Here is a link to the sermon I gave at Trinity on Sunday for those interested in reading it.
Have a blessed holiday!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Semester 1 Done!
Well I survived my finals week! I felt it went pretty well. Overall I took one essay test covering 1400 years of Church history and wrote over 25 pages of papers. I still have to finish up my online Greek class, but that is not due until Monday. So overall, I am finished with the semester!
Its quite exciting. I will be home for over two weeks now. It will be great to hang out with Chad and spend time with family over Christmas. I will get to rest and take some time for reflection.
Onto Christmas now! Katie and I are working on a present for our parents. We are recording a CD (mostly for my mom). :) It will be fun. We are doing it at a semi-professional studio in Tomah.
I hope everyone has a blessed Christmas and holiday season.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Immanuel
After finishing classes this week, I am amazed by all the work that is left to do for finals next week. But I am also amazed that the semester is nearly over! It seems to have flown by. We are already in our second week of Advent, preparing for the celebration of Christ’s birth. Along with this preparation and finals, I am also preparing a sermon for the 4th Sunday in Advent that I will be giving at Trinity for our 10:30 service.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thanksgiving!
I had a wonderful Thanksgiving break. It was a blessing to be able to spend time with family and friends, and of course eat good food! Unfortunately I came down with a bit of a cold at the beginning of the week, but I am feeling better now. Katie and I had a lot of fun watching Charlie's 8th grade basketball game last Monday. They went into four overtimes, but could not pull out the win! But Charlie hit a few threes and the boys played well. Coach Brandt did the best he could. :)
Today at Trinity we had two baptisms in the service in which I am a worship leader. It was exciting to be able to assist with the baptisms. We have never had a baptism in that service before, and it was a wonderful addition to our worship to be able to share in this Sacrament.
I have been reading two books for class over the holiday break. Both focus on the "New Missional Era" as Keifert describes it. These ideas of the missional Church are very groundbreaking. They address the issue of how to help Churches change and adapt in a new age of pluralism and postmodernism. To do this the emphasis is on discernment of God's Spirit and change in culture rather than organizational change.
Hope you all had a blessed holiday and were able to take some time to rest and relax!
Today at Trinity we had two baptisms in the service in which I am a worship leader. It was exciting to be able to assist with the baptisms. We have never had a baptism in that service before, and it was a wonderful addition to our worship to be able to share in this Sacrament.
I have been reading two books for class over the holiday break. Both focus on the "New Missional Era" as Keifert describes it. These ideas of the missional Church are very groundbreaking. They address the issue of how to help Churches change and adapt in a new age of pluralism and postmodernism. To do this the emphasis is on discernment of God's Spirit and change in culture rather than organizational change.
Hope you all had a blessed holiday and were able to take some time to rest and relax!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Voice of the Stranger
Yesterday my group presented our project to the pastors at the Church we are studying for my Reading the Audiences class. Reading the Audiences is all about how to do ministry in particular contexts. We have talked about new ideas of a missional Church and how to do Church in a changing and pluralistic culture.
For the project we studied the demographics of the Church and local area while also looking at their ministries and outreach. We then present the findings to the Church and "wonder" with the Church about what ways they could grow their ministries, and attempt to wonder what God might be up to in their midst.
The pastors we presented to were overall really receptive! Still, there was some defensiveness as we talked about their Church from an outside perspective. I found it really hard to be the voice of the "stranger" and give the outside perspective. We don't know all of the inside complexities of the Church and the trials and joys the congregation has faced over the years. Still, I think its really important as a Church to be able to hear the voice of the stranger. By hearing this voice, we can understand better how to reach out to people outside the Church. So I am thankful that they were willing to hear our voices.
Jesus often pointed to the voice of the stranger as a voice of truth. Consider the Pharisees response to Jesus' teaching to love your neighbor as yourself. Who is our neighbor? Jesus then tells the parable of the good Samaritan. To the Jewish audience this would have been revolutionary. Samaritans were foreigners who were shunned by mainstream Judaism. Here the Samaritan is a neighbor to the man in need when fellow Jews left him stranded.
Question to ponder.... Who's voices are we not hearing in the Church today?
