a BIC experience

On Typing

2006-08-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

By choosing the word "pursuing" to describe what we want to do about peace, we are acknowledging that it is a continuous activity. We are always going after or chasing peace. Sometimes peace is elusive, sometime there are complications, sometimes there are obstacles to overcome. Maybe we will never quite capture peace, but we are always pursuing, always following after Christ, who indeed is our peace.

- Harriet Sider Bixler in an essay entitled Pursuing Peace found in the Brethren in Christ core values.

What a contrast this quote presents against many ideas of a peacemaker as an avoider or mediator, but never as an agitator. To re-orient peacemaking in a light which appears aggressive but still faithfully meek is something Bixler does well here. I think.

soon and very soon

2006-08-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

This week I wrote a story about one really BIG church and one small church. It is interesting because it is not time that makes one congregation grow more rapidly than the others...The larger one is a much younger congregation. It seems to be a mentality shift. Not that one mentality is superior to the other, but even the way things are talked about is worlds different.

I think someone could spend hours studying this subject, tossing it about and traveling across the country interviewing church members and staff - deliberating over the factors: marketing techniques, gregarious personalities, a wide age-range, right place right time, the work of the holy spirit in a congregation... sheesh, the thoughts are endless

Stories are piling up and will soon be available on the web!

Rounding out

2006-08-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

In a farewell meeting today for a member of the Foundation all people within the BIC church offices met to share and gather around A. Ray one last time. Although I never had a chance to really speak with her, she has walked by my cubicle purposefully many times - and individuals I have interviewed glowed her praise.

This is the second time I have gotten the chance to be a part of a farewell ceremony for a much beloved member of these offices this summer.

Each time tears, laughter and stories were passed around like cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving Dinner. And although the middle of a work day often seems like it is not the place for warm condolences and heart rendering, people here in the office have no problem breaking it down -there is a sense of camaraderie and closeness in the office that is pleasant to observe and be around.

It seems to demand a contemplation on rootedness in me. When you put roots down in a community you gain the ability to display a more true sense of yourself, one that others are able to comment on. I guess more simply it gives you time to make an indent.

In transient society - one that often takes importance off of community gatherings, and places them on more individualistic efforts of proving yourself to yourself only - I think this beauty is often lost. Not that there is a need to prove - that word throws the harmony off a bit- but just to be a part of something that can be attested to, understood, quoted back.

One thing said today was "in every thing we do, every interaction, we are either adding to or taking away from our integrity" in other words - our wholeness. When I think of wholeness I think of circles, and thinking of gaining more wholeness, in a visual sense, makes me thinking of growing more 'round.'

It seems that without a community surrounding us, sounding out this continued 'rounding out' (one way rounding out is sweet) how can we understand our shape? With all the talk of round people - do you remember playing with weebles little people!? Love 'em

*wish I could have found some better pictures though.

drops of promise in the air

2006-08-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

And August begins. Swaggering onto stage as predicted--with swells of heat rising in a haze of humidity from blacktop. When I was 15 I started setting monthly goals at the beginning of every month - I thought it would help with the short vs long term memory thing a bit - and while a lot of things have changed from the age of 15 - 22! - this one hasn't.

I think the thing about August is that you start to remember. those goals, the moisture laden heat sort of purifies you and makes you stop to think - the beginning of the summer always starts with high hopes for relaxation, meditation, reading, hiking, biking, swimming, traveling and catching with friends, and those projects and dreams that fall beside the way on colder days. But somewhere in the first weeks of June, summer stops being that place we place our most exciting hopes and just sort of races itself to the end... till we get to August. Now we soak up every last ray of summer's potential energy before she moves on. I like talking about things like they are universal.

Well, here at the BIC Foundation it seems that people I haven't been able to get a hold of or who never called me back, finally are contacting me. They didn't forget me completely after all. So I have been working on email interviews and turning them into articles. While email does make things so much easier in some ways, just having those words right there in front of you to plug in, all laid out, ahhh, cuts out having to listen to an article over again remembering where quotes were, etc.
- it does lack of something of a push, a voice tone inflection that shows you right where to begin or end your article. A whole slue of pictures just came in today as well - always interesting to put faces to the voices you have been listening to on the phone.

The BIC Foundation has been cooking up some exciting new ways to get information out there to the public and let those that can benefit from them know.

unearthing talents

2006-07-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Not very much talking this week as I continued to process interviews that took place last week. This blog seems like it is pretty boring today - and it doesn't even say anything yet!

