This past weekend, I managed to run my first call for assisting on a medical helicopter transport, which isn't all that great, except that the helipad is in the middle of the main street in Osmond.
This makes it really obvious that someone is being flown out of either the doctor's office or the hospital. The helipad is right in front of the doc's office, and about half a block from the ER entrance, and so it actually is the best place for it, but on a Friday night (when the local diner has fish night, which is always a BIG thing here), it is not a secret that something has happened somewhere around here.
The sad news is that something did happen in Wausa (about 15 miles or so from Osmond). Some teenagers were driving down a gravel road and lost control, and the vehicle rolled multiple times, ejecting 3 out of the 4 teens. The 1 who wasn't ejected was able to crawl out before the vehicle caught fire, but one of the kids that were ejected had serious head injuries, and so they were flown to Omaha. Unfortunately, she died from her injuries.
While looking at my Facebook page last night, I read a post from a church in the Nebraska Panhandle that their Pastor is going on a Leave of Absence to pursue a different career. This leaves me wondering about that Pastor, the church he currently serves, and the community around it.
Granted, I'm sure he has his reasons, and knowing this guy, it has probably been something that he has thought of for quite some time, I know how many felt about some positive changes he made around there.
My Pierce church is taking part in a community weekly Lenten Services. It has been a long-time tradition, but I have to admit that it is a "frustration" for me. Yes, I am the new guy, so I have tons to learn about this tradition, so I need to put my "Type A" away again.
My worry is that I do a good-enuf job for my church and the others.
But through all of this, last night I saw an amazing sight... the moon was so visible in the twilight sky, and the nearby stars (which I believe are Mars and Venus) were clearly lit. Then a huge flock of geese or cranes flew overhead.
This served as a reminder that there are some things that are much bigger than all of us, and that the grace of God is with us always.
Granted, the passing of a young person still tears at my heart. Just knowing of change makes me anxious. I need to be less "Type A".
But through the pain, nervousness, and wringing of the hands, we need to remember to put God first, and let the blessings we get everyday be something we notice, realize, and allow us to walk the path that as it may bring us through our trials and tribulations, we can still know that God will lift us through those times.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Lent and giving of yourself
I have 3 students in Confirmation this year. And part of my teaching is to have them decide what they will give up (sacrifice) for Lent.
This has been, in a weird way, part of the "fun" of teaching the Classes now and in the past. To watch a group think of what they want to not do or give up or put aside during the Lenten Season can be humorous, because some of the things that have been given up in the past have been things like "chewing gum" or "playing video games". But I have to give kuddos to some of my past students, because they made this commitment, whatever it was, and stuck to it. So with that being said, I'm wondering what this year's students decide.
Now I have to also make the same decision. What would I give up or sacrifice?
Some others Pastors have agreed that we (Pastors) always give up 'time' during Lent. It might be because of extra Lenten Studies that we oversee or teach, or the prep involved during Worship Services during a season like Lent, or because of the increased meeting that occur during this time of the year, or a list of other things.
But I've also stated in the past that I have things to do in the next weeks... a required Course class, my parents' 50th anniversary, and I still need to get up to Minnesota to see my granddaughter again and see their new house.
As I went back through my email box to clean it up, I found some emails from a "specialist" in prayer. I'd really like to get him into this area. But one of the things he presses on (that I've talked of before as well I believe) is that there isn't enough time to pray for the Pastor. Pastors have a task to do, and it's not just for 5-9 hours 4-5 days a week... it's the phone calls during supper, or 4 a.m., or it's the educating people on how things are really suppose to be done, as opposed to their own opinion.
And then I read something the other day that gave me an epiphany... The question was something like "as we pray for our issues or the issues of other people, are we praying for the wisdom to help that person?"
In other words, prayers are nice and necessary, but what can a person do to minister to someone?
For example, I just received a phone call from a Prayer Chain. The person/family will need prayers, of course, but what else will they need?
Meals?
Support?
Respite time?
Help around the house?
I once asked someone why more things weren't done for people around here (I come from places where, when someone is sick or injured or mourning), and the response I got was "it's not a Nebraska thing".
That's a crock.
To start, while IN NEBRASKA, I've seen more casseroles and treats and housework done for people who are hurting in some way. I even had a meal delivered each day while I was sick once, and I still remember the "icy treats" that I got after having hand surgery some years ago.
Christ never said "sit around and pray". He said to GO.
So now that you've read this, I'm sure you're working on who you can do something for, and not just the "one time shot", but in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
So GO.
