How do you solve a problem like Maria?

Kent 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.

Today

Most 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 report

Today 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?

Celebration

I 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 Discipleship

Wow - 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.]

Update on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 12:03AM by Deb Swanson

Oh - And June 5 is my birthday - my life work affirmed - not a bad way to celebrate!

Update on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 12:07AM by Deb Swanson

Please be in prayer for the Voskuil family tonight.  Dennis Voskuil's  daughter, Elizabeth is in Spectrum Hospital.   Dennis is a delegate here and had to leave. I have no more details.  Dennis' son Karsten is my friend and colleague at Trinity.