Lasting Memories - Peggy's Postings

The last session was upon us. Dr. Shaunna Hannnan wrapped up her Bible Study on hospitality by examining two chapters in Genesis. Good stuff.

Reps from Southern Sem and Lenior-Ryne University talked about the merger between the two universities.  Not much will change they say, just expanding.  They asked for our prayers, asking God to bless them, and they asked that we send them students.

Jerry Johnson gave the Treasurer's report and presented the audit report. Very riveting reports :)   

The highlight, of course, was Worship.  Ahhh we do know how to do worship don't we. Our V.P., Cheryl Stewart, was the Assistant in worship, Rev. Livenson, from Haiti, read the Gospel in his native tongue, Creole - it was beautiful. Rev. William Trexler, gave the Sermon, so glad he tackled the Acts reading in his message. Who can really give justice to the plight of that Ethiopian? Do any of us know first-hand about not fitting in somewhere? Only by the power of Baptism and the Holy Spirit can we ever begin to understand the love of God. 

And ahhh . . .  the music was so awesome - our cantor, Scott Ailing, was amazing, as was his gift to us of "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."  I sat with Pr. Jen Schaefer, and she said they called him the "Josh Groban" of their church.  He garnered rousing applause (in a Lutheran Church?).  An amazing gift he's been given and that he shares with his church.  All the newly elected were installed, and we were invited to take a bottle of water with us as we left.  Perhaps giving a cup of water to someone in need, or using the water like Phillip did.  Maybe some conversation and conciliation  at the same time?  

This assembly gave new meaning to the word "Hospitality."  It was provocative, emotional, and heartwarming.  God invented hospitality in a very large and real way.  How can we remember it all, how can we emulate it all?  In a nutshell . . . be the face of Jesus to someone today.

To God be the Glory,

Amen 

Deacon Peggy Aiello

Pineland Conference Chair

Ascension Lutheran Church

Ocala, Florida

Musings from the 2012 Synod Assembly Day Two

Good day full of good things.

Amazing turnout for morning worship. 

A lot of humor continuing to be exercised.

We voted, sometimes for people and sometimes for non-binding straw polls of an informational nature pertaining to our feelings about the month of synod assembly (turns out most folks don't care if it is in May or June) and if an afternoon service project was offered would people participate (three-fourths of the lay folks said "absolutely" while the clergy were as inclined to participate as to sleep.) Make of that what you will - my guess is that the clergy couldn't resist any choice that included the word "nap."

We learned that Pastor Steve Wigdahl (Emmanuel, Naples) is...one...very...funny...guy. I am sure some folks would flock to hear him do the announcements at any parish, anywhere, any time. 

We spent 90 minutes in the presence of a Disney Institute presenter who challenged us to think.

>How is Disney like your Congregation? (Some interesting answers here) 

>What is the one thing that you could not take away from  the experience of church for it to still be church? (A tougher question, perhaps).

She spoke about the importance of behaviors and the importance of defining our purpose, aligning our purpose with "customer" expectations and communicating this to the employees.

And a lot of other stuff.

To be honest, I found myself thinking like a visitor throughout her talk. Their experience. Their expectations. And there is merit to try to walk in their shoes, see with their eyes what we ourselves, due to our own familiarity cannot truly see. Getting caught up in the "we are here to proclaim Christ not meet people's expectations" mantra misses the point because that mantra opens the door to failing to be a radically hospitable church. Gives us an excuse not to welcome as Christ welcomes (Dr. Hanna from Southern Seminary has led us in Bible Study this weekend and has been awesome in opening us up to the radical welcome of God by unpacking the parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15). 

We heard from both the Bishop and the Vice President of the synod (And the Vice President of the ELCA) good words full of hope and challenge and continuing in what seems to be the general feeling of the assembly, good humor.  And we learned that Pastor Rita Gardner-Tweed is moving offices and changing hats: she is becoming the new Director for Evangelical Mission for the synod, while Associate in Ministry Connie Schmucker will assume the position of Assistant to the Bishop for the west coast of Florida. 

