Check out the expression, energy, and action of "work that is real" and what it means to be of use. This seems VERY familiar, perhaps from school days, yet resonates with me today as it reminds me of my action oriented friends, as well as those we hope to entice out of the shallows.
LOL "Parlor generals and field deserters!"
To Be of Use
by Marge Piercy
The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half submerged balls.
I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.
I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who stand in the line and haul in their places,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.
The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.
"To be of use" by Marge Piercy © 1973, 1982.
From CIRCLES ON THE WATER © 1982 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. and Middlemarsh, Inc.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Small Membership Churches with Big Local Mission
It is absolutely crazy how U.S. churches now equate mission with money. By doing that we have tended to pass mission service off to big churches, to professionals, and in general to act like a congregation will take care of it's own ministry first that it can fund, and that IF there is more money and time they might do mission. That has got to be fairly close to the heresy line even though I don't usually talk that way!
I really enjoyed the following article as it highlighted small membership churches which are engaged in substantial local community mission. They showcase churches ranging in membership from 20-400 in locations as varied as Chicago, SC, Texas, and Alaska. he projects ranged from refugee resettlement to fundraising and more traditional mission experiences. You will also find examples and inspiration from small churches that started a community center, run a food pantry serving 8000 a month, and caring for children with tutoring and after school ministries.
We are all called to be in mission in the world no matter the size of our bank account or the number of friends we've got in our church. What is your mission for God in your local community? How are others drawing inspiration from your response to the needs in your community and the work of God's love in your life?
http://gbgm-umc.org/global_news/full_article.cfm?articleid=5262
I really enjoyed the following article as it highlighted small membership churches which are engaged in substantial local community mission. They showcase churches ranging in membership from 20-400 in locations as varied as Chicago, SC, Texas, and Alaska. he projects ranged from refugee resettlement to fundraising and more traditional mission experiences. You will also find examples and inspiration from small churches that started a community center, run a food pantry serving 8000 a month, and caring for children with tutoring and after school ministries.
We are all called to be in mission in the world no matter the size of our bank account or the number of friends we've got in our church. What is your mission for God in your local community? How are others drawing inspiration from your response to the needs in your community and the work of God's love in your life?
http://gbgm-umc.org/global_news/full_article.cfm?articleid=5262
Monday, January 12, 2009
"Saving a Squirrel By Eating One"
I grew up on a farm in south Georgia in the 1970's. We cut our own firewood. We had a large garden. We would hunt and fish and eat what we brought home.
So, a recent article in the NY Times stuck me as somewhat funny.
It turns out that the American Gray squirrels have invaded Britain!
It's true. And they are taking over and pushing out the native red squirrels of the UK. The American grays are taking over habitat, eating up everything in sight, and passing on a virus to the reds that the British squirrels are just beginning to develop a resistance to it.
But the Brits are fighting back. Or should I say BITING back?!
The article is titled "Saving a Squirrel by Eating One." AS the gray squirrel population needs to be controlled and therefore the squirrels culled, the Brits are eating up the problem. Now that's a way to turn around the ecology AND the economy!
You can read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/dining/07squirrel.html?em as advice on preparation and enjoyment of a squirrel meal is included. The UK's "Save a red, Eat a gray" campaign began in 2006. I rolled on the floor with laughter at the quote from the chef who cooks squirrels so as “'to recreate the bosky woods they come from,' braising them with bacon, 'pig’s trotter, porcini and whole peeled shallots to recreate the forest floor.' He serves it with wilted watercress 'to evoke the treetops.'”
And to think all we'd ever do back in the old days was to either fry them or make a stew!
So, a recent article in the NY Times stuck me as somewhat funny.
It turns out that the American Gray squirrels have invaded Britain!
It's true. And they are taking over and pushing out the native red squirrels of the UK. The American grays are taking over habitat, eating up everything in sight, and passing on a virus to the reds that the British squirrels are just beginning to develop a resistance to it.
But the Brits are fighting back. Or should I say BITING back?!
