This post is going to highlight a few special moments for me at Synod.
Seeing friends again - Quite possibly one of the greatest blessings about being able to go to GS was the fact that I was working, but also reconnecting with some old friends. I was able to spend some time with Pastor Darrell, and even got to see Esther for a few moments before worship on Thursday night. I was also able to reconnect with some global mission folk: Jay, Jhonny, and Duncan. I was able to reconnect with some of my other random friends with the RCA, like Stephanie and Claudette. I was also able to reconnect with April, a good friend who interned at Home Acres about 8 years ago... and I hadn't seen her since! Who would have thought that a business trip could be so filled with friends?
Iced coffee - Honestly, this was a super highlight for me. On either Saturday or Monday, I can't remember which one, I decided to sleep in and skip the whole "going to breakfast" thing. Besides (as you will read in the next section), I had granola bars and fruit galore. In the middle of every meeting, coffee and water would be brought in - and usually right before the first break in plenary. As this coffee arrived, I saw a jug with an unusual sign. On the days before, there had been "coffee," "water," "punch," and "tea"... but never saw this one before. This one should have been written in sparkles and lights and practically alive, because that's it would make me: sparkly, lit up and alive. It contained ICED COFFEE! Hallelujah! It was a good morning.
A trip to Walmart - This. I will probably never forget this.
First off - the trip that failed. I walked into town (I didn't rent a car) during the early Friday morning session. I was hoping to find a little mom-and-pop store in which I could purchase massive amounts of fruit and healthy snacks. After checking foursquare and wandering around for a bit, it appeared as though one didn't exist. Mind you, it was also around 8a. No one was really open yet and the town had yet to really start bustling (we're not in NYC anymore, Toto!) Finally, there were two people working in the park and I asked them. They told me that not too far away, there was a Fairway grocery store. I took off walking... and walking... and walking... and after over a half hour of walking in the direction the ladies had sent me, I realized that I would have never been able to carry a large amount of fruit back to the college... so I turned around. I ended up stopping at the Dollar General and loading up on granola bars, breakfast bars, and fruit snacks.
After telling one of my friends and mentor/boss/i'm not really sure what to call him, Jay, about the fact that I couldn't find any fruit within walking distance, he suggested Walmart. He assured me that it was within walking distance and even gave good directions about how to get there. Now, the following story may sound like a lot of complaining and I wish to assure you that this is nothing against Jay. His directions were completely accurate. April offered to travel with me and I'm so thankful she did. First of all, I may have mentioned somewhere that it was HOT in Pella, Iowa while we were there. Like, 90-100* hot. I also did not bring good walking shoes. I assumed I wouldn't be doing much walking for some reason and tennis shoes take up a lot of space in a suitcase. I brought 3 different pairs of flats (read: no sole) instead.
So, anyway, April and I headed out on Friday evening toward Walmart. There weren't any direct roads to Walmart, so we cut across grass and then a gravel road. Finally, after about a mile of gravel road, we reached pavement again. Another half mile, and there was the Walmart. I don't think neither April nor I had been so excited to see Walmart in our lives. :P Then came the fun part: buying about $50 worth of fresh fruits. Apples and oranges and bananas, oh my! We filled my purse with bananas and then carried bags of oranges and apples in the plastic bags... then headed on our way back to the campus.
That mile and a half back to Walmart was actually not so bad compared to the trip back to campus. We decided to stick to the sidewalks, so it was a little less direct. Then... we were carrying loads of fruit... in the heat... with bags breaking. It seemed like it lasted forever. However, we got back to the college and immediately decided that we were thankful we'd not have to do it again. We had gotten enough to last the entire time... as well as enough memories to smile for years to come!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
A Quick Note
Two things happened today that brought me to tears.
1) One of the day laborers brought me a tamale. A simple tamale to say "thank you." These guys don't have much and life is tough. All I try to do is make it a little nicer by putting coffee out. He thanked me with something so heartfelt and delicious, I couldn't help but sit and be humbled by it.
2) One of my co-workers stopped by to tell me his wife passed. They'd only recently gotten married (like only 2 or 3 weeks ago) and he was so excited and happy... and now he was finalizing all of the arrangements to bury his love. I cannot imagine his pain.
My work here is some of the easiest (just called to love people) and hardest (loving people means walking alongside them in difficult times) work I've known.
1) One of the day laborers brought me a tamale. A simple tamale to say "thank you." These guys don't have much and life is tough. All I try to do is make it a little nicer by putting coffee out. He thanked me with something so heartfelt and delicious, I couldn't help but sit and be humbled by it.