For the project we studied the demographics of the Church and local area while also looking at their ministries and outreach. We then present the findings to the Church and "wonder" with the Church about what ways they could grow their ministries, and attempt to wonder what God might be up to in their midst.
The pastors we presented to were overall really receptive! Still, there was some defensiveness as we talked about their Church from an outside perspective. I found it really hard to be the voice of the "stranger" and give the outside perspective. We don't know all of the inside complexities of the Church and the trials and joys the congregation has faced over the years. Still, I think its really important as a Church to be able to hear the voice of the stranger. By hearing this voice, we can understand better how to reach out to people outside the Church. So I am thankful that they were willing to hear our voices.
Jesus often pointed to the voice of the stranger as a voice of truth. Consider the Pharisees response to Jesus' teaching to love your neighbor as yourself. Who is our neighbor? Jesus then tells the parable of the good Samaritan. To the Jewish audience this would have been revolutionary. Samaritans were foreigners who were shunned by mainstream Judaism. Here the Samaritan is a neighbor to the man in need when fellow Jews left him stranded.
Question to ponder.... Who's voices are we not hearing in the Church today?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Tending to the Spirit
Well I survived midterms which is a great feeling! I have been hard at work on a few papers and a group project. Today my goal for the day is to get a good start on my Church history term paper, as soon as I get home. The choir is singing in chapel this morning so that will be a great inspiration for my week. Its a wonderful experience to have the whole community come together for communion.
Last week I started a spiritual direction group which will meet once a month. I think it will be a great opportunity for me and my group members (who are also first year students) to tend to our spirits. It can be hard to take time out each day for prayer and reflection amidst our "busy schedules." But our spiritual director, Colleen, helped us see that those are the most important times for rest.
Here's a thought that I will be meditating on today from St. Therese of Lisieux:
Our Father gives himself as generously to the least of his children as to the greatest.
Be well. :)
Last week I started a spiritual direction group which will meet once a month. I think it will be a great opportunity for me and my group members (who are also first year students) to tend to our spirits. It can be hard to take time out each day for prayer and reflection amidst our "busy schedules." But our spiritual director, Colleen, helped us see that those are the most important times for rest.
Here's a thought that I will be meditating on today from St. Therese of Lisieux:
Our Father gives himself as generously to the least of his children as to the greatest.
Be well. :)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Reading Days... not for reading
This week at Luther we had a few days off for "reading days" to continue stuyding for midterms which was great! I have to admit I did not spend much time reading over reading days. It was great to spend the week at home and spend time with Chad and my sister Katie and go to Church at Trinity on Wednesday evening.
This week in the lectionary the gospel text is Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector praying in the temple. The Pharisee thanks God that he is not like the other sinners, including the tax collector. The tax-collector admits his sin and asks God for mercy. In the end Jesus says, "all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted." This parable has made me think a lot about God's grace this week. Its amazing that God calls us and loves us as we are! I wanted to share this exerpt of a devotional from Luther Seminary that was really inspiring:
"... Yet I also see myself as the tax collector, "the sinner." If I am honest with myself I admit I do things I really do not want to do. A selfish part deep at my core hurts the people I love the most. It is then that I cannot even look up to heaven and all I can murmur is "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!"
When I realize that this part of me that I really do not like is not something I can change, I surrender. I cry out to God, "Have mercy." And then transformation begins. God begins to work. When I hear the words "you are special," "you are mine," and "I love you" each week as I worship God takes hold of me. I am transformed from "pathetic sinner" to God's loved, special child."
taken from:
http://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/
God is Good!
This week in the lectionary the gospel text is Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector praying in the temple. The Pharisee thanks God that he is not like the other sinners, including the tax collector. The tax-collector admits his sin and asks God for mercy. In the end Jesus says, "all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted." This parable has made me think a lot about God's grace this week. Its amazing that God calls us and loves us as we are! I wanted to share this exerpt of a devotional from Luther Seminary that was really inspiring:
"... Yet I also see myself as the tax collector, "the sinner." If I am honest with myself I admit I do things I really do not want to do. A selfish part deep at my core hurts the people I love the most. It is then that I cannot even look up to heaven and all I can murmur is "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!"