This has been, in a weird way, part of the "fun" of teaching the Classes now and in the past. To watch a group think of what they want to not do or give up or put aside during the Lenten Season can be humorous, because some of the things that have been given up in the past have been things like "chewing gum" or "playing video games". But I have to give kuddos to some of my past students, because they made this commitment, whatever it was, and stuck to it. So with that being said, I'm wondering what this year's students decide.
Now I have to also make the same decision. What would I give up or sacrifice?
Some others Pastors have agreed that we (Pastors) always give up 'time' during Lent. It might be because of extra Lenten Studies that we oversee or teach, or the prep involved during Worship Services during a season like Lent, or because of the increased meeting that occur during this time of the year, or a list of other things.
But I've also stated in the past that I have things to do in the next weeks... a required Course class, my parents' 50th anniversary, and I still need to get up to Minnesota to see my granddaughter again and see their new house.
As I went back through my email box to clean it up, I found some emails from a "specialist" in prayer. I'd really like to get him into this area. But one of the things he presses on (that I've talked of before as well I believe) is that there isn't enough time to pray for the Pastor. Pastors have a task to do, and it's not just for 5-9 hours 4-5 days a week... it's the phone calls during supper, or 4 a.m., or it's the educating people on how things are really suppose to be done, as opposed to their own opinion.
And then I read something the other day that gave me an epiphany... The question was something like "as we pray for our issues or the issues of other people, are we praying for the wisdom to help that person?"
In other words, prayers are nice and necessary, but what can a person do to minister to someone?
For example, I just received a phone call from a Prayer Chain. The person/family will need prayers, of course, but what else will they need?
Meals?
Support?
Respite time?
Help around the house?
I once asked someone why more things weren't done for people around here (I come from places where, when someone is sick or injured or mourning), and the response I got was "it's not a Nebraska thing".
That's a crock.
To start, while IN NEBRASKA, I've seen more casseroles and treats and housework done for people who are hurting in some way. I even had a meal delivered each day while I was sick once, and I still remember the "icy treats" that I got after having hand surgery some years ago.
Christ never said "sit around and pray". He said to GO.
So now that you've read this, I'm sure you're working on who you can do something for, and not just the "one time shot", but in a way that leaves a lasting impression.
So GO.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Time flys. So watch out for big clocks.
I was thinking about something to post about this evening, but after reading someone else's post, I thought that it would sound like I was just repeating this person. This isn't the first time... as weird as it seems, I'll sign in to post on my blog, and see that this other is thinking something along the same line... Odd, but it happens.
But something else that gets me is how the time has flown so fast. I'm prepping for a couple of weekend trips to Kansas City for a class on Missions, and I also have to get my paperwork sent off so that I can take the last of my required classes this August in Ohio. To go with all of that, I have mom and dad's anniversary (which takes priority) and everything else that goes on in my daily life.
Then today, I switched the licence plates on my car (for those outside of Nebraska, the plates are numbered by counties, so if you move to a different county, you get new plates). I remember switching the plates last year when they were due (a new plate design for Nebraska), and as it turned out, the old plates were STILL in my truck.
So now, I'm taking deep breaths. Go air in, bad air out. One day at a time. Take it as it comes.
Oh, who am I kidding - Time has flown by, and I am having a challenge keeping up.
But tomorrow is another day =)
But something else that gets me is how the time has flown so fast. I'm prepping for a couple of weekend trips to Kansas City for a class on Missions, and I also have to get my paperwork sent off so that I can take the last of my required classes this August in Ohio. To go with all of that, I have mom and dad's anniversary (which takes priority) and everything else that goes on in my daily life.
Then today, I switched the licence plates on my car (for those outside of Nebraska, the plates are numbered by counties, so if you move to a different county, you get new plates). I remember switching the plates last year when they were due (a new plate design for Nebraska), and as it turned out, the old plates were STILL in my truck.
So now, I'm taking deep breaths. Go air in, bad air out. One day at a time. Take it as it comes.
Oh, who am I kidding - Time has flown by, and I am having a challenge keeping up.
But tomorrow is another day =)
Monday, February 13, 2012
In memory of Rev Irene Coates (Ret)
Many Pastors will tell you that there is "always that one person that_______"
Irene Coates was that person
I attended Faith UMC (Grand Island) before becoming a Pastor. Irene was always so caring on how my process of becoming a Pastor was going, and was always ready to pass along lots of words of wisdom.
Then, after I became a Pastor, she was always there at some event, even though she was retired, and wanted to make sure that I was doing ok.