2) One of my co-workers stopped by to tell me his wife passed. They'd only recently gotten married (like only 2 or 3 weeks ago) and he was so excited and happy... and now he was finalizing all of the arrangements to bury his love. I cannot imagine his pain.
My work here is some of the easiest (just called to love people) and hardest (loving people means walking alongside them in difficult times) work I've known.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
RCA General Synod of 2013 - The Serious Stuff
This was a very serious business trip. I have to keep telling myself this. And really, it was. I was the face of Project Hospitality, which was one of the two organizations receiving funds from the offerings that were taken during the worship services. Those offerings totaled over $8000, so it was kind of a big deal that someone was there to represent.
As well, I have some interest in the going-ons of the RCA General Synod. I have been a member of the RCA for the last 8 years and have hopes of continuing to work and serve through the RCA in the future. Regardless of the fact that I was working, it was good to go and see the inner-workings of the body.
The Atmosphere -
The air surrounding this Synod was heated, both in a literal and figurative way.
In a literal way, it was hot hot hot in Iowa while we were there. With temps well into the 90s and no air conditioning in the fieldhouse, where the main sessions were all held, it's safe to say that everyone just got used to being sticky. I kept wanting to hug everyone that I hadn't seen in some years, but there was also the awkward moment when I had to tell them, "Sorry, i'm a little sticky" and they would respond back "so am I."... or vice versa. And yet, the president and other members would show up every day in a full suit coat.
In a figurative way, last way was more heated than this year ever became, but there was a lot of anxiety leading up to the Synod because of the way things were handled last year. Some of the same heated topics were coming up again this year (and will continue to come up for years to come) and it's safe to say that many were worried about the presence of grace and the presence of peace at this year's synod. I can't say I blame them. The workbook was filled with all kinds of intense stuff... and no one knew how it was going to go.
The Days - "The days were long and the nights were short" would be an understatement. Every morning, worship would begin at 8a, with plenary sessions beginning at 8:30a. If you wanted breakfast, you had to be there before 7:30a. Yes, waaay earlier than I enjoy being awake. It ended every night around 9:30/10p. If you can't do the math, no worries... I got you. That's up to 14 hours a day. Granted, they were broken up by some wonderful meals and even during the plenary sessions there were some breaks, but honestly, even with those mixed in, those are crazy long days. Days like Saturday and Sunday, which were filled with different opportunities (workshops and group discussions), were nice mostly because it gave a break from the sauna/fieldhouse, but also because it provided the opportunity to break out of the normal routine and wake people up a little bit :)
The Voting and Policies That Interested Me -
Conscious Clauses - This happened quick. In fact, I almost missed it. However, it was just a vote to say that the vote that happened last year was in order and all the other votes in various synods were done according to policy. When it was approved, the conscious clauses were removed. This paves the way and makes it easier for women to become ordained and called to a church.
Immigration Reform/Dream Act - One request was for churches to write their congresspeople and ask them to support immigration reform and the Dream Act. I was shocked when this one went through uncontested. I don't know if people just didn't know what that meant, or if they all just figured "yeah, write letters... that's fine if some people write letters, but we won't." I hope they follow through. However, I do know that my previous church never wrote ANY political letters. There may be a separation of church and state, meaning they cannot be connected through power, but the church can still advocate and speak out as a body. In my opinion, using that "separation of church and state" is an excuse for laziness.
Anti-Violence - As often happens, very timely topics were brought up as well. This list does not include white privilege, which to me is a shameful thing to bring up because it should have been brought up YEARS ago. We at the RCA have finally addressed white privilege... in 2013. Anyway, I'm not going to talk about my disappointment in that.
One very timely topic was gun violence. There was a bit of debate about that, as you could imagine, what with that second amendment and all. Thankfully, when it passed, it passed that RCA would take a stance against ALL violence (the word "gun" was stricken from the phrase). This was a great change and a way for us to pursue peace just as Christ did.
Homosexuality/Repairing what happened last year - Ufta. This was a huge thing on everyone's hearts and minds going into synod. Last year's synod was... well... ugly at times. Watching it happen online was enough to make my heart hurt, especially for those present enduring the anger and frustrations. There was a great debate last year about whether or not homosexuality is considered to be a sin in God's eyes. To me, in my humble opinion, the only thing that was debated was the definition of sin through human eyes. One of the things voted on at synod this year, was to find the decision of last year's synod unconstitutional. For me, this was a very good moment at synod.
Global Mission Report - The first thing to note was the timing of this. It was Friday night. It was late (after dinner). It was hot. It had been a long, hot day and really, all anybody wanted was to sit in an air conditioned space with an ice cold drink in their hands... and yet, we were in the fieldhouse, listening to reports, not really voting on much... and the water ran out. I have this strange feeling that this would have been much better enjoyed in a different location... and if there was something worth moving into the air conditioning, this was it.