Tomorrow I am leaving for vacation so I am finishing up a few articles that I can leave behind before I go. I did have an interesting follow-up interview yesterday - the subject was...Drama! Discussing ways churches and ministries can really uncover and empower individuals hidden talents. In seeking to do this their church has uncovered a number of talented actors - and they are running with it! The plays they perform are also written and directed at the church.

I once acted in a play. I was Elizabeth, the cook in King Josiah's - that's right, from the OT - palace. Since I was the narrator I had to stand up in the play and do time-outs, Zach Morris from Saved by the Bell style, keeping the audience informed. My performance was complete with exaggerated hand gestures, facial expressions, and a lil to large chef's hat. Oh to drama! I can't say this star/lead part ever developed into a very extraordinary career for me - although I did almost try out for a Messiah play...

Does anyone have any hidden talents they developed later in life? Proclaim them on my blog!

Our country 'tis of thee

2006-07-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

Today, I took some time to hop on the BIC Forum. I enjoyed the set-up. I noticed that most of the time the comments came from the same few people, which is ashame, what a powerful way to connect on a number of levels with individuals you are linked with by name (the denomination name). With all the time that individuals - or at least younger individuals have - for myspace, aim, hopefully they can jump on and be a part of the dialogue.

Today, I have been working primarily writing Mission Profiles which will be posted on BICWM website. While doing that, and a little research, I came across a blog kept by an Americah citizen who had lived in Thailand as an ex-pat for a number of years. Recently he had debated returning to the U.S. He was scared to return after such a long absence.

This morning I spoke with a CGA investor who had served in Africa for over twenty years. She said seconded the motion - returning was more difficult than adjusting.

North America - the land of convenience and freedom - is more difficult to return to?Although I cannot speak for others, some images enter my mind: the blue pen by my bed that cannot seem to find my journal or letters blank face, the red face of the woman in front of me who was cut off, mini vans full, and eyes on auto-pilot - (and also just that, the conveniance and freedom in the face of such disparity elsewhere.) We could stand to talk about the ways that America wears and pulls her citizens for an indefinite amount of time, but maybe for now.. living within her borders and sustaining balance is...an art of another kind.

Spacing out..

2006-07-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

"These virtues of shelter are so simple, so deeply rooted in our unconscious that they may be recaptured through mere mention, rather than through minute description." - The Poetics of space.

Reading parts of the book Poetics of Space caused me to reflect more intentionally on the importance of space in a number of ways.
Interviewing pastors, leaders and congregations regularly I have come to realize they are doing this constantly, in a number of ways.

Does space and building define identity? Or does it just give others a chance to do so? This is a question that many congregations have had to ask themselves when they decide to take a loan for a building of their own. One pastor discussed the ways in which their local community had not truly acknowledge the congregations arrival without a locale and building to place them in. He also acknowledged the ways in which it contributed to the congregations own identity of itself.

The dynamic relationship between the space we inhabit, and ourselves, is exciting. Even more dynamic is when the buildings relationship is with a whole GROUP of people. Then it takes on the unique characteristics, not only one person or family, but a number of different families, people groups etc.

I have already recorded, inadvertently different ways congregations have put their money to good. Talking with a number of new pastors last week, here are some more:

* One congregation was able to turn their tilted lobby into a dinner theatre, rather than just manage with awkward angles like it has been doing.

*Another has used their building as a base for service outreach - becoming known in the community as a resource performing acts of kindness in the area.

*One congregation has used their building for Kids Clubs that attract a large number of children from the community to come out and share a time of fun and learning.

I want to love

2006-07-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Today I had a couple really great interviews, I'm sure bits and pieces will come into this blog as I process them.

This-week-a-cycle-of-thought-has-surfaced. Its great when you can see an underlying theme pop-up in life and an idea moves from something that you have thought a thousand times to something you can feel

"Alienation is often a function of not knowing another human being. I have good relations with almost all the other bishops, those who agree and those who don't agree with me. I will bend over backwards to build good relations with those who don't agree with me."
- Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori

I opened and read this quote in an email last week. The motion associated with the word relations hopped at me, the intention lurking there. I sense a difference than the passivity I associate with tolerance, knowing someone else exists in a different way of thinking and letting that happen, not touching it.

Imagining, seeking friendship with individuals who passionately disagree, humbles me as I think about the chances I have had to exercise those muscles of empathy...

Interestingly, last night we discussed the value of ecumenical ministry in community discussion - discussing how to focus on the the things that unite believers rather than those things which divide us, allowing relationships to form from threads of commonality.