And as a retired Pastor, she could have sat back and relaxed, enjoying the fruits of her ministry... But not Irene. She was involved with something all of the time, and whatever she was involved with, she was probably in a Leadership role, because she was one of those people who "couldn't sit still"... she always made sure (it) was done right. If she was involved with it, it was.
And then, years after I became a Pastor, she would even write me a card once or twice a year and "update" me on the happenings at Faith UMC.
I wish there was a way to bottle up her energy and leadership abilities. Both Clergy and Laity could learn a lot from her!
She will be sadly missed as they celebrate her life tomorrow.
Irene Coates was that person
I attended Faith UMC (Grand Island) before becoming a Pastor. Irene was always so caring on how my process of becoming a Pastor was going, and was always ready to pass along lots of words of wisdom.
Then, after I became a Pastor, she was always there at some event, even though she was retired, and wanted to make sure that I was doing ok.
And as a retired Pastor, she could have sat back and relaxed, enjoying the fruits of her ministry... But not Irene. She was involved with something all of the time, and whatever she was involved with, she was probably in a Leadership role, because she was one of those people who "couldn't sit still"... she always made sure (it) was done right. If she was involved with it, it was.
And then, years after I became a Pastor, she would even write me a card once or twice a year and "update" me on the happenings at Faith UMC.
I wish there was a way to bottle up her energy and leadership abilities. Both Clergy and Laity could learn a lot from her!
She will be sadly missed as they celebrate her life tomorrow.
Can't stop the clock.
During one of my worship services yesterday, we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of one couple and the upcoming 25th Anniversary of another. Then I got an email from my dad that had a picture of him and mom for their upcoming 50th Anniversary.
And to add to all of this, I just read my brother's blog in which he's going to be able to retire in 9 years. What makes this stick out is I remember when he was a Loss Prevention Officer and joked about what I would call his "Another Bite's the Dust" awards.
I'm not quite sure why this is setting in my mind like it is now. My sons were much younger when we saw where my brother worked and met a coworker (it sticks in my mind because I was told that she looked like Julia Roberts, and I could pick her out of a crowd because of how she was looking at me as she walked into the office where my brother was and told him that she just saw someone who could pass as his brother - an odd way of meeting my brother's coworkers).
And my folks 50th Anniversary isn't really a surprise... last time I was in Ohio, we talked about it some, and my brother, as he has been making the party arrangements has been giving us text-updates as he works to get the items, secure the location, etc.
So why am I now thinking of it so much? Is it because of my age? Is it the recalling of times past?
I don't know.
So much has happened lately, so it's hard to say. I'm coming up on completing the last of my required Pastoral courses. I'm a grandpa. I'm noticing more grey hairs every day.
I'm just getting old I suppose, or aging gracefully?
What I do know is that as March 24th come closer, I'll be excited to celebrate my parents' 50th with joy. That will be the best of all of this.
And to add to all of this, I just read my brother's blog in which he's going to be able to retire in 9 years. What makes this stick out is I remember when he was a Loss Prevention Officer and joked about what I would call his "Another Bite's the Dust" awards.
I'm not quite sure why this is setting in my mind like it is now. My sons were much younger when we saw where my brother worked and met a coworker (it sticks in my mind because I was told that she looked like Julia Roberts, and I could pick her out of a crowd because of how she was looking at me as she walked into the office where my brother was and told him that she just saw someone who could pass as his brother - an odd way of meeting my brother's coworkers).
And my folks 50th Anniversary isn't really a surprise... last time I was in Ohio, we talked about it some, and my brother, as he has been making the party arrangements has been giving us text-updates as he works to get the items, secure the location, etc.
So why am I now thinking of it so much? Is it because of my age? Is it the recalling of times past?
I don't know.
So much has happened lately, so it's hard to say. I'm coming up on completing the last of my required Pastoral courses. I'm a grandpa. I'm noticing more grey hairs every day.
I'm just getting old I suppose, or aging gracefully?
What I do know is that as March 24th come closer, I'll be excited to celebrate my parents' 50th with joy. That will be the best of all of this.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
It's been a while.
As I'm reading my brother's blog, and seeing some things happening around me, I realized that I haven't taken the time to journal/blog as I originally planned to. I can point the finger at many things, but deep down, I still have to take care of what I said I would do.
I've procrastinated again on getting a couple of papers done. I have the info, and a concept of where I'm going in my papers, but still, I wanted to be totally done before this point.
I'm also needing to get my vacation planned. Next month is my parents' 50th Anniversary, and from the text updates I've gotten from my brother, everything seems to be coming along great. So it looks like it will be a great time.
