Road Trip Vacation 2009 - 5 - Peaceful Valley 1

Lots of fun today on our latest Road Trip Vacation adventure!

We started the day at Denver's Downtown Aquarium. We loved the aquarium restaurant and saw the biggest Giant Grouper ever!

After a bit of fun at some stores just north of Denver, we headed to Peaceful Valley to being a little more than a week of mountain beauty. First up, a chili cookoff (the team I was on won -- Cassie's team was second) and then I officiated a wedding on horseback!

Tomorrow it's our first Breakfast on the Mountain of the year and the Moore Family reunion 2009 begins!

Road Trip Vacation 2009 - 4

Today was largely a travel day -- but with a few stops along the way. Our travels took us into Downtown Denver.

On the way there we passed by some sort of silo part on a trailer. I don't know what it is -- anybody have a guess?

We spent at least a few minutes at the 16th Street Mall

From the mall we went to Casa Bonita restaurant. Decent food, fun (though not spectacular) entertainment in a restaurant that looks great from the outside and kind of 'weathered' from the inside.

We're spending the night at the Comfort Suites in Westminster -- heading to the Downtown Denver Aquarium in the morning before the short-ish trip to Peaceful Valley Ranch tomorrow afternoon.

Road Trip Vacation 2009 - 3

Update on the Western Inn Motor Lodge -- the 'continental breakfast' included biscuits and gravy this morning. Very cool.

Now onto some thought and pix from today. We spent several hours at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo.

And ate a great dinner at the restaurant rumored to be John Madden's favorite, Skeeter Barnes in Kearney, Nebraska.

And didn't go into the Great Platte River Archway, but I did take this picture - as well as one of this giant-sized "chiuffalo"

Tomorrow's mostly a travel day -- and we're going to spend the night in Denver.

Road Trip Vacation 2009 - 2

A few memories from our first day of the road trip vacation 2009 - pictures and a few words:

And swimming (twice) in the little pool at the Western Inn Motor Lodge in Council Bluffs, Iowa -- a nice roadside motel that doesn't cost too much, but also doesn't make you feel like you're staying in a cheap roadside motel.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo today!

Road trip vacation 2009 - 1

Tomorrow morning the Moore family begin a 16-day road trip vacation to Colorado and back. We’ll be spending most of our time at Peaceful Valley Ranch in Lyons Colorado – participating in the annual Moore Family Reunion (with about 70 family members from all over the US descending on the dude ranch for the weekend of July 10-12) and also spending a week riding horses, hiking, and experiencing the beauty all around. Though we’re not traveling with my oldest (she’s 19) we will spend at least half of our vacation with her, as she’s spending the summer as a counselor at the dude ranch.

There and back we also have plans to experience many ‘vacation musts’ – based on a myriad of recommendations from friends. Here’s some of what we plan to experience:

• Quaker Steak and Lube
• Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo
• Denver Downtown Aquarium
• The Black Hills
• Mount Rushmore
• Custer State Park
• Crazy Horse Memorial
• The Badlands
• Wall Drug
• The Corn Palace

I’ll post some while we’re on the road and at the ranch – and you can keep up with our adventure on my twitterfeed as well!

Road-trip vacation, here we come!

That David, he's a piece of work!

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc.org

Michal had had enough with her husband. David . . . again. She had loved him as no other. And she knew that, at least for a time, he had loved her. She had risked her own life to save his. She had been torn from him and forced to marry another. And he hadn’t come for her. After a long time they had finally been able to be back together, but it wasn’t the same. She didn’t think David was at all grieved when she was in the arms of another. After all, he wasted no time in marrying others and having children with them.And now they were back together. But instead of celebrating with her, he was out dancing nearly naked with everyone.

“Who does he think he is?” she thought. “I hate him. I hate him so much!”

How many times have you really wanted to give someone a piece of your mind? What do you do when the person who makes your skin crawl is respected and loved by everyone?

It’s a small part of this week’s reading from 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, (we conveniently skipped the part where Uzzah was struck dead after reaching out and touching the ark) but it’s one that stood out to me. Michal’s emotions are not, I would guess, much unlike the emotions many of us have felt. Her anger and disdain for someone who dances around as if they were ‘all that and a bag of chips’ is likely similar to feelings any of us have in situations where we feel exploited or manipulated by others.

How do we, knowing of God’s unconditional love for those we love and those we despise, find ways to be reconciled to the ones we wish would simply go away and leave us alone?