When I realize that this part of me that I really do not like is not something I can change, I surrender. I cry out to God, "Have mercy." And then transformation begins. God begins to work. When I hear the words "you are special," "you are mine," and "I love you" each week as I worship God takes hold of me. I am transformed from "pathetic sinner" to God's loved, special child."
taken from:
http://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/
God is Good!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
In the end its pretty simple
Well I had my first midterm this week in Early Church History. I felt that it went okay but I won't know for a couple weeks. I also had a big paper due this week, so needless to say I spent a lot of time hitting the books this week. Next week we have a few days off for "reading days" so it will be nice to take a break and relax a bit.
I can't believe next week I will be finishing up my first class. The first 6 weeks have flown by. In my Telling the Story class, our final is to write a mini -sermon that we will give to the class. So after I present that on Monday the class will be over and I will be done for the week at school.
I feel like I have had a lot of theological and historical information thrown at me in a very short amount of time. At times it seems my brain cannot process any more information. It has been said that the more you know about God and theology the more you realize its a mystery! My Telling the Story class helped me process some of this reality. In the end, the most important message you can communicate is that God loves each person and all of creation, and that God and the Spirit were with Jesus in the work of the cross that was done for all people. The good news is true! And that is the message that all Christians have the task to live out and share. In the end its pretty simple. (well sort of.... :)
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
I can't believe next week I will be finishing up my first class. The first 6 weeks have flown by. In my Telling the Story class, our final is to write a mini -sermon that we will give to the class. So after I present that on Monday the class will be over and I will be done for the week at school.
I feel like I have had a lot of theological and historical information thrown at me in a very short amount of time. At times it seems my brain cannot process any more information. It has been said that the more you know about God and theology the more you realize its a mystery! My Telling the Story class helped me process some of this reality. In the end, the most important message you can communicate is that God loves each person and all of creation, and that God and the Spirit were with Jesus in the work of the cross that was done for all people. The good news is true! And that is the message that all Christians have the task to live out and share. In the end its pretty simple. (well sort of.... :)
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Celebration!
It was a great week to be a student at Luther Seminary. The beautiful fall weather is enough to make anyone smile. Our God is an amazing Creator! Luther Sem. was also hosting the 2nd Annual Celebration of Biblical Preaching Conference, so not only did I get to hear some amazing preachers, but there was also free coffee in the student center all week long! Amazing.
Karoline Lewis, a Luther professor who is on sabbatical, gave a great presentation on Biblical preaching that my class Telling the Story attended. She looked at the John text 13:23 where the beloved disciple is leaning on Jesus' bosom. Then she showed how the same Greek word was used to show the relationship between the Father (God) and the Son (Jesus). Then she made the comparison of how close God holds us to God's heart. It was really beautiful!
Karoline also read this spunky poem, which I could not copy and paste, but you can look up: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/126.html
Enjoy the beautiful weather!
Psalm 8:3-4
When I look at your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?
Karoline Lewis, a Luther professor who is on sabbatical, gave a great presentation on Biblical preaching that my class Telling the Story attended. She looked at the John text 13:23 where the beloved disciple is leaning on Jesus' bosom. Then she showed how the same Greek word was used to show the relationship between the Father (God) and the Son (Jesus). Then she made the comparison of how close God holds us to God's heart. It was really beautiful!
Karoline also read this spunky poem, which I could not copy and paste, but you can look up: http://www.loc.gov/poetry/180/126.html
Enjoy the beautiful weather!
Psalm 8:3-4
When I look at your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Boo Pack....
Another good week of classes in! One good thing about being in Minnesota this week was that I didn't have to hear a lot about the Packers horrible loss! Monday night I visited my cousin Carrie and her family to watch the game. Other than the loss, we had a great time. My goddaughter Audrey is just starting kindergarten, so we were able to compare our stacks of homework. In the process Carrie reminded her that those were actually just workbooks bought at Target. Still, its good to see that she takes her education seriously! :)
Today in discipleship group one of our members gave a short presentation to learn about Islam. I found it very helpful. From her research, she believed one of the key points to growth in Christian-Muslim relations is mutual respect, especially Christians being more respectful of the religion of Islam. (Esposito, Who Speaks for Muslims?) Overall, the conversation was very fruitful and I was thankful for that time to learn from her.
