the theology of mopping . . . and more!

when i went to seminary -- grad school for pastors -- they didn't have a class for mopping, parsonage maintenance, children's moments, navigating the diversity of christians, or even how to prepare for over-night shelter guests.  this is what is usually in the contract in the fine print (but pastor's don't really get a contract -- at least i didn't find it in the book of discipline!) under 'and other duties as required'.  often it is referred to as 'on the job training'.

it has been 31 years since grad school, and i continue to learn those 'other duties as required'.

today, it was the 'theology of mopping'.  when the floor is dirty, and you notice a teacher mopping the fellowship hall before her class (it could have been a male teacher as well, but i think you get the point....) i had to stop and think ... hum, yesterday was a holiday; the last people to leave the fellowship hall was ... us ... faithful church folk who do not have a janitorial service at our beck and call.

so, who does the mopping?  good question.

the floor didn't get finished because class was starting, and the united methodist women were getting ready to meet, and they weren't prepared to mop ... so, who ya gonna call?  the flash mop pastor!

so, do you choose to put this item under new business at the next church meeting?  what would jesus do?  left to their natures, martha would be mopping while mary sat at jesus' feet, listening; two theologies there -- a servant theology and a serving theology.  or is it really just one theological task for which we are engaged?

we learn about god in so many ways; we learn about learning about serving god in a whole lot more ways, i'm thinking.  so, i ask you ... would you be about mopping or finding someone to do the mopping for you?  yes, what would jesus do?

it occurs to me that theological thinking is also about discerning your call.  i preached about the parable in matthew on sunday often referred to as the wicked tenants.  i misspoke on sunday, calling the landowner a slum-lord rather than an absentee land-lord (as someone so wisely pointed out to me on sunday after worship -- for which i am thankful!  and horrified!  good thing god is gracious!)  my point, of course, is to place yourself in that parable, theologically speaking.  would you do as the landowner did and send servants and finally your beloved child to collect the harvest?  might you go and help with the harvest?  might you go and help and collect your bounty after the harvest?  might you make sure your tenants were taken care of (living wage, health-care, retirement plan, worker's comp payment up-to-date, etc.)?  would you be involved or separated from the work of your livelihood? 

these are the theological questions we get to explore on a day-to-day basis.  i have a colleague who discerns questions like this with clarity:  'not my farm; not my pig'.  healthy boundaries.  but what happens when you see something that doesn't fall into any one's job description (or boundaries)?  how do you decide how to respond?  or DO you make a decision ... even shaking your head and walking away is a decision.  what does one do when 'somebody else will do it' doesn't live here any more?!

the decision i made today falls into a 'theology of mopping'.  i didn't do it angrily, and i did not feel this was beneath the pastor.  what i did think about while i was mopping was very practical:  how do i not mop myself into a corner?  how do i not step where i just mopped?  where do i pour the dirty water?  where do i stop once i get going -- do the hallways, the bathrooms, my office?  yikes! 

i have to say, theology can stretch you ... no matter how old you are or how much education you've had.  and, just for the record, mopping today felt very productive.  i'm thankful for the opportunity to learn this insight ... and i'm happy to explore the alternatives for the future. 

but for right now, the giants are up at bat . . . .  gotta go!  

i was feeling a bit . . . WICKED . . . over labor day week-end

i was feeling a bit . . . WICKED . . . over the labor day week-end.  and for the life of me, i can't imagine why!

 

WICKED came to san jose, and as grace would have it, someone's seat-mate cancelled, so i was the 'stand-in' to see the show!  what a treat!  i had seen the production in london during my wesley pilgrimage a few years ago; this production was equally wonderful!  it is a great story; a reminder that we can and still-do, treat people as suspect by how they look, the color of their skin (green, in this case), their viewpoints, the company they keep, and the way they conduct themselves.  the trouble is, sometimes we discover that the people we are drawn to because the 'seem' to be aligned with our values, turn out to be people for whom we disagree.

 

in my vast experience, relationships are something that constantly need attending to; constant conversations allow us to grow deeper with those relationships.  and, while i wish i could say i like to take people at face value, sometime i am surprised to discover that a face can have more than two sides.  sometimes we find the people we have trusted most can't be trusted; sometimes we are able to have relationships we trust for life; sometimes we discover someone we have mis-judged becomes the trusted friend we've longed to have.  life isn't simple sometimes; a simple trip down the yellow brick road doesn't always turn out to be that simple.  and i certainly don't want to spoil the end of WICKED for anyone who has yet to read the book or see the production.  i do certainly recommend both!  and then spend some time reflecting on your experience with the various relationships in your life.

