Deb Swansonhttp://heraldblog.squarespace.com/deb-swanson/en-US2009-12-01T15:28:51ZSquarespace Site Server v5.8.3 (http://www.squarespace.com/)How do you solve a problem like Maria?http://heraldblog.squarespace.com/deb-swanson/2009/6/9/how-do-you-solve-a-problem-like-maria.htmlDeb Swanson2009-06-09T03:10:39ZKent has started a Sound of Music theme.  Stacey Midge and Sherri Meyer-Veen did a great job of presenting the report on Women's Ministries tonight.  Although I do agree with Paul Janssen in that some reports have become platforms, I can say I am glad Sherri shared her story tonight.  It is a story elders and pastors need to hear.  It happens so often to so many.  My own story is connected to Sherri's and my eyes were wet as I listened.  I am so thankful the office of women will now be funded and who ever holds that office can now be released into ministry to transform the RCA so that women throughout the denomination - in whatever way they serve are empowered, equipped and released into serving in compassionate and life-giving ministries.  Maria is not some problem to be solved she is a gift to be embraced.

To God be the glory.

]]>Todayhttp://heraldblog.squarespace.com/deb-swanson/2009/6/8/today.htmlDeb Swanson2009-06-08T11:10:33ZMost often I write this blog late at night.  This morning it is raining so as I wait to see if the rain subsides I want to share a few reflections.  Sunday held wonderful things for us.  James Seawood was elected president.  , only the second African American to be elected to that office in our history. Many from his congregation were here to celebrate with him, having travelled 14 hours by bus and leaving late in the day to travel home so they could work today.  This president brings passions and concern for Native Americans.  His congregation deeply loves him.

Today first up on the agenda is Belhar.  It wll be historic really no matter how we vote.  The world is watching and waiting.  

Come Holy Spirit, Come breathe through each delegate, blow through this room. 

]]>My reporthttp://heraldblog.squarespace.com/deb-swanson/2009/6/8/my-report.htmlDeb Swanson2009-06-08T01:57:44ZToday I made the Christian Education and Discipleship Commission Report.  Alongside me Tom Elenbaas gave the Our Call Forum on Discipleship report.  Tom did a wonderful job.  He spoke with passion and enthusiasm.  We were really the first group to report out - most previous reports have come from the General Synod Council.  I think folks appreciated our vision and hope for discipleship ministries.  The commitment with which we spoke and the fact that we had no recommendations!  Wes had given us quite a bit of material to work with.  I thanked him for that later. 

The toughest part about giving a report at General Synod is you end up on a jumbo-tron.  And there is one facing you so while reporting out one might find oneself wondering why she chose to where this particular color today or Seriously? A trip to the hair salon is really in the near future. 

This morning at Trinity we were blessed with wonderful worship, God speaking through Brad about God's interruptions in our lives.  I had a chance to visit with Karsten.  That was the best part of my day.  Continue to lift them (the Voskuil family, especially Elizabeth) in your prayers.

Tomorrow - the Belhar.  Pray for the General Synod without ceasing won't you?

]]>Celebrationhttp://heraldblog.squarespace.com/deb-swanson/2009/6/7/celebration.htmlDeb Swanson2009-06-07T01:54:33ZI was looking forward to celebrating with so many tonight at the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women.  But I could not.  Instead I found myself on my way back to Grand Rapids to see how I could relieve Karsten as he walked with his family through the mystery of his sister's health.  Could I preach for him, could I officiate the baptism?  I knew it would take some tugging to get Karsten to take the day to simply be with his family.  Surprisingly, he made the decision to stay with his family and Brad Olson will be preaching, I will be baptizing and God's Spirit will certainly bathe us all in the comfort and strength we so desire.  Come Holy Spirit, Come.

I was where I needed to be tonight - I thank God for the ordination of women that allowed me to be there.  

]]>Deep Discipleshiphttp://heraldblog.squarespace.com/deb-swanson/2009/6/6/deep-discipleship.htmlDeb Swanson2009-06-06T03:19:52ZWow - last year the Commission on Education and Discipleship, of which I am the moderator and hence here at Synod, sent a paper to General Synod describing our vision of discipleship as deep and rich. And tonight Wes beautifully articulated that vision. I am reminded again that mostly through story we recognize deep discipleship - stories of Church of the Saviour, and stories in revitalizing congregations who empower and nurture people to discover God at work in their lives and to use their gifts to serve others. Rich Sankofa journeys and Iglesia Reformada Dominicana--the Reformed Church of the Dominican Republic--are all evidence of deep and rich discipleship. It was an awesome evening of celebrating so much more than we could ever imagine. (And I love to hear Ken Bradsell share stories of God and baptism and get a quiver in his voice. He is a great announcement giver - but really the passion with which he shared tonight about his experience with the Iglesia Reformada Dominicana - priceless.)

And as Wes ended - "Let us embrace the whole gospel, with our whole lives, for the whole world. Let us commit from the depths of our hearts, to be disciples of Christ."

God's Peace, Deb

[The General Secretary's Report is available on the RCA web site.]

]]>Peacehttp://heraldblog.squarespace.com/deb-swanson/2009/6/5/peace.htmlDeb Swanson2009-06-05T01:51:42ZIt is just day one, I have walked with one or two, shared meals with a few and I have shared the feast of God with many.

Along the way, across the table and during the feast here are some of the words I have heard:

 

"It is less about the decisions we make and more about how we are as we make those decisions..."

"Today is the beginning of a handing off of our work..."

"Be wise and be fair..."

"You know my husband died since I last saw you..."

"Our grandchild will need heart surgery at just 1 year old..."

"I gave 10 shekels to the woman and her daughter begging at the side of the road, he gave her his bible and said read this - this is what you need..."

"How are you, really?" "I'm just heartbroken..."

"Peace! Be still!...and there was a dead calm..."

"Nature bowed to him"...

"How did she know I had been swamped? That my boat was being stirred about?"

"As we make our decisions this week let us keep in our minds those children who are in peril because of adults with childish ways..."

"Put peace into each other's hands..."

"As at communion, shape your hands...the gift of Christ receive, revere, united 'round the table..."

 

Come Holy Spirit, Come.  Peace, peace peace.

]]>Almost therehttp://heraldblog.squarespace.com/deb-swanson/2009/6/3/almost-there.htmlDeb Swanson2009-06-03T15:21:01ZI am Deb Swanson, a pastor at Trinity Reformed Church in Grand Rapids as well as a wife, mother and grandmother.  Today I finished reading the mighty workbook and will soon pack my bags to head for Holland tomorrow. 

I have been to many General Synods, mostly as a corresponding delegate.  This Synod promises to hold some good memories as we gather with friends we haven't seen in a while, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women,  consider the timely Belhar Confession and of course celebrate John Calvin! 

I look forward to worshiping together, eating meals together, walking to meetings together.  As pastors, elders and staff we can come together and see how our many different communities are connected to one another and to the True Vine.  To God be the glory.

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