The article is titled "Saving a Squirrel by Eating One." AS the gray squirrel population needs to be controlled and therefore the squirrels culled, the Brits are eating up the problem. Now that's a way to turn around the ecology AND the economy!
You can read more at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/dining/07squirrel.html?em as advice on preparation and enjoyment of a squirrel meal is included. The UK's "Save a red, Eat a gray" campaign began in 2006. I rolled on the floor with laughter at the quote from the chef who cooks squirrels so as “'to recreate the bosky woods they come from,' braising them with bacon, 'pig’s trotter, porcini and whole peeled shallots to recreate the forest floor.' He serves it with wilted watercress 'to evoke the treetops.'”
And to think all we'd ever do back in the old days was to either fry them or make a stew!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Life Changed By Asking "Should I Do the Jesus Thing?"
Here's a story I like about a carpenter in Hawaii who sees a homeless guy.
Utu Langi had led a tough life. He'd run the streets, stayed in trouble, sold drugs, and spent time in prison. Langi was trying to get his life back in order, and was working as a carpenter. He sees the homeless guy as he's driving home from work, and pulls an old blanket off his tools after he asks himself, "Should I do the Jesus thing?" The encounter changed Langi's life. For the full story see http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=4663
What needs do you see in your part of the world each week?
Has something gotten your attention and you asked "Should I do the Jesus thing?"
How can God meet the needs of your community through the skills, background, and abilities you have?
Utu Langi had led a tough life. He'd run the streets, stayed in trouble, sold drugs, and spent time in prison. Langi was trying to get his life back in order, and was working as a carpenter. He sees the homeless guy as he's driving home from work, and pulls an old blanket off his tools after he asks himself, "Should I do the Jesus thing?" The encounter changed Langi's life. For the full story see http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=4663
What needs do you see in your part of the world each week?
Has something gotten your attention and you asked "Should I do the Jesus thing?"
How can God meet the needs of your community through the skills, background, and abilities you have?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
An American Muslim Cartoonist: Vocation and Faith
Here's a unique story about a Muslim cartoonist. I always find it curious that people attempt to pigeon hole people of faith with simplistic stereotypes even in regards to vocation and career. Read the whole story and share your thoughts.
"G. Willow Wilson, the first American Muslim professional comic book writer, draws on both American and Middle Eastern culture in her work, ranging from autobiographical essays to superhero sagas. After graduating from Boston University and converting to Islam, Ms. Wilson spent four years in Egypt, where she wrote Cairo, her first graphic novel. Now back in the United States, the 26-year-old..."
http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=4667
"G. Willow Wilson, the first American Muslim professional comic book writer, draws on both American and Middle Eastern culture in her work, ranging from autobiographical essays to superhero sagas. After graduating from Boston University and converting to Islam, Ms. Wilson spent four years in Egypt, where she wrote Cairo, her first graphic novel. Now back in the United States, the 26-year-old..."
http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=4667
Friday, January 9, 2009
Mutant Replicators
I was driving home last night with the radio on. Often I just like the peace and quiet. But in these short winter days when it's already dark for the commute, and especially at the end of the week when I'm tired, I seem to keep some noise to move the journey along from work to home.
I clicked on National Public Radio to catch up on all the news I'd missed through the day. As they always do, they offered the highlights, and then shifted to some interesting discussions which I don't often find in other media. They are always intriguing enough to keep me awake and move the trip along quickly.
The most interesting segment concerned the scientific investigations into how the first living creatures evolved on the earth. Now you may think it odd that this is of interest to me, or you may even feel uneasy as to how clergy would deal with such a topic. Actually I've never struggled with this so much. I mean, isn't it possible to have a strong, living faith that engages your mind and your heart? Just as mind and heart aren't mutually exclusive and necessary for total health, I believe that science and faith aren't mutually exclusive and can actually learn from one another and together create a stronger community/ nation/ world. But that's for another day and another conversation.
The NPR story found clues in how life began as scientists have been able to identify self replicating RNA in a lab. The key seemed to be in the dish full of various RNA replicators that some RNA would attach to other different strands unlike them and create mutant replicators. Of course, as with much of scientific inquiry, while there may be new understandings and theories related to the first stages of life on earth, there is also typically breakthroughs that help the world in real life applications today and tomorrow. For more of the science story go to http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99132608.