Another piece in the puzzle clicks (suspense music-a little): today I opened an issue of Seek (winter 2005) to an article written by Brian Ross, a BICer in Reading, Penn., who developed a strong relationship with another who grew up with a negative religious experience, was done with narrow-minded individuals tending towards an open eastern philosophy. They became friends and talked about a number of things (without one of them having an agenda): ideology, philosophy, their lives, etc. A lot of times they came back to talking about Jesus. They focused on the things that united, their interest in the life of Jesus.

Speaking of eastern philosophy I still need to use my Sumi art kit which Levi bought me and is so awesome! It is an eastern art form (one piece is displayed above)...lo-ve-ly.

Some things really great about the life of Jesus:
Grace towards least
Joy in Death
Peace with time
Teaching with pictures
and empathy through humility

i think i twallowed a bug (purposeful misspell)

2006-07-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

The office is quiet this afternoon. Most of the building is away at the annual general conference. Things were a flurry last week before everyone was leaving.

The weekend was nice. A relaxing Sat. afternoon with some writing, movie watching, napping and milling about. Topped with a blue grass show Sat. night, nothing like a stage full of muscians dressed in overalls and straw hats...hm? Sunday was an early 4th celebration with pool volleyball, crabs, corn on the cob, watermelon, potato salad and sun for half the day, rain the other.

And now today. I have had a hard time getting into any kind of groove and it feels like your typically slow Monday. Not to mention I was just trying to download picture onto this blog post and my computer keeps freezing every time! well, in light of monday syndrome, I was thinking of everyone else who may be having bland Monday afternoons and what I could possibly post to bring a smile...

You may know about him, he's been around a while, but take some time to watch a tune today- the voices get you every time www.homestarrunner.com.

Heres to laughs, gigles and silly voices on the 4th! (thats tomorrow)

pass it down

2006-06-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

The air felt wonderful walking into the building a little while ago, a storm stirring in the sky, trying to decide whether to stay awhile or make its way onward. I don't mind if it stays and rains a little while, as long as its done for the drive-in tonight, whoo hoo!

Speaking of financial details (see last entry), today I spoke with two individuals who have invested in charitable gift annuities. For information on what this is in detail, see the foundation's website. Basically, it is a way to maximize your gift to a charity, while at the same time reaping a return on the investment while living, it's a pretty slick way of giving.

Although I am pretty sure the words slick and give should not rest side-by-side in the same sentence. (This is one of those silly circumstances when you just want to talk about your awkward wording rather than go back and fix it.)

Interestingly, both of the aforementioned givers had some things in common.

Perhaps the most telling, however, was the way in which both credited their parents for teaching them the importance of regularly giving. One having felt so moved by this message he went so far as to write a pamphlet discussing how to give away as many of your resources as you are willing to spend on a family member, or yourself. Now, and probably before, he is putting movement with ideas.

Ideas- I have not really continued to engage with definitive beliefs of the BIC in a while, meaning documented theologies, like I thought would happen at the commencement of this blog experiment; except to point to ways I have engaged with members of the denomination.

And, while I may to do more in the future, I am realizing more that beliefs are not easily put into words on a page. I suppose, I could write and dialogue about each belief that the BIC holds as I come into contact, or think about it, but it seems that I am learning more about the reality of the BIC church through my interactions with a diverse number of interesting and dedicated people, than by discussing their documented values.

It seems following graduation, that this is a theme in my life, taking learning from more traditional and predictable methods of education -to understanding how to translate life experience into an education that is just as valuable, if not more. (Of course, we have all be doing this since we were born, in one way or another, but understanding how to be intentional about maintaining a dynamic, not stagnate, relationship)

I also finished 37 pages of transcription. The interview at hand took place between Shemlal the chairman for the Nepali Welfare Society and BIC Coordinator, Arlene. Once again I stand amazed by the strength, determination and love displayed by others in foreign cultures as they deal with circumstances our minds of American affluence could not begin to understand.

namaste is a Nepali salutation, meaning, "I salute the God in you."

tiny details

2006-06-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Well, when I wait to journal at the end of the day I can't seem to find the right words, but here are some things that I have been thinking:

It is intriguing to me the ways in which my delight in the small things: from tiny bits of kiwi in cranberry juice to the silly inflections in people's voices interact with something as un-stimulating (to me) as finances. These two things described as the 'details' of our lives seemingly fall into two very separate categories: the fascinating and the necessary.(both are necessary really)

However, working with the foundation and discussing individuals, pastors and congregation's desire to use money as a resources for the Lord, down to the smallest details, from investments, budgets and loans to gift annuities, is insightful (and even exciting!)

Proper stewardship with finances is important to the BIC, and it is neat to see the ways in which the foundation is supplementing the church's desire by providing a catalyst for thinking about different ways you can utilize your entire estate, all of your possessions, not only your weekly tithe.