I also listened to a lecture today by Elizabeth Marquardt on children and divorce. The most interesting aspect of the lecture was about a study done with people recounting the biblical story of the prodigal son. Children who came from married homes heard the story in the traditional sense emphasizing the parent-like love of God who welcomes us back. Children from divorced homes often saw the story in terms of the prodigal parent who left home, only they never returned. The point was made that the Church needs to be cognizant of these experiences, and include them into the life of the Church so these children can feel welcome.
Just a few tidbits from the week! Now I am hoping to get caught up on some homework as well as sleep! God bless.
Today in discipleship group one of our members gave a short presentation to learn about Islam. I found it very helpful. From her research, she believed one of the key points to growth in Christian-Muslim relations is mutual respect, especially Christians being more respectful of the religion of Islam. (Esposito, Who Speaks for Muslims?) Overall, the conversation was very fruitful and I was thankful for that time to learn from her.
I also listened to a lecture today by Elizabeth Marquardt on children and divorce. The most interesting aspect of the lecture was about a study done with people recounting the biblical story of the prodigal son. Children who came from married homes heard the story in the traditional sense emphasizing the parent-like love of God who welcomes us back. Children from divorced homes often saw the story in terms of the prodigal parent who left home, only they never returned. The point was made that the Church needs to be cognizant of these experiences, and include them into the life of the Church so these children can feel welcome.
Just a few tidbits from the week! Now I am hoping to get caught up on some homework as well as sleep! God bless.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Christian response
All around our country, including on the campus of Luther Seminary, people are abuzz with the talk of the current hot topic of Islam in America. On Good Morning America yesterday, they hosted a panel of teens to discuss this very issue. Topics addressed included: Muslim and Christian relations in a post 9/11 era, the building of the Mosque near ground zero, and the attempted burning of the Quran in Florida. It's fascinating to see these issues through the lens of America's youth. (Check it out on the ABC website) My discipleship group is also preparing to talk about this issue, so it has been on my mind. Consider these only a few thoughts on the matter and not in anyway a comprehensive effort. (Also a shout out to the MHS journalism class who is tackling some of these tough issues in their student newspaper with amazing insight. Great work!)
There is a statistic floating around that 80% of New Yorkers oppose the building of the Mosque near ground zero. However, this small sampling of teens did not follow this trend. Most of the non-Muslim participants seem to think it was well within the rights of this particular Muslim community to build this Mosque and community center. The sole voice opposed brings perhaps the most interesting dynamic to the conversation. This voice is the 14 year old son of the pastor from Florida whose Church planned the Quran burning. There was at least one other Christian in the group, a Catholic teen girl. She believed the attempted Quran burning and prejudice against Muslims was morally wrong. And yet, the voice most featured was the one of the pastor's son, who used a single and obscure Bible verse to justify his opinion on the matter.
This moment in the history of our country is one of great significance. We have the opportunity to build a bridge between the Muslim and non-Muslim Americans, or we have the opportunity to further the schisms that already exist. As a Christian, I believe it's the Christian community's responsibility to extend the grace and love of Jesus rather than choose hatred. Jesus spoke prophetic words of loving one's neighbor, loving one's enemy, and calling peacemakers blessed. This humble service and love for others is not an easy path. But it's the path we are called to follow if we truly seek to be disciples of Christ. All too often the media only vocalizes the voices of hate, so hopefully people can begin speaking messages of love to counter that. Just a few musings to ponder as you see all of these stories out there in the media!
There is a statistic floating around that 80% of New Yorkers oppose the building of the Mosque near ground zero. However, this small sampling of teens did not follow this trend. Most of the non-Muslim participants seem to think it was well within the rights of this particular Muslim community to build this Mosque and community center. The sole voice opposed brings perhaps the most interesting dynamic to the conversation. This voice is the 14 year old son of the pastor from Florida whose Church planned the Quran burning. There was at least one other Christian in the group, a Catholic teen girl. She believed the attempted Quran burning and prejudice against Muslims was morally wrong. And yet, the voice most featured was the one of the pastor's son, who used a single and obscure Bible verse to justify his opinion on the matter.
