Rolling off the FUMSDRL/HOF Board

Today was my last board call for the Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders (FUMSDRL), also known as Hearts on Fire (HOF).  You can learn more about this organization by clicking HERE and going to the website (which was recently updated).

My stint on the board started with a phone call (well, a couple of them) from Sue Magrath, one of the board members whom I've only met over the phone, over 6 years ago.  She asked if I would be willing to post things on their FB page from time to time.  That led to a conversation about being on the board and writing for the non-member newsletter, which I did for several years. My role changed after that to other areas as I continued to serve.

I have been on local boards and conference ones before, but never a national board.  Board meetings are done via phone, except a yearly face to face one.  Every other year, the face to face board meeting coincides with the retreat/gathering.

My very first board call was while I was at the 2 Year Bilingual Academy in July 2012.  I was in my room for that call, listening to the others talk.  At that time, they were voices only.  I could see pictures online, but I hadn't met them yet.  I would first meet the board members in 2013 at the summer face to face meeting in Buffalo, MN. (I missed the 2012 Gathering at Bon Secours because I was at the Academy.)

Buffalo, MN was my first time to MN, but not my last, as the retreat was held there the following year.  By meeting the board in person, I made deeper connections with folks that couldn't be made over the phone.  Those relationships, those connections have continued to be life giving.

Even those phone calls were life giving.  Space was held for prayer, for souls, not just for the work of the organization.  During those phone calls throughout the years, there was quiet time, prayer, native American flute playing, centering, poetry, and we covered business.  Over these past 6 1/2 years, both on the phone and in person, I have been held by this board, even as the members have changed over the years.

This board is one of the many communities that has given me life and sustained my life.  They have seen me through the Academy, through seminary, through my Provisional Elder and Elder in Full Connection journeys, through family things, through surgery, etc.

I thought rolling off the board would be easier for me.  I served my time.  Heck, I served OVER my time.  Yet, I am finding it a little difficult today, knowing that I am finished with this community in this capacity.

It's not a good-bye.  I know that.  I'm reflecting on the relationships that have been given to me over these 6 1/2 years, the fun, the fellowship, the spiritual growth.  My heart is full, to overflowing.

I am grateful that they gave a young newbie a chance 6 1/2 years ago, that I was able to write, help some with education ties, and the website.

Most of all, I am grateful for all it has given me.  I cannot begin to communicate how my life, my soul, has benefited from this board and from the organization.  Many other FUMSDRL/HOF connections whom I've met through SOULfeast, at retreats/gatherings, through the Academy have also been a part of speaking life into me and giving me life.  Many were on the board at one time or another.

If I were to try to write down every person's name, I'd undoubtedly leave someone out.  Some folks I may have only "met" on the phone and not in person.  Regardless, my life has been impacted.  I am grateful.

To those who served in the past, to those who serve currently, and to the one who left us too soon, Thank you.

Just because I'm off the board, it doesn't mean I'm out of FUMSDRL/HOF.  I will continue to be active on the FB page.  Click HERE to check it out.  I will keep up with the website (posted above).  I will stay in touch with folks.  I will attend the national retreats and gatherings as possible.  The next one is in 2020 in Arizona.

Debra

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A few pictures-- not in order.  I could post SO many more from the board retreats and places, but I won't.  I'm sorry that I don't have pictures of everybody through the years.

A "Jerry and Terry" sandwich.  Jerry Haas and Terry Hershey. Buffalo, MN. 2014 Retreat

Communion at the beach. 2017 board retreat, NC

Another view of communion at the beach, 2017 board retreat
Karen Moore, Cynthia Good

Karen Moore at 2013 board Retreat, Buffalo, MN

Greg Davis at 2013 board Retreat, Buffalo, MN

Scottie Brafford at 2015 board retreat, Houston, TX

2015 board picture, Houston, TX

2016 board picture, Houston, TX

Christ Is the Joy of Our Salvation-- Sunday sermon, Dec. 16

Yesterday was the 3rd Sunday in the Advent season, the "joy" Sunday.  I chose the Isaiah 12:2-6 passage that speaks of salvation.

The written sermon is always different from the given sermon.  That proves true yesterday.  You won't find Eeyore in written form in the transcript, but if you listen to the recorded link, you will find that Eeyore made it into yesterday's sermon.  I don't know how that happened.  Call it Holy Spirit nudgings or whatever you want.  I try to be open as I share, but sometimes even I question what I share.

I'm including a link to the opening song, "Gloria" by The Piano Guys.  That was a moving video and song.  The exhortation after the song to #sharethegift was encouraging too.

