Wednesday, October 26, 2011

First Freeze Haiku

an aching branch lays
down its burden; snow and sap
crack, its last exhale

Thanks to the internet and whoever took the pics for sharing these!


Sunday, October 23, 2011

No Words

So, I've been back from Venezuela a little over a week now, and I have not yet posted anything about my experiences (later today I'll add a sermon with some response on In Praise of Sophia, and I'm working on another short piece to be added soon). Mostly, I think I haven't posted because I cannot put the depth of spiritual encounter into words.

For now, I can only offer this last stanza from the song "The Afterlife" on Paul Simon's latest album, So Beautiful or So What. 

Seriously, "all that remains when you try to explain is a fragment of song..."

After you climb up the ladder of time
The Lord God is near
Face-to-face in the vastness of space
Your words disappear
And you feel like you’re swimming in an ocean of love
And the current is strong
But all that remains when you try to explain
Is a fragment of song
Lord, is it Be Bop a Lula? Or ooh Papa Doo?
Lord, Be Bop a Lula? Or ooh Papa Doo?
Be Bop a Lula

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Medical Mission

Early tomorrow morning I leave on my first adventure beyond the USA. It's a medical mission trip with members of my regional church (Rocky Mountain Conference, UCC) and the Disciples of Christ. For 15 years we've been in relationship with the UEPV (Evangelical Pentecostal Union of Venezuela)--we've had more than 20 trips together. This time, 11 of us will travel to join with them for various medical clinics in rural areas.

I ask prayers for this time--for me, for my colleagues, for our churches, for the individuals we'll meet. Prayers for open hearts and open spirits, that we all may grow together. Thank you in advance.


Venezuelan Medical Mission Trip

a very basic outline of our “flexible” itinerary (with open space for “as needed”)

Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Denver, Colorado, USA àMaracaibo, Venezuela
Thursday
Get acquainted with UEPV (Unión Evangélica Pentecostal Venezolana), our partner denominationàteam orientation
Friday
            MaracaiboàPortuguesa, worship at dedication of new church
Saturday
            Medical clinic at Mountain of Zion Church (no hospital in community)
            Worship at Los Maria Church and celebrate pastor’s 80th birthday
Sunday
            Medical clinic at Peritu at Betty’s House
            Worship and dedication of another new church
Monday
            àBarquisimeto
Tuesday
            àMaracaibo
Wednesday
            àWayuu (indigenous community) clinic and ceremonies
Thursday
            TBA
Friday, October 14, 2011
            MaracaiboàDenver