 

my other 'wicked' experience this past week-end has to be shared in the 'confessional'!  so i'll do that now!  true confessions ... i love to spend funds that are not mine.  ok; there, i've said it!  i don't spend frivolously, or simply without thoughtful understanding.  but, when you are given a budget, staying within the limits is an important task!  so, when i was told there was a sale on shredded bark at osh this week-end ... and they would pay the sales tax, i got a little gleam in my eye!

 

the united methodist church of santa cruz is responding to the need of sprucing-up our flower-beds...and shredded bark will be infinitely helpful in making sure we don't waste a bit of water during this time of drought.  there are areas in our quad area where exposed dirt is look and be much more inviting with ground-covering.  and the reality is, i ended up getting probably what was needed for the project (thirty bags instead of just 20) and saved about $50.  someone did suggest that i could have saved a bunch more if i had only purchased the 20 bags instead of the 30, but that's another story!

 

and, i have to say, i just love having my vw cabrio for such a purpose ... put 22 bags in the car with the top down, and while people look at you strangely, some people laugh, and offer fun comments ... like 'that is worth a picture worthy of facebook'!  they didn't know i'd take that comment seriously ... so here it is on facebook!

 

besides all that, now i get to invite folks to come to our workday; it will be this saturday, september 5th, from 9 to noon; 250 california st.  95062 (for those who need to mapquest it).  we are between laurel and bay. 

 

and, who knows?!  we might go so far as to be a little bit 'wicked' and go to lunch afterwards!





 

 

a trip on the train ... to ashland and back!

it has been a number of years since i've been to ashland, or, to participate in the oregon shakespearian festival.  so, this was the year, and I decided to go by train!  trying to be very 'green'.  being on the train isn't so bad; it is transferring to a connect off the train that makes you want to change your color to RED!  so, traveling green was a bit of a challenge, but not awful!

i visited old friends and met new ones; the weather was great, and the bed and breakfast i stayed in, blue moon, is something i can highly recommend; restful, quiet, close to downtown, good food, clean and comfortable! 

so it is almost like william shakespeare is on the scene, although he might be scratching his head in amazement!  here's why:
1

this picture was taken along the creek that flooded several years ago, adjacent to the festival itself.  the first play i saw was in the evening in the elizabethan theatre, but it wasn't by will ... it was by stephen (soudheim) -- 'into the woods' ... a musical about all those great fairy tales we know -- with a twist!  so fun!  a great evening under the stars....

sunday saw the day begin with worship at first congregational united church of christ, followed by another (non-will) production of a mark bedard adaption of irving berlin and george s. kaufman's musical hit, 'the cocoanuts' ... the marx brothers at their best, with plenty of audience participation, and more laughter than anyone could guess for the sabbath!

evening brought my first will play, 'the tempest', one of the romance plays; with denis arndt doing a very reflective rendering of  prospero, who is on a spiritual journey toward forgiveness and reconciliation .... well done, but listen closely!

one of the reasons i attend the festival at this particular year is to participate in daedalus (based on the greek myth); the festival's hiv/aids benefit; this year's daedalus was dedicated to the researchers and advocates who perished aboard malaysia airlines flight 17; a meaningful time, and a remembrance (the naming) at the end of those remembered who had died of this awful disease; one of my high school classmates associated with the festival was included in the naming.

tuesday brought two delightful will productions.  the first, performed with an almost completely african american/black cast, was 'the comedy of errors', set in the harlem of duke ellington and langston hughes.  this comedy deals with the search of lost twin boys and their twin servants and makes way for the experience of mistaken identities.  loss and separation are re-united!

between shows at blue moon, while sipping on iced tea and delights, i could listen to the soothing sound of water, even though there was caution to be water-wise!  port, a new found experience for me, was also offered in the evening.

but before port, came my final will experience:  the two gentlemen of Verona -- done, effectively and a twist to historical theatre, with an all-female cast!  this is an adventure of finding yourself without losing your friends; a wonderful evening under the stars!

had i not taken the train, letting me off in klamath fall or, where i caught the connection to ashland, i would have missed the beautiful scenery one does not see on highway 5 -- and the beauty which is oregon!  my story of 'traveling green' concludes with these disclaimers; don't be in a rush as you'll encounter delays; you might want to invest in a sleeper car if you want your own space, and when you are traveling, look for a train that takes you directly to your destination, or you might be a bit surprised by the added length of your trip.  aside from that, you get to see some interesting stuff -- even at night!  and, traveling back to san jose, you'll see (the back-end of) the new sports arena for the giants and 49ers...  so, there you have it!  plan your trip on the train, today!
   

music . . . .and 2 reasons to bike! . . . a show of support

since the building of a sports center in santa cruz, the civic auditorium has become more of a location for events; music is one of the prime events!

each year, santa cruz is the host for the cabrillo festival of contemporary music (finishing its 52nd season).  outstanding musicians, great performances, and world-class music fills the air for about two weeks!  lucky us!!

