I promise, according to the grace given me, to grow with this child, to help him/her be a faithful member of this church, by celebrating the presence of the Holy Spirit, by furthering Jesus’ mission in all the world, and by offering the motherly nurture of God the Creator so that [child’s name] may one day affirm his/her own baptism for himself/herself.

AGREEMENT OF THE SPONSORS

Pastor/Parent:

[Godparents/Sponsors names], are you ready, with God’s help, to guide and encourage [child’s name], by counsel and example, in prayer and with love, as [godmother, godfather, sponsors], to follow the way of Jesus as you yourselves model it?

Godparents/Sponsors:

We are ready!

CONGREGATIONAL ASSENT

Pastor/Parent:

Beloved church, we are called to share God’s unquenchable love with all the nations and to offer them the gift of grace in which we all participate.  Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament of baptism, promise your love, support, and care to the one about to be baptized as he/she lives and grows in this community?

ALL:

We promise our love, support, and care.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

Pastor/Parent:

Let us unite with the church in all times and places in professing our faith.

Do you believe in God?

ALL:

I believe in God.

Pastor/Parent:

Do you believe in Jesus Christ?

ALL:

I believe in Jesus Christ.

Pastor/Parent:

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?

ALL:

I believe in the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER OF BAPTISM

Pastor/Parent:

The peace of Christ be with you.

ALL:

And also with you.

Pastor/Parent:

Let us pray.

(This prayer comes directly from the UCC Book of Worship)

We thank you, God, for the gift of creation called forth by your saving Word.

Before the world had shape and form, your Spirit moved over the waters. Out

of the waters of the deep, you formed the firmament and brought forth the

earth to sustain all life. In the time of Noah, you washed the earth with the waters of the flood, and

your ark of salvation bore a new beginning.

In the time of Moses, your people Israel passed through the Red Sea waters

from slavery to freedom and crossed the flowing Jordan to enter the promised

land.

In the fullness of time, you sent Jesus Christ, who was nurtured in the water of

Mary’s womb.

Jesus was baptized by John in the water of the Jordan, became living water to

a woman at the Samaritan well, washed the feet of the disciples, and sent them

forth to baptize all the nations by water and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ACT OF BAPTISM

Pastor/Parent:

As parents, [Partner’s name] and I have named this child, and we will say his/her name now as he/she becomes a member of the body of Christ:

Partner/Parent:

[Child’s Name]

Pastor/Parent:

[Child’s Name], you are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit always be upon you, [Child’s Name], child of God, disciple of Jesus, member of the church.

Church, greet your newest brother/sister in Christ with joyful applause.

MUSIC!!

PRAYER FOR THE BAPTIZED

Pastor/Parent:

(Directly from the UCC Book of Worship)

We give you thanks, O Holy One, mother and father of all the faithful for this

your child and for the grace acknowledged here today in

water and the Holy Spirit. Embrace us all as sons and daughters in the one

household of your love. Grant us grace to receive, nurture, and befriend this

new member of the body of Christ.

ALL: Give to the newly baptized: strength for life’s journey, courage in time of suffering, the joy of faith, the freedom of love, and the hope of new life; through Jesus Christ, who makes us one. Amen.

#Zumbanation

Hello Friends!

I wanted to make a special post first of all to give a shout out to everyone who attended our very first faith & fitness night Zumba class! You all rocked it! There was lots of fun and smiles! Also, I am making this post encourage some of you who may be a little nervous about trying out our new class here. Let me start about giving my own back story on how I got into Zumba and eventually became an instructor.

Zumba is a cardio workout program that involves elements of Latin dance and even dance from modern music. Free Zumba classes were offered to Ripon College students and staff on campus, and I went with a bunch of my roommates and teammates from the tennis team. I loved the positive energy, music, and laughing with my friends while getting a good workout. It was also a great stress reliever to have a busy college student. When I went home for summer and school vacations, I discoverer that one of the Zumba instructors in my hometown was one of my old daycare teachers! I started going to her classes and she really inspired me to dance and even help teach some songs! After that, I was hooked and I knew this was a tool I wanted to have in my toolbox when I did my own teaching. So, the rest is history and I am proud to say that I am Zumba instructor!