Wondering if the word "justice" bothers us. Discomforts us. Discomforts us enough. Enough to take the "Resolveds" of the Resolution on Racial Healing which passed late this afternoon, seriously. Hoping so. Praying so. Looking forward to seeing a good turnout at the synod's anti-racism workshop August 10th and 11th and to quote the Resolution: "to create a new level of dialogue among us to aid in open, honest, and mutually respectful discussions to challenge old behaviors and assumptions and allowing a loving atmosphere to break down defenses that prevent the healing of the sin of racism...." 

Best example of Radical Hospitality today: The young lady working the cash register at the morning breakfast line outside the assembly hall whose welcoming smile and infectiously good nature should be cloned and shared among every congregation of our church. 

God's Radical Hospitality - Day 2 - Peggy's Postings

Oh man, is it morning already?  These days just fly by.  We grabbed a quick breakfast and sat down to meet some new friends.  Cheryl Stewart and Michele Hilton were found at this table (I seem to find them wherever I go).  A new friend, Debbie Merritt, from Orange Park was at the table and she remarked that I didn't seem old enough to have a 30-year-old child.  Well, bless her heart.

 I met my Pastor, Jim Young, and told him about the book by the other author in the Market Place, Jim Graeser.  He checked it out and purchased it!  Yeah Contemporary Services here we come!  We talked about the worship service the evening before and I was struck as I talked to Pastor Jim about  how moved he and so many of the Pastors were during the Ordination of Pastor Eliexer Ramierez.  The Holy Spirit was certainly in our midst, and I think he may have brought a few friends with him..

The morning session was called to order by the Bishop. The official role was 507.

Election of Treasurer started our morning, after the brief worship led by former Bishop, Lavern Franzen. The two candidates  were introduced.  Voting instructions were simplified and the voting began.  Voting for multiple persons gave us a momentary pause - but everyone seemed to be very techy this morning.

Quite a swift process this Qwizdom.  When Qwizdom worked, it was great.

Bishop Benoway announced that Pr. Rita Gardner-Tweed would be taking over the open DEM (Director of Evangelical Ministries), vacating her position as Bishop's Assistant.  Connie Schmucker, AIM, will be taking over as Bishop's Assistant for the remainder of the Bishop's term for the "sunset" side of the state.

Pastor Rita Gardner-Tweed spoke to us about God being the "God of the City," - the inspiration is a Chris Tomlin song. She talked about the new missions here in Florida - three new plants, 2nd site plants, redevelopment, and three multi-cultural sites.  So much growth and excitement in our Synod.

"For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this Synod "


Vice President Report - Cheryl Stewart

Cheryl validated those in attendance for being here, and being the Church.  She also talked about the power of the Worship Service last night.  Yet another testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit.

She reminisced about an old Beatles song . . .
Will you still need me, will you still feed me,
When I'm sixty-four?

Yes we're 25 years old!  What were you thinking when you turned 25 - how does our Synod think at 25?  How do we do it?  How to we go forward?  There is nothing to fear, latch on to our faith-filled hopefilled expectations.  Move from "I should" to "I will."
Wow, what a great inspiration our VP is - Thanks Cheryl!  She ended this portion of her report with a charge to us to commit and be intentional, hospitable, and grace filled - and BE 64!

Steve Wigdahl came to the podium to give the announcements.  He gave us some examples of his bad announcing style.  Told the story about mis-speaking about a raging forest fire and the "fire-farters" putting the forest fire out. He admitted that probably wouldn't help put out the flames at all. Funny guy. I laughed until I couldn't catch a breath - nothing has been that funny in a couple of days.

I went to lunch with some friends, we went over to Fudruckkers for a quick bite to eat.  The food was very good and guess what?  Free internet - all you had to do is buy a burger - nothing quite like the $15 a day I'm paying to be connected here in the hotel. What's up with that?

The afternoon session was mostly the Disney presentation.  Much information about the Disney process was passed on to all who attended.  This will be a great starting place for so many Churches who need to pull their Churches into the 21st century.  We have to remember the little "Wow's" that make our churches memorable.

What followed was Dr. Shaunna trying to get us to think about these Disney concepts as they apply to our own church.  There were opinions that swung both ways, I don't know, I just don't see our Ushers at our church leading people to the pews parade style - but you never know.