They took offense at him

This week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc (Just suppose. . .) started the process for re-imagining Mark 6:1-13 as it would play out in various ages. And now it's tomorrow's sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, Illinois.
"They Took Offense at Him" text
"They Took Offense at Him" podcast

Public Enemies

Cassie and I took in took in the Johnny Depp as John Dillinger film last night (perhaps for slightly different reasons, but we both wanted to see it.) Here's my short review:

"Oscar-worthy performances in a film worth experiencing."

Here's a little more:

• There's a quiet anger running through this film - sometimes it bursts out into the open, but most often it is simmering just under the surface.
• The same can be said for sexual tension in the film.
• At least two theatre scenes -- The first one (with the blue lights on the ceiling) was filmed in the Paramount in Aurora. All the theatre scenes looked great.
• In the same way - the costumes, scenery - everything visual in the movie is tremendous.
• Those Oscar-worthy performances? I'd say Depp as Dillinger, Christian Bale as Melvin Purvis and Marion Cotillard as Billie Frechette

One of the better films I've seen this summer.

A Taste of What Will Be

While I was away at General Synod, I had a special guest preacher at Union Congregational -- my dad. I also had a special guest organist -- my mom! My parents have long been active United Methodists. My father is a lay preacher and my mother is the current organist and choir director at Sun Ray United Methodist Church in Frostproof, Florida. Thanks Mom and Dad!

"A Taste of What Will Be" podcast

UCC General Synod 27 - 6

Well then, the United Church of Christ's 27th General Synod is over.

And here's the wrap up . . . from today.

• No Illinois Conference Delegation breakfast today. I didn't pick up anything to eat before going to the main hall - so I had cookies for breakfast.
• We discussed and voted on 14 different resolutions today. Overall, we discussed 17 resolutions and heard and discussed lots of reports. The results of the votes are here
• At one point during our discussions today, a protest began over the way the previous resolution (relating to Unified Governance) had been addressed and voted on. Ultimately the protest ended, but I felt as if the body had used procedure to end it rather than fully address it. I'm not, however, privy to all the details relating to the anger from any of the folks who were protesting. But I am certain that we need to do a better job relating to issues of trust and territory when it comes to conversations and policies in the UCC.
• A little later in the day we were discussion a resolution relating to diversity/multi-cultural education in public schools. I didn't think our conversation was at an organic moving on point when one delegate called the question. Ultimately we voted in favor of calling it, after a division of the house and careful count of votes (do you like my lofty Robert's rules language?) and then passed the resolution. We could have done better in listening to dissenting voices on both this resolution and the one relating to unified governance.
• We ended this year's General Synod in a spirited-traditional style worship -- with Rev. Patricia DeJong (I used to be the pastor to Pat's sister and nephew) preaching, Kool and the Gang's "Celebration" (really -- but with Jesus-ed up lyrics) played for the offering music and a raucous version of 'Joyful Joyful' as our closing hymn and post-service music.

Ready to head home early tomorrow morning. General Synod 28 heads to Tampa Bay in July 2011.

UCC General Synod 27 - 5

The day that was and thoughts thereupon (or some other artsy saying to begin this post)

• I spend some time in the room where the resolution committee discussing resolutions relating to a single governance plan in the UCC were meeting. I was there when they recommended a new resolution "toward unified governance for the national setting of the UCC" We vote on the resolution tomorrow.
• It was great to have Ken Medema here for some lively and some thought-provoking songs. During one of the songs I simply had to dance. (I don't dance well, though) I had several others dance, too! During another song Ken asked us to scratch the backs of folks all over the room. I did, at one point, scratch John Thomas' and Linda Jaramillo's backs. Not sure they were down with that song, however.
• We welcomed Rev. Geoffrey Black as our new General Minister and President. Rev. Black was most recently the New York Conference Minister.
• We began the business meetings, passing a few resolutions and being a little bit frustrated with issues relating to budget and how long amended text stayed on the video screens.
• I experienced a worship service that really stretched me outside my comfort zone. I wonder how others reacted?
• Wound down at the UCC writers group wine and cheese party. Nice to see some old friends and meet a few new ones.

No early morning tomorrow -- but still a full day. I'm looking forward to all it brings.

Just suppose . . .

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc:

Just suppose . . .

That we reimagined this week’s Bible reading from Mark 6:1-13 and wondered how it would play out in an i.culture.

