Sweeter than Honey

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

-Psalm 19: 7-10

This past weekend, our 5 Confirmands, plus two adult advisors and two LSM students serving as small group leaders, headed to the ELCA's event called Lost and Found.  It was an amazing weekend filled with laughter, respite, and spiritual renewal.  The theme of the weekend, "Sweeter Than Honey" from Psalm 19, taught us to focus more closely on the Law of the Lord, learning and remembering how much we can feel God's guidance, acceptance, and love when we follow God's way of living. 

We made new friends in our small groups and in our cabin mates; we praised God in the many songs we sang during large group gatherings and worship; we celebrated each other's gifts in watching the talent show; we asked questions, offered our own perspectives, and listened to others, shaping and growing in our own faith.  

The youth spoke overwhelmingly about making connections to others in their group, and the contentment they felt in being able to "go deep" with their groups.  For some, this was the first experience they'd had in doing so.  They also shared how much they loved the music we sang, and enjoyed the sermon offered during Saturday night's service of worship.  They each expressed feeling even more closely bonded to and connected to one another in the time we shared as a St. Mark group.  Indeed, this was the highlight of the weekend for me - the chance to grow closer to each one of them individually, as well as the opportunity to strengthen the bond that we share together as a group:

"Group High Five" at dinner

Other joys include...

...This Godsight, spotted on our second night in the beautiful twilight sky:

...the leadership of Tony and our LSM students.  It was a particular joy for me to be able to share this ministry with three passionate, engaged, and enthusiastic leaders.  I am most grateful to each of them, for the trip would not have been the same without their guidance, faithful example, and good humor.   

...Bearing witness to hundreds of seventh and eighth grade students, defying many of the worst stereotypes with which they're commonly labeled.  I saw so much kindness, respect, and acceptance among the youth:  words of encouragement and praise after an unusual talent show performance; deliberate reaching out to small group members who didn't quite fit in as well; cheerful acceptance and genuine love for peers of every kind.

...and our 5 Confirmands are particularly wonderful.  When I think of these 5, I think of them as kids who let their light shine bright, who brighten up dark passages, who reflect the love of Christ, and who seek to help others to know the fullness of God's love for each of us.  

Is it any wonder they make me think of bright, shining, twinkling light in dark places, when this is what they choose to do during free time?

Good and Gracious God, thank you for the gift of these young people.  Help them to feel your presence in their lives; help them to live in ways that are pleasing and faithful to You. Preserve the kindness, acceptance, tolerance and respect that they so clearly offer this world.  Let them continue to fill this dark world with their shining light, and their laughter. Amen.

A-MAZE-ing Adventures

Sunday afternoon was a perfect fall day.... to get totally lost in a corn maze!  A slew of youth and St. Mark folk stayed after worship on Sunday to eat a bag lunch, then head to Liberty Mills Farm in Orange for an afternoon of winding our way through an enormous corn maze.  

Per the pre-maze agreement, every person pledged their promise to not leave me, lost, directionless, and therefore hopeless, in the corn maze.  No one really believed me about how directionless I am... until the ride over to the maze when I managed to turn around THREE times because we'd gotten lost, even with the aid of a GPS.  

(Is it any wonder?  When I asked "which way?" this is the response I got:)

Anyway.  The weather was gorgeous, the trees were beautiful, and everyone had a fantastic time in the maze.  We split up into 5 different groups and completed the medium-challenge maze in varying degrees of speed.  Some groups dashed quickly through, making it out in a record 17 minutes. Other groups took upwards of 90 minutes, but stopped and found every quiz question hidden inside the maze's wall, ultimately solving the riddle and earning a small treat.  

B's technique:  walk backward through the maze

I totally know where we are!!!

Lost.

Where are Lewis & Clark when we need them?!

Triumphant at the finish!

Racing over for the hayride

The number of reeeaaallly corny jokes we managed during the adventure was impressive.  None of the kids seemed to appreciate how punny we advisors were being, which meant we just kept telling them.

We had to be careful what we said, for there were many ears in the maze.

At times, we felt as though we were being stalked.

Indeed, it felt rather eerie....

There was a kernel of truth to what we were feeling.

During the hayride, there was a bit of mischief happening with some hay-throwing.  "Hay!!  Hay, Hay!  That is enough.  I've had it.  That's the last straw," I announced.