Yet another thought related to the "mix in the dish" as various replicating entities attract to one another and mix to create new mutant replicators strikes a note of truth about everyday life to me. There's something in this that intrigues my creative nature. I know how I'm drawn to others who ask questions, who seek to create and express, who seek understanding, and who are drawn to other similar characters because of the renewal of energy, the new thoughts, the new life that springs from this. That's part of what I enjoy about church work, about university campus ministry, and certainly with the type mission work I am privileged to enjoy.
HAHA Mutant Replicators of Truth, Justice, Mercy, Life and Faith
May that tribe continue to increase!
I clicked on National Public Radio to catch up on all the news I'd missed through the day. As they always do, they offered the highlights, and then shifted to some interesting discussions which I don't often find in other media. They are always intriguing enough to keep me awake and move the trip along quickly.
The most interesting segment concerned the scientific investigations into how the first living creatures evolved on the earth. Now you may think it odd that this is of interest to me, or you may even feel uneasy as to how clergy would deal with such a topic. Actually I've never struggled with this so much. I mean, isn't it possible to have a strong, living faith that engages your mind and your heart? Just as mind and heart aren't mutually exclusive and necessary for total health, I believe that science and faith aren't mutually exclusive and can actually learn from one another and together create a stronger community/ nation/ world. But that's for another day and another conversation.
The NPR story found clues in how life began as scientists have been able to identify self replicating RNA in a lab. The key seemed to be in the dish full of various RNA replicators that some RNA would attach to other different strands unlike them and create mutant replicators. Of course, as with much of scientific inquiry, while there may be new understandings and theories related to the first stages of life on earth, there is also typically breakthroughs that help the world in real life applications today and tomorrow. For more of the science story go to http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99132608.
Yet another thought related to the "mix in the dish" as various replicating entities attract to one another and mix to create new mutant replicators strikes a note of truth about everyday life to me. There's something in this that intrigues my creative nature. I know how I'm drawn to others who ask questions, who seek to create and express, who seek understanding, and who are drawn to other similar characters because of the renewal of energy, the new thoughts, the new life that springs from this. That's part of what I enjoy about church work, about university campus ministry, and certainly with the type mission work I am privileged to enjoy.
HAHA Mutant Replicators of Truth, Justice, Mercy, Life and Faith
May that tribe continue to increase!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Did You Know Helium is Endangered?!
Kim, the administrative assistant for mission and children's ministry at my church, was calling around town this morning trying to find some other business to supply us with a helium tank. She spoke with someone who supplies helium tanks for rentals, but he said they weren't taking any new customers AND gave the rationale. He explained about the rising cost of helium and that eventually there will be NO helium!
WHAT?!
No helium balloons? No Goodyear blimp? No medical application?
Like many natural resources helium is irreplaceable and nonrenewable. Helium is being consumed very rapidly in the United States. There are still large reserves in Russia but it has not been marketed to this date. While capturing and recycling the element is an option that hasn't been practiced in many applications yet. Find more info at http://news-info.wustl.edu/tips/page/normal/10754.html
Helium is endangered!
It's really strange to think my grandchildren might not hold a helium filled balloon.
What kind of world would that be?
I wonder what other things might disappear if we don't get serious about taking better care of our world for our grandchildren and for their grandchildren.
WHAT?!
No helium balloons? No Goodyear blimp? No medical application?
Like many natural resources helium is irreplaceable and nonrenewable. Helium is being consumed very rapidly in the United States. There are still large reserves in Russia but it has not been marketed to this date. While capturing and recycling the element is an option that hasn't been practiced in many applications yet. Find more info at http://news-info.wustl.edu/tips/page/normal/10754.html
Helium is endangered!
It's really strange to think my grandchildren might not hold a helium filled balloon.
What kind of world would that be?