This moment in the history of our country is one of great significance. We have the opportunity to build a bridge between the Muslim and non-Muslim Americans, or we have the opportunity to further the schisms that already exist. As a Christian, I believe it's the Christian community's responsibility to extend the grace and love of Jesus rather than choose hatred. Jesus spoke prophetic words of loving one's neighbor, loving one's enemy, and calling peacemakers blessed. This humble service and love for others is not an easy path. But it's the path we are called to follow if we truly seek to be disciples of Christ. All too often the media only vocalizes the voices of hate, so hopefully people can begin speaking messages of love to counter that. Just a few musings to ponder as you see all of these stories out there in the media!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Trinity Rocks!
Hello All,
Another week in St. Paul down. I am writing this from Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. I just met with pastors Heather and Jim. Trinity has graciously agreed to be my teaching community for the fall! This is another requirement for the Mdiv (Masters of Divinity) program. I have to be in a congregation for 4 semesters as an introduction to practical ministry before an internship. This works out well considering I am already involved with ministry at Trinity. I am really excited to be working with Jim, Heather, and Kurt for this process.
Another exciting thing that happened this past week was that I recieved two more scholarships! One is a Siebert Foundation Scholarship which is given to ELCA ministry candidates in Wisconsin. The other is called the Olson Scholarship. I am looking into finding out more about the namesake for this scholarship. God is good! This is just another example of the ways that God's grace can surprise us and lift us up just when we need it. :)
Classes went well this week. Chad and I are getting into the routine of our school schedules. We have been skying a lot, which is great. Chad, being the great teacher that he is, has helped me out with my English grammar when needed. Learning Greek requires you to understand grammar and syntax on a much deeper level than we as English speakers usually learn. In English we rely heavily on word order to show function of words. In Greek, every word is inflected to show the tense, person, and function. For instance we understand that a noun is a direct object because it comes after the verb and by using context clues. In Greek, the noun is inflected in the accusative form to show that its being used as a direct object. So point being.... it helps to be married to an English teacher.
Well I am off to Wednesday evening worship where I get to reconnect with my Crossword (youth praise team) peeps!
Peace.
Another week in St. Paul down. I am writing this from Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. I just met with pastors Heather and Jim. Trinity has graciously agreed to be my teaching community for the fall! This is another requirement for the Mdiv (Masters of Divinity) program. I have to be in a congregation for 4 semesters as an introduction to practical ministry before an internship. This works out well considering I am already involved with ministry at Trinity. I am really excited to be working with Jim, Heather, and Kurt for this process.
Another exciting thing that happened this past week was that I recieved two more scholarships! One is a Siebert Foundation Scholarship which is given to ELCA ministry candidates in Wisconsin. The other is called the Olson Scholarship. I am looking into finding out more about the namesake for this scholarship. God is good! This is just another example of the ways that God's grace can surprise us and lift us up just when we need it. :)
Classes went well this week. Chad and I are getting into the routine of our school schedules. We have been skying a lot, which is great. Chad, being the great teacher that he is, has helped me out with my English grammar when needed. Learning Greek requires you to understand grammar and syntax on a much deeper level than we as English speakers usually learn. In English we rely heavily on word order to show function of words. In Greek, every word is inflected to show the tense, person, and function. For instance we understand that a noun is a direct object because it comes after the verb and by using context clues. In Greek, the noun is inflected in the accusative form to show that its being used as a direct object. So point being.... it helps to be married to an English teacher.
Well I am off to Wednesday evening worship where I get to reconnect with my Crossword (youth praise team) peeps!
Peace.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Agape
As many of you know Agape is a Greek word for love. As you may not know, it is also the name of Christian rap/hip hop group from the twin cities. This week in my early Church history class I learned about the early Christians tradition of the agape feast. Today in chapel I joined in singing the chorus of the song "All are Welcome" by Agape as Dave rapped about everyone having a space in the Church, even those outcast by disease, lifestyles, and sin. Needless to say its been an interesting week, full of God's surprising grace and agape love.
Studying the worship tradition of the early Church was the most interesting aspect of all my learning this week. I find it fascinating to see some of the traditions that have lasted for thousands of years. The first Christians, meaning those who lived within the first couple hundred years after Jesus, had their major worship service on the first day of the week, Sunday. This was to celebrate the day of the resurrection of Jesus. The Eucharist (which means give thanks), was the most important element of the service. First there was a time of teaching, reading Scripture, prayers, and singing. This was open to all. Then the baptized believers shared in the communion, which was a very joyous celebration.