The hayride was great fun, along with playing corn pone and games of checkers on a giant-sized board, using gourds as pieces.  Everyone enjoyed the afternoon, but the very best part for me was watching how other people watched our group.  Sometimes, when I'm out and about with my young family, I'll get sweet smiles from strangers who overhear conversations with a four year old, or watch how nicely they are behaving (at the moment).  This time, I enjoyed those same sweet smiles from strangers as they watched our youth group, the kids so completely enjoying themselves, being fun and playful, sweet and kind to one another.  It was a deeply gratifying moment for me, making me feel so proud of our youth who represent our church so well, filling me with gratitude as their leader. 

With this group? Of course it was an a-maze-ing adventure!!!

 

Cookies!

In this constantly changing, technology-driven universe in which we live, I am delighted to know that the quintessential care package from home will never lose its appeal - cookies on a computer browser have nothing on cookies in a care package!  On Sunday, youth and advisors met after worship for an afternoon of cookie baking and card making for our recent high school grads.  Before getting down to the business of creating care packages, we were first well-cared for by Corinne, who lovingly and generously made a feast of a lunch for us, and by Ann, who assisted Corinne in setting up and serving the meal. What a treat it was, from the beautifully decorated tables to the scrumptious food that was served, including decadent cupcakes to top it all off.

Satiated and content, the kids worked hard at making gorgeous, personalized cards for every one of the seven seniors to whom we sent care packages.  The cards were colorful, thoughtful, and well-made.  Meanwhile, we had three Cookie Bosses in the kitchen who churned out over 10 dozen (!!) cookies of 5 different varieties.  We were excited with the end results of our efforts, and so pleased with the time we shared with each other in creating the contents of the care packages.  Our time together ended with the "unofficially official" game of youth group, Apples to Apples, where I continued my losing streak, never managing to win a SINGLE hand during ANY game.  :o)

Some photos from the day:

Gorgeously decorated table, awaiting us

Corinne serves up a feast!

Hard at work, making cards

Cookie Bosses

what a great helper!!

the gang!

Impressive results

Ready to be shipped!

All of the packages went out Monday afternoon... which means that, with any luck, those cookies are now being devoured and shared with friends!

Let the children come to me!

We have been members of St. Mark for nearly four years now - four very happy years.  Our path to finding our "forever faith home" at St. Mark was not an easy one for our family, and because of the struggle of finding a good fit, I remain deeply grateful for the rich blessings our St. Mark family provides.  Among those blessings is the truly welcoming and accepting way in which the congregation treats its youngest members.  I value and appreciate how much a part of worship our children are - even with their noise and tears and tendencies to run up and down the center aisle.  

I appreciate the effort it takes on the part of the congregation to be so inclusive to children, and I also appreciate the effort it takes to be the parent of these small children.  Thus, I hope you enjoy this article as much as I did, because it echoed loudly for me as both a parent and as a member of our broader faith family.

This article was written by blogger Jamie Bruesehoff, who writes at http://iamtotallythatmom.blogspot.com/.  The article appeared on Huffington Post on September 14, 2013:

"You are doing something really, really important. I know it's not easy. I see you with your arms overflowing, and I know you came to church already tired. Parenting is tiring. Really tiring.

I watch you bounce and sway trying to keep the baby quiet, juggling the infant car seat and the diaper bag as you find a seat. I see you wince as your child cries. I see you anxiously pull things out of your bag of tricks to try to quiet them.

And I see you with your toddler and your preschooler. I watch you cringe when your little girl asks an innocent question in a voice that might not be an inside voice let alone a church whisper. I hear the exasperation in your voice as you beg your child to just sit, to be quiet as you feel everyone's eyes on you. Not everyone is looking, but I know it feels that way.

I know you're wondering, is this worth it? Why do I bother? I know you often leave church more exhausted than fulfilled. But what you are doing is so important.

When you are here, the church is filled with a joyful noise. When you are here, the Body of Christ is more fully present. When you are here, we are reminded that this worship thing we do isn't about bible study or personal, quiet contemplation but coming together to worship as a community where all are welcome, where we share in the Word and Sacrament together. When you are here, I have hope that these pews won't be empty in 10 years when your kids are old enough to sit quietly and behave in worship. I know that they are learning how and why we worship now, before it's too late. They are learning that worship is important.