The second thing to note was my emotions surrounding this portion of the event. In this time, there were reports from current missionaries, as well as a chance to honor those who were "retiring." Now, I only spent a year away in Hungary, but I am currently in a second opportunity to serve. It may not be abroad, but it's far enough away to get it. I know what it is to live and work far away from loved ones, in another culture, in a land that most people can't find on a map. The loneliness, the desire to good but not always see the fruit, the feeling of uselessness when you can't really communicate... I know it. So, to hear missionaries honored pulls at my heart's strings... ALL of them.
The third thing to note was the new campaign by RCA Global Mission. Check out the new One For the World video. It's exciting!
Integrity vs. Room For All - When I first decided to write this blog, this was one area that I really wasn't sure I wanted to discuss, but yet... I kept coming back to it. There are two important factions growing within the RCA. Think of them like political parties, so to speak. I'm still learning about both of them, so forgive me if I misquote anything. I'm also going to try really hard to give a non-biased view of them, although we all know that I have my opinions... but I'm hoping to more educate people instead of persuade them to my point of view.
RCAi (RCA Integrity) is a group of churches, pastors and elders that formed due to worries that the foundation of the RCA beliefs was crumbling. I tried to do a little research, but aside from a whole lotta rfa bashing, that was all I could really find on the RCAi website and facebook page. In an attempt to keep things non-biased, I was hoping to learn more from some friends, so stay tuned because if we're able to connect, I WILL update you. I promise.
rfa (Room For All) is a group of churches, pastors, and church members that formed for one purpose: the full inclusion of LGBT in the Reformed Church of America. This means acceptance, membership, deacons, elders, pastors, etc. They are starting with aware about inclusion into the church family. They have been putting together resources for pastors involving care for LGBT people and, with the rise in number of states legalizing homosexual marriage, they have published resources for pastors about their role in these decisions. I haven't personally checked any of them out, but they were created by and for RCA pastors, so if you are looking for resources, I would recommend checking it out.
The Fighting - There were definitely moments for which everyone braced themselves. People disagree. People interpret (not just the Bible, but also others) differently. It never really got out of hand, though. My favorite quote (side note: I do not agree with this statement, but by "favorite" I mean that it's the one thing I remember most because I didn't think that people still thought this way) was "Homosexuality is a sin... just like alcoholism and divorce!"
Grace and Peace - Through everything, there was a great amount of grace shown and peace abounded. In fact, even when things heated up, a sincere public apology (as well as a private one) was made and grace was again shown from the podium. For this, I was proud to be a member of the Reformed Church of America.
As well, I have some interest in the going-ons of the RCA General Synod. I have been a member of the RCA for the last 8 years and have hopes of continuing to work and serve through the RCA in the future. Regardless of the fact that I was working, it was good to go and see the inner-workings of the body.
The Atmosphere -
The air surrounding this Synod was heated, both in a literal and figurative way.
In a literal way, it was hot hot hot in Iowa while we were there. With temps well into the 90s and no air conditioning in the fieldhouse, where the main sessions were all held, it's safe to say that everyone just got used to being sticky. I kept wanting to hug everyone that I hadn't seen in some years, but there was also the awkward moment when I had to tell them, "Sorry, i'm a little sticky" and they would respond back "so am I."... or vice versa. And yet, the president and other members would show up every day in a full suit coat.
In a figurative way, last way was more heated than this year ever became, but there was a lot of anxiety leading up to the Synod because of the way things were handled last year. Some of the same heated topics were coming up again this year (and will continue to come up for years to come) and it's safe to say that many were worried about the presence of grace and the presence of peace at this year's synod. I can't say I blame them. The workbook was filled with all kinds of intense stuff... and no one knew how it was going to go.
The Days - "The days were long and the nights were short" would be an understatement. Every morning, worship would begin at 8a, with plenary sessions beginning at 8:30a. If you wanted breakfast, you had to be there before 7:30a. Yes, waaay earlier than I enjoy being awake. It ended every night around 9:30/10p. If you can't do the math, no worries... I got you. That's up to 14 hours a day. Granted, they were broken up by some wonderful meals and even during the plenary sessions there were some breaks, but honestly, even with those mixed in, those are crazy long days. Days like Saturday and Sunday, which were filled with different opportunities (workshops and group discussions), were nice mostly because it gave a break from the sauna/fieldhouse, but also because it provided the opportunity to break out of the normal routine and wake people up a little bit :)
The Voting and Policies That Interested Me -
Conscious Clauses - This happened quick. In fact, I almost missed it. However, it was just a vote to say that the vote that happened last year was in order and all the other votes in various synods were done according to policy. When it was approved, the conscious clauses were removed. This paves the way and makes it easier for women to become ordained and called to a church.