I also have found time to work one-on-one with my District Superintendent on some things. I can't go in to many details, but to say that I'm "working on bettering my ministry" here and in the future with my DS, someone from Grand Island, and possibly one or two others a little closer to home. It will be interesting in where everything goes.
I've also found out more about weather patterns around here. There seems to be a town every 15 or so miles, and the weather in one can be so much more different than another, so I realized that I have 2 or 3 different kinds of coats or jackets in my truck.
Something else I did get accomplished is that my truck is now a Pierce County truck. I got my plates switched now as they were due this month, and now at least I have a plate number that I can remember when I need to. I've considered getting a "personalized plate", but not sure what I would have. I thought of "REV KEV", but another pastor in my Conference has "REV BEV", and yeah, we park close to one another many times. I don't know, but it just seems a little weird. Maybe I'm just being weird.
Well, Dingo is giving me that "look", so I should close this and call it a night.
So good night
I've procrastinated again on getting a couple of papers done. I have the info, and a concept of where I'm going in my papers, but still, I wanted to be totally done before this point.
I'm also needing to get my vacation planned. Next month is my parents' 50th Anniversary, and from the text updates I've gotten from my brother, everything seems to be coming along great. So it looks like it will be a great time.
I also have found time to work one-on-one with my District Superintendent on some things. I can't go in to many details, but to say that I'm "working on bettering my ministry" here and in the future with my DS, someone from Grand Island, and possibly one or two others a little closer to home. It will be interesting in where everything goes.
I've also found out more about weather patterns around here. There seems to be a town every 15 or so miles, and the weather in one can be so much more different than another, so I realized that I have 2 or 3 different kinds of coats or jackets in my truck.
Something else I did get accomplished is that my truck is now a Pierce County truck. I got my plates switched now as they were due this month, and now at least I have a plate number that I can remember when I need to. I've considered getting a "personalized plate", but not sure what I would have. I thought of "REV KEV", but another pastor in my Conference has "REV BEV", and yeah, we park close to one another many times. I don't know, but it just seems a little weird. Maybe I'm just being weird.
Well, Dingo is giving me that "look", so I should close this and call it a night.
So good night
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thanks
What an interesting Wednesday. And it all started last night.
I took a test that I hope will help me in my ministry, and was given the option of letting my District Superentendent know of it.
Well, anything to help my ministry is a great opportunity, and anything that my D.S. can offer can add to it.
But while I considered that it takes time to process, look at calendars, etc,
So I get a call from my DS, starting with an offer to take a "side-position" in the District based on some of my experiences. Wow.
It's not that the job is some "big deal", but to be thought of was a chance to make for an awesome start to my day.
Then I notice that my Bishop thanks me for reposting a video that we watched while at the Clergy Session last week. Wow.
It's not the idea that I the Bishop mentions something to this lowly little preacher. She even handwrites her own 'thank you' notes. But to take the time from her schedule. Awesome.
Then as I'm trying to figure out how to get some magazines that is required for some papers I have to write for my Missions class, I made a call to the Conference Missions folks, and the head of it offered to mail a few to me. Wow.
Then I end my day by chatting with the local diner owner for an hour or two. In the conversation, he told me that I was doing a great job because of how I interact with everyone. Wow.
----------------------
My day literally started bad. I'm still sore from slipping on the ice and had a lot on my mind, but to get those moments today made everything nice.
Now, to figure out how to return the favors and/or kindness....
Hmmmmm
I took a test that I hope will help me in my ministry, and was given the option of letting my District Superentendent know of it.
Well, anything to help my ministry is a great opportunity, and anything that my D.S. can offer can add to it.
But while I considered that it takes time to process, look at calendars, etc,
So I get a call from my DS, starting with an offer to take a "side-position" in the District based on some of my experiences. Wow.
It's not that the job is some "big deal", but to be thought of was a chance to make for an awesome start to my day.
Then I notice that my Bishop thanks me for reposting a video that we watched while at the Clergy Session last week. Wow.
It's not the idea that I the Bishop mentions something to this lowly little preacher. She even handwrites her own 'thank you' notes. But to take the time from her schedule. Awesome.
Then as I'm trying to figure out how to get some magazines that is required for some papers I have to write for my Missions class, I made a call to the Conference Missions folks, and the head of it offered to mail a few to me. Wow.
Then I end my day by chatting with the local diner owner for an hour or two. In the conversation, he told me that I was doing a great job because of how I interact with everyone. Wow.
----------------------
My day literally started bad. I'm still sore from slipping on the ice and had a lot on my mind, but to get those moments today made everything nice.
Now, to figure out how to return the favors and/or kindness....
Hmmmmm
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