One pastor I spoke with today had taken the time (with a committee) to examine their community's needs, demographics, and resources to realize that not one private daycare existed in the area. So, when they were given the opportunity to utilize a loan to start a self- and church sustaining program, they knew that a private daycare was the one. They were successful because of their thoughtful examination.

Dulcimer, the editor of Seek Magazine (the official BIC publication), recently showed her box of organically grown, seasonal produce, to me. She purchases it from a farm in Perry County- they deliver! I think this box completely embodied this distinction between something as delightful as seasonal produce and something as necessary as stewardship of our bodies and the earth's resources.

Had two good interviews today and am excited to see what comes from them.

Learning from Little Ones

2006-06-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

As I finish up this week I have not had very good luck getting a hold of people, alot of answering machines and setting up appointments for next week. Which is fine, but I miss talking and hearing stories to break up the day. We'll see though, the day is young.

Still thinking about the story of those two young women at Valley Christian school in Moreno Valley (and the background they received while attending the school from 1st through 8th grades and how positive that was) I am reminded of a documentary I saw last year on Israeli and Palestinian non-violent reconciliation through the eyes of children entitled: Promises. It was excellently done as the film makers interviewed seven children from both people groups to learn about what they thought about war, peace, and everything in between. The movie was full of depth and thought provoking while at the same time absolutely adorable during the long shots of candid interviews. I fully recommend it.

Also, there is a very interesting debate on infant baptism going on behind me.

OK, lunchtime, and than: transcription!

Moreno Valley

2006-06-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day for finishing tasks left behind last Friday. ( I was feeling sick on Monday.)

However, I did get the chance to talk to one woman today from Moreno Valley, Calif. She is the principal at Valley Christian school, affiliated with the BIC church. She talked of the racial tensions within the neighborhood of the community in which the school is located, but also brought attention to the ways in which many of these tension appear non-existent within their own small school that goes from Pre-K, to eighth grade.

Getting ready to speak at the upcoming graduation ceremony she relayed the story of two girls from different racial backgrounds who became great friends while attending the school. After both girls moved on to the public school for high school last year they were ridiculed intensely if they sat near each other during lunch, and had to continue their friendship outside of a public or school setting.

EDUCATE yourself on the accordian

2006-06-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

Things are in full-swing and I have begun the process of juggling interviewing, revising and beginning new articles at once. I like the variety and the availability to switch pace when necessary.

Speaking of swing, I was listening to NPR this week and learned that it's accordian appreciation month. And, apparently, the accordian is in dire need of appreciation given its status as most "underated instrument." I actually saw a band on Sat. night that centered around the accordian and loved it, so, I'm sending a little support here: whoo hoo.

I have been speaking with a lot of individuals who are very supportive of what the Foundation is doing to support the BIC. It is nice to hear pastors and congregations members so excited about the growth in their congregations due to the projects funded by the loan fund. Two churhces, so far, have used their additional building space to either start, or enhance, private school programs. This seems like an effective way to engage with the community.

I know given charter school and homeschooling's new popularity, that private education is on the rise in general. Also, the belief in a separation between church and state rooted within BIC theology seems to create a space in which they would appreciate and support private education.

Here is a quote in support of Christian education from an article on the subject:

"Lacking a comprehensive Christian worldview, young people think Christianity is only about personal devotion and "religious" stuff. They don’t understand that Christianity is, as Francis Schaeffer taught, "Truth about total reality, not just about religious things."-Brandon Dutcher

In a class on the role of pluralism in education within the United States, we often debated the pros and cons of private, interest specific, education as opposed to public in forming future generations.( 'melting pot as opposed to brainwashing' types of debates)

I find myself struggling between my roots as a privately educated student, and the opportunities that brought, and my belief in the neccesity for engagement with social institutions that play an active role in the lives of community members. What do you think?

Breakfast and Service

2006-06-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

To begin a day with a 6 am breakfast, two eggs, toast, and home fries, is a wonderful thing. But hard. Also, Dunlaps Bakery in Gettysburg serves this dish with reasonably little grease, which is also nice.

I finished a draft of one story this morning. It follows a small congregation from Canada to the Gulf Coast Region on a service trip. It was great to talk with the individuals who had gone, they were so excited and encouraged from their travels. The bonding that takes place on a trip when you are eating, sleeping and working for the same things is like nothing else.

That is why I enjoy traveling so deeply. While you are processing new, and often shallow, information of an area you can only stay in for a short time, you are forming much deeper bonds with your traveling companions.

