We 2 Could B Sunk If We Get Stuck!

Greetings one and all!

I have not done a blog entry since I returned from Europe. So thank you for those who have returned, looking, and been so encouraging....and for those just new, welcome!
I am in Aptos this week, staying in a lovely condo offered by a member in the congregation, as I attend a Board of Ordained Ministry Retreat for the RIM; working with those who are working toward Ordination in the United Methodist Church; very exciting!

As I began to blog at a local Starbucks, someone came up to me and said, 'has anyone ever said you look like Rob Rhiner?' Well, ya never can tell -- I may have been in some other lifetime, but I'll leave that for some other blog, and let Rob live his talented life.

Anyway....before the Retreat, I had an opportunity to spend some time in reflection, and in the cool delights of the California Coast....


I began to reflect upon the Autumn following a very busy Summer at the United Methodist Church of Merced. We had been reflecting on Spiritual Disciplines, and pondering the combining of our two English Speaking Worship Services. Well, one thing led to another, and we ended up not combining, but actually deciding to explore our reason for being, if you will. What does it mean to be United Methodists in Merced; who are we, what can we offer, and what will be our future?

I looked out toward Santa Cruz (Aptos is south), and in the distance was what turned out to be a cement ship....but you really couldn't tell (picture above). And I thought how much that was like what we are trying to figure out. We've been in our present location for over 50 years, so it's a good time to take a step back and see what lies infront of us. I realize that it is ok not to know -- even though that can cause anxiety. The reality is that seeing a blur -- i have to take my glasses off to take a picture even with my iphone! -- can make us interested in exploring that blur, or cause us to move on, or make us stop in our tracks.

What happens when we stop in our tracks? We get stuck, just like this cement ship. No way to move forward or backward, but stay the same. And look what happens when you stay the same! (see the ship picture above). Now, I will grant you that that "stuck-ness" has become a sanctuary for the birds. How nice for them! But, honestly, a ship was meant to move and go, and to serve those within and outside of its walls.

The Church is no different. Our building calls us to be in constant repair, or one day we may look like this cement ship! Such repair work is faithful stewardship; as leaving a faithful sanctuary is what we can offer folks now and in the future. But, I don't believe we can just simply "be". While our building causes some of our ministry to be stationary, we, as people, can move out from there, and come back on occasion for renewal and growth. Both going back and doing, and coming back and renewing are important elements of ministry.

So the anxiety part. When I turned to walk back to my car, I noticed this stairway...perhaps to heaven, but more likely simply to the top. But, from this angle, one cannot see to the top. If one can't see to the top, does one start out anyway searching for adventure? Or think it too risky even to try? Sometimes standing too closely to a situation can impair our vision for the possibility. So, in order to see more clearly, I had to move away... and ended up getting the picture below. What I would have missed by not stepping back -- I would have missed the bigger picture! Just like if I hadn't gone closer to that ship, I might have missed that insight as well. Because, honestly, I thought at first sight, that ship was actually the remains of the pier.

So, by using the Spiritual Disciplines from this summer, I was able to remind myself that ministry is an adventure, not a destination; our church ministry is about preserving AND creating, remembering and pondering the possibilities.

There were lots of people fishing on that pier as I went toward that ship. That in itself is a wonderful concept, isn't it? Creativity involves the reality that God, not we ourselves, is the one who nudges us to be about the doing. And the doing comes in many shapes and sizes; praying, learning, seeing, listening, trying, failing, succeeding, moving out and doing, and resting as well.

As the Autumn begins, we at the United Methodist Church in Merced will be about all of that, and more! We're inviting people to participate in Small Groups, and we challenge one another to be witnesses of God's Spirit in this day and in the many days to come. We're about being the hands and feet, the ears and eyes, the voice of the living Christ; we are called to remember that Jesus is in our midst. How much more fun can we have than that?!

And, by the way, this is the reward I received when I looked another way....who knew flowers could grow in the sand? But they do, which reminds me that even with shifting sand, roots can grow deeply. We're not sunk yet. We might not even be stuck yet; only a little anxious, because we can't see clearly what lies ahead, because it might be a blur, or out of sight.

But if we trust, God and one another, imagine the possibilities!

