blogging, sorting, chatting

I've had several things to write about in the past couple of weeks and will just have to settle for a couple of brief recaps!

First off, THE CHURCH IS ALIVE is going for 2 posts a week, so keep checking it out and WRITE SOMETHING for it!

Jan. 30th, I worked the Youth Weekend at BSM.  I was stationed in the back Sunday School Room to lead a MASSIVE project of sorting and moving clothes donations that have built up over the past couple of weeks.  Over a 6 hour period we finished the task of moving clothes into labeled bags that will be picked up by Salvation Army.  Why don't we use all of them you ask?  Do you ever wonder what kind of things get donated to clothing closet operations?  Let's just say it was a very unfortunate reminder of what people of privilege think of those without.  People give us their TRASH.  Old soccer cleats caked with mud, women's tops with broken straps, tiny shorts/skirts that most parents wouldn't let their kids walk outside the house wearing, USED socks and underwear, unmatched socks, I could go on.  Beyond this, we had clothes that were nice, but unusable to our context (kids clothing), or just WAY too many clothes of a certain type that would merely build up as more donations came in.  

Point of the matter is that the way people look at charity is very upsetting for the most part.  I would speak more to this, but instead I guide you to read the last post I did about "clothing with greater honor." Hey, that metaphor works perfectly!

This week, I visited Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond (my seminary) and Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta to promote the internship I am in the midst of.  Erika and I had a wonderful time meeting with students, professors, and other community folks to talk about Broad Street Ministry.  We spoke from a place of deep excitement about how BSM is such a unique experience of being church.  We talked about how the place came to be, what the community is like now, and how pastoral vocation can be shaped through this internship.  We also had a unique opportunity to give brief plugs to preaching and worship classes at both campuses, speaking to the unique form of worship at BSM.  We spoke of the congregation and the practice of communion in that context.  

There was a little bit of tension with some that we talked to about the identity of BSM as not an actual "parish" of the Presbyterian Church.  Being a nonprofit and mission partner has brought a lot of unique opportunities to BSM.  Many of the people we talked to are looking to go into traditional parishes that for the most part, will not have as many unique opportunities.  However, there is a longing among the students we talk to of wishing to reform many practices of the church, to be open to new and creative ways the Spirit is working through the church.  At Columbia, when I was asked about how this could be navigated, I responded that a lot of it has to do with church culture.  The culture of BSM has always been a very affirming and open one, whereas traditional churches have LONG histories and cultures to contend with at times, which is a precarious and long path that must be dealt with delicately.  To begin this journey, I spoke of the 2-3 young adults I meet with every week who wish to be a part of the BSM community.  BSM wouldn't be ANYWHERE that it is now if it wasn't for the young people who have been asked to come and bring their gifts and passions to SHAPE BSM.  This empowerment has allowed BSM to be a unique expression of church.  

If I had to give one message from the halls of BSM to churches out there it would be to OPEN up, BE authentic, and LET new people come in and be empowered to form the church in new, exciting, and creative ways.

Young seminary students we encounter are a clear example of this, as they are looking to enter parishes as pastors, leaders of the congregation.  

Unfortunately, we didn't get any commits for the upcoming year.  However, we had a few at each campus interested the following year.  If YOU are interested or know a seminary student who would be interested in a full year immersion at BSM, LET US KNOW!  

Coming in to land

Greetings family and friends!

I can hardly believe I've been here for a month already!  Time has really flown by here in the city.  Even though I've been working at Broad Street for 4 weeks, my role is finally taking shape now.  This makes some sense in that I've moved my whole life to a completely new setting and was thrown into a completely unique situation to explore my pastoral vocation.  I'm getting to the point in the job where things are starting to click.  To use a metaphor I thought of the other day, I am an airplane that has finally hit the runway after hovering with its wheels down for a little while.  So what's this runway look like?

My new title at Broad Street Ministry will be the "Pastoral Associate for Community Trailblazing."  Like that title?  Came up with it myself.  Using "pastoral associate"is a term applied to seminary interns affirming their role within the communities of Broad Street and Arch Street Pres.  "Community trailblazing" is a title that emerged out of much thought.  A large part of my role at BSM will be meeting with new volunteers, welcoming them into the community, learning about them, discovering their gifts and interests, and then helping them find where they can be best involved at Broad Street.  There is an intentionality at BSM of welcoming and encouraging ideas, and helping them become realities if possible.  The Spirit works through whoever the Spirit chooses.

Beyond this specific role, I will be attending to pastoral needs of BSM and Arch Street Presbyterian.  I will also have opportunities to participate in and lead worship.  Both opportunities are very exciting and filled with the bright future the Lord has for both locations.

Oh yeah, and I'm working on a temporary website for arch street presbyterian.  Check it!

Also, I apologize for neglecting to speak of a significant part of this internship - the seminary house.  I am sharing an apartment with 2 very talented Princeton Seminary students.  In the apartment above us is a married couple serving as our 'pastors in residence and their adorable baby.  We are intentional about sharing a meal once a week to talk about our experiences together.  They're a wonderful group and I'm sure we'll have some great adventures this year!

Regarding blogging, I am beginning to fall in to some sort of schedule.  I will make a sincere attempt to post on Sunday and Wednesday nights, following activities.  Beyond those days, it will most likely be random.  PLEASE share thoughts and comments if possible.  I desire dialogue on certain topics.  We learn from one another and I am constantly curious to what you all think about certain topics that are raised.

Thanks again for the love and support you have sent me.  Come visit sometime this year and see what it's all about!

I leave you on a lighter note...with some good ol' BBC religious humor:


Peace,
Mike