I see them learning. In the midst of the cries, whines, and giggles, in the midst of the crinkling of pretzel bags and the growing pile of crumbs, I see a little girl who insists on going two pews up to share peace with someone she's never met. I hear a little boy slurping (quite loudly) every last drop of his communion wine out of the cup, determined not to miss a drop of Jesus. I watch a child excitedly color a cross and point to the one in the front of the sanctuary. I hear the echos of "Amens" just a few seconds after the rest of the community says it together. I watch a boy just learning to read try to sound out the words in the worship book or count his way to Hymn 672. Even on weeks when I can't see my own children learning because, well, it's one of those mornings, I can see your children learning.

I know how hard it is to do what you're doing, but I want you to know it matters. It matters to me. It matters to my children to not be alone in the pew. It matters to the congregation to know that families care about faith, to see young people... and even on those weeks when you can't see the little moments, it matters to your children.

It matters that they learn that worship is what we do as a community of faith, that everyone is welcome, that their worship matters. When we teach children that their worship matters, we teach them that they are enough right here and right now as members of the church community. They don't need to wait until they can believe, pray or worship a certain way to be welcome here, and I know adults who are still looking to be shown that. It matters that children learn that they are an integral part of this church, that their prayers, their songs, and even their badly (or perfectly-timed, depending on who you ask) cries and whines are a joyful noise because it means they are present.

I know it's hard, but thank you for what you do when you bring your children to church. Please know that your family -- with all of its noise, struggle, commotion, and joy -- are not simply tolerated, you are a vital part of the community gathered in worship."

Come to the Table

Come to the Table

My favorite part of the day usually has a predictable answer: dinnertime.  The food itself is satisfying and delicious, but I love mealtime because of what else it offers:  the chance to feed and nurture our relationship as a family.  Although I am the one who prepares most of the meals, dinner does not arrive on the table by my hands alone.  Indeed, it takes many, for there is a table to set, candles to light, hands to wash, and drinks to be poured.  Sometimes, there are invitations to extend:  to grandparents who live nearby; to friends; to neighbors.  Finally, we are all seated around the table, ready to offer a prayer and share in the meal.    

Occasionally, there are tears shed at our table.  Most times, there is laughter.  We share the highs and the lows of our day.  We talk about challenges and obstacles we’ve faced; we discuss difficult events and topics.  We celebrate triumphs and successes.  At the dinner table, we seek comfort, we provide solace, and we receive gifts of grace.  Each person intuits how much he or she belongs at that table, how it never feels quite the same without him. We know dinnertime to be safe and affirming, warm and inviting.  We know there is always a place for us at the table.      

It’s not so different from the table that has been prepared for our faith family. 

The most important role of youth ministry is to foster faith formation through relationships with individuals and with the church body as a whole.  When I look around the youth gathered at our church’s table, I am astounded by who I see.  We have some amazing athletes – soccer players, tennis pros, swimmers, rowers, horseback riders, basketball players.  We have very talented musicians – piano, brass, and woodwind players; budding guitarists; singers.  We have avid readers, and dedicated scholars.  We have award-winning writers.  We have funny and witty humorists; we have generous and compassionate friends.  Some at the table are outgoing and chatty; others are thoughtful and reserved.  All of those gathered at the table are filled with light, and with the desire to let their light shine. 

The youth at our table are, quite literally, hungry.  Have you heard that about teenagers, that their stomachs are bottomless pits?  They look forward to snacks at Sunday School and treats during youth group gatherings.  They are also hungry for the insight and knowledge of living a Christ-centered life.  They desire a place where they feel loved and cared for, unconditionally, by everyone at the table.  They seek a place where they might shed tears and unburden themselves of worry, and share laughter as they celebrate success. Our youth hunger for the acceptance and grace that a faith family provides.  They thirst for inclusion into all areas of the life of this congregation, and for the open invitation to do so. 

I wonder, then, if you have joined us at the table?  For there is room for everyone here, and it does not feel the same without you among us.  Our young people are seated at the table, bringing their own gifts and provisions to share.  They hunger and thirst for the gifts our faith family can offer, gifts that many of you have given:  making treats for summer Breakfast Bunch; donating board games; hosting a pool party; contributing materials and supplies.  Perhaps others of you might consider sharing your gifts as well.  You might bring snacks or make treats for youth group events.  You might volunteer to serve as a faith partner by making the commitment to pray regularly, engage in conversation, and send cards on special occasions to your youth partner.  You might encourage them to offer their gifts of music during worship, or to serve as a reader during the lessons.  You might engage them in conversation about a shared interest:  an upcoming sports event; a popular book or new music album.  You might step into the role of serving as a youth advisor.  You might tell them how happy you are to see them on Sunday morning.  You might pray for them.