one of the great best-kept secrets is the open rehearsals where you can just go in and sit quietly to their practice time ... nearly as exciting as the concerts themselves!

marin alsop has been conducting here for years; she serves as the music director for the baltimore symphony orchestra, and the sao paulo symphony orchestra.

i had the pleasure to sit in on the rehearsals for two pieces; brett dean's u.s. premiere of 'fire music' -- a powerful piece that included the main orchestra (including three percussion sections!) with three ensemble groups set around the auditorium.  very exciting indeed.  the other piece was a world premiere and festival commission of gabriella smith's 'tumblebird contrails' -- an awesome piece; and gabriella was on hand to help make the piece the best it could be!

funny enough, i went to a celebratory lunch out-of-town for a friend of mine on monday who was honored for his 15 years working for at&t; another guest at this celebration was the partner of one of the percussionists!  to say it is a small world would be an understatement!
  

returning to church on tuesday, i discovered our fellowship hall filled with young-adults who had biked cross country to raise money for affordable housing -- a most worthy commitment.  'bike & build' have done this for years, and end their time in santa cruz, staying in our fellowship hall, as they fly back to their respective homes ... this morning, one of the bikers left for his home in germany!

what a sense of dedication to raise funds for others!  what a sense of service; and a healthy way of doing it as well.  i'm honored that the united methodist church of santa cruz can help end their journey with a place to stay as they prepare to return to their day-to-day activities.

this is a reminder of how important it is to be able to share a part of who we are with others.  these folks stand as a reminder to all of us; each one of us can have something we believe in and are committed to outside of ourselves that 'gives back' to others in our world; what do you do in your daily lives that helps to make the world a better place each day?

if you haven't had an opportunity to physically do something for another today (of this week, or this month, or this year), let me offer an you another reason to bike.  and even if you have done something for someone else to help make their lives better in some way, here is another opportunity!

there is a young couple in our congregation who are both going to school; they help to coordinate our weekly efforts with the faith community shelter in our community -- a traveling shelter for up to 18 folks who are homeless; our day to supply dinner, overnight shelter, and breakfast is on fridays.  we are working to provide folks in the shelter a 'step-up' program; offering resources to settle into permeate housing, schooling and job resources, and community support.

not only do jonathan and jen work, go to school, and coordinate our program, they also bike everywhere ... and they are biking to support and raise funds to find a cure for aids!  such a worthy effort could certainly be a way to show support for others; simply hop onto the links below to extend yourself into the cycle of support . . . .  won't you join me in helping to make a difference . . . . 

jonathan's donation page:  http://encompasscs.donorpages.com/SurfCityAIDSRide/JonathanBruce2014/

jen's donation page:
http://encompasscs.donorpages.com/SurfCityAIDSRide/JenniferBlack2014


  

the unexpected happened . . . .

 the unexpected happened . . . .  it rained this morning.

ok, the rain was just a few drops; enough to get my paper wet (a bit) and to make the ground (kind-of) wet.  BUT, it was rain none-the-less!  the rain was loud enough (with my windows open) to awaken me from a very sound sleep.

the unexpected happened . . . i slept eight hours! 

part of my well-being challenge is to get eight hours of sleep on a consistent basis.  and i am.  i will admit, however, that the well-being challenge, while going quite well for me, is also driving me nuts!  i get periotic notices throughout my day about someone posting a comment; people i do not know from around the nation giving me encouragement ... and while that is very nice and kind, i find myself distracted by the very program that is intended to be for my well-being.

when the unexpected happens, it is time to explore what actually IS happening.  and so i've taken some time to reflect.  social net-work, for which this well-being program combines, is an aspect of life i hadn't count on; i've become like a dog who has been trained by the sound of a 'ding'; every time i hear that 'ding' on my computer or my iphone, i feel the 'need' to respond.  ok, so i'm overly curious, and i can't wait to find out some important message. 

social media, i've come to realize, is supported by the commercial industry.  not being so high tech, i have been informed that i can opt-out of that which annoys me, and return to my focus on well-being.  but for those who know me, you'll know that the real reason i don't 'opt-out' is that i might miss something!  soooooo .... i have to figure out another way to deal with social networking and still be able to focus on my well-being.

thus, the picture of the lighthouse with the crashing waves.  somehow, the calm of the lighthouse does not get disturbed, for me, by the crash of the waves.  and why might that be, you ask?  i've no idea.  but, it is fine for me to experience the crash of the waves on the shore; soothing, in fact; not distressing to my well-being ... the unexpected happens!

and so, perhaps i need to do the unexpected for me, and spend more time being enriched by the community in which i live. 

last week, someone mentioned how people use to ask her while she was living in santa cruz, 'do you go to the beach every day?'  her answer was 'no.'  i totally understand that!  and yet, for my well-being, perhaps i need to be doing two things . . . let the 'dings' happen and not let them rule my life, and make it a point to go to the shore of renewing waters every day.  what a concept!

so, i've left a picture of the boardwalk for the end . . . . and i'll just ask you -- are you finding the unexpected happening in your well-being?

