 from the February 2008 issue of The Spire
InSPIREd Dear Friends, It took me a while, as is often the case, to figure out how drum circle participants know when to stop when they're playing together. It's fascinating to the new listener to hear several drummers, all playing different parts, blending together in an energizing, pulsating rhythm. Suddenly, without any apparent signal, everyone stops at the exact same moment. The question always asked is, "How did they do that?" The answer is something referred to as "the call." Drummers don't have directors, per se; rather, they have a leader. This leader, a member of the group, brings the session to a close by crisply playing a short pattern, known as – the call." The drummers, recognizing this as the signal to stop, all cease playing at the exact same moment – provided, of course, that they've been paying attention. We, as Christians, are asked to engage in spiritual practice during this holy season of Lent. Fasting, prayer, Bible study, etc. are all commendable exercises. Sadly, however, they usually go the way of New Year's resolutions within the first couple of days. Our intentions are good but our follow-through usually lacks. Why? Because we don't recognize the call or are not paying close enough attention to even hear it. If we did, we'd gladly engage ourselves in spiritual discipline. So listen intently, my friends, for the call of God in your spirit. Once heard, you will willingly do those things that will lift you from the ruts of bad habit, physical neglect, and spiritual mediocrity. Sincerely, Thoughts on working with youth Every week I spend an hour teaching Smithfield School to our group of teenagers. I work with Nathan Hart to prepare lessons, pray about each youth, think about how I will answer their questions, and generally try to be the best teacher I can be. Some weeks I think we will both admit we come better prepared than others. No matter how much time has been spent on preparation, I am never fully prepared, and for this I am eternally grateful. A few Sundays ago I took planning to a very ambitious level. We were going to have an honest conversation about faith: what it means to have faith, who we have faith in, and why we have faith. I should note at this point that discussion in our Smithfield School class does not follow the usual script of pulling answers out of kids who are there simply because their parents made them come. The youth of our church come to Smithfield School ready to delve deep into discussion. A typical Sunday in our classroom goes something like this.  The topic is introduced, usually with an accompanying verse from the Bible, although sometimes we save this for later to drive the point home. One youth generally comments on the topic in a tone that says, "I dare you to disagree with me," which means, of course, that someone has to disagree. The youth who disagrees usually does so in a noticeably louder voice while explaining his or her view. And so on and so forth with the necessary unrelated tangents coming in along the way. If you have walked by our classroom about a half hour into class, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Then somewhere in the chaos comes clarity. One member of the class who has been sitting back listening inevitably speaks up with such an astute comment that I lose the capacity to speak for a moment. A few Sundays ago, during our discussion on faith, that comment came from a boy sitting at the end of the table who had been silent for most of the class. We had just begun to discuss the difference between having faith in people and having faith in God. Several of the students were discussing whether or not God could lose faith in us. With all our bad choices, could God really still have faith in us? One argument was that God could lose faith in us and probably already has. After all, we've done some pretty bad stuff. The other argument followed a more cyclical path of the loving God -- God can't lose faith in us because God is God and loves us too much. And then out of the woodwork came Mr. Silence himself, "God can lose faith in us. He can do anything; he just chooses not to." Silence. I have to admit: I had never thought about it that way. Neither, it seemed, had anyone else in the class. Time-wise, the youth of Smithfield United Church of Christ do not occupy a large proportion of my week. We come together on Sundays for a time of faithful reflection. I come to teach them the best I can, but in the end, I always end up learning much more than I could ever teach. – Rebecca Flowers Brown Bag Book Club: Reading Judas  Judas: was he the greatest villain of all time or was he, after all, a loyal disciple of Jesus? Does God really approve of violent sacrifice? What makes Jesus laugh? All these questions and more are considered in the first selection chosen by Smithfield's lunchtime book club: Reading Judas: The Gospel of Judas and the Shaping of Christianity by Karen King and Elaine Pagels. Reading Judas, available from the Carnegie Library, Amazon.com, or neighborhood bookstores, is a discussion of the Gospel of Judas, a second-century text made public in 2006. The book club will be meeting to discuss Reading Judas on Monday, February 25, at 12:10 p.m. in the church library. Bring your lunch, and bring a friend! For those unable to meet on a weekday, we will also be claiming a table in the social hall during lunch after worship on Sunday, March 2. Come add your insights to our discussions. We look forward to having you join us. See the Education page for the schedule of Lenten "Spiritual Practices" opportunities for adults
Dear Friends, Magnificent! Beautifully crafted! A work of art! These are the words that came to mind upon seeing the Smithfield Welcome Center in the church entry way for the first time on Sunday, February 3.  How warming, how hospitable it is that first Sunday with the flowers, bowl of candies, and balloons. An "extravagant welcome," surely, with an attentive member of the hospitality team greeting worshippers, stamping parking tickets, answering questions, inviting early arrivals to enjoy a cup of coffee or other beverage in the Social Hall, and calling attention to the pamphlet rack with information about Smithfield Church and the United Church of Christ. Everything about it says to visitors, friends, and members alike, "We're so glad you've joined us for worship this morning." The kiosk fulfills one of the central action steps of the Extravagant Hospitality Ministry's strategic goal: Feature brochures in a visible place, such as a kiosk, with a staffed volunteer. I know you join with me in "exuberant" thanks to Regina Sewall, chairperson of this ministry, whose idea the center was, and to her husband Chuck who designed and created it with a loving attention to detail and a clear understanding of purpose. (Did you notice the inlaid ivory? These are the keys Doug Patterson salvaged from the piano destroyed in the January fire.) May the peace of God go with you, Peggy Neal  In the mailbox  January 9, 2008 Dear Reverend Patterson: Touching Families, Inc. [Giving Tree project] is very appreciative of the outpouring of gifts donated from the hearts of your members at Smithfield United Church of Christ. We thank everyone who worked diligently with the coordination of this event in making the project a success again! Our"Seasons of Giving Service Project" outreach mission continues to grow every year. Touching Families, Inc. was able to meet the needs of over 160 children and their families with the assistance of Smithfield United Church of Christ and other organizations. It was such a heartfelt vision to see communities and organizations working together to assist children and their families. Once again, we thank you for helping us to enrich the lives of children and families. Sincerely, P.S. My sincerest appreciation to Mr. Canning for his continuous help and support!
updated 3/4/08 |
From the President's Pen
– through you and me!