Dear faith family, come to the table.  There is a placeholder with your name on it, awaiting your arrival.  Join us; feed and be fed; give and receive the gifts of love and grace; help to nurture, sustain, and grow the relationships we have with our young people as we feast together on the bread of life.

Award-winning poet

Did you hear the news?  We have an award-winning poet among us!  Theresa recently won a writing competition for her poetry submission.  Even cooler than winning the competition, her poem will be painted on the side of city buses for all of Charlottesville to enjoy!  Be on the lookout for the bus sporting this beautiful poem on its side:  

River

The water flows

Tumbling down a hill

Over stones and moss

Wet sprays across the forest floor

Tumbling down a hill

Dropping off a worn cliff

Wet sprays across the forest floor

Gurgling into a swell

Dropping off a worn cliff

Crashing into the sandy bank

Gurgling into a swell

Clear and clean, ever moving

CONGRATULATIONS, Theresa!  We are so proud of you!!

Fit and Fun!

Fitness and fellowship for a fabulous cause - what could be better?  Saturday, September 14 was a brisk, beautiful fall morning - a perfect setting for the Gene Arnold Memorial Area Special Olympics race! About 25 or so of us from St. Mark gathered in the early morning for the start of the event, and enjoyed a gorgeous walk along the rolling hills of Charlottesville.  One especially happy addition to our group was the appearance of none other than Cosmo - what a character!!  Some photos from the event:

A partial group photo - we're huddled together for warmth!

Cosmo, meeting a fellow canine.

C and C!

A most-of-the-group photo

En route

Still smilin'!

Perfecting our three-legged walk!

  What a perfect start to the day!  A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support the Special Olympic athletes as a whole and our two favorite athletes, WZ and CH.  Woo hoo!!

Rally Day

Carry the cross and follow me - Luke 14:27

Rally Day was a huge success!  Everyone was invited to the Fellowship Hall for singing, crafting, praying, eating, and preparing for the new year of Sunday School! 

Decorating wooden crosses (used later during the processional of "Lift High the Cross") was a big hit:

On hand and waiting to glitterize the crosses!

B dancing with his mom

Our fearless musical leader!

Listening to the different ways we can take up our cross to follow Jesus...

What a feast!

Juice, a donut, and a cross necklace:  all ringing endorsements for why we love Sunday School!!

Our bell standard bearers, ready to lead!

The children, waiting in the Narthex to process their crosses

 "Lift High the Cross, the Love of Christ Proclaim; 

Till All the World Adore His Sacred Name!"

Splish Splash!

On Sunday, we bade farewell to summer and hello to the start of a new program year at a pool party generously hosted by Carolyn R.  We are indebted to her for her hospitality, for sharing her gorgeous backyard pool with us, and for helping us create such a fun afternoon for the youth.  I am also so grateful to our returning advisor, Emily, along with the new youth advisors who joined us for this adventure, including Lewis, and Juli, who doubled as our photographer for the day, as well as for Pastor Sandy, whom we always love to include at our youth events! 

The beautiful blue skies, warm temperatures, and fluffy white clouds were the perfect backdrop to our memorable day.  We had water fights in the pool, threw each other into the water, had races on rafts, perfected stunts and tricks, and tried not to laugh too hard underwater.

Anne Carter, in the lead!!

Ahhh... naptime!

Look Ma, no hands!

The T shirt collector stole these shirts from the boys, then cleverly submerged them...

We used teamwork to rescue wayward ladderjack balls from innocent Crepe Myrtles:

Later, we took a break from the pool to play a series of Minute to Win it games, which proved to be a whole lot of fun.  Games included:

Transferring M&M's onto a plate in a smiley face pattern...

Balancing 5 Froot Loops on the end of a popsicle stick

Stacking 5 wooden blocks on a plate, balanced on one's head

Building a tower of apples, 5 delicious reds high

Transferring cotton balls, one plate to the next, using one's vaseline-smothered nose, only

Stringing penne onto spaghetti - no hands!

Racing to see who can put together the cereal box puzzle first; realizing that Life is full of Kix!

Working together to create as many words as possible out of a heaping pile of tiny alphabet pasta

Pass the Orange to each teammate - NO HANDS!

As good times often do, the party ended way too soon.  Fortunately for us, this was just the first of many more adventures in the program year - stay tuned!