Post-Conference Updates

Annual Conference
I attended my first Wisconsin Annual Conference for the United Methodist Church. Having never been there before, I was not sure what to expect. It is essentially a business conference, full of reports and legislation. It was like being back in the NCC/WCC boardroom :). It was really wonderful to have an opportunity to meet all of the district superintendents and the bishop. It was also an amazing experience to have my licensing as a local pastor be made official at the Commissioning Service.

Softball
Our team has now won three in a row! We did not make it easy ourselves, squandering a big lead but pulling out a victory 22-15 on Monday night. I witnessed one of the more bizarre abuses of a rule at the game. In the rec. leagues in Oshkosh, if you are caught swearing during a game your team receives an automatic out. Games are scheduled for 60 minutes and games are 7 innings long. If times runs out, the inning that is currently taking place ends and the game is over. It was the bottom of the sixth inning and there was one minute left.

Our opponents had one out and the batter at the plate had flied out. Seeing the time left, he purposely swore giving them three outs. It left enough time for the seventh inning to start, so we had to keep playing. Time ran out before our batter was called to the plate. The game should have been over right there. In fact, the game should have been over when the team abused the swear rule to extend the game. We ended up scoring 10 runs in the seventh inning to bad the lead. That seemed appropriate.

For the record, I had an on-base percentage of 1.000. I walked four times and had a nice single. Too bad I was forced out at second all five times. Grrr...

Movies
I saw Terminator Salvation yesterday. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It is a good summer sci-fi movie. You have to allow for some bad dialogue and some completely lame moments. Otherwise, it was entertaining and worth seeing. They even leave the possibility of a sequel. We'll see.

Remote Post: Appleton, WI

My apologies for not posting much in the last few weeks. Christa and I have begun packing in ernest for our move to Oakfield, WI. When you look around the apartment, it is amazing how bare it already is. We shouldn't have too much left to pack when we officially move on the 29th.

Other than that, last week was also a busy social week for us as well. We attended my little brother's middle school graduation, Robby's (Christa's brother) graduation, and the wedding of two of my old staff members. *whew* Needless to say, I have been a little behind in my posting. I hope to be posting more regularly at this point.

From today until Wednesday, I will be at the Wisconsin Annual Conference for the United Methodist Church. As this meeting, we discuss legislation and talk about the business of the church. Sorry NACURH and WURHA folks, there is no cheering at this conference :). This is the first time I have been to the Annual Conference, so I am definitely taking it all in.

Other News:

• I have a softball game tonight. It has been two weeks since our last game and we are currently on a 2 game winning streak. What will happen?
• Christa and I have finally ordered all of the initial furniture for the house. We look forward to placing it in the pasronage soon!

No Perfect People Allowed...

I have starting reading the book No Perfect People Allowed by John Burke. As I get further through the book, I am sure I will have more to say about it. Right now, I'd like to reflect on a statement he makes relatively early in the book. As a campus minister, he was having a conversation with a college student. The student eventually tells the minister that he doesn't want to like him.

Upon reflection, Burke offers this thought: "I've since discovered that the average person has a strong perception of what Christians are against, but little of what Christians are for." (p. 30)

There is something to what he is saying. When you think about Christianity in the headlines and in circles, it is usually in judgment. The stances taken on controversial issues can overshadow what makes Christians who they are.

Jesus wanted us to focus on love, love for one another and love for God. He wanted us to be in relationship with God and with others. With this in mind, how we live out lives speaks for itself. But, people don't perceive us as people of love and relationship. Somehow, we need to work on changing this.

Ministry Position Update!

I am excited to finally be able to provide an update in my ministry call! Beginning on July 1, 2009, I will be the pastor for the Oakfield United Methodist Church and the Tabor (Eden) United Methodist Church in Wisconsin. Christa and I had the opportunity to meet with the Staff/Parish Relations Committee on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 for an Introductory Meeting with members of each church. Christa and I both believe this will be a great opportunity!

The next few months will be quite busy for both of us. Christa will be completing her student teaching in early June. My last day as a Residence Hall Director at UW Oshkosh will be June 19. From there, Christa and I will be feverishly packing up the apartment so we can make the move to our new home. My first Sunday in the pulpit will be July 12.

Stayed tuned in the next few days for additional updates.

