a visit to the Benedictine community in Rostrevor

Zoe and I during our wee tea break in the bus

Today we visited the Holy Cross Monastery near Rostrevor and had the incredible opportunity to worship and pray with the group of monks there. Additionally, we were able to engage in a Q&A session with Brother Thierry. In the short time we were able to spend with Brother Thierry he gave us many great ideas to think about through the sharing of both his and the monastery's stories.

First and foremost, one has to commend the monks for the way they treat their guests. It is an example of the way many of us strive to welcome others. Brother Thierry shared that anyone who comes through the doors of the monastery is Christ. They are treated in the same way Christ would be. Whether Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Jew or something else, that person is Christ. I nearly broke down as he looked directly at us and declared "You are Christ." And because each person who comes through the doors is Christ that person blesses the monastery. To hear these words simultaneously humbled me and lifted me up. What an amazing attitude: we are Christ and we bless each other.

As conversation continued, Brother Thierry commented that their are three things he believes makes us human beings and are essential to our being: prayer, work and community. Brother Thierry then elaborated on community and talked about ways to build successful communities. One way which stuck out to me was that we have to find how to look at the same person each day in a new way. To look at them continually in the same way is to trap them in a certain stage. It is to inhibit their growth. It is to kill them and the relationship. The other thought that stuck with me was that labelling kills community. At the current moment I'm blanking on the thoughts I had earlier about this but I'm sure you're coming up with examples and thoughts of your own that support this idea. Maybe you're even coming up with counter-examples. If so, please inform me of your thoughts. I'm always looking to hear different interpretations and thoughts on ideas.

a view of Holy Cross Monastery

A bit of background on the monks at Holy Cross Monastery before this next bit. They came to Northern Ireland in 1998, a small group from the Abbey of Bec in France, as a response to the Catholic church's decision to engage in spiritual ecumenism in parts of the world where Christians were (and are still in most cases) divided. This led Brother Thierry and, I believe, five other monks to relocate and begin a ministry of prayer for healing and reconciliation. The monks ministry plays well into their location in Northern Ireland. It is a country that has long had division between Christians. Thus, we found that Brother Thierry had more great thoughts to share. This time on why reconciliation is important and why the monks chose to come to Northern Ireland. And those thoughts let to the quote below from Brother Thierry.

"Self-sufficiency will be the death of the church."

If we let it and strive for it, then yes, I agree. The more divided we become, the less we are the Church and the more we are a broken, splintered group of individual, albeit well-meaning, bodies of believers. Furthermore, as Brother Thierry shared, we cannot be who God intends us to be without each other. Catholics cannot be Catholics without Presbyterians. Presbyterians cannot be Presbyterians without Baptists. Baptists cannot be Baptists without Catholics. So the circle goes round and round. We all bring different things to the table, especially in terms of theology, but when we get down to it, as I believe, the Church is called to be this world's comfort and light. The Methodists aren't called individually to do this. The Lutherans aren't called individually. No one faction is called individually. And no one faction can handle the needs of the world by themselves. They just aren't equipped to, even if they believe so. Because each church is not self-sufficient. Though we sometimes strive to be, God doesn't intend us to be. He intends us to work together. We need each other. Plain and simple. Theological differences aside, we must realize that we worship the same God. We sang praises to the same set of ears. We pray for the same loving arms to wrap themselves around this world. We do the work of the same God because we are responsible for caring for the same broken world. When we begin to understand those simple commonalities, theology isn't such a big deal. What is a big deal is how the Church responds as a whole because I believe the Church IS equipped. The church (emphasis on the lowercase here) is not. We all strive to be a light in this world. Right now we're thousands of candles burning together but placed all around. It isn't impossible for our lights to merge into one bright beam. It will take time but let's pray that the beam will get brighter each day. Then, let's suffer to make it happen. Because, as Brother Thierry shared with us today, "The question will not be 'did you achieve unity?' The question will be 'did you pray and suffer for it?'" (I believe he said this came from Pope John XXIII.)

