Epistle from Good Shepherd Youth Ephesians 4:25-5:2
August 9, 2009
Metairie, LA
Since none of our youth felt called to preach this morning, I volunteered to be a listener and just bring to worship what I hear the youth saying. Maybe this will begin a dialogue that is "useful for building up so that our words may give grace to those who hear" as Paul recommends in his letter.
As far as I can figure, the main point of this letter to the Ephesians is summed up in this advice- conduct yourselves so that what you do and say is useful for building up and bringing grace to one another.
And the verses today are specific and not the least bit complicated. Children know what Paul is writing about. They know the difference between anger that simmers and destroys and anger that's just blowing off some steam and then it's over. Children know the difference between being a giver or being a taker. Most children can sense what is fair and what is not fair, what sharing means. Children can spot the difference between mean talk and nice talk.
At our pizza party event on Thursday, I was reminded that our new technologies- twitter and texting and Facebook- these make slander and malice so easy . . . but they also make kindness and tenderheartedness easy. You can send bear hugs to all your Friends on Facebook or you can start a nasty rumor by writing on someone's wall.
When Karen met with our youth of all ages last Sunday, they put together a list of qualities that they look for in a minister. It's quite a list - you'll like it. I have posted their words on the wall of our Council meeting room so we can reflect on their in put.
When it comes to our whole congregation thinking together about calling a new pastor, our Search Committee will select 12 and ONLY 12 attributes that reflect the congregation's needs. The kids however did not strictly follow the rules; they went over board and chose 14 attributes. I like that spirit of exuberance.
At our pizza party on Thursday, our youth posted a time line that reflects the history of ministers called to serve Good Shepherd U.C.C. Here is what the youth noticed: we have had lots of ministers in our 35 years and only 2 ministers who stayed beyond 5 years, the average length of tenure for a mainstream church pastorate. Of the 2 who stayed longer than average, Pastor Gary stayed with us the longest, a decade of service.
Our teens had some great memories of Pastor Gary because every single one of them was confirmed into adult membership by Pastor Gary. The youth grinned as they remembered Pastor Gary for his goofy jokes. They remember all ages’ social gatherings and learning events during Pastor Gary's tenure. Meghan told me about a wonderful all church event where a Greek, Roman and Jewish 1st century population was recreated, costumes and all.
Our youth remember all church picnics, mother daughter banquets. They also have noticed that we have lost families after Katrina and then again when there has been some disagreements or controversies. Our youth notice that there's some worry about finances of the church. These kids are observant.
So our youth, when I asked them what to say to the congregation, want you to remember to STAY OPTIMISTIC! Host all church events! Keep enjoying one another! Don't split! Stay whole!
One youth said she thought it was good to have short time ministers because that brings the congregation together. They lay leaders are the real leaders. I heard that having a sequence of ministers might offer more ideas, some new practices and that is enriching for us all.
It occurs to me that the model of the early church was the itinerant minister. The congregation held the church together and only heard from Paul by letter and occasional visits.
Another observation from a youth was that I am the first woman minister at Good Shepherd and this led to a discussion of women's ordination in the United States . As for me, I can say that a couple of parishioners wondered to me if they could accept a woman minister and found it was easier than they thought. Another story concerns some visiting granddaughters who knew Pastor Gary and when they saw me in the pulpit said - "She's a Maw Maw!" From now on we know that Maw Maws can be ministers too.
On a more serious note, our Search Committee will be asked by our Conference Minister to sign a non-discrimination agreement which obligates the church to consider non-traditional candidates - like a Maw Maw or a pastor who incessantly tells corny jokes!
Our youth have helped me learn about our church past and yearn with them for the church future - one full of optimism and exchanges that build up, that offer grace to all. That is what the youth proclaim this Sunday to you, Good Shepherd! Are you listening?
And let the people say "Amen"