Immigration Reform/Dream Act - One request was for churches to write their congresspeople and ask them to support immigration reform and the Dream Act. I was shocked when this one went through uncontested. I don't know if people just didn't know what that meant, or if they all just figured "yeah, write letters... that's fine if some people write letters, but we won't." I hope they follow through. However, I do know that my previous church never wrote ANY political letters. There may be a separation of church and state, meaning they cannot be connected through power, but the church can still advocate and speak out as a body. In my opinion, using that "separation of church and state" is an excuse for laziness.
Anti-Violence - As often happens, very timely topics were brought up as well. This list does not include white privilege, which to me is a shameful thing to bring up because it should have been brought up YEARS ago. We at the RCA have finally addressed white privilege... in 2013. Anyway, I'm not going to talk about my disappointment in that.
One very timely topic was gun violence. There was a bit of debate about that, as you could imagine, what with that second amendment and all. Thankfully, when it passed, it passed that RCA would take a stance against ALL violence (the word "gun" was stricken from the phrase). This was a great change and a way for us to pursue peace just as Christ did.
Homosexuality/Repairing what happened last year - Ufta. This was a huge thing on everyone's hearts and minds going into synod. Last year's synod was... well... ugly at times. Watching it happen online was enough to make my heart hurt, especially for those present enduring the anger and frustrations. There was a great debate last year about whether or not homosexuality is considered to be a sin in God's eyes. To me, in my humble opinion, the only thing that was debated was the definition of sin through human eyes. One of the things voted on at synod this year, was to find the decision of last year's synod unconstitutional. For me, this was a very good moment at synod.
Global Mission Report - The first thing to note was the timing of this. It was Friday night. It was late (after dinner). It was hot. It had been a long, hot day and really, all anybody wanted was to sit in an air conditioned space with an ice cold drink in their hands... and yet, we were in the fieldhouse, listening to reports, not really voting on much... and the water ran out. I have this strange feeling that this would have been much better enjoyed in a different location... and if there was something worth moving into the air conditioning, this was it.
The second thing to note was my emotions surrounding this portion of the event. In this time, there were reports from current missionaries, as well as a chance to honor those who were "retiring." Now, I only spent a year away in Hungary, but I am currently in a second opportunity to serve. It may not be abroad, but it's far enough away to get it. I know what it is to live and work far away from loved ones, in another culture, in a land that most people can't find on a map. The loneliness, the desire to good but not always see the fruit, the feeling of uselessness when you can't really communicate... I know it. So, to hear missionaries honored pulls at my heart's strings... ALL of them.
The third thing to note was the new campaign by RCA Global Mission. Check out the new One For the World video. It's exciting!
Integrity vs. Room For All - When I first decided to write this blog, this was one area that I really wasn't sure I wanted to discuss, but yet... I kept coming back to it. There are two important factions growing within the RCA. Think of them like political parties, so to speak. I'm still learning about both of them, so forgive me if I misquote anything. I'm also going to try really hard to give a non-biased view of them, although we all know that I have my opinions... but I'm hoping to more educate people instead of persuade them to my point of view.
RCAi (RCA Integrity) is a group of churches, pastors and elders that formed due to worries that the foundation of the RCA beliefs was crumbling. I tried to do a little research, but aside from a whole lotta rfa bashing, that was all I could really find on the RCAi website and facebook page. In an attempt to keep things non-biased, I was hoping to learn more from some friends, so stay tuned because if we're able to connect, I WILL update you. I promise.
rfa (Room For All) is a group of churches, pastors, and church members that formed for one purpose: the full inclusion of LGBT in the Reformed Church of America. This means acceptance, membership, deacons, elders, pastors, etc. They are starting with aware about inclusion into the church family. They have been putting together resources for pastors involving care for LGBT people and, with the rise in number of states legalizing homosexual marriage, they have published resources for pastors about their role in these decisions. I haven't personally checked any of them out, but they were created by and for RCA pastors, so if you are looking for resources, I would recommend checking it out.
The Fighting - There were definitely moments for which everyone braced themselves. People disagree. People interpret (not just the Bible, but also others) differently. It never really got out of hand, though. My favorite quote (side note: I do not agree with this statement, but by "favorite" I mean that it's the one thing I remember most because I didn't think that people still thought this way) was "Homosexuality is a sin... just like alcoholism and divorce!"
Grace and Peace - Through everything, there was a great amount of grace shown and peace abounded. In fact, even when things heated up, a sincere public apology (as well as a private one) was made and grace was again shown from the podium. For this, I was proud to be a member of the Reformed Church of America.
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