There's a lot to think about and my mind has been running all day but I thank Brother Thierry for planting all of these ideas in there for me to wrestle with and for taking the time to speak with us. I'd also like to thank all of the monks at Holy Cross Monastery for their kindness and letting us worship with them. Lastly, I thank you for taking the time to read my blog and I hope this post helps to get some questions going in your mind. Blessings and peace!

rollin' up the sleeves

Every once in a while we just get into a mess. No one knows what to do and people just stand around hoping everything will sort itself out.

One of the streets which the 174 Trust's mini-bus must go down while making the after school pick-ups is incredibly narrow. It's the kind of street I was told I'd find in Ireland. You've got to be methodical about when you get there and where you park if you're even going to venture down it. You hope that all of the grades don't get out at the same time because the resulting mass of children rushing out to the vehicles all at once will be the perfect storm.

As a walked back to the bus with the child we had picked up, I noticed the street looked especially crowded. I shrugged it off and we got into the vehicle. Usually this is sorted out by a nice alternating system where a few cars going one direction go through, then a few going the other way and then repeating this process. But after sitting in the vehicle for a few minutes and noticing that none of the cars up the street had gone anywhere, it was obvious something wasn't quite right. Yet, no one was doing anything about the mess!

It was at this point that Pat, the do-it-all guy at the 174 Trust who also drives the mini-bus, got out and walked up the street to check the mess out. It turned out that a lady's car had died right in the middle of the street and in her confusion, not knowing what to do, she just sat in the car. Compounded with that was the fact that a humongous garbage truck was trying to make it down this tiny street. But Pat rolled up his sleeves, got the dead car pushed out of the way, and then directed traffic through in a manner that would then allow the garbage truck to somehow make it down the street. He rushed back to the mini-bus so we could jump in the queue going through and get out of there.

 

Looking back, this mess that we were in was in no way Pat's fault. But he didn't stand by and watch. He took some initiative and got it sorted out. This is a great illustration for what we are called to do as Christians in this world. Sort things out. We've stood by far too long simply because we didn't cause the problems and they weren't affecting us. But the problems are affecting God's creation so we must be forces of change. Matthew 25 says we have to feed the hungry, invite in the stranger, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned. We might not have caused poverty. We certainly didn't cause many diseases that exist. But we're obligated because of our faith to sort out these messes. Not halfheartedly by throwing the man on the street a few coins but by taking him to dinner. By feeding him because he's hungry.

It's tougher to do than it is to write but when we roll up our sleeves and get down to business, we can change the world, even if it's for just one person.

the goings-on

This past week was a great one and I think it's only fitting I share with you all some pics and stories of the past few days. I would also like to give you all an idea of what my typical week is shaping up to be.

Monday I spend my day meeting with either Doug, our site coordinator, or with the him and the whole group. We discuss what is going on at our placements, what we're struggling with, and how we're generally doing. I love these meetings. Doug is certainly a seasoned vet when it comes to many of the things we're dealing with so he is a wonderful ally for us in this year abroad. After the meetings I head up the Antrim Road to the 174 Trust where I help with the after school program for about an hour and a half before meeting up with the football club that I've spoken of before. The after school program usually consists of going out on the bus to pick kids up from their primary schools and then hanging out with them at the Trust. Hanging out includes, amongst other things, board games (a lot of Connect 4), painting/art, and Wii sports.

A typical Tuesday puts me at Woodvale in the morning to help with the C'mon In Cafe. The Cafe is a community outreach effort by the church that seeks to offer a cheap, yet hearty, meal to those who live in the area. What I find most interesting about the Cafe is that all of the volunteers who run it are locals whom you wouldn't see Sunday mornings. They are called the Forthriver Royals and meet often to discuss problems facing the community and to serve the community in the Cafe. They are a great group who have a heart for serving their community. After the Cafe I head over to the Trust for the after school program. Then, in the evening, I help with the disabilities club at the Trust. The disabilities club is one of the highlights of my week. We work with a variety of ages (about 5 to 15) and a variety of disabilities. We strive to give the kids a safe place to play and a place where they understand they have something to offer and are valued. But I think it's safe to say that I get much more out of this club than I think the kids get from me!

