SShhh, it is a surprise!

Last Saturday, we furtively left at dawn. Before dawn actually. We got up at 4:00 AM, which is quite an achievement when you are not a morning person. (I am not a morning person). We left quickly for Seattle airport. Our flight was at 7:00. 

I thought I would sleep during the flight but I remained 45 minutes in torpor. We landed at Spokane and from there drove. Irvin had mentioned our arrival on his facebook page then quickly deleted the post. We could have been noticed by the wrong person.

We arrived in Kamiah, Idaho, a little town on the Nez Perce reservation where we caught up with our coconspirators. The secret had been well kept.

And a little later, Irvin’s older sister, Chris, came in. She thought she was going to celebrate her 60^th birthday with her family and friends living in the area. She discovered that her brothers from Arizona, from Kentucky, and us – from Washington state – had come to party with her, along with beloved cousins.

Chris can't believe her eyes! 

Chris and Fred, the brother who lives in Kentucky

She had not suspected anything and overwhelmed with joy and emotion, she kept repeating that she did not want any presents, that her family was her gifts.

Still, there were presents. Her siblings all pinched in to offer her a Pendleton blanket, a Native tradition. They picked up the one called “dancing baskets”, a reminder of the Pima heritage of their family. They wrapped Chris in the blanket as it is customary to do.

There were lots of joy and fun to share – which made it really worth it to wake up before the sun rose.

From left to right : Luther (Buzz) and Ron, from Arizona, Grace (who had the initial idea) Irvin, Chris and Fred. Kendrick, the youngest brother, could not make it from Arizona. John and Randy passed away. 

Creativity and generosity : Vacation Bible School 2014

Our Church had its VBS last week. We have been using the “Group” curriculum, which works well with our hyperactive kids. And since others churches also use it but not the same week, decorations and items have been generously shared from churches to churches. This generosity also included the participation of three ladies who had done VBS in their church the month before and came to help us with their experience during the whole week.

Children are organized in crews of 4 or 5, led by a volunteer, then go from stations to stations. There is the biblical station where the story is interpreted “live” by volunteers….

"Saul", in a red robe, becomes a Christian.

The Samaritan woman, next to the well

Outdoor games, led by teenagers that were participants in the previous year….

"Even when I am different or alone.... Jesus loves me!"

The “imagination” station, with art and craft ; and a video time ; snacks were prepared and shared, following the theme of the day….

"we are all different and unique" - translated into frosted cookies

Songs and a message from the Pastor start and conclude the day – Irvin really got into the spirit so he could share best and be heard!

"We are all one of a kind" said Irvin

Teaching the movements that come with the songs

Then there was a meal – not included in the curriculum – before sending the children home, or driving those whose parents did not have a car with the church’s van. This meal means a lot. Our volunteers in the kitchen did a wonderful job!

Those were intense hours, with laughters, prayers and music. And of course, it also included children who fought or got discouraged, volunteers stressed out, misunderstandings.

In other words, the unavoidable shifting that comes within a community that makes every effort to create a space inhabited by the Spirit, touched by God – and make it happen. 

Sitka = 2 ; Strawberries =0

So far, the predator had the upper hand. Or the upper paw. In any case, some strawberries vanished recently, with Sitka’s signature on it: the stalks cut neatly where the fruit should be. She grabs the strawberry and just pulls on it. 

She did it in one fluid movement right under my eyes one morning and I did not even have time to say the magic word: NO! This was one strawberry I had my eyes on, almost ready to eat. Sitka looked very pleased with herself and I wonder for a moment: this could have been the work of a slug or a bird. Maybe I’d rather have my faithful puppy enjoy it? Or not.

In another corner of the yard where I don’t go very often, I discovered that same day that blueberries bushes planted there two years ago have been fruitful. The blueberries are pink and delicious. They are called “Pink lemonade blueberries”. Strangely enough, Sitka never took notice. Maybe she does not like pink?

After the benediction

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure to lead worship at Church of the Indian Fellowship. Irvin was at Fort Worth, Texas where he participated at the multicultural conference of the PC(USA). I get to fill in for him when he is out of town.

Before the benediction, I often quote those verses from Philippians 4:5-8

 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Then the benediction follows, that I keep simple.

“May the blessing of God almighty,

The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

Remain with you always.”

Irvin likes the benediction from Numbers (6 :25)

“The LORD bless you
       and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine upon you
       and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you
       and give you peace."

Sometimes, he adds this Cherokee blessing :

“May the warm wind of heaven

blow softly upon you

And the creator make sunrise in your heart.”

After the benediction, I walk briskly toward the door of the church, while the assemble sings the responsive hymn.

The first time I saw a pastor do that was soon after I made it to the US. I remember my confusion when I saw the pastor leave the pulpit so fast. “Where is he going ? Leaving already?”

I found out soon that most pastors do it. They are not leaving, obviously – they go to the door to make sure they can shake the hand of each parishioner before they leave or go get a cup of coffee in the Fellowship hall.

“It is an intensely concentrated time of interaction” writes Martin Copenhaver[1], describing how his parishioners update him on their life in that short face-to-face moment, or react to his sermon, appreciative or perplex, rarely sarcastic.

He remembers though that soon after his ordination, a man told him with a smile “You know, Martin, every sermon seems better than the next one”. Martin comments “He was in his car and driving away before I realized what he had said”.

When in France, I would stay around the pulpit and gather my papers after leading worship. Some people would come up to me and we would talk. Others would chat with each other and disperse. It felt more spontaneous.

On the other hand, I appreciate having this opportunity to greet each person who came to join us, whether I have known them for years or am just meeting them. They have listened to me for more than an hour. It is my time to hear them – and I enjoy this opportunity.

Friends from French churches: so now you know. If the American pastor quickly moves to the door at the end of worship, he is not fleeing away or rushing to the bathroom. No, he just wants to make sure he will be able to shake your hand.

You heard his benediction. Now is his time to receive yours.

Irvin at the door of Church of the Indian Fellowship

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[1] This Odd and Wondrous Calling, Eedermans Publishing, Grand Rapids, Michigan/Cambridge UK, 2009, p.11

Beyond the clouds

Whether it is a shower of meteorites, an eclipse of the moon or some UFO, I have to use my imagination most of the times here to see anything beyond the clouds. Our Pacific Northwest is famous for its rains but New York actually receives more precipitation. However, we are the champions of grey sky throughout the year.

Still, I have been looking for clouds in the sky for the past few weeks. It is hotter than usual and wherever I go, I make sure I have an army of fans all around me to cool me off.

There are a few advantages to cloud-free sky. In July, the full moon was bigger than ever when raising behind Mount Rainier. It was one of those supermoons, closest to the earth on its ellipse.

On Thursday morning, I dropped Irvin off at the airport at 5 AM. He was on his way to Texas where a multicultural conference was waiting for him. I am not a morning person but the sunrise lights rewarded me on the way back home. I took this picture around 6 AM, near our home.

Yes, I could get used of the lack of clouds in the sky…