I saw a meme on Facebook earlier in Advent and quoted it last week in the sermon.  Early yesterday morning, I sent it to our tech guy at the one church I would be at and asked if he could put it on the screen.  He was able to do so and I shared it again this week. "The Advent journey: Hope becomes peace. Peace becomes joy. Joy becomes Love. Love becomes Christ." -Bobby Schuller.

Yesterday was a joyful Sunday.  Even though we had some folks missing for various reasons, there were others who made it in.  As the Sparks family lit the 3rd candle on the Advent wreath, my heart was warmed to see father surrounded by two daughters.  Family gathered to share God's love and to love one another.  Family that is chosen and family that is related by blood.

As the Advent season continues, may hope, peace, joy, and love continue to grow in each of us as we experience the love of God and the love of others and as we love God and love others.

Debra

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Recorded sermon at Flintstone UMC on December 16, 2018

“Christ Is the Joy of Our Salvation”

Isaiah 12:2-6 (CEB)

December 16, 2018 (3rd Sunday of Advent)

Flintstone UMC

Isaiah 12:2-6 (CEB)

²God is indeed my salvation;
    I will trust and won’t be afraid.
Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my shield;
    he has become my salvation.”

³ You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation.
⁴ And you will say on that day:
“Thank the Lord; call on God’s name;
    proclaim God’s deeds among the peoples;
    declare that God’s name is exalted.
⁵ Sing to the Lord, who has done glorious things;
    proclaim this throughout all the earth.”
⁶ Shout and sing for joy, city of Zion,
    because the holy one of Israel is great among you.

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THIS IS THE WORD OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD.

THANKS BE TO GOD.                      

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Today is the third Sunday of Advent, and we are focusing on the word “joy”. Notice how the light continues to grow on the Advent Wreath.

The joy candle is traditionally rose and today is also called “Gaudete” Sunday because the word in Latin means ‘rejoice’. 

As we continue the Advent season, today we focus on Christ being the joy of our salvation.  In today’s passage, we see the word “salvation” four times--  3x in verse 2 and 1x in verse 3—God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid.  Yah, the LORD, is my strength and my shield; he has become my salvation.” You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation.

(Yah is short for Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God.)

Today’s text is a song of celebration that offers praise, gives thanks, proclaims divine deeds, and anticipates what is coming. (Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 1, Rossetta Ross, 56)

Verse 2 is similar to Exodus 15:2, the song of celebration of Moses and the people after crossing the Red Sea.

Exodus 15:2-- The Lord is my strength and my power; he has become my salvation. This is my God, whom I will praise, the God of my ancestors, whom I will acclaim.

What that lets us know is that when people are set free from situations that hold them back, there is joy and celebration.

When you think of God as your salvation, as your strength, do you sense joy?

As we think about joy today and Christ being the joy of our salvation, what is bringing you joy this Advent season?

Have you been able to slow down enough to reflect on things to ask yourself some questions during the first weeks of Advent?  If not, let’s do that today.

Think back to the first and second week of Advent:  where do you experience hope?  Where have you felt peace?  Or, maybe the questions need to be:  Where do you need hope and peace?  Allow some time to reflect on these questions.

Now, we return to “joy”.  What is bringing you joy?  Or, where do you need joy?

If we quieten our spirits to hear the voice of God, we can listen to the answer. 

We find “joy” in other places in the Scripture:

Philippians 4:4—“Rejoice in God always; again I will say, Rejoice.”

Nehemiah 8:10—“The joy of the LORD is your strength.”

As we continue to journey through this Advent season toward the birth of Christ, we can experience joy in our decorations, baking, Christmas card writing, present wrapping, celebrations with friends and family, in our quiet times, etc.

As we celebrate the coming of Jesus and talk about the joy of Christ’s salvation, we are quick to note that joy is not that bubbly emotion of giddiness that overflows, but is more like the peace that passes understanding, flowing deeply underneath.  This is a time of year that can be very difficult for many who have lost loved ones, feel the financial crunch, deal with social expectations, etc. 

We come together to worship in spirit and truth, as we are, recognizing who we are and whose we are.  In that authenticity, we rejoice in our salvation, drawing strength for the journey.

Today’s hymn reminds us to share our experiences of God’s deliverance and to witness to our experiences of God’s grace.

As we share our faith experiences with another, we grow in our relationship with Christ and with one another.

This Wednesday we are having a family dinner, a time of food, fellowship, and singing after we eat.

I would also invite you to prayerfully consider preparing to answer these two questions for me for our December 30^th service: (1) What does God mean to you?  (2) What does this church mean to you?

If you are willing to allow me to video your responses, let me know and I will get as many done on Wednesday night as possible.