Wednesdays see me at the Trust in the mornings for the parent/toddler group. The first week at the group I mostly just set up and then put toys away. When the second week began much the same way and I was off to the side as the parents and kids were playing, if my role was at this group was anything more than being the "muscle." I figured that the Trust was out of its mind if they just had me for my muscle, because that's not one of my strong points, so I sought out a way to be more involved. I went over to the cars and began playing with a little boy. His mother runs the group so she was working with another parent and Jacob was playing by himself. We played together for only about 10 minutes but at the end of the day, when it was time to head out, Jacob ran up to me and gave me a hug. It was in that moment that I understood that I was indeed more than just "muscle" at the parent/toddler group. That day, I was there for that 10 minutes with Jacob.

I'm off Wednesday afternoons and in the evening we have a midweek service at Woodvale. The midweek is often a time of study, prayer, and reflection. It is pretty laid back. This past week I was able to lead music at it and we split into a couple of groups for some great discussion.

Thursday morning I head back to Woodvale for their parent/toddler group. There my role is more defined as I start with kids during their free play and mostly kick the football (soccer ball) around with some of the boys. I then make my way to the kitchen where I help prepare the snacks and then wash the dishes as they come in. After this group I head back over to the Trust for the after school program and then the football club. Thursday evenings will see me at Woodvale with the Urban Magnets group, their youth ministry but that has not started yet.

a few of Woodvale's young adults

On Fridays I am at the Trust in the afternoon for the after school program again. Then, in the evenings, I am at some function with Woodvale. Some Fridays I will be with a men's Bible study, others I will be with the young adult group we are getting started. This past Friday was a night of fellowship with the young adults. We met in the church hall to play Guitar Hero, eat a lot of food, and share in some delightful conversation.

me and the YAVs that joined our group Friday night

On Saturdays I am off, as is Kendra, so we look to do something fun that usually consists of exploring the Belfast area. Today we went hill-walking (hiking) at Cave Hill. Cave Hill looks like a man lying down and was supposedly the inspiration for Jonathan Swift to write Gulliver's Travels. Cave Hill also boasts some good trail trails and magnificent views of the area. On a clear day you can even see Scotland in the distance. Some pictures from our hike are below.

Well, I've flooded you with information, so now I'll go back to watching Teen Wolf while I wait another hour until 12:30 am my time so I can listen to the Wyoming Cowboys game over the internet. Yes, Michael J. Fox and a football game in the same night, it's a good one.

heading up Cave Hill

us at the top

a good view going up

how a parent/toddler group got me thinking about the "american dream"

The Belfast YAVs have officially begun working. With that said, I didn't have to work today. I'm off Friday mornings, Friday afternoons at the Trust are dependent on whether or not I'm needed, and the Friday evening groups at the church don't meet every week. Today was one of those great days where it all comes together because Kendra didn't have to work either and we got to spend a day exploring our neighborhood. We went down to the Trust quick so I could show Kendra what our after school program looks like and then hit up the charity shops. The charity shops may not have been the best idea, seeing as how we came home with 4 books. The other day I found a Ray Bradbury collection of 3 books for only 87 pence at ASDA. I guess that means we've already bought 7 books over here. I'm just going to look at is as building a library for future YAVs. Or maybe visitors would even be willing to back a book or two home for us.

Yesterday, a day I actually did work, saw me start the morning at the church's parents and toddlers group. I arrived at 9:30, helped set up some chairs and then sat and visited with a couple of parents once they started arriving around 10. After about an hour I made my to the kitchen and prepared toast. They don't trust me with making the tea yet (just kidding, I think...) but I can butter the heck out of a slice of toast.