. . . how your garden grows . . . .

 ana, ana, how does your garden grow . . . ana oversees the mesa verde gardens on the land currently known as the united methodist church of santa cruz without walls on the east side.  there, even in this drought, people are making their mark; planting and tending and weeding; they feed children and family members and neighbors.  and on sunday, we worshipped and blessed their efforts, giving thanks and praise; singing and praying and fellowshipping.
we have not been in community on this property on 17th avenue in a long time.  we were delighted to meeting the gardeners and the neighbors, and to celebrate the gifts of life -- to recognize the seeds that grow -- and they do grow, with loving care, diligent toil, and collaboration with others who share their wisdom, their insight, and their loving spirit.  this is truly a place to grow -- in grace, in understanding, and in love.

working with matthew 13 (the parables of the kin-dom) we explored with one another about what makes a weed -- often we judge plant life to be a weed or a flower based on perception.  we shared with one another our thoughts about what things we face that need to be planted, maintained, weeded, and harvested.
we explored with one another about what internal weed we'd like to get rid of in our own lives.  (sara lama das reminded us that "people who spend a great deal of time in their gardens attest to the natural mindfulness that gardening requires".  spiritual discernment takes time to cultivate and nurture and grow before either weeding or harvesting can occur.)
and we explored with one another the vision and the actual "doing" of how we would weed out an issue close to our heart in the world.  we're in a time in our lives when the world needs to come together to root out the weeds of destruction, war, hatred, dis-ease, abuse ... the list can seem endless; just pick one weed to work at terminating -- such action can mean the world might one day live in peace -- maybe not in our lifetime, but then again, the world isn't just about meeting our needs....

one of the challenges of being in ministry in two locations is that we get to created sacred space each time we plan an event ... so, many of us met early to gather items for transport; it is amazing what you can fit in a convertible -- especially when raindrops (so longed for!) were falling.  Ah, the harvest of grace!  how is your garden growing?
  

how one knows it is summer . . . in santa cruz....

traffic ... crowds ... more traffic ... santa cruz in the summer (and most nice week-ends throughout the year.

but, hey!  we are a 'destination city' ... fame, no fortune, but hey!  it's santa cruz!!  the sun is shining; a light breeze; just another day in paradise!

ok, i'll stop!

we have two properties at the united methodist church in santa cruz; our church building on california st., and our church without walls on 17th ave.  on july 27th, we will worship and picnic there ... and have a blessing for the the mesa verde community garden.  come join us!

so, really, how one knows it is summer in santa cruz ... roller derby, of course.  I went to see the santa cruz team play the sacramento team last Saturday night.  my problem, of course, is that i served in sacramento for 11 years, and have just begun serving my second year in santa cruz ... how does one decide which team to root for?!

my memories of roller derby go back to my grandma in bakersfield.  when i was a mere child visiting on those hot summers, grandma would turn on her swamp cooler, put away her deck of cards, and we'd watch the televised game -- which, as i remember, was a lot rougher! 

the santa cruz/sacramento game seemed much more tame -- perhaps it was the penny ice cream being served that kept everyone cool and 'sweet'.  all in all, an awesome experience, and my first time at a live game in the kaiser pavilion. 

last night i attended a community meeting in which the mayor pro-tem, don lane, is preparing for his leadership as mayor in december.  don has been exploring the possibility of what it might mean to santa cruz to be a 'compassionate city'.  don is soliciting ideas around this subject, and drawing feed-back from the community -- including the faith communities, with some very empowering results.

those who gathered last night shared what the word 'compassion' might actually mean, and how that meaning might be translated into the community/political realm.  definitions such as empathy, sharing and listening (really listening!) were bandied about; the thought of organizing a day of compassionate service, working with those who are homeless and recently released from incarceration; working toward a place of healing and forgiveness; overcoming fear!  incorporating the uc students who have already created a time of listening and sharing at their university café events; working with youth to further the exploration and understanding of diversity.  we began to think about ways to humanize the community, to set up opportunities for mentoring, and to expand the understanding of 'civinomics' to create transformational change. we shared thoughts about how to be a city that is more civil; to love and repair the city of its brokenness ....

yes, there is traffic ... crowds ... and more traffic.  but in times such as these, it seems like a perfect summertime activity to work at being more compassionate -- not just in santa cruz, but throughout the world .... your thoughts?