I enjoy both social media and beautiful graphics. I’ve got a poster on the way for my wall.
The Conversation Prism by Brian Solis and Jesse Thomas.
2010 #kswumc – Zimbabwe Partnership
27 05 2010Yesterday I focused a lot of my energy around the covenant between the Kansas West and Zimbabwe East Annual Conferences. It was my responsibility to pull together the team that shared stories of the trip and presented the legislation. While not speaking, I probably got more anxious than was strictly necessary trying to corral the effort. It went great. Wonderful stories and testimonies shared, excellent video production, good discussion from the floor and in the end a unanimous approval. Following the presentation was the Taste of Zimbabwe dinner. I cooked up some of the vegetables over lunch break during conference and served sadza and rice during the meal. Bishop Nhiwatiwa spoke just the right amount and was encouraging, insightful and funny. I have found his words meaningful every time that he has addressed a group of which I have been a part.
A few other highlights from yesterday:
- Starting off the day with a presentation of Godspell
- Responding to Wesley’s historic questions in front of the annual conference along with the others to be ordained tonight.
- Hearing the stories of the retirees in their own words at the retirement service last night. Especially, my Aunt Karen Osterman Fieser as she retired from over 25 years as a chaplain at Wesley Medical Center.
- Meaningful conversations with various colleagues throughout the day.
It is good to be here.
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Tags: annual conference, conversation, historic questions, kswumc, meaningful, ordination, partnership, retiree, UMC, Zimbabwe
Categories : annual conference, ministry, renewing the church
Reflections on the Cross
14 04 2010A few weeks ago, we were invited in staff chapel to reflect on the cross with a small group of fellow staff. I enjoy being in conversation with those with whom I work about theology. I don’t always take the time that I need in reflection with my colleagues, so I was particularly blessed by their responses.
- The cross as the first verse of a song about hope.
- The cross as a catalyst.
- The cross as a mystery. Understanding it less doesn’t lessen my commitment
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Tags: catalyst, commitment, conversation, cross, hope, mystery, reflection, song
Categories : faith, life
Confession via Phoneline to the Lord?
12 03 2010While listening to a podcast of Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! this week, I heard of the true story of a phone confessional that gives you the following options:
- For advice on confessing, press one.
- To confess, press two.
- To listen to some confessions, press three.
As a United Methodist, I believe that confession, both individual and communal, is an important part of our Christian life. However, this just doesn’t make sense to me. I am particularly incredulous at the option to listen to someone else’s confession. Listening to confession without a relationship in community seems like religious voyeurism.
You can read more at: ‘Please leave your confession after the beep’: Fury of French bishops over 30p-a-minute phone line for sinning Catholics
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Tags: confession, conversation, phone, religion, sacrament, telephone, voyeurism
Categories : faith, life, ministry
Amusing Ourselves to Death
18 07 2009On vacation, while taking a break from technology, was a great time to tackle Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business
Postman is concerned not with the possibility of society being controlled by government, but instead of society being lulled away from meaningful conversation by entertainment. Postman suggests that what fashions itself as news is most often truly entertainment that has no impact on daily life. He traces the development of the telegraph, radio and television and their effects on the lives of individuals.
I was sobered and enlightened by Postman’s title. Postman suggests that new technology always comes with both benefits and detriments. There is never a neutral medium. Being aware of the effect that technology has on thinking and conversation is of great importance. I found this book to be particularly helpful for me as I continue to lead the project at Resurrection considering how the internet might be used to encourage people to grow in their faith. I recommend this book to anyone interested in how people carry on conversation or with the effect of media on our lives.
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Tags: Amusing Ourselves to Death, conversation, discourse, media, Neil Postman, policy, public, technology
Categories : changing lives, ministry
#6qumc – Your Invitation (2 of 5)
29 06 2009I am excited and encouraged by 6 Questions for The United Methodist Church.
The purpose of this project is to:
- Raise important questions for next steps in the life of the denomination.
- Provide guidance for future face to face gatherings.
- Shape the discourse across the denomination.
6 Questions is for all the people of The United Methodist Church. Some strategies of the project include:
- Publish an article about 6qumc in every conference newsletter.
- Invite each District Superintendent to take part and bring the project to a district meeting.
- Gather small groups in local churches to discuss the project
- Add topics as suggested every two weeks
I invite you to:
- Visit http://bit.ly/6qumc to participate
- Become a fan on Facebook.
- Spread the word with suggestions at http://www.umcyoungclergy.com/6qumc
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Tags: 6qumc, conversation, denomination, future, gathering, questions, renewal, revival, UMC, united methodist church
Categories : renewing the church, united methodist church
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