After the morning, I began thinking about how parent/toddler groups are an incredible ministry. They give people a chance to see others they might not normally and catch up on what has been going on. The ministry gets people exposed to the church who otherwise might not ever set foot inside the doors. It also promotes healthy, valuable family time. The programs are so popular over here that I'll be helping with one at the 174 Trust and there are even government funded groups that exist. With that being said, I started to think about why there aren't too many of these groups in the States. At least, so far as I am aware. I can't come to any great conclusion about this. There seems to be a limited amount of childcare offered here during the day. I haven't seen any preschools, either. That alone lends itself to the need for a stay-at-home parent who would be able to take part in a parent/toddler group. But I also think that some of it has to do with how the family is valued. Over here, mothers get almost a year off for maternity leave. In the States many women are pressured to return to work less than 3 months after having their child. Now, I'm not saying that people in the States do not value their family. I think there is tremendous value put on the family and I'm fortunate to come from a family that loves being with each other, even makes time to do so, and cherishes that time spent together. But there is that underlying theme in the American culture that screams to everyone that they need to work hard so they can buy a new car, a bigger house, better clothes, etc. Because of that theme, the "American dream," as some even call it, there is always that idea that work should be put at the forefront of what we do.

Now, I may be way off with some of this, but I'm truly enjoying how through this YAV year, even after just about 2 weeks, something like a parent/toddler group is getting me thinking about what I value and how I desire to live my life. Once again, it's going to be a great year!

a green minibus, 6 on 6, and my first experience with the boys at the 174 trust

Today all of the YAVs in Belfast will begin working at their placements. I'll be at Woodvale working out the details of the year's work at the church. Usually I'll be at the 174 Trust on Wednesdays, but on Monday I was given the opportunity to go there in the late afternoon and get a taste of what I'll be doing and who I'll be working with. I think that afternoon is one I'll never forget.

Our group dropped me off and we waited at the Hammer, a recreation facility, for the group from the 174 Trust. When they pulled up in the green minibus we found that the Hammer was locked up, so I piled into the bus with them and we made our way to a park with a football pitch. I gave a quick introduction as we travelled to the park but found I was spending most my time trying to understand what this group of excited teens what shouting back and forth. I don't feel like I've had too much trouble understanding people so far but this was a whole new experience.

Once at the pitch we split into teams and played 6 on 6, using the whole field as requested by a few of the boys. I didn't score any goals. I didn't even put myself in position to take a shot. When I played goalkeeper I gave up a goal I shouldn't have as the wet ball slipped right through my hands. But I had a great time and was amazed at how the group seemed to include me almost immediately. Once we were back at the Trust and the boys were given an opportunity to ask me some questions and get to know me a little better, I think I found out why they're so welcoming and inclusive. The group prides itself on being cross-community. That is, the boys come from both Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods. But at the Trust they come together to learn, to grow, and to talk about these differences.

After asking me a number of questions, including whether I am Catholic or Protestant (to which I replied Christian and made the boys eager for more conversation on that) and getting to know me a little more, the Trust's director, Bill, steered the conversation towards the value of the month. Each month the boys get to pick a value that becomes one of the topics for discussion that month. August's value was friendship and the discussions, from what I understand, centered around how the group and the last YAV had built a friendship. September's value will be respect.

After Monday's visit I'm extremely excited to begin work at the Trust tomorrow. I'll get to be out on the pitch again and see if I can get that elusive first goal. If nothing else, I'll just try not to make a fool of myself. But even if I do, I know that this experience will be a rewarding one.

the first time at church

Today was my first worship experience. Not ever, mind you, but my first in Belfast. The minister at Woodvale Methodist, Margaret, gave me a lift to the service this morning where I was introduced to the congregation. I was greeted with a very warm welcome by all and am truly looking forward to serving God alongside and learning from my new congregation.