I felt that joy today as we worshiped together and shared in communion in chapel. Having the hip hop music made it feel like a true celebration! Its interesting to note that the emphasis on Christ's suffering and passion during communion did not come about until the medieval times. The early Christians held Wednesdays and Fridays for days of fasting and meditating on the more somber themes of suffering and confession. It was fun to find that tidbit about the joy of the eucharist amdist much of the suffering that the early Church endured due to persecution by the Roman government. Hopefully you found it of some interest as well!
Thanks again for all of the prayers and best wishes! Keep them coming, and have a good rest of the week.
Jami
Studying the worship tradition of the early Church was the most interesting aspect of all my learning this week. I find it fascinating to see some of the traditions that have lasted for thousands of years. The first Christians, meaning those who lived within the first couple hundred years after Jesus, had their major worship service on the first day of the week, Sunday. This was to celebrate the day of the resurrection of Jesus. The Eucharist (which means give thanks), was the most important element of the service. First there was a time of teaching, reading Scripture, prayers, and singing. This was open to all. Then the baptized believers shared in the communion, which was a very joyous celebration.
I felt that joy today as we worshiped together and shared in communion in chapel. Having the hip hop music made it feel like a true celebration! Its interesting to note that the emphasis on Christ's suffering and passion during communion did not come about until the medieval times. The early Christians held Wednesdays and Fridays for days of fasting and meditating on the more somber themes of suffering and confession. It was fun to find that tidbit about the joy of the eucharist amdist much of the suffering that the early Church endured due to persecution by the Roman government. Hopefully you found it of some interest as well!
Thanks again for all of the prayers and best wishes! Keep them coming, and have a good rest of the week.
Jami
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Classes Begin
I just finished up with my first week of classes! I only am only living on campus Monday through Wednesday, so I have a short week in St. Paul. For my first semester I am taking 4 classes including Reading the Audiences, Telling the Story, History of the Early Church and online Greek. Today we also met with our discipleship groups. This is a group that we will stay with for the entire span of our programs, so its great to get to know these people. Most of these people are also juniors (first years) in the Masters of Divinity program like me.
Yesterday, I had Church History and Reading the Audiences. My Church History class is taught by Dr. Farog, who is a coptic nun. This brings an interesting perspective to the class considering that a lot of early Church history takes place in Northern Africa. Reading the audiences is a class that looks at demographics and statistics to gage what the makeup of a congregation consists of, as well as the city or town around the church. The idea is that if you know more about the people in your church and in your area, the better you can serve and reach out to them. This has proven to be the most interesting class to me so far. Its very hands on and discusses approaches to ministry that may work well in a given setting.
Overall, the first week of class was good! Its still very overwhelming in a sense due to all the new people, places, classes, and ideas. Being able to go to chapel and worship has kept me grounded amidst all of the transition. God is good, all the time, and in every new place!
Peace,
Jami
Yesterday, I had Church History and Reading the Audiences. My Church History class is taught by Dr. Farog, who is a coptic nun. This brings an interesting perspective to the class considering that a lot of early Church history takes place in Northern Africa. Reading the audiences is a class that looks at demographics and statistics to gage what the makeup of a congregation consists of, as well as the city or town around the church. The idea is that if you know more about the people in your church and in your area, the better you can serve and reach out to them. This has proven to be the most interesting class to me so far. Its very hands on and discusses approaches to ministry that may work well in a given setting.
Overall, the first week of class was good! Its still very overwhelming in a sense due to all the new people, places, classes, and ideas. Being able to go to chapel and worship has kept me grounded amidst all of the transition. God is good, all the time, and in every new place!
Peace,
Jami
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
First Week
Today I have just completed 3 out of 4 days of First Week, which is the official name for orientation at Luther Seminary. So far the week has been filled with an incredible amount of information, meeting new and engaging people, and having interesting experiences. My brain seems to be filled to the brim and I have not even begun classes yet! (I guess it didn't take much.) :)
The great thing about being a Seminarian is that no one expects you to have all of the answers. In fact, they assume that you will make plenty of mistakes. I learned that when in doubt of an answer to anyone's questions you can always use the phrase, "Right now, I am in the process of discerning..." This works for a multitude of questions including large ideas such as, "what you are going to do with your life?" as well as small matters including, "what are you going to eat for lunch?" I urge you to try it out sometime in your own life.