Jesus finished up blogging and went to the myUCC group where he and his closest friends would gather to chat. He posted some profound things in the main community pages and some of the folks there were amazed that someone who had no business writing profound things was doing it. Several made snarky comments about his family and his upbringing, and pointed out that someone ought to talk some sense into him.

Of course, Jesus responded to their comments by saying that “folks outside our community like me – what’s your problem?” And he decided that he wouldn’t write much more at all for them.
Then he went back to the myUCC group where his closest friends would gather to chat and he told hem to make lots of new groups – on myUCC and Facebook and Myspace (though he rethought Myspace when he saw the usage trends) and many other social network sites.

He wrote to them to just make the groups – no intense web design and no pre-planned discussion questions. And he also said that if they made the groups and the folks there started making an overabundance of snarky comments and hate messages that they should make an “I’m closing this page” announcement and go on to the next opportunity.

So they made the groups and welcomed folks – offering them a reason and a way to turn towards the stillspeaking God. They prayed with folks in real-time prayer chapels, offered words of encouragement and healing with posts and comments and forum discussions. Many people experienced a reconnectionto God and a restored awareness of faith in their lives.

Any thoughts to share? Please join the conversation!

UCC General Synod 27 - 4

I've had a day filled with uplifting moments -- here are a few:

• This morning's sacred conversation on race and culture brought with it -- in a small (7 people) group portion of the conversation, a blessed mosaic where all in our diverse group had a voice. I felt as if we began a time of trust-building, and I think that trust is an essential element in any conversation.
• The afternoon worship service was one that filled me with awe. The General Synod Celebration Choir sang "Let Hope Spring Forth" by Mark Hayes. I was in the choir -- and I felt the energy, passion and inspiration the song brought -- to the choir and to the congregation!
• John Thomas' benediction from our afternoon worship is one that will linger in my mind for a long time, "Swim bravely, United Church of Christ. Swim safely, United Church of Christ. And relax in the buoyancy of grace."
• After returning to my room from a two-hour resolution committee discussion (I was the one who made the motion to adjourn -- it carried.) I had a wonderful conversation with my roommate. We discovered our shared United Methodist Church background (before we became part of the UCC) and realized that we had probably met on several occasions over the years!

Tomorrow the General Synod business plenary sessions begin . . .and Ken Medema is going to be here too!

UCC General Synod 27- 3

A full day at GS 27 -- here are a few thoughts from the day.

• We had a really early (6:30 am) Illinois delegation meeting. The energy level in the room was, needless to say, really low. I'd love to lead some morning songs with the group to jump start the energy . . .
• MSNBC's Eugene Robinson told us that he was happy to be away from his "dysfunctional family" and then he clarified that we wasn't talking about his wife and children, but rather MSNBC. I appreciated his observation, "Diversity is not a destination -- it is a journey."
• I 'stopped by' the Local Church Ministries area of the exhibition hall to lend a hand for a bit. The place was REALLY crowded and the two cash register lines were backed up 30+ people deep. I helped at a register for about 4 hours before we had a break. But in the process I had perhaps hundreds of conversations with some wonderful folks. I love the UCC!
• Dinnertime! Andy Lang and I had some great conversation and shared a wonderful meal. It was great to spend 'face time' with someone I mostly interact with on i.ucc and myUCC.
• Evening celebration: Our time of worship was uplifting and vibrant. We celebrated John Thomas' ministry as our General Minister and President. I think the highlight of the evening came when Dancing Wheels dance company performed some fluid and beautiful dances. Dancing Wheels has both standing and seated dancers.

Another early morning tomorrow . . .

UCC General Synod 27 - 2

I arrived early this afternoon at the UCC's 27th General Synod --
A bit of what I've experienced so far.

• Shared a testimony for the "Why I Love the UCC" video project. When I arrived, however, I was wearing a light green shirt -- almost the same color as the green screen behind me. I had to change so that I didn't appear as a floating head on the final product
• Had a great dinner at Mojos piano bar and restaurant. The piano wasn't playing, and the service was a bit slow, but the folks were extraordinarily friendly and attentive and they promised to have more folks helping the rest of the time the UCC folk are here in GR. Harold, Sandy, Tom, Juanita, Jesse, Keith, Kim and I shared a great meal together.
• Experienced a rousing and marvelous worship service. The Trinity UCC, Chicago choir and dance ministries were positively electric! And Rev. Otis Moss III delivered the word ("God's Punctuation") in energetic, provocative and inspired fashion. He reminded us that folks may want to put a period on what we can be or where we are going, but God isn't finished yet!