Today, on this transfiguration Sunday, during worship and Sunday school, we discussed seeing things in a different way and this is how I ask you to see Zumba coming into church. This offers those who wish a positive place to exercise and work on their health. It is for all abilities and all people. I challenge you during this time as we head into spring, to look at things in a brand new way or from a new angle. Give Zumba a try or do something you have always wanted to try! Connect and talk with God about what may be holding you back and what inspires you to move forward.

With God all things are possible!

Love,

Miss Olivia

Characters in Sunday School

Hello Everyone!
I am very excited to be making my first post here on the First Congo blog! Sunday School has been a joy to be apart of here and I really would like to share some of the teaching tools we have been looking at. A big goal of mine is to connect scripture and worship to things our children may have seen and also may enjoy. Also, I am big fan of film and books, so I really like to making connections using both!

We have started out our Sunday School year talking about heroes. Who are heroes in our own lives? Who are heroes in the bible? What makes a hero? We have discussed many heroes in Sunday School from Jesus to Batman, from Mom to teachers! This theme of being a hero and how God wants us to be heroes is a theme we are still carrying out through out this year and the youth have really responded well to it!

Also, we have used examples from the children's films Happy Feet and Akeelah and the bee. Both of these films give great examples of how being ourselves, just the way we are, we can make a great connection with God and great connections with others. In Happy Feet, we focused on "What is your heart song"? "How do you share your heart song with others"? And in Akeelah and the bee, we learn about the power within and with God, all things are possible. Here are the links we have have watched in Sunday School. Please give them a view and feel free to share your feelings and thoughts!

Happy Feet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKA8wkU5tdk

Akeelah and the bee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwKBxabn4QY

Currently, we have been working with the children's book, Pete the Cat. Pete has a lot of lessons to share about how no matter what happens to us in life, it is all good. With faith, love, and understanding, life is a wonderful journey we all walk through together! As we continue to look at these examples and others in the future, I greatly encourage you to connect with our youth and discuss with them your own journeys and share your own examples, thoughts, and feelings.

Blessings and love,

Olivia

Sermon Response | February 2, 2014

I really enjoyed learning about the Cowsill family this past week.  I distinctly remember seeing the "Hair" video on VH1 when I was young, back when VH1 and MTV were actually about music.  This is the documentary I watched and referred to in my sermon: Family Band: The Cowsills Story. Of course I was not even alive when the Cowsills were popular, but I asked my mom if she had any idea when they were popular that there were abusive family dynamics and she said "No, they were the family we all wanted to be like."  Unfortunately, the hidden story of abuse is such a common story among celebrities-- and not just abuse but addiction and mental illness as well.  

We tend to apply facades to our lives, celebrities or not, which make us appear perfect or unaffected by the obstacles of the world.  Yet I'd venture a guess that each and every one of us carries some painful stories of unresolved conflict-- relationships yet to be reconciled, addictions yet to be addressed, depression and anxiety yet to be medicated. 

My sermon this week referred to the reconciliation that we are each in need of within ourselves, with one another, and with God.  We used to have a sign right next to the door to our one bedroom apartment in St. Louis which said, "If you are not in right relationship with with your neighbor and with yourself, you cannot be in right relationship with God."  I needed that advice every single day, and the only reason the note doesn't exist next to our current door is because it was lost in the move.  I should probably make a new one.  I believe that we are all deeply interconnected.  Our brokenness doesn't only affect us; it affects everybody.  Jesus Christ calls us to be truthful about our brokenness so that we can be opened up for reconciliation; so that we are available to be healed.  The point I'm trying to convey isn't the often articulated story about sin (that if we are full of sin we aren't going to Heaven); it's about wholeness, completeness, and peace-- that we will function better if we are not trying to hide our pain; if we aren't trying to live with a concealed story of brokenness.  And if we are functioning better, we can serve better.  And if we serve better, the world will function better.  Do you see the connections?  This is some of what Liberation Theology gets at. 

So what do you think?  Am I rambling or making sense?  This is the stuff that has been going on in my mind lately; and it's what I was trying to convey in my sermon on Sunday. 

