Prison Ministry

Enjoyed my prison ministry chat about a week ago with a congregation member who coordinates the Kairos Prison Ministry between 1st Pres. Las Cruces and local prisons (both male and female camps).  I appreciated the stories he told me and I hope to get involved in Kairos (or some other prison ministry) at some point in my ministry if God so desires.  When I asked him for advice on prison ministry, this is what I heard...great wisdom in these words!

·         Don’t pry with prisoners, especially don’t pry about their sentence and jail time

·         Good way to start: tell me about yourself (family, hobbies, past jobs, etc)

·         Build repore with the inmates first

·         Get familiar with the inmates, but not too familiar    

     * Ie-you can joke with them, but jokes may touch a soft spot you are not aware of, so be cautious

·         Be real with them, but not too personal

·         Bringing them cookies or another sign of love & fellowship is helpful & greatly appreciated

Matthew 25: 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. 34 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ 40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,[g] you did it to me.’ (biblegateway.com)

Praying today & every day for those in prison, especially for HB who has 30+ years to serve.  Please join me in praying...have you considered writing an inmate? Some helpful websites:http://www.writeaprisoner.com/
http://www.inmate-connection.com/
http://www.dc.state.fl.us/oth/inmates/writing.html

Prayer Warriors

Boy, was I touched this morning by sitting down for a few minutes with a couple of ladies (FPC church members) that faithfully come to FPC every Tuesday morning to pray.  They have invited me in the past to join them, but today I made it a point to stick my head in, even if just for five minutes.  Well, I stayed about 15 minutes, and it's been the best 15 minutes of my day, and I'd dare say of the past week.

What a witness these two women of the faith were to me this morning, and what a needed spiritual breather it was for me.  The fact that they devote themselves to coming out of the comforts of their homes, their beds, their space, to pray for the church, the community, and the world, is beyond touching.  How many of us would devote 1-2 HOURS (yes, hours, people) to prayer weekly?  What would our lives be like if we did? Something to chew on for this week...

As I write and reflect simultaneously, I realize what a gift these brief moments of fellowship and prayer really were for me.  I spoke with one of my pastoral supervisors this morning about the difference between leading worship (and faith-based studies/activities) and being a participant in worship and the life of the church.  It is really hitting me now that I only have 1 year left in seminary that I will no longer be a church member sitting in the pew.  I will be the pastor (or one of them, I pray) leading the flock, guiding the congregants in worship, providing pastoral care, and building others up spiritually through the work of the Holy Spirit.  Who will guide me?  Who will watch out for my spiritual well being?  Where will I go to worship or how will I experience worship/praising God myself when I am the one leading, focusing on what I say, how I say it, and worrying if it reaches the people in the pews.

As I move forward in my call and pastoral journey, I pray that God will give me more mornings like this morning where God literally says to me, "Erin, my daughter, stop.  Stop whatever you're doing, planning; put your to-do list aside and come to me.  Talk to me."  I'm so thankful I heeded the nudge of the Holy Spirit this morning and took a time-out to talk to my Living God in the fellowship of two prayer warriors.  I was also joyfully reminded of a dear family friend from Bedford Presby. Church, Joyce Abbott (as we knew her), who I always think of when I think of faithful prayer warriors, people who really will pray for you when they say they will.  She has been a true example to me (and many others I know) of a devoted follower of God who takes everything to God in prayer.  Thank you, Joyce, and FPC prayer ladies.  You are a powerful witness to me!

God's Girls

What a joy it is to spend time in fellowship and theological reflection with God’s Girls, a weekly mentor/fellowship group I've created for Middle & High School girls in the church.  Over just a few short weeks, I have the joy of witnessing the girls bonding with each other and reaching out to one another in love and support.  I also feel a stronger bond with them and feel that I am an important part of their lives for this summer (and God willing, for the future, even when I physically leave this congregation). 

For last week's event, I chose some healthy summer recipes (from Seventeen Magazine, surprisingly enough!) for us to prepare together for 'cooking class.'  One of my goals with God’s Girls is to introduce them and/or encourage them to live healthy lifestyles.  As a former teenager myself, I know what it is like to struggle with self-esteem, culture's view of 'a perfect body,' and knowing I didn't fit in that description.  I also remember what it was like to be an overweight teen; thankfully with my family and God's help, I overcame my bad eating habits and would like to help other teens in need, if the Spirit allows.  The girls loved the recipes (even the humus wrap, which I was skeptical about!) and I plan to pass the recipe cards out at our next meeting so they can prepare them at home for their families and friends. 

Yet, the most beautiful part of the day was when we discussed the book we’re reading (another goal of God’s Girls-literacy), The Skin I’m In.  The book deals with topics of self-acceptance/self-love, bullying, racial conflicts, judgment, self-esteem, friendships, peer pressure, romantic relationships, family issues, literacy, etc.  The 6 girls in attendance this week seemed to be getting into the book and really connected with the issues the book addresses so wonderfully.  Several of the girls opened up and shared their own personal experiences of bullying, peer pressure, and more.  For privacy reasons, I will not hint at what the girls shared, but let's just say it included very deep disclosures; their vulnerability was moving.  I was so grateful that the girls felt safe enough in our space to open up and share their painful experiences.  May God continue to work through our conversations and time of fellowship.  May these lovely young ladies of God feel safe and loved so that they may share the cries of their hearts with their peers and mentor.  

Sermon Writing....I'm exhausted!

         I preached in Spanish on Sunday, June 9.  This was be my first time preaching to an all immigrant congregation, and an all Spanish-speaking one at that.  My first Spanish sermon is quite a landmark on my personal, professional, and spiritual journey. 

