The time In Dayton (part 1)

I could not have been more excited when I reached the two churches here in Dayton slated for the last few days.  First, I marveled at how much they are doing, especially the first one that had a myriad of volunteers!  The warmth, and the welcome there was something I took dutiful notes on.  I explored that area of ministry with them at length, and it struck me how much emphasis is placed on hospitality.  They are a church the size of First Presb. Greeneville, yet they manage to get people committed to doing a whole  lot of things, or as John M. Beckett would say, a "plethora" of things!  

Now this is not to say that they are running smoothly; yet, they have a way about them that is quite refreshing, and ministry is happening.  Another aspect that was intriguing was the artwork on the walls, especially in the children's area.  An artist within the congregation shared her talents by painting the walls with biblical stories from both Old and New Testaments. They were tastefully done and pleasing to the sight.  There were other visuals around the church that would lead anyone that this church not only has children and youth, but that they are held up with some prominence.

Likewise, the second church, though a bit larger than us, had done some marvelous displays of what the children of the church were studying, and displayed them in high traffic areas so that the average pew sitter was exposed to it and could see something the children were doing. Highlighting that was an ark, several clay model displays, and lots and lots of pictures connected with the program Heiffer Project.  The children of the church are trying to fill the ark (buying animals)through the Heiffer Project to enable farmers in other countries to have livestock to raise and for food.

It sure left me with a lot to think about, and how that might translate for us as a congregation, especially when we DO have high traffic areas that currently are underused.

Labor Day has me spending some time with Barb's sister and brother-in-law for a bit of respite. I never realized all of this traveling, interviewing, and introspection would make me feel tired.  I mean, we DID have a whale of a summer, and I felt quite well through all that.  Perhaps all of this is catching up with me.  Tuesday is another trip to Columbus for a wonderful time with DCE's of that Presbytery.  Then, Wednesday takes me on to Lexington, KY.

Take care, my friends.

Alan   

On Chicago... on Jackson... on Dayton... on ...

(Sorry the title sounds like Santa asking his reindeers to, well, you know!)

A few days have past since I have posted something.  Chicago was a wonderful experience with the various churches and McCormick Seminary.  On top of that, the whole experience of seeing many places from my childhood as well as the new look the city has.  As many large cities, there is always some construction going on.  And the ever-present traffic!  I now appreciate even more the traffic we have back home.  It is nothing compared with what I faced in Chicago!

Jackson, Michigan has a wonderful Presbyterian church that is doing some fantastic things with their children and youth.  They are also involved in replacing their floor in the sanctuary, so there isn't much to show there in the few photographs I took.  As has been the case in just about every church I have visited, I am coming to understand more and more how much we are all doing in Greeneville together.  I have to say that we are doing great things; however, perhaps the improvement areas I am thinking about may be about how we promote, show, communicate, and understand the vastness of what we do (ie. mission, for instance.)  I sure hope the Mission Fair is given enough latitude to explore as many avenues of presentation as possible and then promote the dickens about the event to our congregation AND to the community.

I am now in Dayton, Ohio -- here I will be looking at several churches as well as have a short visit with Barb's side of the family.

I want to share with all those reading that this time away has been a good reflective time for me.  Not just with the sense of history of going to places to see things, but to the people I meet -- it has been wonderful to share stories.  I find myself being asked to talk about our church, and people who I share things with wonder how it is that we do so much stuff with just a membership our size!  I explain to them that we have a wonderful congregation with people who are interested in their church, and are supportive, especially when it comes to mission needs.  So, if anything comes from my travels, it will be a new sense of appreciation for First Presbyterian Church, Greeneville.  For that, I am truly grateful, proud, and humbled to be part of a faith experience there.

Take care, my friends.

Alan 

With this morning ... I leave Chicago

Since my last posting, I have visited many places ... saw many things ... learned a great deal about some of our larger Presbyterian churches  ... and have picked up on some rather creative, inventive, and thoughtful things we can be doing with our church family.  Being a visitor on a Sunday morning, I got the opportunity to see how another church handles a visitor -- someone who came through the front door of the church ... how visitors are approached and made to feel welcomed.  I had some mixed feelings about the experience.  I was greeted by an usher, and told to sit wherever I would like, for there were many pews available.  I really was not greeted until after the service -- and that was due to the fact that I sang out loud (how can you not sing out loud when we were singing "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"?)  Those around me thought I should sit in the choir.  I quickly told them it would be a long commute from Tennessee!  I also had an encounter with another woman who was told I was a visitor.  She asked me where I was from, and I said Tennessee, with her response being, "I can tell you're not from Tennessee ... I don't hear the twang".  Now she said this with a rather southern twang.  Now I was not sure whether to object to her mocking or just smile. I smiled, and said that I was originally from Chicago, and hat I REALLY enjoy living in Greeneville, TN.  Wonderful way to be greeted, huh?

I am going back to the church this morning to finish my interviews.  I am interested in hearing some of the responses today.  I will be sharing my experiences from yesterday.