The church-wide report was given by Carlos Pena, the VP of the Church-wide Synod.  A very upbeat, encouraging message from Bishop Hanson, and some insight on what brought him to this position along with a little background.  He did assure us that he was NOT the Tampa Bay Rays home run hitter.  I think there were still a few people hoping for season tickets.

After a hot pretzel, lemonade, tea and coffee break we reconvened for a short report from our Synod VP, Cheryl Stewart, and our announcements.
Cheryl used our cute little voting devices to see where everyone stood on the times of the year the Assembly is held, and whether or not we'd like to do a local service project.  Hold on to your hats ladies and gentlemen, though no one sought a change in the month of the Assembly, we found out something very important and damaging about our clergy - they all need naps!  When asked if they'd like to participate in a local service project the laity overwhelmingly said , "Yes!"  When the same question was asked of the Clergy, they were split between doing the project and taking a nap - I think it may have even leaned more toward napping (53%) than doing the service project (51%).  Oh my!

We of course ended the session with prayer and song.  Promising to be back tomorrow morning at 8:30 for the finish of business, and worship at 10:30.  I can't wait!

Racial Healing Resolution Adopted

The Synod Assembly adopts by majority voice vote a resolution on racial healing that invokes prayer for Martin and Zimmerman families as well as Florida's justice system; urges congregations to review the 1993 social statement on the sin of racism and study the proposed social statement on criminal justice; and engage in training for competency in cross-cultural ministries. See: http://bit.ly/fbsR1204r.

Complete elections results for the 2012 Synod Assembly are here: https://www.fbsynod.com/1594.

God's Radical Hospitality - Peggy's Postings

The Son rose on the Florida-Bahamas 25th Anniversary Synod Assembly in Orlando. A great venue, and an even greater purpose - teaching God's Radical Hospitality!

I arrived yesterday and received the grand tour of the Convention Center by my roommate, Michele Hilton. Our last stop was the sacristy to see Pastor Bob Schaeffer and check on the worship schedules for the following days. A few last minute tweaks have to be made in order for this all to go off without a hitch - but if anyone can get 'er done, it's Pastor Bob.

Michele and I went off to forge for food, finding a few stragglers on the way to share a table with. Dinner was relaxing and terrific as Michele's daughter, Amy, and grandaughter, Jamey, arrived and ate dinner with us. Jamey will be in the opening worship service as the Book Bearer. We're all so proud of that child!

This morning the Market Place opened up. While visiting the many Missions I talked to some very interesting people. At the Second Harvest they have a mouse pad that you can pick up (for free), and the picture was designed by a dughter of a staff member. It's a Food Flow Chart - food comes in - food goes out. Pretty simplistic concept for such a complicated process.

At the WELCA Table, they're asking for Wisdoms from the ladies who were stopping by. They are going to compile them for the generation coming after them. They also have some very beautiful pins to purchase. I bought one - love it!

My best cache was stopping Village on the Isle. Not only did Rev. Don Hillerich, who is the Chaplin at Village on the Isle, give me some fine freebies, but he saw I had a need, and offered me hospitality. A bag for my collection, plus he added everything from playing cards to an emery board. Great stuff!

Spoke with one of the two authors available for book signing and chatting, Kathleen Rehl, about her book she has written for Widows. She told me she goes to different places and gives workshop on how to deal with being alone after being married for so long. That sounds like it would be an excellent topic, especially here in Florida.

I had to leave the Market because some of the meetings were starting. Paul Summers hosted the new voting members reception. He began by welcoming them with a little noise, party poppers and noise makers!! Cheryl Stewart and Michele Hilton welcomed them and helped them put a face with a name. The explained that the reason they sit up front at the Assembly is so someone can keep an eye on them. Honestly they want the opinions of those new voting members so they can perfect the Assemblies to come. Paul continued to explain how the process worked and how to use the red/green/white cards. He also stressed that they should not be intimidated by the seasoned speakers, everyone has a right to be heard. He finished by telling them that it's all about being a witness - and remembering that the staff from the hotel is a great mission field. They may be serving us right now, but they really might need to hear about Jesus.