Ministry Update

I know many of you have been sending me E-mails, Facebook messages and have otherwise been inquiring as to where things are in the process of me becoming a pastor in a church. The placement process for pastors is a little strange. I thought I might take a few minutes to explain how this would work. At some point in the next few weeks, or months, I will get a call about a possible placement. I would have the opportunity to take the placement at which point I would then take an opportunity to meet with the Staff/Parish Relations Committee at that particular church to see if the placement is a good fit.

Given how the process works, you would not likely hear anything from me until the meeting with SPRC has been completed the both sides agree this would be a good match. I assure you that once there is something for me to share, I will certainly do so.

I appreciate everyone's concern and interest in this process. :)

Appointment Possibilities

I received a phone call from our District Superintendent. While preliminary in nature, it appears there is the possibility that a full-time appointment in the geographic region that Christa and I are interested in has become available. I won't know the details for a few weeks as a few things need to fall into place. It is exciting to know that the pastor placement process is moving along! I will keep everyone posted once I learn more.

Our Time at Eureka

Christa and I had the opportunity to visit the United Methodist Church in Eureka yesterday. We weren't sure where the weather was going to fit in with this trip, but the trip there wasn't too bad. Utilizing Mapquest, I was unable to find a street address for the church so it took two runs through Eureka before Christa found the steeple that led us to the church :).

We got there around 9:30 for a 10:00 AM service. We walked in with a group in the middle of a Bible study. We were invited in and sat in on the last 15 minutes of their study. Everyone seemed very welcoming and we participated as we could.

The service was no different. They have quite a community there is Eureka. They shared a great deal during the service and while informal, it was definitely easy to see the Spirit at work in their congregation. I was excited to be a part of it.

Christa told me that of all the sermons she's heard me do so far, she liked this one the best. I would agree with her. I felt like this sermon had some good content, but was put together in a good flow.

Back in my sophomore year of high school, I received a choir "award" for being "Constantly in Motion." As anyone could tell you if you've seen me present, I like to move around a lot. I also use a lot of gestures. Sunday was no different. The sermon seemed to flow well, but man, was I being fidgety! Christa pointed it out and I had no idea. I will need to keep this in mind. I may not think I'm nervous, but my non-verbals may be pointing to something else :).

I now turn my energies to the three services I will be leading this Sunday.

Jim on the Road

On March 8, I will be leading the 10:00 AM worship service at Eureka United Methodist Church.

On March 15, I will be leading the three worship services at Algoma Boulevard United Methodist Church in Oshkosh, WI.

I always appreciate the opportunity for Christa and I to experience worship and preaching in different churches.

Resources Utilized

Tomorrow, Christa and I will be traveling to the New London United Methodist Church to preside over their two morning worship services. With Christa at her parent's house for the day, I have had some quiet time to pull everything together. What was most moving today was seeing all of the resources that I have gathered over the last year putting put to use. I was able to use the Interpreter's Bible that I received from Harry, the Book of Worship I purchased for licensing school, along the Concordance of the Bible I recently purchased. To see all these books laid out was really neat to see.

I feel as though I did a pretty decent job of bringing together all three scripture lessons together into a compact, but meaningful service.

Other News:

1. I finished a run through of Fallout 3. I didn't realize that the game was going to be over until the last mission started. It seemed abrupt. Apparently, there is a lot of game left to explore that I missed.
2. Christa realized that with her needing the car for student teaching I won't have a way to make it my Disciple bible class. We'll need to think of a solution :(.
3. It's amazing how much more free time is available when the football season is pretty much done.
   

Being On Call

It had been awhile, but last night I got a call at 2:30 AM regarding a resident emergency. After making the necessary phone calls and sending out the necessary information, I got back to the apartment a little after 3:00 AM. By the time I could calm down a little bit and unwind, I got back to bed at about 4:15 AM. Working out at 7:00 AM was not so fun this morning.

Pursuing my call to ministry won't change too much in this area. I can still expect late night phone calls regarding challenging crisis situations. I will still be facing situations where I won't know the immediate solution and will need to figure out best how to handle it.

Hmm...that's really all that profound. But, it was on my mind.

So It Begins...

I received a call today from our District Superintendent. He was curious to know my thoughts about a possible half time appointment. I explained that unless Christa found a teaching job, I would probably only be interested in three quarters or full time appointments. It does let me know that the process has truly begun.

I am trying to keep a clear head about this appointment process and realize that it will probably take some time. But, I was worried that I might get lost in the shuffle. It is good to know that I am in consideration :).