What say you?

ooh la la -- may in paris, versailles, england and merced

ok, so there is a story about this picture, but you'll have to read it at the end of this posting....

by now i am home, but the memories of this past week-end linger. this first trip to europe was wonderful! i can't even begin to share, and certainly my pictures do not do justice.

but, of course, trips are about experiences, and the pictures bring those memories back, no matter the focus (or lack-there-of).

when in paris...eat at a cafe for hours...stay up until the sun goes down at 10pm, and then walk down the seine to the eiffel tower.

watch the sun set, and walk around the neighborhoods ... all 20 of them, but not at the same time.

you can't possibly go anywhere in paris without seeing a fountain or a church. this catholic country celebrates its religious holidays. i was here during the pentecost week-end -- and the french take monday off to celebrate! sundays are days not to work, so other than tourist shops, most of paris is closed except, of course, for the cafes. but no shopping; spend time in the parks, the fountains...or take a trip to the louvre...you could spend your entire life in the louvre; like the ever-ready-battery (i went through 8, taking 1879 pictures) the artwork just keeps going and going.

so take a picture or hundreds on the trip. experience notre-dame (more about that later), and take pictures with people in them because you'll never get the 'perfect picture' without people! public transportation is wonderful, and walking is not to be beat!

and, of course, art is everywhere.

so then take a trip to the 'gold capital'; the estate of versailles. louis the 13th and 14th loved grand; maybe the 17th century was the time; i'm not sure. but what i do know is that the stone steps that you take from place to place are 'impressed' by the people who have traveled the paths before you.

did i mention the gold? or the vastness? the fountains are turned on for special occasions ... i guess i wasn't enough of an occasion, but that's ok. use your imagination, and listen for the music that are in the gardens.

a couple from new york brought a picnic lunch to celebrate a birthday in the gardens. marie-antoinette would have been so upset to know that they were actually eating cake in her gardens....

unless you've been there, you just can't imagine that the gardens go beyond where the eyes can see.

but i thought of our prayer team while i was there, because walking is a spiritual experience, i really believe! actually, one strolls in europe; no one seems to be in a rush, unless, of course, you are on the tube or the underground or the metro or the train ... then it is just like any other city ... MOVE! but here in versailles, take your time.

then go to celebrate notre-dame to celebrate pentecost in french; i told shinya, who drove me home from the fresno airport, that the experience of mass was like being a peasant during the middle ages, when only the 'rich and learned' got seats, and the 'other of us' stood to listen on the edge -- but when the bells rang, the bread and the wine turned into christ -- and they knew! the music, the languages, the choirs, the experience made pentecost a truly holy experience for me.


so, at night, people still gather ... i wonder if we can experience that in merced...

so i found something red in paris to wear on pentecost, on this wonderfully beautiful sunny and warm day. just to let you know, i had only a half-day of rain in london, but flew home to rain...what's up with that, not that i'm complaining to remember my baptism....

so after a life-changing worship, why not take the nearly 500 (omygod!) steps up to see what paris looks like from god's point of view...and this is what i saw.

what an experience...

so what does one do after worship? stroll the 'mall' that leads to arc de triomphe. this is a special week-end, and the walk is covered with flowers, plants and trees; a beautiful display that was put together overnight -- so hard to believe -- and on monday, the community is invited to come and take something home ... trees, flowering plants, greens, vegies. what an experience.






so, i didn't walk up either of the 'must sees', but simply to stand in their presence is an experience! just don't try to walk across this round-about.

sunday in paris; popular wedding days. so why not take pictures in your wedding dress around pieces of art. don't mind the crowds; they love happy times....

this is the oldest cafe in paris. it resides on the second floor -- or what we would call the second floor. it is actually on the first floor, because the ground floor is actually counted as it's own floor. just a piece of trivia for you...

the train trip back on the euro-star riding the chunnel was a nice way to go. so relaxing, and i had a section to myself -- so i put my aching feet up; grand! tea time, again; and they bring the food to you on the train!

time is drawing to a close -- o no! so take a trip to the places i haven't been yet ... head to the national gallery for the latest art piece; this piece has actually been shared this week-end in trafalgar square; everyone gathers there.

the picture that you saw at the top of this post, was actually placed here, originally, but, somehow, it moved to the top. if that is the worst experience i had on my trip -- i.e. my pictures moving around -- then i feel fortunate. i had very little trouble on my travels. thank you for your prayers, your care and support, and the gift of god that allowed this opportunity for me....

