Friday Five: Weekend Edition

It’s been an interesting week for a variety of reasons. Some I can go into and some I will process and reflect on later in writing/blogging. But it was busy even though it was technically vacation. Which became a staycation. Andy did his staycation week which was filled with babies times, naps, a little coffee shop reading, and eating pretty well. But the heat has been BRUTAL and merciless. It puts Andy in a foul mood and usually I’m okay but I’m even starting to feel like the melting wicked witch from The Wizard of Oz (not the beautiful and intelligent Elphaba from Wicked. Not. At. All.) It’s making me feel pretty grumpy…and wicked.

Also not to mention that his week of relaxation started out with Ellis getting sprayed by a skunk and ending with his laptop motherboard frying out (he did get a new laptop). Needless to say, I think he was ready for the week to be done.

Besides seeking out air conditioned places I’ve sought out my feelings about the following mostly related to PCUSA and church ministry:

PCUSA just wrapped up it’s big convention – the General Assembly. Here’s a very easy summary. I’ve never been to one before and hope to in the future but with technology and social media there was a glimmering of a possibility of the experience.

Even from afar I shared in a big disappointment, which was the very close vote to not pursue divestment of 3 companies who have been complicit in the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Although the companies only get a tiny percentage of income in Israel these companies have not engaged in constructive dialogue with us and continue to be a part of non-peaceful pursuits concerning this area. The point is not economic boycott or opposition to Israel – it is about peaceful pursuits (and peace isnt always easy, simple, or without sine kind of struggle). It’s terribly disheartening to me that the body has chosen this route of lesser resistance by siding with profit instead of taking a stand for peace.

Likewise, the definition of marriage continues to divide and polarize, and bottom line, be a tool of the privileged to oppress others for the sake of a narrow ideal. What happened with Rev. Tara and her being forced to step down was another tragic indication of our lack of being able to embrace tension and differences within our body. I’d always prided myself in being a part of a denomination that was willing to step into the gray – and all its shades (no reference to the book because I haven’t read it) – but I’m feeling like it is less and less so.

BUT. I was incredibly inspired by the Youth and Young Adult Delegates. They are certainly a bright spot in the future, and continue to embody the prophetic and gracious reality of God’s kingdom.

Some thoughtful blogs that address and continue the conversations are here, here, here, and this just in from Katie, here.

And now that I have an official job doing college ministry in this town…thoughts are banging around in my head in terms of priorities this first year. The obvious one is developing community but what does that mean exactly and how and why should that happen more effectively in Christian community than say a fraternity/sorority or sports team? I feel there is a key in food and fellowship, and not just physical food and satiation but even the experience of hunger somehow. I’ve often thought about how the experience of table fellowship is made all the more poignant when there is a sense of shared hunger and struggle. It can’t all be shits and giggles, and grab-ass games…I wonder if people (and not just college-aged) want not only to be filled but to find a genuine space to confront their longing and questions.

Much more to come this week. Would love to hear thoughts about GA – if you know of any bloggers who’ve written something up no matter what “side” it would be helpful for me to read it!