Next stop was the Youth. Trixie Richter met with the Youth and strongly encouraged them to attend the Pizza Party tomorrow night. Trixie explained how they would have the opportunity to "stump the Bishop" with questions. It would be a good time for the Bishop to get to know the Youth and make a connection. She also told them that all the adults here would like to connect with them on some level - that we're all glad they're here. But she added, if there is some adult that not being very hospitable to them, they should text her, and she'd go talk to them. Be nice to the Youth.

The Youth were introduced: Eric Thone just moved from Minnesota and was a Youth Director at his Church. He said he'd be availble to do time-filling activities, Alexis from New Port Richey was attending because she wanted to know what it's all about, Steven from Lake City (a p.k.) was there by default. Lainey from Lake City admitted she was dragged there - I say that a good "drug" problem. Owen from Naples was curious about the boredom factor, and Karen from Tallahassee said it was her 5th or 6th Assembly and wondered what this one would be like. Elsa from Stewart, a FSU student, (go Noles!) said it was her 2nd year attending.

So the first Plenary Session started with singing and a welcome from Bishop Benoway. There this year's theme: God's Radical Hospitality."

Bishop then began a simple explanation of the voting devices that were at each place. They're called "Qwizdom" and they are an electronic means for collecting the votes. Bishop felt he needed to let us know that they weren't remote controls, cell phones, or electric razors. They were simple to operate but you should limit your voting to your keypad only - no voting by proxy. He said that if the devices weren't used for awhile they would go into sleep mode - kind of like some of us.

There was much business discussed, and decisions made using that Quizdom clicker. We were introduced to Dr. Shaunna Hannan who took us through the Bible Study on Luke 15. She talked about God's hospitality using Psalm 23, but my favorite part was when she introduced the tableau. She read Luke 15 and had us close our eyes, the participants in the tableau would pose and we would open our eyes again. In the frame they represented a portion of the story. It was like looking through a Viewmaster. Very cool.

After the break, my seat-mate, Karen Stewart and I, thought that people needed to get moving a little better when we sang, "Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ." There wasn't as much joy in the house as we thought there should be.
Come on folks, let not look totally Lutheran, shake it a little.

Settling back we listened to speakers from Together in Mission. Grants were awarded in December 2011 as follows:
1. Apostles Brandon - $5,000 for FishHawk
2. Flagler/Volusia Conference - $12,500 for Training
3. St. John Jacksonville - $10,000 for Labyrinth and a Community Garden
4. King of Kings - $10,000 for a Respitate Room for Alzheimer Care Givers.

The two latest grants were awarded to:

1. Good Shepherd Hernando - $5,000 to Feed and Donate to the needy.

2. FL/Bahamas Synod - $5,000 for MissionInsite.


During the Global Missions Report Pastor Livinson was introduced. He spoke about wanting to see the hope in the eyes of the people of Haiti again. He talked about all that is going on in Haiti. He told us he needs Accompanyment with all the donations they are gett. He doesn't just want beans and rice - he wants someone to come with the beans and rice to teach something to the people. He said the people of Haiti are people of the Ressurection, rising from the rubble of the earthquake.

There were more reports and resolutions explained. Conference Deans and Chairman were also introduced. Irene from the Resource Center came and asked, WHO ARE YOU GONNA CALL? That's right - the Rescource Center.

The evening wrapped up with Worship and the Ordination of Pastor Eliexer. All the ordained ministers present came one-by-one and laid hands on him while the congregation sang. A very special way to end an wonderful day of the Assembly.
Well - the ice cream awaiting us as we left ran a close 2nd. I think the more the night wore on the easier I was to impress. Tomorrow has many more things in store for us - beginning at 7 AM at the fitness center (for 68 of us), or a Budget Forum or Criminal Justice Forum . . . . hmmmm perhaps I'll sleep in. See you at 8:30 for morning worship!

Synod Assembly Day One Friday
This is my 12th synod assembly in the Florida-Bahamas Synod.
Whether it is the Spirit opening our hearts to the assembly theme of radical hospitality and allowing us to embody it in profound and meaningful ways or the lovely Orlando weather which we experience during the occasional break or something that they slipped into the water, but know this: this is the most joyful, most easy in laughter, the lightest in temperament assembly in my memory.  And then they served ice-cream, seriously, does it get any better?