so, what does one do on the last night in london? well, go to a pub -- but not just any pub -- dine with sherlock holmes! walk the streets again to soak up the beautiful weather; stroll the thames, and then take in a show. i could have gone to one of at least two dozen shows -- including mouse trap, the london legend that has been playing there for 58 years! -- but i chose to go to see billy elliot, a wonderfully energy-filled 3 hour show, filled with wonderfully talented children! the story takes place during the coal-miners strikes of england, and traces the experience of a young boy who is encouraged to make more of his life than living in a dying mining town. he ends up going to the national ballet school. heartwarming, and a wonderfully moving conclusion to a wonderfully moving trip. i think john wesley would have been someone who encouraged billy to listen to that still quiet voice of god.

we all need to be listening to that quiet and sometimes not quiet voice of god. as jesus would say, go and do likewise. so plan a trip...experience the world -- wesley's parish -- and be kind to one another. make a difference; this will make all the difference in the world....merci; cheers! thanks for sharing in this blog. i hope you've enjoyed it. i certainly have....

just to let you know i made it safely to paris! all is fine! i should have studied harder, barbara, but you tutoring was wonderful! thank you! pictures another time. promise. blessings, pj

the wesley days in london; our last day....

the word for today is aldersgate; the experience where both wesley's have their hearts strangely warmed. we begin, howbut ever, with the 'bust' collection. there is so much wesley 'stuff' that i can hardly believe. but i thought these to the left were great!

a small known fact is that john wesley was carved in marble to be included in westminster abbey -- and yes, big ben does sound like the abbey chimes! anyway, when the carving was done, it was declined. another memorial has sense been included there. much of england appreicates john and charles wesley.

john does share this in his journal: my temper for the rest of the day was, mistrust of my own great, but before unknown, weakness. I saw that by faith I stoood; by the continual support of faith, which kept me from falling, though of myself I am ever sinking into sin. I went to bed still sensible of my own weakness, I humbly hope to be more and more so, yet confident of Christ's protection.

we truly walked the streets of london; of course, one can't go to england without a little shirlock holms.... and i must share with you that emma thompson was in town and walked right past us after we visited charles wesley grave. isn't it amazing that we can be so excited to see a 'star'? what a hoot!

part of the morning was spent learning about the hide street methodist church; this church was made up of many slave holders, in a very poor spot of london; the wesley's came there to preach, and to remind those who had slaves to change their ways.

this is the current building of the wesley chapel. the welsh pastor, who is also a lord and busy in government, shared about suzanna being burried in their gravesite, and how this was the building that was built after the work of ministry at the foundry; it is the center of ministry, and this is where a reminder to work with the poor, the infirmed, the children with their education, social services and even loans were provided. ministry to those on death row as well. our wesley ministry isn't a social gospel, but the gospel of jesus christ being proclaimed. we don't support, we do!

here is the memorial to suzanna wesley. she always wanted to be buried in the anglican church property, but it was not to be.

among other things that we saw today was the remaining wall of the city, below. parts of england are right next to existing property that is being developed or has already become a "place to read about". lots of those readings are around the city.

for instance, the placque below is really suppose to be charles wesley's aldersgate experience, but it didn't upload onto this site, and i can't figure out how to get rid of it. so, needless to say, this is actually the marker we think is charles wesley's conversion experience. this younger brother continued to let john take all the glory, and you'll see the difference in a few moments....

within john wesley's home next to the foundrey and wesley chapel, is what remains of a life that influenced england and the world. this is john's death bed -- famous because it is his belief until the end, that god is with us! the heavenly banquet was something we prepared for here, and mixing ministering to everyone was what life was all about.


this is john's marker for death, in the backyard of the church. american methodism helped to provide the means to preserve this history.

to the right is the marker about john's aldersgate/conversion experience. it rests outside a london museum. we sang 'and can it be' as we stood taking pictures. it was a moving experience -- in harmony, no less!
so many things; you just had to be here; i hope this little bit of information has been helpful.

we finished our day before heading back on the train line, and tube/underground -- which had some trouble today -- so that we could dine and finish our pilgrimage with the eucharist at st. katharine's where we are staying.

