inspired by child...

Streep as Child...

So I went to see Julie and Julia. It was worth time. I came away with the desire to eat everything in sight and also filled with a bit of wisdom, in particular widsom concerning a layer of angst that has long been part of my life.

Like Julie and Julia I have a deep longing to make a difference in life and I would prefer to make a difference by doing what I enjoy and have a passion for. I've spent the last 20 years of my life serving the church as an ordained minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Outside of my control is the reality that the entire time I have been serving the church, the church has been in decline.

Twenty years into this journey I am able to say that decline is not the problem of the church....but rather the obssession to focus on reality....the reality of money, building issues, schedules, and personalities. My experience is that many churches spend most of thier time on these type issues refusing to consider new ideas and new ways of living faith.

Much like the first editors who read Child's book....we say things like, "That is not practical, no one will read such a long book, we can't do that. We won't do that." And yet, the editor who actually went home and tried one of Child's recipies caught on to the vision and passion of Child's book and helped make her gift for cooking enrich our lives. What will it take for the church to begin balancing the practicalities of life with the imagination and creativity?

I long for the church to wake up, to get excited, to taste new recipies, to laugh and enjoy. I have gifts, skills, expereince and desires and ideas to help build ministry that involves people of all ages. Now if we can only get past all those who keep saying, "We've never done it that way before! That is not practical. I don't like it."

I've been working on my recipies for ministry for quite some time and trust God will lead me to the place and time where I can help make a difference!