One widow who had been on the service trip woke up the morning after they returned and said she felt there were twenty-one people missing from her life...anyone who has traveled that closely with a group of people knows exactly the feeling she is speaking of. It is nice to know that probably at any given moment someone is having that feeling.

Another reason why this post title makes sense: going to breakfast with your friends takes a sacrifice, a sacrifice of more early morning sleep-which is kind of service, right?

a legacy of giving

2006-06-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

Ater recently returning from a short road trip upstate, bigger plans canceled, I've decided I can never escape Pa.

That decided, I have officially begun compiling stories for the BICF.

Upon passing away, Ethel Climenhaga presented a large part of her estate to the BIC church, which she loved very much. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. John Martin, her counsin-in-law, and executer of her estate.

He was very friendly and excited about the BICF's interest in Ethel's life. He could not speak enough to the dedication to which Ethel approached the things she cared about. A dedicated teacher, she also left a large amount of money to Christian schools. Ethel came from humble beginnings and rather than inheriting or earning large amounts of money, she always saved and used what she had wisely."Always a good example," John reiterated. He gave me a few more contacts too, and I am looking forward to learning more about the legacy Ethel has left us.

Loose Ties

2006-05-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

All the scattered/new position puzzle pieces continue to fall in place. The phonemail is working, my e-mail activation has taken place, and I learned where to get the "good stuff" in the coffee category. Thanks to Elvin and Jim for their help, these are important issues.

Outside of the coffee, two new stories have helped keep my mind awake. They will both be prepared for Seek Magazine's online supplement of their quarterly publication. Seek is the official Brethren in Christ publication and, I should mention, that I am working very closely with them, while here primarily to uncover the BICF's untold stories (sounds a little sci-fi).

The first project requires my contact with a pastor directly affected by the Missional Church Initiative begun in May 2005. The initiative focuses on encouraging established churches and pastors by providing an outside perspective and objective opinion on congregational needs. This program was created to balance BIC's continued focus on church planting.

The second tells the tale of one Canadian mission team's experience in aiding a community on the Gulf Coast region. Good stuff.

Over the winter I purchased a book of poems entitled The Common Wealth. From the battlefields, abandoned factories, deeply religious communities to the smallest detail in Camp Hill this nourishing collection leaves no stone in Pa unwritten. Julia Kasdorf, an English professor who once taught with Messiah (now Penn State), is one of the many gifted writers found within the book's walls. Reading these carfully crafted poems caused me to reflect on my own origins in this state.

Already aware of the Brethren in Christ origin in Lancaster County, I never truly processed how grounded in the Pennsylvania soil the denomination was. Not to mention its relative, 'newness.'

"Early Brethren in Christ were often called "River Brethren" because of their common location up and down the Susquehanna River. "

As a Pennsylvania resident, I find this powerful. Not that BIC beliefs are less relevant, important, or exciting, to those outside of the Keystone state. Rather, it simply serves as a personal metaphor for illuminating the intimacy which the Brethren in Christ strive for. The BIC church seems rooted in the land, the same way members of the congregation are often rooted in their community-believing that intimacy is better served through smaller, close-knit congregations. I agree.

First Day Flight

2006-05-22T07:52:00.000-07:00

I have always loved the quote, "The unexamined life is not worth living" by Socrates. Especially since he was recorded as saying it in front of a court of Athenian judges while on trial for heresy. That's pressure. I know in my own experience each new adventure, change, and daily activity, seems more rich in the light of contemplation. So, when confronted with the idea of blogging my experience interning with the BIC (Brethren in Christ, or as mispelled on a received letter today, Brother and Chris) Foundation over the summer, I was delighted.

As a recent graduate of Messiah College I have been asked more times than I can count, "What are your plans now?" Always qualified with, "Sorry you have been asked that a million times." You can imagine I was grateful to have the BIC internship in place and could readily offer a reply to friends and family. However, some of the responses to the Brethren in Christ denomination were quite humorous. Here are my top two:

- "So I know the Brethren in Christ tradition is similar to the Mennonite tradition. Do they still wear head coverings?"

- "How similar to Amish tradition are the Brethren in Christ?"

While these questions may seem silly at first the distinction between Mennonite and Brethren in Christ theology is often confusing. And, while I do have some familiarity and background in Brethren in Christ beliefs, I was not satisfied with the comprehension in my replies. In light of that, I have begun doing some research on the BIC website and hope to keep updating on my interaction with this learning process.

Outside of that I met each of the five individuals who make up the BIC Foundation, learned about the interactive database, and began acclamating to the new environment. I am already feeling at home in such a warm atomsphere.