I wonder what other things might disappear if we don't get serious about taking better care of our world for our grandchildren and for their grandchildren.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
UGA Iron Horse in Greene County
I had to drive close to four hours on New Years Day to pick up one of my son's friends in Watkinsville GA. We had lived in the Greensboro/ Madison area a couple of years ago, and still have many wonderful friends from that region. And there are LOTS of wonderful characters and stories from the area that we still enjoy.
Do you know about the Abbott Pattison Iron Horse?
It sits in a field just off Highway 15, just across the Oconee River yet inside the Greene County area just before you cross into Oconee County. In the winter it is relatively easy to see. In the late summer it is a fun challenge to find as the farm usually has tall corn in the field where the horse stays.
Originally the horse sat on the UGA campus in the mid '50's, but the students didn't treat the horse well. So, it was moved rather quickly after it's debut at UGA, and by the late '50's found its home on the farm of a UGA professor. Check out that picture again. Can you believe this thing was THAT controversial?! If I think much about the 1950's in Georgia and the world I realize there may have been any number of more important happenings to engage our energy and emotion.
I've always been curious about this sculpture/relic of a different time. Was it really just a few drunk fraternity boys that caused the trouble or more of a mob mentality against the horse? Was this merely a common ignorance of that time and place, or more about the ignorance of the sculptor as to how his art would be received by the locals? And to make this a more current discussion, are we any different today?! Are there Iron Horses today that consume our energy and emotion, yet which in retrospect will seem a rather ridiculous waste of energy. Even in 2009 I suspect there may be some Iron Horses among us.
I'm curious what you make of this odd story from the recent past. I'm curious if you see any Iron Horses in our world today?
Find the whole story at http://excursia.com/destinations/USA/GA/athens/stories/20010406/att_ironhorse.shtml
Friday, January 2, 2009
Parrish Christmas Card on the Eighth Day of Christmas
On this Eighth Day of Christmas
And Throughout this New Year
May the Angels’ Song be YOUR Song!
Scott’s Imagining of an angel singing at night.
January 1, 2009
As in the Days of the Shepherds Long Ago
Who Were Drawn From their Work
To Witness the Greatest Gift of God,
May You also… Not Be Afraid.
May You Join in the Mighty Chorus,
May You Go on Great Adventures for God,
And May You Spread the Word
About the Mighty Works of God
which Continue Yet Today!!
Christmas Blessings in This Season and Throughout 2009
With Love,
Scott, Monica, Zeke, Sydney, and Cooper Parrish
Eighth Day of Christmas
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5: 3-10
And Throughout this New Year
May the Angels’ Song be YOUR Song!
Scott’s Imagining of an angel singing at night.
January 1, 2009
As in the Days of the Shepherds Long Ago
Who Were Drawn From their Work
To Witness the Greatest Gift of God,
May You also… Not Be Afraid.
May You Join in the Mighty Chorus,
May You Go on Great Adventures for God,
And May You Spread the Word
About the Mighty Works of God
which Continue Yet Today!!
Christmas Blessings in This Season and Throughout 2009
With Love,
Scott, Monica, Zeke, Sydney, and Cooper Parrish
Eighth Day of Christmas
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5: 3-10
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Many Opportunities in a New Year
My college student friends I've gotten to know through campus ministry started posting their resolutions about a week ago. The Facebook approach of swapping ideas with notes is to share info with a number of friends (even realizing more friends can look in and comment on your note) & then asking for their thoughts, ideas, encouragement. "Am I honest and real with this?" and "What do you think?" are the common questions to end the notes.
They are a challenging, trouble making bunch! I say that because I've tended not to think much about the new year, much less assess my life, or consider how I need to set goals or take steps forward. And they add a whole new wrinkle to this as they don't merely keep their resolutions personal but make it a communal activity. Now that's brave and has potential for real action and change.
So, I thank them for sharing their lives and thoughts with me, and for getting me better prepared for 2009. After struggling with this for a few days I shared the following note in return with my college friends. Now comes the work!
The “experts” always warn about not creating too many unrealistic, “undoable,” resolutions, but to have a smaller focus and to create a plan. I think time management might be the overarching theme for me though these are the life issues I need to focus on in the new year. These thoughts will be good to keep on my calendar, in my computer, and maybe for some of you to reinforce with me.