so, by now, you have probably recognized st. paul's cathedral. we celebrated evensong there at 5 pm. evensong is a service that celebrates the incarnation of god in christ, as experienced by mary. no pictures are allowed in here, so you only get outside pictures. some have asked about westminster and st. paul's. westminster is really the royal chapel that serves as the place to have regal ceremonies; the clergy are hand-picked by the queen -- she never did have tea with me; high or otherwise!

but doesn't this bring to mind mary poppins? many believe this could have been the concept for that famous scene where the woman is singing 'feed the birds, tuppins a bag...' as the banking industry is in this area.




and this is the remarkable picture of st. paul's from the neighborhood; notice how in england, the buildings are modern and classical. remember that wwii experience where domed buildings were not bombed?

well, back in london i forgot to tell you that during wwii, the wesley center and the undergound tube stations became air-raid shelters. at the center, the people didn't want to go home because of the connections people made over the years they slept together in the shelter --- hum... that doesn't sound right, but you know, i hope, what i mean.

when london was re-built, the "old style buildings were not

re-created. it gives london and england that old world charm, and the cutting edge newness!

we completed our evening with the eucharist in st. katherine's chapel; this icon is something that spoke to me, so i captured this icon to share.

please keep people on this trip in your prayers. traveling begins early morning tomorrow; some are even getting up at 2:30 am to train over to the airport.

i, however, will sleep in and be ready to catch my train to PARIS!!!

thank you for coming on this journey with me. may god move your heart and inspire your efforts to be in mission to the care of those around you and beyond. prayers were lifted up today for the struggles in korea. our world is so small...when will we learn to care ... enought?

bless you on your journey. and, hey merced! i'm coming back! let the spirit move us in the ways of christ! love, pj

our first (my second trip) day in london....

greetings! just a quick note to let you know we made it safely to the methodist center in london safely. all is well. the above picture is john wesley. this center survived wwii. it was saved because the germans bombed london but left any dome structure alone. soa good thing, really! see blue-grey domed building below. what a fast paced city; not like the 'take your time -- no worries of the country.

the houses of parliment were meeting today, and overtook the methodist center. so we didn't get to see the meeting hosue, per say; just a little look-see. it is home to many international speakers, and was the birthplace of the u.n.

as i said, the houses of parlament was meeting, and so lots of security. isn't this a grand piece of history to the right?

communion at the abby above was just great. no pictures allowed, however. so after a lecture and a tour of the methodist center, we came to our resting place here in london.

some facts: in british methodism, there are 5400 churches with 240,000 in worship each week. they have too many clergy; just like us. they are going thru a 'rethink church process' move at the moment. it is called 'fresh expression'. they vision that we had biblical pioners, foll0wed by permission givers, preservers, protesters, and peole of peace.

'

dinner was on our own;a pastor named donna and i went to trafalgar square --note the horses-- and a nice walk to the "i" and back; the british museum was closed; they had changed their hours... boo hoo. so a walk to a pub for dinner; great food at reasonable prices. and then a walk to picciadilly circle -- note the horses. then on the tube and train back to st. catherines. a good night.

but i am tired, so off to bed. wesley chapel in the morning...sleep tight...love, jay

last day in salisbury, but busy, busy, busy....

before i begin my blog this evening, i wish to ask for prayers for susan walsh and her family; i received word that susan's mother is in the hospital. thank you for keeping this family in your prayers for care and with loving support. the candle above (left) is the amnesty candle that is lit in rememberance of those held in captivity. captivity can be a very broad term, and is just a beautiful candle from the salisbury cathedral...

one of the pictures that downloaded today from my camera was this picture to the right top; it is from sunday! susan and kris have found a place for coffee and sweet yummy's, before they head into church. sometimes tea time needs more of a kick!

our day began this morning with worship at the cathedral. i just can't imagine, but the front chapel was full for a 7:30 am service. following breakfast, we explored the topic 'what i wish i had learned in my early years of ministry'. we broke into small groups of provisional clergy, 'seasoned' clergy, and laity; and it was quite interesting: things suggested for the years ahead include the goodness of having covenant groups and mentors, the building up of trust and perhaps an intern year in seminary for the purpose of learning 'hands-on' ministry, sexism is still very present and needs to be addressed, and spiritual direction is a great tool for everyone.