In all seriousness, its been a great week. Its been amazing to see all of the people that God has called here from so many different places and walks of life. Today my discussion group 'Neighbors in Faith' went to visit a variety of places of worship throughout the metro area. We visted a Buddhist Temple, a multi-cultural Christian Church, and a Hindu Temple. Imagine finding all of these places in Minnesota! Learning about Hinduism and Buddhism gave us some perspective on our own Christian faith, and seeing the way Christians from different countries and languages were able to worship together at Trinity Lutheran was inspiring.
I also joined the campus choir which has been a great experience. It feels so great to sing in a choir again! Yesterday in worship we sang the hymn, "When the Poor Ones" and it was beautiful. And now I'm off to do a little homework. Homework already, I know!
God's Peace
So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:5
The great thing about being a Seminarian is that no one expects you to have all of the answers. In fact, they assume that you will make plenty of mistakes. I learned that when in doubt of an answer to anyone's questions you can always use the phrase, "Right now, I am in the process of discerning..." This works for a multitude of questions including large ideas such as, "what you are going to do with your life?" as well as small matters including, "what are you going to eat for lunch?" I urge you to try it out sometime in your own life.
In all seriousness, its been a great week. Its been amazing to see all of the people that God has called here from so many different places and walks of life. Today my discussion group 'Neighbors in Faith' went to visit a variety of places of worship throughout the metro area. We visted a Buddhist Temple, a multi-cultural Christian Church, and a Hindu Temple. Imagine finding all of these places in Minnesota! Learning about Hinduism and Buddhism gave us some perspective on our own Christian faith, and seeing the way Christians from different countries and languages were able to worship together at Trinity Lutheran was inspiring.
I also joined the campus choir which has been a great experience. It feels so great to sing in a choir again! Yesterday in worship we sang the hymn, "When the Poor Ones" and it was beautiful. And now I'm off to do a little homework. Homework already, I know!
God's Peace
So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:5
Sunday, August 22, 2010
New Beginnings
Every new journey that we begin takes a certain amount of faith as we take the first step. Stepping into the unknown gives us both the exhilaration of a new path and the fear of the unfamiliar. One of the first things that may come to mind when people hear the word journey is: destination. Often in life we are unsure of where the final destination will lead, and yet other times we think we know the destination and life suddenly changes course.
I know a lot of people in my life, like me, who are starting new journeys. My brother and sister-in-law just welcomed a new baby into the world. Some of my former students are beginning college. Other people are getting married, starting new jobs, or are getting back to school after summer break. All of these new beginnings fit together to make the patchwork journey of our lives.
As I begin my Seminary experience, I am unsure of where the final destination will lead, but I am beginning to be ok with not having all of the answers. I have faith the journey will be full of adventure with the twists and turns that make life interesting. I look forward to engaging theological discussions, group study sessions, and cramming for Greek. I am excited to begin my orientation next week and meet many of the new people that will have a very significant part in my life for the next few years. And most importantly, I am trusting in God to direct my paths.
Thanks to all who have helped me get to this place in my life, and please keep me in your prayers. God's blessings to all of you wherever you are on your journey!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all of your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
I know a lot of people in my life, like me, who are starting new journeys. My brother and sister-in-law just welcomed a new baby into the world. Some of my former students are beginning college. Other people are getting married, starting new jobs, or are getting back to school after summer break. All of these new beginnings fit together to make the patchwork journey of our lives.
As I begin my Seminary experience, I am unsure of where the final destination will lead, but I am beginning to be ok with not having all of the answers. I have faith the journey will be full of adventure with the twists and turns that make life interesting. I look forward to engaging theological discussions, group study sessions, and cramming for Greek. I am excited to begin my orientation next week and meet many of the new people that will have a very significant part in my life for the next few years. And most importantly, I am trusting in God to direct my paths.
Thanks to all who have helped me get to this place in my life, and please keep me in your prayers. God's blessings to all of you wherever you are on your journey!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all of your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
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