1) Allow my life to be renewed and change more as I keep the balance between serving/doing & replenishing my body/soul/life—fuel the fire and act on what I know/sense to do each day.
2) Step up—now is the time for social and community change--transform my church, transform Augusta, transform my denomination, in general build a bridge to a better future through my life and profession.
3) Do more writing—make the time to pull the articles & book/s together. Perhaps this really is just on Facebook and blogging, but creating the bridge (#2) takes time for dialogue and communication. Continue to learn and grow in this by listening to those around me, especially college students and friends outside the church.
3) Spend more time making the biggest difference for people at just the right time. Make sure we launch the medical clinic, help the community development take stronger shape, work to establish mission camps in Augusta, etc.
4) Get more creative- nurture and grow my artistic interests. Flee the computer or TV and spend more time with a paint brush, pencil, pen, etc. and grow the spirit of visual creativity and expression.
5) Spend less time with work and more time at being a better husband and dad. Take the family fishing, go to the beach, escape to the mountains, take a vacation, and in addition to the planned options work on being more spontaneous.
6) Personally, I need to get into an exercise routine. In college and grad school I biked a lot. I think I’d like to do that and need to get into the routine. Somewhat related as a lifestyle issue, I also enjoy gardening and growing heirloom food. That’s the old vegetables and flowers before hybrids. I’ll definitely stay active in the yard with that and produces some different items plus spend time with my family while providing quality food.
Hmm, ambitious but achievable I think.
How about you? What's God calling you/ pulling you/ dragging you toward this year? I hope we all live up to those dreams and take our next steps of faith. The year and our world await our response.
They are a challenging, trouble making bunch! I say that because I've tended not to think much about the new year, much less assess my life, or consider how I need to set goals or take steps forward. And they add a whole new wrinkle to this as they don't merely keep their resolutions personal but make it a communal activity. Now that's brave and has potential for real action and change.
So, I thank them for sharing their lives and thoughts with me, and for getting me better prepared for 2009. After struggling with this for a few days I shared the following note in return with my college friends. Now comes the work!
The “experts” always warn about not creating too many unrealistic, “undoable,” resolutions, but to have a smaller focus and to create a plan. I think time management might be the overarching theme for me though these are the life issues I need to focus on in the new year. These thoughts will be good to keep on my calendar, in my computer, and maybe for some of you to reinforce with me.
1) Allow my life to be renewed and change more as I keep the balance between serving/doing & replenishing my body/soul/life—fuel the fire and act on what I know/sense to do each day.
2) Step up—now is the time for social and community change--transform my church, transform Augusta, transform my denomination, in general build a bridge to a better future through my life and profession.
3) Do more writing—make the time to pull the articles & book/s together. Perhaps this really is just on Facebook and blogging, but creating the bridge (#2) takes time for dialogue and communication. Continue to learn and grow in this by listening to those around me, especially college students and friends outside the church.
3) Spend more time making the biggest difference for people at just the right time. Make sure we launch the medical clinic, help the community development take stronger shape, work to establish mission camps in Augusta, etc.
4) Get more creative- nurture and grow my artistic interests. Flee the computer or TV and spend more time with a paint brush, pencil, pen, etc. and grow the spirit of visual creativity and expression.
5) Spend less time with work and more time at being a better husband and dad. Take the family fishing, go to the beach, escape to the mountains, take a vacation, and in addition to the planned options work on being more spontaneous.
6) Personally, I need to get into an exercise routine. In college and grad school I biked a lot. I think I’d like to do that and need to get into the routine. Somewhat related as a lifestyle issue, I also enjoy gardening and growing heirloom food. That’s the old vegetables and flowers before hybrids. I’ll definitely stay active in the yard with that and produces some different items plus spend time with my family while providing quality food.
Hmm, ambitious but achievable I think.
How about you? What's God calling you/ pulling you/ dragging you toward this year? I hope we all live up to those dreams and take our next steps of faith. The year and our world await our response.
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