Everybody needs to view the video on the impact of malaria on the children, women, and people of sub-Sahara Africa and what the ELCA Campaign to wipe out malaria is doing to make a difference and how each of us can become a stake-holder in that blessing. A child dies every 45 seconds from malaria. Painfully. Sadly. And our dollars can prevent it.

Awesome to have Bishops Trexler and Franzen among us! They got mobbed a bit like rock stars (and deservedly so) for their service and dedication in shaping not just the history of our synod, but for the lives, including mine, that they have impacted. 

And while we are on the subject, worship also rocked, by the way - Bishop Benoway had the boldness to lay it out for us - that radical hospitality is more than wanting more children in worship and then expecting them to be adults or wanting more diversity in worship and expecting people to shed their own culture and traditions or wanting more people in worship and expecting them to stop being who they are and start acting like us (this is my paraphrase, but you get the point). I say, keep bringing it Bishop! Words we need to hear and to hold us accountable to taking home and living out. The latest ordination too place during our worship this night and included individual blessings by every clergy present, placing their hands on our ordinand's head and sharing and saying what was on our hearts.

Note to self: if using 30 foot poles with dangling ribbons during worship to capture the blowing winds and fire of the Spirit make sure they are lower than any chandeliers (or anything else for that matter) that might be present.

The keynote and Bible study have us taking notes rather than checking our email - and that's a strong compliment. Looking forward to more!

Most hospitable moment of the day that I experienced: the concierge and front desk finding me a razor and some shaving cream to replace the items sitting on my sink back at home still waiting to be packed.

Situation most in need of hospitality: random people not affiliated at all with the FL-Bahamas synod yelling at the greeter at the main hotel restaurant because they were not seated immediately at the time of their reservation.  A number of our synod folks offered thanks to the beleaguered workers, who continued to smile through it all!

The Practical Host

Hospitality can be a theological concept, an attitude, an experience.  It can also be a spiritual practice.  The Editorial Board, with the Synod Assembly theme in mind, has, over the course of a few months, collected random thoughts about Hospitality as Spiritual Practice. We offer them for your consideration and thought.          

• Hospitality and hostility are both derived from the same word root — but they couldn't be more different. Whereas hospitality is about welcoming all, hostility thrives on insider/outsider conflicts.
• The hunger for true religious community, for connection and commitment, is pervasive in our time. We are called to feed the spiritually hungry and to offer a home to the religiously homeless. And in the process, we are enriched in spirit.
• When we welcome what is uncomfortable, we grow.
• The best reason to reach out isn't to help another person; it is to make ourselves whole.
• Reaching out frees us from the prison of the self. Reaching out with love frees us from individualism and narcissism.
• Those who are naturally extroverted, or who enjoy conversing and learning from others, will find hospitality practice attractive. The struggle will not be so much the opening of the heart, but the closing of the mouth in order to hear the soft longings trying to be spoken from another’s soul.
• Those who are more interior and introverted may bristle at even the thought of engaging in this practice. The struggle for them will not be opening the heart or closing the mouth. It will be offering hospitality to those they don’t know or those with whom they have no comfortable relationship.
• Like any practice that pushes us in new directions, whether it be jogging around a track, or hanging around an unfamiliar cafe in order to meet new people, the most important step is the first one. If we simply remember how we felt when someone opened their heart to us, it won’t be so difficult to do it for someone else.
• As I approach welcoming as an expression of who I am, I realize that as I greet you, I also greet myself. I am not doing this act for your sake only. In fact I should be grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to move deeper into my life, to align my actions with my deepest values, and to encounter the mystery of life in this moment. In true hospitality, we are both giving and receiving at the same time. The traditional hierarchy dissolves into something more egalitarian, and the “duty” becomes an opportunity.
• In choosing this spiritual practice of hospitality, I live out the longing of my heart—creating a new reality for myself and the people around me. I reclaim my power to create the kind of world I want to live in. Gandhi was speaking of this kind of radical act when he said, “We must be the change we seek.”