Women In Ministry Conference

I've got to fill you in on New York! It was such a great adventure - so much fun and freedom. I think I would really enjoy living in New York - you know, except that I would be homeless because I couldn't actually afford to live there. But that's beside the point.

Lest anyone think I just went there for the fun, I'll start with the conference of which most of you have never heard. This was the fourth annual Women in Ministry Conference, sponsored by Pepperdine & the Manhattan Church of Christ. When I heard about this gathering, I knew I had to go. I was so excited to be in the same room with other women who are serving Christ as leaders and pioneers in their congregations.

It ended up being about as eclectic of a group as you could put together from within the CoC. There were a lot of women who volunteer as organizers in ministry within their churches, elders' wives, children's ministers, education, involvement & small group ministers, theology students, professors, and full-time ministers from gender inclusive congregations. We heard speakers discuss how to discern God's calling for your life, self-care & mindfulness (contemplate the apple), & story telling. We had lunch with those from similar areas of ministry and did yoga together as a large group.

The highlight for me was our first night which was set up as a beat poet, open mic, coffee house theme. If the world was to have a "So You Think Your Church Has Talent" reality show, I have no doubt PUMP could hold its own. But I'm thinking the crown would go to Manhattan CoC. Holy smokes! Let's just say that the worship leader for the evening is on Broadway as Joanne from Rent (soon to be leaving to become the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot). Then there's the jazz singer...the interpretive dancer...the actress playing the woman at the well...Sick, I tell you. Those women have more talent than is fair!

It was an encouraging time that, of course, rocked my world a bit (can't we all use a good rocking sometimes?). Girlfriends, check it out next year. It will be at Pepperdine, near the time of the lectures.

More of the New York fun to come...

Dancing For the Lord

Last night our family attended Faith Quest Redux – a reunion for people who love and support the Labor Day gathering of Northwest teens. Never to disappoint, the worship team set the stage for the audience to be lifted into a state of holy worship.

It is not always easy as a parent to join in with the corporate worship experience (okay – it is always hard); but rather than lose heart and hide out for the next decade or so, Allan and I continue to expose ourselves and our children to environments that foster group worship. It is a challenging balance to do so without deterring others from their own chance to focus on praise, especially I imagine, in our church heritage, which tends to worship with a more reverent than enthusiastic style.

At Redux last night there came a time when the kids and I were behind the partition in the back of the room and began to do what comes most naturally to children when music is joyful and high volume – we danced. We spun, we waltzed, we leapt as we sang to the Lord. It was a sacrifice of praise that brought smiles to our faces, and, more importantly, I imagine to the Lord’s as well.

A good friend of mine comes from one of those more expressive church families. Where Church of Christ sings with amazing voice, her heritage uses a lot of body movement to pray and praise. I would love us to find comfort with both. I love the gift of singing that has been fostered in our church heritage; it would be a tremendous blessing for me if we were able to begin working the other muscles in these creative bodies we have been given for the glory of the Father.

And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.
2 Samuel 6: 14-15

Blessed Day

It was a good Sunday. My family, having gotten up and ready on time, was stress-free and even enjoyed breakfast together. Amazing gift, Lord. In our worship assembly, I found the mental and spiritual space to actually worship the Creator. Praise you, Lord. The children's program was funny, imaginative, and taught a great lesson for kids and adults alike. Discipline me, Lord. The kids praised loudly before Jesus. Bless you, Lord. In adult class we wrestled with what it means to store up treasure in heaven. Teach me, Lord. Our leadership team, with respectful and loving communication, dreamed and planned and debated what it means to be the church that God calls us to be. Show us, Lord. I am tired after a long day. But it's a good tired. The kind of tired that comes from exertion that really matters. Thank you, Lord.