Listen here: http://bit.ly/1k0Oe3Z

Sermon Response | January 26, 2014

Hi There, Friends!

You'd think with all of this cold weather I'd be blogging away, but somehow the weeks just keep slipping by.  Let's get back on track, shall we?

This week in my sermon I talked about the E Word-- Evangelism.  This tends to be a scary word for progressive Christians like myself, who want so badly for each individual to think for themselves.  But at the same time there's some balance necessary here.  When I try out a new recipe that I love, I share it.  When I hear a band or a musician I love, I share it.  So why is it that when I read a Bible passage I love, attend a church service I love, or hear a prayer that I love, I only share it with the people I know who are Christian or who are a part of my church?  This is a very difficult balance-- sharing the part of the story we love while at the same time not pushing others or forcing others to think the way we think. 

But I'll tell you what-- I really do love our church.  I love what we do, I love who we are, I love the potential we have to do big things.  But that word "potential" is a key word for our ministry right now.  We have ideas-- BIG ideas-- but we may not have the time and the energy to implement those ideas at this time.  Our time and energy has to grow, and in many ways that means finding more people to share in our journey.  How will we find them?  

I may be ruffling some feathers here.  Actually I'm ruffling my own feathers a bit.  This type of talk is out of my comfort zone because I'm one of those people who feels very uncomfortable with "The E Word."  So will you join me on this journey of finding balance between being pushy and being inviting?  Will you join me in the journey to tell the story about who we are and why you should check us out?

Read: Isaiah 9:1-4, Matthew 4:12-23

Listen: Sharing the Story

A Modern Day Nativity Scene

Two significant events occurred in the past week, one global and the other local. On December 5, Nelson Mandela passed away at the age of 95, and in the early hours of this morning a fire broke out in downtown Ripon. The memorial service for Mandela was attended by countless world leaders (well not countless, surely someone counted them), including four United States presidents. Firefighters, reporters and curious spectators viewed the blaze downtown this morning. At first, Mandela's death seems isolated from the fire in our small town. But though both of these events, I see a connection.

These events are what make us human.

I read the status of a Facebook friend this morning who wrote, "A man at the gas station (I was at the BP station by Save A Lot) noticed the fire department plate on my truck and asked if I was a fireman. I kind of laughed and told him no, but my husband is. He asked if he is at the fire in town and when I said that he's been there since 3:30 [a.m.] he told me to, 'tell him thank you for risking his own safety and life for others.' I just about tipped over --- couldn't be a prouder wife at that moment!"

You have probably seen in a newspaper or on t.v. the mounds of flowers laid by strangers in South Africa to honor the great hero.

Through the tragedy of this morning and the sadness and celebration of Madiba's passing we are reminded of the care and love in the world and in our community. My Facebook newsfeed is full of people listing the items needed by the Ripon families whose Main St. apartments suffered damage. Before 11 a.m., I was made aware of the ways First Congregational Church of Ripon is planning to help these families through donations of soup, money and other items.

From both of these sad events I am filled with joy. I feel jubilant that God has given us the gift of compassion that we can share with others. When we suffer heartache we don't suffer alone. God mourns with us and gives us brothers and sisters to carry the burden as well.

This year, in my own thoughts, I've explored what it means to be human. What I've found most compelling is how we react to times when life is really tough. From those moments I've seen the most beauty in people, and I believe that is a direct expression of God's presence within all of us.

From the physical loss of Mandela I have seen a world that has taken time to celebrate his beliefs, not because they were his but because they are all of ours: love, education, resilience, harmony. From the downtown fire I see care from the community for the families and business owners on that block, even when some of us don't know any of those affected by name.

In a previous blog post Pastor Joanna wrote that the image of baby Jesus is one of her favorite depictions of him. I would agree with her. I believe that visualizing Jesus as a tiny baby is an image of each one of us. We cannot avoid the pain of tragedy and we feel helpless when it comes. But we are surrounded by wise men, angels, shepherds, Marys, and Josephs who take care of us and who love us. 

We are made in the image of Jesus, but I also think we are made in the image of all who attended his birth, and in this way we have the gift of compassion and love to share with the world.