The Art Institute was spectacular!  I enjoyed the time spent there.  Highlighting the visit were the Miniature Rooms displayed there.  I also was able to spend some time at the Museum of Science and Industry.  It has kept up pace with all the technology -- the place has changed so much!  However, they kept some of the favorite spots I remembered and enjoyed so much when I was younger.  I believe it has been at least 20 years since I have been there.

O.K., so Chicago is also known for its food: Berghoff's - a wonderful German restaurant, was a real taste of German cuisine.  Great lunch (dinners are expensive).  I also was able to have dinner at The Italian Village -- a wonderful place that has been there since the early 20th century.  All I can say is WOW!

I have adjusted my time so that I can spend a little more time in Jackson, MI.  It also takes the pinch on the next leg after that to Dayton, Ohio.  Leaving Chicago is O.K. for me -- the traffic and the largeness of this city is something I won't miss.  I WILL miss the company I have had while I was here as well as the places and sights visited.

So long, Chicago.  It has been a wonderful, fulfilling experience. 

Take care, my friends.

Alan    

The Chicago Scene: Part 1

It is a BIG city ... a VERY BIG city!  I knew that the traffic would be quite a challenge; however, after today I am convinced that the traffic has been a challenge that would wear out most people.  Focus, focus, focus.  Luckily, the grid style of how the city is laid out is a plus for me, and I am grateful for all the years my Dad took me around the city ... those times are paying off.

Last night, I checked on my half-sister.  She is well and seems to be happy where she is.  She still has her cats, and the people who are sharing their home with her seemed quite nice.  I hope she can maintain a good spirit.

Today's visit to a "corporate-size church" was a bit overwhelming.  I do know that there are some things that are the same in all churches, but this church was, shall we say: on the scale of the WOW factor -- a 10!  I had opportunity to talk with several of the 5 ministers on staff.  (one of them is a graduate of Columbia and knows Erin -- she even Facebooks with her!) The two ministers primarily are involved in children's ministry and young adult ministry.  I am pleased to say that they shared some wonderful ideas to think about.  And, they even were genuinely interested in the things we are doing in Greeneville.

  

Highlighting today was visiting Professor "Lib" Caldwell at McCormick Theological Seminary. She gave me some insight regarding some educational models as well as what is on the cutting edge in Christian Education.  She also shared some very good sources for me to use for my own growth, which I appreciate very much.  There are some things to ponder here, especially when it comes to materials we could be using with our young adults.  

This is my first visit to McCormick Seminary on the "new" campus.  The memories of the north side campus are scattered in the one building now being used on the University of Chicago campus.  Pictures, artwork, and some plaques had been saved (even the signage from the "L" station!)  Those who knew the old campus would be pleased to know some memories have been saved.

Tomorrow is a special day -- to visit some of the best art in the country at the Art Institute as well as seeing what is new in Grant Park.  This return trip to Chicago has brought back some good memories -- even though the place has changed considerably.  It still is wonderful to visit and see it all again.

Hope all is well at home ... my thoughts have been pretty focused on enjoying the experience and being a good listener to the people I have been meeting at the churches along the way.  Not only are there lots of things to think about, but a real opportunity for me to do some reflecting and thinking about my ministry and how to be more effective in what I can do when I return.

Take care, my friends.

Alan

Transition Has Begun

I have been on the road for a few days now, having been to the Presbyterian Center in Louisville -- wow!  The artwork and the building are pretty magnificent.  Got to visit a few people I know on staff.  The organization is downsizing because of the lack of funds.  I also have visited a couple of churches in Louisville, and was impressed by some things, and in others -- well, I am beginning to see that some of the things we are doing are not only good, but more than what other churches our size are doing.

I have finally made it to Chicago just in time to meet with a junior high youth leader of one church I will visit with again tomorrow.  She was only available today, so  I wanted to be sure to stop and talk with her.  She took me to a great coffeehouse (O.K., Starbucks!) We spent about two hours talking about the church's ministry with junior high youth.  Great ideas, as well as sharing what we do back in Greeneville.

Now, I'm looking forward to some supper and a relaxing bed!  It was a long trip from Louisville as well as the hot weather.

Tomorrow has two churches to visit, plus some time devoted to some exercise -- getting to walk a few miles in before it gets too warm.

God is sure blessed us as a church -- I am so proud about what we accomplish together,  You don't realize it until you are away from it.  I m beginning to see that.  Take care, my friends.

Alan

Just About Ready

Well, it's Wednesday, and I am trying to get ready with all of the last-minute things that need to be done here at the church + pack and gather all the final stuff I need for the trip.

I have to say that I am very excited about the possibilities of this trip -- the places to visit and the things that I will learn.  I have (as many, many people have suggested) worked in a few quieter moments on the journey, so rest assured I will do just that!

Please keep me in your prayers, and I do hope some folks will check in on Barb -- she could become a homebody if someone doesn't say, "Hey - let's do something!"

I will do my best to keep this updated every couple of days. Unless, of course, something really exciting is encountered.

Peace.

Alan