As we close today, I share this reading from Carlo Carletto on the coming of Christ:

“God presents himself to us little by little.  The whole story of salvation is the story of God who comes.

     It is always he who comes, even if he has not yet come in his fullness.  But there is indeed one unique moment in his coming; the others were only preparations and announcement.

     The hour of his coming is the Incarnation.

     The Incarnation brings the world his presence.  It is a presence so complete that it overshadows every presence before it.

     God is made human in Christ. God makes himself present to us with such a special presence, such an obvious presence, as to overthrow all the complicated calculations made about him in the past.” (A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants, 27-28)

May we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world as we await the coming of the Christ child.

 Amen.

Advent 2-- photo-a-day for week 2 of Advent

Last week was the 2nd week of Advent and week 2 of the Photo-A-Day challenge for Advent.  Most days I post on the day, but like last week, there is at least one day where you see a "yesterday's word was" instead of "today's word is".  Life happens.  That's okay.  I'm not doing this to keep up with anything or anyone.  I'm doing this to keep space open in my heart, mind, and soul for Advent, for the coming of Christ, for Christ now.

I don't know if the questions, the pictures, or the reflections are helpful for you.  If they are, that is wonderful.  If they are helping to keep or create space within you this Advent season, then that is an added gift.

May there be hope, peace, joy, and love on your journey,

Debra

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Today's word is #peace. Where do you find peace? Where do you need peace? What represents peace to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #peace. From top left, the peace mug, then a peace ornament on a wall, at a store, then today's bulletin cover, and then a lion. It was a huge stuffed lion in a store and it caused me to think about the lion and the lamb in the peaceable kingdom. The deep peace that passes understanding brings healing and wholeness. This is the peace I seek to know and share. #adventphoto#holstongap

Today's word is #justice. This Advent season, where do you see justice lived out? Where do you see it needed? What represents justice to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is justice. Though Micah 6:8 and Amos 5:24 speak to me of justice, as I prepare to minister in the Hispanic community this week, this verse from Isaiah speaks to me on many levels. #adventphoto#holstongap

Today's word is #gift. What does the word "gift" bring to mind? When you look around today, what represents "gift" to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #gift. There are many gifts for which I am grateful. One is the gift of music. To those who teach and direct, thank you. To those who spend hours learning, practicing, and honing the musical gifts and graces, thank you. Whatever the instrument, music a a gift, a language to the soul. These instruments were at the Hixson Middle school Winter concert last Thursday. It struck me how they were side by side, facing each other. I was quite a distance away, with a regular phone camera.#adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #reflection. As you reflect on today's word and go through this day, what comes to mind? What does this word represent to you? As you spend time in reflection this Advent season, what are you learning? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #reflection. The sunrise this morning caught my attention. As the light and colors bounced off the clouds, I took in the rich beauty. Clouds and sunrises cause me to reflect. This morning was a double gift. As I have reflected on the beauty to the start of this day, I am reminded to take in each moment as it comes and enjoy it for all it is.#adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #freedom. What does the word "freedom" bring to mind for you? Where do you experience freedom in your life, in your faith? Is there any where that you don't experience freedom? What does freedom mean to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #freedom. These wings are from New Bern, NC. We stopped for lunch on our way to the retreat center. Wings are a symbol of freedom to me. Flying produces a sense of freedom. For me, hanggliding offered me one of the freest experiences I have had. A butterfly's wings must first dry before it can fly. It may be free from the dark cocoon, but it isn't quite ready to take off. Is it still drying time (waiting) or is it time to fly? #adventphoto#holstongap

Today's word is #faithfulness. How have you experienced faithfulness this Advent season? What does "faithfulness" mean to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Yesterday's word was #faithfulness. I reflected all day and though I had faithfulness of a relationship in mind, someone who sticks by you, I didn't have the picture for the situation I was wanting to share, of a person who depicts faithfulness in life. Yet, here is Cliff. Ever faithful and counting on us to be faithful. Who are the faithful ones in your life? Where have you seen faithfulness lived out? #adventphoto#holstongap

Today's word is #wonder. What causes you to "wonder" this Advent season? How does this word come across to you today? What photograph best depicts "wonder" to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is wonder. As I approached the stop sign, a family of three was crossing the road. When I stopped, I could only see one. They are wandering and grazing. I realize they can be pests to gardens and cars at night, but they are beautiful. I often wonder what has become of wildlife as we have taken over their land, forcing them to live among us in neighborhoods. I wonder as I wander today.#adventphoto #holstongap

Advent 1-- the first week of photographs

I wasn't sure if I would have time to put together the Advent photo-a-day challenge calendar again this year, but I did.  I was able to get it together and the Advent Scripture reading plan.  I enjoy putting together materials that might help someone else in their spiritual practices.  I am using the Advent photo-a-day in my own Advent journey this year, along with an online course on Advent photography through BeADisciple.com.  It has been a while since I have taken or taught a class through them and I am enjoying being in an online environment for this Advent season to focus on photography as a spiritual practice.