Tomorrow -- 6:30 am gathering of the Illinois Conference Delegates before a full "River City Saturday."

• I noticed that @gdbrekke, @ReikiRevSue @rebeccawoods @KNDwyer @cdk1536 @CTUCC @randomswathe @pastordangb @MissaVeggie @unitedchurch @revjen @RevJSS @damichcoop and @stripeswplaid are twittering about #gs27 as well -- anyone else?

UCC General Synod 27 - 1

Tomorrow morning I'm heading out early to Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the United Church of Christ's 27th General Synod. This time I'm a delegate for the Illinois Conference. I'm also traveling tomorrow with Rev. Bob Dell, the chair and acting president of Pathways to Promise and one of the namesakes of the Bob and Joyce Dell award for the UCC's Mental Illness network.

Here are a few things I expect to experience during GS27

Discussing and voting on resolutions, more resolutions, and a few more resolutions.

Lively and uplifting worship

Seeing lots of UCC posters, billboards etc. in Grand Rapids

River City Saturday fun!

Spending time in the Congregational Vitality booth talking with folks about myUCC

Connecting in person with folks I usually only 'see' online

Seeing the "Immerse Yourself" photo mosaic. (I had a part in submitting a couple of dozen or more pictures for it.)

The Stillspeaking Kite Flying Extravaganza

Music

Jason and DeMarco

The UCC Choir (I'm singing in it!)

Speakers

Barbara Brown Taylor

Jim Wallis

Eboo Patel

I'll be blogging and twittering (#gs27) the whole time!

Michigan campfire

Yesterday afternoon I made a 'pre-synod' trip to Michigan to connect with friends at this year's Illinois Conference UCC Habitat/Volunteer camp at Tower Hill Camp and Retreat Center in Sawyer, Michigan. This year's camp was scheduled for the same week I was headed to Grand Rapids for General Synod 27, so I hadn't organized a group to go. Ultimately the camp had an abbreviated schedule, which would have made it possible, but in the meantime we'd planned a later summer work trip with the youth and adults from Union Congregational, so we missed this year. I did want to spend a bit of time with the folks, however, so I came up in the late afternoon, shared a meal and then we spent the evening on the Lake Michigan beach with a campfire and campfire songs! Good times - if only for a few hours.

I think these are most of the songs I played last night

• More Light
• Sanctus
• The Cheese Song
• Buffalo Boy
• Amazing Grace
• Twist and Shout
• Jesus is the Rock (and He Rolls My Blues Away)
• Have Love
• The Good Conductor
• Home on the Range/My Home's in Montana
• Hole in the Bottom of the Sea
• Open the Eyes of My Heart
• Day is Done
• Flush the Toilet Every Time
• The Cheese Song (grunge reprise)

I'm planning on being a part of the camp next summer -- June 20-26, 2010 - how about you?

Fringe

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc -- Why not join our weekly conversation?

This week’s Bible reading from Mark 5:21-43 shows Jesus interacting with and bringing restoration to folks who, during Jesus’ time on earth, would have only been able to exist on the margins – or the fringe of society.

• A woman who had been bleeding for a dozen years
• A dead girl and her father

Jesus contact with all three of these people broke cultural and religious taboo. He wasn’t supposed to have contact with folks considered as unclean. By having contact with them he not only risked the same marginalization, he invited it.
And he restored all three.

He restored two with one miracle. When he raised Jairus’ daughter, he gave both the daughter and the father a restoration to a community that would have had to keep them on the margins.

And the woman who had been bleeding for a dozen years? I love the word play that is present in the English. The woman touched the fringe of Jesus cloak. (The tsit-tsit or (fringe) of the sleeves of a rabbi’s cloak was thought to convey God’s healing on whoever touched it) and was restored to the community after spending so many hears on the fringe.

Jesus – from the fringe – hung out with people from the fringe – and a woman was healed when she touched the fringe of Jesus’ cloak.

• In what way to you feel pushed to the margins – or the fringe?
• How do you think you can experience Jesus’ restoration – as you ‘reach out to the fringe of his cloak?’
• In what way do you think you can reach out to those on the fringe with Jesus’ love?