The Waiting Is the Hardest Part

In what was really a formality in my ministry candidacy process, I received the endorsement of my home congregation to continue being a ministry candidate. The vote was unanimous and did not involve much discussion. I was touched that the pastor leading our Charge Conference (annual meeting) said that he would highly recommend me :). Granted, he is the pastor that leads my bible study class.

One member of our church said that we should vote no so that Christa and I could stay as members of the church. That was also very moving for both of us. Having E-mailed Gordon (the District Superintendent) with my placement preferences, I now play the waiting game.

I go before the District Board of Ordained Ministry in April to have my candidacy (hopefully) renewed. Let's hope by then there is also a church placement in my future.

Other News:

1. I did make the playoffs for fantasy football. I am the seventh seed. I play the second seed, and I think I match up well. First round upset anyone?
2. I trying out the weightlifting thing again. I am tired of running every day. We'll see how that goes.
   

Turning Point

On Sunday, I was given the opportunity to lead the vesper service at the Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh, WI. The pastor who regularly leads this service told me that it should be no longer than 30 minutes and let me know the items that I needed to include in the service. This was the first time I took an opportunity to lead a service that I put together myself.

The process of generating a sermon, the proper prayers, hymns, etc. wasn't all that bad. What concerned me as the retirement community/nursing home environment. I wasn't sure how I'd react or how I'd be received.

Everyone there was so nice and accommodating while Christa and I were there. I was most touched by a comment that a lady made as she was leaving. She said to someone next to her, "It was so nice to be able to go to church today."

She said that about something that I led. I wonder sometimes how people feel about the services that I preside over. She didn't say, "Well that wasn't very good." She acknowledged my service as a church service, just like any other she might attend. That felt really good! I am really appreciating the opportunities I have to help with churches in the community.

It has me increasingly excited for July 2009 when I will hopefully be starting my own church appointment.

Other News:

1. I will talk more about the Brewers playoffs prospects tomorrow. Needless to say, they are in after a 26 year drought. My parents had tickets for the game and were there on Sunday!
2. It felt to get out this morning and do some interval training on the track at Oshkosh North.
   

Tuesday Update

The University of Dubuque has some strange policies when it comes to the internet. Their software download requirements to use their internet is way too cumbersome. They also have these strange limits that they place on web usage. If the university goes over a certain amount, access to certain sites in cut off...sites like Facebook and Blogger. So, posts on here may be a little less frequent than usual. Tonight I got lucky! :)



Things are going well here in Dubuque. I am down to just two assignments left to complete. I need to write a sermon manuscript and an order of worship for a church service. For the most part, these are fun activities, but I am pretty burned out. After a full day of classes, it is hard to get motivated to keep reading and writing papers.



I have kept up my running and got a new pair of shoes while I was home. Mine are orange, not pink. They are working out great!

A Mid-Week Update

I thought I would let everyone know the news at the middle of the week. As I have mentioned several times already, I leave Sunday for License to Preach School. The weekend was busier than I anticipated, but I got a lot of work done. Other this week in the evening, I am reading my last book and putting together the final drafts of my papers. I should be able to have everything done and still be able to spend some time with Christa, including seeing The Dark Knight.

The Brewers have won their first two games against the Cardinals and are only one game behind the Cubs for first place in the NL Central. Let's hope they keep this up. The last two games against the Cardinals have Sheets and Sabathia pitching. We should fair well!

My XBox 360 made its way to Mesquite, TX and is currently sitting in the customer service station waiting to be fixed. From this point, they say it will take 2-3 weeks to be fixed. No matter what, I will be sitting in Dubuque when it finally gets fixed.

I found out today that I will be representing the Oshkosh Placement Exchange along with a A/RHD to be determined. We will be traveling to North Carolina A&T to present about OPE along with job searching in the field of student affairs. I am willing looking forward to this trip!

Back in the Saddle Again

This morning I led the worship service at FUMC Oshkosh. It gave Pastor Steve an opportunity to take an extended vacation. The service was typical of a holiday weekend, with the congregation relatively small. It was nice to Christa joining me as the liturgist for the service; folks out there really got a kick out of that.

As I prepared the sermon for today's worship service, I was beginning to implement some of the ideas that I learned from my books on sermon writing. I felt like today's sermon had a clear message and was better organized. The weird things was that when I actually preached the sermon, I was sweating profusely. Typically, I only sweat like that when I'm nervous (which I wasn't) or when I perceive something isn't going well. I thought it went great, but my body disagreed.