In this post I will share the overall calendar, each day for this past week (with the questions and/or thoughts), and the pictures I posted (with the reflections).

What are you doing to help you reflect this Advent season?

Peace on your adventurous journey!

Debra
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Advent Photo-A-Day 2018

Today begins the Advent season and the Photo-A-Day challenge. It's an opportunity to reflect on the word and look around you to find something that depicts the word. Whether you simply reflect on the word, take a photo or find a photo, the main point is to open ourselves to Christ during this Advent season.

Today's word is #hope. What gives you hope? Where do you find/see hope?#adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #hope. I decided to post a collage. This morning's sunlight through the fog, a hanging of the greens service, and a hope mug that will become part of my Advent wreath-- all these and more have brought hope to me today as I reflect on Advent.#adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #wait. Advent is a season of waiting. Is there something specific for which you are waiting? What is it? Or, what does the word "wait" bring out in you? How do you react to it? As you reflect on today's word, what in your surroundings speak to you? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #wait. I came down to the river to reflect and walk a little. As I wait on the sunset, I reflect the beauty of the sky with the wispy clouds. I reflect on this full day. I am grateful. As I wait and watch, the clouds change formation. I wonder how my formation, like the clouds, continues to change in the wait. #wait #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #darkness. Darkness is an integral part of life, as is light. What does darkness mean for you? At different times, darkness will likely mean different things, such as difficulty and depression or rest and growth. If you are going through a 'dark night of the soul', it might be the former. If you are in a room void of light and trying to get a good sleep, it might be the second one. If you think of a seed in the dark soil of the earth, darkness relates to growth. What comes to mind for you when you think of today's word? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #darkness. There may be clouds covering the sky, but there is almost a heart in the middle of it all. Darkness allows for rest, calm, quiet, healing, and growth. It is not always a negative thing. #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #preparation. What preparations are you making this Advent season? What comes to mind as you reflect on this word today?#adventphoto #holstongap

Yesterday's word was #preparation. Nothing came to me during the day, though I reflected. This morning I went out side to see the sunrise and frost was on the car. I found a tiny scraper and got the defrost going, so the high schooler might get there on time. The scraper was the right tool that I needed, even though I didn't realize it was there to use. Sometimes we have tools and resources available to use, for our preparation, and we don't know of them until we look around and/or look inside. #adventphoto#holstongap

Today's word is #light. What does the word mean to you? What brings light into your life? How do you share light with others? When you think about light, what comes to mind? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #light. The sunrise brings not only light, but colors to the start of a day. I am reminded that the new day allows a fresh start. Light brightens. Light clarifies. Light reveals. The beauty of this light is that even if we can't see it, literally or metaphorically, the light continues to shine. There is light in each of us. May I allow the light in me to shine so that others can see. #adventphoto#holstongap

Today's word is #sign. What sign got your attention today? What does the word sign mean to/for you? Maybe for you it isn't a noun, but a verb today. What meaningful document has come into your path to sign? As you reflect on today's word, what comes to mind for you this Advent season? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #sign. I saw this sign this summer in front of a home in Greensboro, NC. I inquired about the sign and the home owner gave it to me. Their neighborhood had quite a few signs. I have since bought a bundle and sold them at cost. My thought is maybe we can place the signs and have a ripple effect of "love and acceptance". In today's world, it seems countercultural to need to let folks know that as individuals and communities we practice love rather than hate, yet it is a need. As the sign says, "love and acceptance practiced here". I don't get it perfectly right all the time, but forgiveness and grace fill in the gaps when I mess up. #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #ponder. What things do you "ponder"? What does this word bring up for you? As you reflect on this word today, what comes to mind? #adventphoto #holstongap

Today's word is #ponder. I gaze at this poinsettia, a flower named for a botanist who was an ambassador to Mexico. My pondering thoughts take me to this past Thursday when I struggled with some Spanish words in a store. The language I have been speaking for almost 40 years is rusty, due to lack of usage. I am looking forward to Wednesday and using it again, back at that same store as we set up a pop-up chapel on Virgin of Guadalupe day. Every time I become discouraged because I don't use Spanish as much as I would like, opportunities arise. As for forgetting words, I do that in English too. 😀 I don't know where things will lead, but Marcela Gándara's "un viaje largo" comes to mind. #adventphoto #holstongap