        A few things I discovered last week: it is soooo hard to write a sermon in one’s second language!! Yikes!  Now I may understand a bit better how difficult it is for 2^nd language speaker & writer to compose a written document, paper, letter, etc. in Spanish!  It takes so much brain power to write in a second language that after even just 30 minutes of sermon-writing in Spanish, I was mentally exhausted!  But what a great exercise this is for me! 

        Another part of my pastoral identity I’m starting to embrace with more open arms than arms crossed over my chest in self-defense….(drum roll please)…sermon writing!  It’s actually kinda nice doing the deep digging into the text.  It’s a fabulous spirit discipline that I wish I made time for more often.  Maybe that will become a weekly goal of mine, just to spend 30 min-1 hour with a scripture passage, making notes, questions, comments, reading commentaries, etc.  Just to learn more & grow closer to God!  I enjoy preparing what God puts on my heart to share with the congregation, a particular part of the body of Christ who needs a specific word from the Triune God.

More to come on how the sermon went!

Clergy...Say What?!

          Early in the work week I was honored to be invited to attend the Interfaith Immigration Reform Prayer Service at a local Catholic Church.  Rev. Hawkins was attending on behalf of FPC/La Iglesia Del Pueblo.  Not only was I invited, but I was invited to attend as clergy and wear a stole or vestment!  Yikes!  My first thought was, “I’m not clergy yet…I can’t do that!”  However, I happened to be with Rev. Hawkins when he spoke to the coordinator of the event…he mentioned the congregation’s seminary intern (that’s me!) would be attending and she warmly invited me to attend and wear a vestment or stole as I am in the process for ordination.  So, I decided to embrace my clergy role (that is what this summer internship is about after all, right?) and go with it.  So I borrowed one of Rev. Story’s stoles (which happened to be from Guatemala) and wore it proudly.

            Man, was I glad I decided to wear that stole!  As I wore it, I became more and more comfortable with the idea of me as real, live clergy.  One day, God willing, I will be ordained and will wear a robe and stole regularly.  It will become a part of my weekly Sunday wardrobe.  But the main reason I was glad I wore it is because when we arrived at the prayer service (in a local Catholic church, remember), I was one of only three women clergy there!  I was shocked!  I’ve been in the Bible Belt most of my life, which means that I see lots of pastors, male and female alike.  And yes, some Bible Belt people have problems with female clergy, but it hasn’t been a big issue yet in my life.  However, at this moment, when I’m nearing my ordained life and profession, I felt small and insignificant in comparison to all of the clergy men, some dressed from head to toe in their vestments and clergy garb. 

I felt very out of place but decided to passionately embrace my clergy responsibility.  As one of the service coordinators showed Rev. Hawkins and me to where we would be seated after the clergy processional, she turned to me and said, “Don’t worry, there will be other female clergy here soon.”  I immediately responded, “I’m not worried.  I’m proud to be a female clergy.”  My response actually shocked me.  Where did that come from?  I never would have expected myself to respond so quickly and affirmatively that I was indeed clergy (still in training, but clergy mind you). 

        After the event, I realized that I have indeed watered down the seminary call at times and the future clergy role.  Often times when peers ask me what I’m doing, I’ll say that I’m in graduate school studying to work with inner-city kids.  This is indeed true, but it’s also sugar-coating it and taking the spot-light off of the preacher role.  When dating, I rarely ever tell the guy at first what I’m really in grad school for…that’s third or fourth date material!  =)  But this experience at the prayer service made me realize that it is far time I truly embrace and live out my clergy role.  I know without a doubt in the depths of my heart and soul that this is what God has called me to do…to serve the world in ministry and love as an ordained minister.  I’m claiming it; I’m owning it.  I’m shouting it loud and proud from the rooftops! 

In a Dry & Weary Land

Wow!  It's been a minute since I've blogged!  Hopefully my Supervised Ministry (SM 210) course this summer will be my way back into blogging regularly.  So, here we go!

       What a blessing it is to be here!  After a long weekend of traveling (21 hours in 2 days), my father & I arrived safely in Las Cruces, NM.  I am boarding with a wonderful, loving family.  They have already made me feel at home!  Sunday evening (our first night in town) we had dinner with my host family and the pastor of FPC, Norm, and his wife.  It was great to sit down face-to-face and to learn more about each other as children of God and servants of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

        On Friday, my SM supervisor, his wife, my parents & I went to Mexico for the day.  We walked over the border into the town of Las Palomas (Spanish for 'dove').  As we traveled closer and closer through the desert to Mexico in the car, and as we approached the border on foot, all I could think about were the people crossing for their safety and for a better life.  How many children of God die out here in the hot, dry, dangerous desert, seeking to find a better way?  How many people would live if they only had water offered to them as they were traveling on foot?  What are the conditions for people who cross the border?  What would it be like to be stuffed into an over-crowded, hot van full of people?  Could I walk miles across the desert to enter a country illegally if my life circumstances forced me to?

            Rev. Norm mentioned to my family that there are many organizations that want to put water stations throughout the desert (especially in hot spots where people typically cross).  This is very controversial as some people believe providing water will only encourage more immigrants to cross.  Others believe that this is the humane and Christ-like thing to do when thousands of individuals and families will cross the border regardless of whether or not there is water provided in the midst of the barren desert.  What do I think about this situation?  Provide water and life!!

Psalm 63 (A psalm of David, when he was in the Desert of Judah)

¹ You, God, are my God,
    earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
    my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
    where there is no water.

² I have seen you in the sanctuary
    and beheld your power and your glory.
³ Because your love is better than life,
    my lips will glorify you.
⁴ I will praise you as long as I live,
    and in your name I will lift up my hands.
⁵ I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
    with singing lips my mouth will praise you.