following 'tea time', we shared our learnings so far; many days so far, we have broken into 6 small groups, for mutual support and accountablility. our presentations were to focus on what we are bringing home -- what is the story we tell about this experience? the learnings have been powerful! we will work on sharing the 'old story' in a new way, because the past has meaning, and is the basis of our faith. we are a tapestry of grace, whereby we must learn to be bold in our faith and develop strong ties through small groups, the wesleyan way of love means accountability and justice, communion and boundless love, holistic love and boundless sharing, sharing profound theology in a new way, as well as story telling of the wesleys themselves, including mama suzanna and even samuel and his herb garden.

our group shared cinquain poems; they are five line poems based on a counted structure, relating to the first line. these, remember, were based on our learnings. i will share mine with you:

heartbeat

perfected not

preach unconditional

today god makes this possible

loved shared

this is based on the concept that most of us have difficulty believing in the wesley concept of grace as a free gift from god; since we feel undeserving, we can't really believe deep down inside that we are forgiven and set free to live anew -- to love and serve god and our neighbors in all that we say and do. we tend to say, 'o no, i couldn't do that (whatever 'that' is); i'm not worthy (didn't moses say that? and peter? and lots of people in history?) so, my task when i return is to remind us that we actually are forgiven and free; a real people of grace! and that we've got work to do; because 'the church' isn't about us (i know this is hard to believe!) but about how we are the church to the world....

isn't this a great picture? o my aching feet! after our mid-day worship service (these words of charles wesley came from our journal for today: let us join our hearts and hands; help to gain our calling's hope; build we each the other up. god's blessing shall dispense, god shall crown this ordinance, meet in these appointed ways, nourish us with social grace....) we took a tour of the cathedral. among other things, we learned that this burried soul was important because his feet rest upon a lion. if the average you or me were burried there (and we can't be because this location is full!) our feet, if they were raised, would probably be placed upon a dog. {this, of course, made me think of the newly released 'alice in wonderland' movie; in that movie, the queen of hearts calls for a pig to use as her footstool; we might not even rate an animal at all -- economically speaking. i wonder what these poor animals must think! but, alas, i digress....}

the picture of satined glass to the left is the central focus of the cathedral. it was commissed (the 5th set of windows since this was built in 1258 -- 2 years before "they" believed the world was coming to an end). this building was built in 38 years (if i remember correctly!) the center window is jesus on the cross with mary (the honored saint) below the cross; so just take a few minutes to ponder this....

also to the left are four of the saints; lots of saints here. the third saint is st. francis.



and below is a british flag; very old, but part of the reminder that the church of england is very much a part of the country. the stained glass in the back are part of the 'lightening up' phase of this community; now the trend is moving back to color. humans enjoy change, even though we moan and complain, hu?

and below is the cloister, the public, outer area which is also part of the cemetary. there is one outside as well. but this is inside, and will eventually be opened to walk upon.

it has been a beautiful day here; we had a little free time to enjoy the market-place before evensong at the cathedral began at 5:30. so i had 'low tea' (well, it was a little more than tea time, and a little less that a full tea, called high tea). evensong is an opportunity for the organ, the boys and adult men's choirs to "show off" for the glory and praise of god. and it was beautiful. then we had a group picture, and a nice dinner. because i helped to lead a small group, i was given the book "mainline or methodist? rediscovering our evangelistic mission" by scott kisker. a little book that might be a good read for others as well.

after dinner we did a group thing....

ok, so you may be aware that the names nottingham and sherwood forest have a connection here in england; the wesley family may very well have had to pass through these areas as they traveled to and from epworth to oxford -- the northern part to the southern part of england.

anyway, guess what?! ok, quit guessing....we went to see robin hood! it was a great movie to see here in england, and is highly recommended. bloody, but then again, it is historical (ok, well, there actually was a king here in england....and many wars....)

so i leave you tonight (actually it is now in the am here), and i am off to go pack; no worries, i will sleep on the bus. while it is only about an hour and a half train ride to london, it will take us longer by coach to get there...have i told you about 'round-abouts'? it feels just like home, as we have them in merced, although they are less complicated in merced; it is a good thing i'm not driving....

cheerio! pj