Later this evening we had a joint communion service with the Shankill Methodist Church. Their pastor is Charlie, who will be ordained next summer, so Margaret helps them out with various services. I was asked to read from Philippians 4 during the service and was honoured to do so. And in the way the Spirit so often seems work, verses 8 and 9 were exactly what the type of reminder I needed to hear as I begin my volunteer year. "Finally, brothers and sisters, what is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." How wonderful it is to know that the God who goes before gives us great peace and that, though it may be incredibly difficult, He will comfort us with that peace when that which we go out to do, what is true, what is noble, what is right and admirable, is nerve-wracking and difficult.

After the reading, Charlie gave an incredible message. He spoke about something I know many people cringe at doing - passing the peace of Christ during worship.

"Who knows where those hands have been?"

"Do I really have to get up for this?"

"For Pete's sake, this wooden bench just finally got warm!"

I love that Charlie gave a message on the passing of the peace. I'd never thought of giving a message about a part of the church service. But more importantly, Charlie had great insights as to why the passing of the peace is important for a church to do. It is the recognition that God and his comforting nature go alongside us always, even if we cannot understand that unimaginable presence of that peace. The passing of the peace also serves as reassurance that we walk together and God's peace binds us. I certainly felt that reassurance as the peace of Christ wrapped me in it's arms, the arms of many strangers who welcomed me into their church and made me feel right at home. While I know this year will be trying, I am now encouraged in the thought that God's peace goes with me through the love and support of both the congregations in Wyoming and my new congregation in Belfast. And a big Amen for that!

we've arrived!

At this time we've been in Belfast for about three days. Orientation has consited of getting settled in our new apartments and adjusted to our living accomdation's new creaks and squeaks. We've failed miserably at figuring out our heater and remembering to switch off our outlets all the time. Yes, the outlets themselves have switches on them and need to be off when not in use. Preferably, at least. We've made a run to Tesco to get some essentials and have organised our apartment to our liking as well. There are many new aspects of life to get used to and I'm sure I'll tell you about them as the year progresses.

Aside from experiencing another culture, with admitted successes and failures so far, we've been visiting the YAV site placements this week. Tomorrow, we will visit Woodvale Methodist, the church I will be working at, and Whitehouse Presbyterian, the church Kendra will be working at. Yesterday, we visited the 174 Trust, a community center that I will also be working at. The 174 Trust is an incredible community center, though I am reluctant to call it that because it offers so much more than what we might call a community center in the US does. I encourage you to check out the website: http://174trust.org/v3/index.php. I am very excited to begin work with them in a week and gage what all I will be doing. 

At the placements were there is an emphasis on work done with people affected by the Troubles and the outcomes of the conflict, there is a lot of work put towards helping people tell their stories. I've come to realize that a story is an incredibly powerful thing. It expresses who we are in an intimate way and because of this, we are reluctant to tell it to just anyone. If we do, we often leave out many details. In light of this, I am going to focus on listening this year. I want to make sure that I am earnest in listening to others and strive not only to connect to the words they are saying but also to connect with their heart. I want to do this because I want the relationships I form to be authentic. Too often we pretend that parts of the other person or even parts of ourselves don't exist. We choose not to recognize them. When we leave these parts out and we pretend certain pieces of us don't exist, we make it impossible to build meaningful and lasting relationships that can make a difference in both people's lives. I look forward to taking on the challenge that comes with earnest listening and proper response to hearing someone's story. I look equally forward to telling mine and opening up to others.

The placement visits have helped me compare and contrast the way churches and Christian organisations operate here and in the United States. I know I need to be careful when doing so, especially given the fact that I have been here 3 short days and have yet to see a church and how it functions up close. That time will come. And when it does, I am going to love sharing my thoughts with you. Until then, I'm going to leave you hanging because it is late and I've got to get some sleep and get over this jet lag!

Love, grace, peace,

Karl