The more I read and observe, the more I look forward to having my own church with an opportunity to lead worship and order the service as I would like. The readings I am doing offer so many cool ideas I would like to try out. One day, that opportunity will hopefully come.

A Few Interesting Links for the Day

Here are a few interesting links for you to check out today:

The Power of Watermelon - I found this linked from the Drudge Report. Here's another reason to have that watermelon for dessert over the 4th of July weekend.

What Exactly Does Retirement Mean? - I found this on ESPN.com. Apparently, Brett Favre has the itch to return. Favre has since gone on record to say that there are simply rumors. I want to believe him, but I have this feeling Favre isn't completely retired. Check some of the comments left by readers...they are priceless.

Another Step Toward Moving - I found this on EPSN.com. One more step has occurred to allow the Seattle Supersonics to move to Oklahoma City. From what I am reading, it looks like there is plenty of blame to go around. With the Bucks record recently and the iffy fan base, it makes you wonder if the Bucks may be the next team to move. Not a whole of players are excited to play in Milwaukee.

Big Break-Up - When you think of the contract that A-Rod is under, this could be a messy divorce if it comes to it.

Other News:

• The Neenah softball team lost last night. We lost 10-1. We could not string any hits together. Hopefully, a practice will be scheduled for Sunday or Monday. That would be very helpful.
• I continue to read for License to Preach school. I have gotten through five books or so and need to get started on some of the papers.
• Christa has gotten a lot of scrap booking done over the last few weeks.
  

New Item of Apparel

Over the next two Sundays, I will be helping out our pastor with the church services. On the 25th, I will actually be leading the service at our church. My pastor has recommended for awhile that I purchase an alb so that I might look more like an officiant for the service.

My preference was to go with something that was off-white, maybe a nice tan color. But, that was $40 more. So, I went with the more economical model seen to the right. Hopefully, people won't mistake me for an angel ;)!

My pastor said that white is pretty much universal so it should have some solid long-term use in the future.

Ministry Retreat

This coming weekend I will be attending a Ministry Retreat sponsored by the Methodist Board of Ordained Ministry. It runs from Friday evening until Sunday at noon. The retreat will cover many of the same things that I covered at the Exploration 2006 conference, but this will be in Wisconsin with other Wisconsin folks interested in the ministry. The event takes place at a Methodist Retreat Site.

After completing the retreat, I can be assigned a candidacy mentor and I can continue along the ministry process. I will have more information about the event upon my return

Broadcasting From a Remote Location

As I type these words, I am sitting at the computer at my pastor's home in Oshkosh, WI. He and his family have left for the weekend, and I am watching the house and taking care of buddy, their dog. In some ways, I am treating this weekend like a retreat. I have work to do and much of it will probably best be done in quiet and tranquility, which I will have for much of the weekend. The tasks that require my attention?

This Sunday's Homily
As will now be the tradition for three years, I have led the church service at First Oshkosh on Memorial Day weekend. Everyone else has plans, and I'm always around so I can usually step up. Of all the times I've done this, I feel the least nervous about this Sunday. I think the previous times I've tried too hard and this time I'm coming at the word of God from my level instead of pretending to be sophisticated and deep. I think it will be more meaningful for the congregation and more meaningful for me. We shall see.

The Continuing Ministry Process
For those that have read the blog for awhile, you know about my contemplation of the Methodist ministry. The next stage of the process involves a discussion with my pastor about a book entitled The Christian as Minister. Steve is having me write down some points from the book that cane spearhead a discussion. I hoping that I can hand this to him upon his return on Monday.

Wedding Tasks
As always, I will need to spend some time working on stuff related to the wedding. I have updated the guest list, have worked on getting the word out about the wedding to members of the church and have a few tasks to work on this weekend as well.

Video Games
I am also hoping to get some quality gaming in. I would say that gaming isn't quite the same when you don't have surround sound and you are playing on a 17" TV monitor. I will try to manage. ;)

Last Thought
Overall, I realize that I am trying a little too hard with this blog. It is interesting to see the cycles that have occurred. It took we many tries (and failed blogs) to finally post consistently. Once I had that down, I thought it would be good to post every day. Little did I realize that my life is not always exciting enough to post every day. So, I am hoping to find a happy medium as this point. I would like to post regularly, but it won't mean every day anymore. (Sorry to disappointment my loyal readers...all 10 of you. :) )