a lenten prayer

I was given this prayer by another attendee to our midweek service last night. The poem is by William Arthur Ward, an American author/pastor/teacher. I'm not sure this is the poem in its entirety, but I thought it was worth sharing. I would note that I think it speaks of things that we, as Christians, should be "fasting" from not just during Lent but during the whole year and things that we should be "feasting" on at all times also.  As a fellow YAV, Patrick, put it, the church is sometimes too focused on Jesus' "greatest hits." We're incredibly excited to all come back together when school starts on some "Kickoff Sunday" and then we get excited about Advent and then Lent and then we're done after Easter until that "Kickoff Sunday" rolls around again in early September. What happened to the five months between Easter and "Kickoff Sunday"? May we "fast" and "feast" during those times, too. Maybe it's even more important that we do.

A Lenten Prayer (or maybe just a prayer in general)

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling within them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

quick thought on Lent, trapped in a bathroom, bowling with the football boys

I promised a blog a few days ago about a quick thought on Lent. Here it is, late as usual and including a story about the bathroom and one about going bowling.

In reading an article by Shane Claiborne on redletterchristians.org, he mentions that the priest at his church asked the following question in a sermon leading up to Lent, "What's the difference between a stick in the mud and a flute?" The answer was that a stick in the mud is full of itself while a flute has been emptied of itself in order to make beautiful music. That is a wonderful illustration for what Lent is about. It's a time when we reflect on what fills us and how we use our time and talents (both monetary and physical) in order to figure out how we can either start creating beautiful music by the way we live or begin crafting an even more beautiful melody.

Many of you know that one way in which people try to empty themselves during the season of Lent is by giving something up. When picking up one of the kids for the after school program at the 174 last Thursday, CJ asked me, "What'd you give up for Lent, Karl?"

"Well, I haven't really decided yet. I thought maybe instead of giving something up I'd make a stronger effort to be nicer to every person I encounter." (Yes, a cop out in all reality. I should figure something out that will help empty me.)

"Ok. I'm going off sin."

"Is that so, CJ?"

"Yup."

CJ is six years old but one has to admire such determination. And it was pretty funny how when he responded to my Lenten decision he did so in a tone on par with a comment like, "That seems pretty good but seriously? I mean, come on, I'm giving up sin. Top that." Never a dull moment at the after schools and for that I am incredibly thankful.

Last night Woodvale joined Shankill Methodist again for the Sunday evening service. It was Rev Mark Charles trial service. He's the minister at Shankill Methodist but is not yet fully ordained and one of the last steps in the ordination process for him was completing this trial service. He did a great job and judging by facebook he passed with flying colors. Congratulations Charlie!

Now, before this trial service even started, I needed to go to the bathroom. I'm waiting because there's just a one person restroom and it's occupied, so I can see that the lock is catching because the guy in front of me has trouble getting out. It's one of those handles where once you close the door you just flip it up and the door is locked. But apparently the lock was catching and when you'd bring the handle down where it should just unlock and open the door, it wouldn't unlock. The man came out after a number of unsuccessful tries and this made me think twice about using the toilet, but I really had to go.

I step into the bathroom and shut the door. It's dark. I think there's a motion sensor for the light but a light doesn't come on. I can see faintly because there's a window that a street light is coming through so I flip the switch that I see. Nothing. That switch is the power for the hand dryer. I can see ok so I start going to the bathroom. Then I notice a string right by my head. It's not uncommon here to pull a string down to turn on a light. One of the men's bathrooms at the 174 has that feature. So I pull the string. A loud sustained beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep starts going off and someone runs up and shouts, "Are you ok?!" At this point I realize I've pulled the distress cord. "Yes, I'm ok. Thought I was turning on the light." "There's a reset button on the wall, just push it and the noise will stop." Well, I would push it, but I'm still going. I try to reach it on the wall behind me, leaning back, but can't so I've got to put up with the noise, as does everyone else, for a second longer while I finish up. I wash my hands in the dark and then try to open the door. The lock has caught and I'm stuck in the bathroom. I try it again, this time more slowly to see if it will catch. Still nothing. Then, the same voice that frantically asked if I was okay asks if she'd like me to have her open the door. "Yes, please" I reply already embarrassed. She has the key and opens it from the outside (the lock responds to the key still). I step out with the light still off and having just been locked in the bathroom with the distress call going. A number of people waiting to use the restroom looking at me quizzically. I tell them I thought I was turning on the light (I did) and apologized. They just smiled and looked at the switch outside the door on the wall, all the while saying it was no problem.

The bathroom incident last night was just one of those moments I knew I was a foreigner. I think that some grace did come my way when I stepped out of the bathroom and people heard the foreign accent. But when I went back into the sanctuary and sat with some of the young adults from Woodvale they were talking about that alarm going off and I had to own up to it. If nothing else, it was good for a laugh. Just another growing experience in a new culture. Thought I had bathrooms here figured out but learned that I didn't.

Last night, we went bowling with the football boys. We played a quick game of football at the Hammer, a youth club where we're able to use the gym twice a week for some indoor football, and then went to the 174 for pizza. After eating we headed up the Antrim Road to Glengormley to bowl.

the winning team

When the boys at the 174 bowl, they have a travelling trophy and medal. It seems the trophy and medal only come out on certain nights too, when they know there will be a lot of them there, and it simply goes to the person who bowled the highest game until the next time they go out. Since there was only one lane available at the alley, we paired up and the winning team would get the trophy. We didn't alternate frames but, rather, alternated balls. Brandon and I paired up and most frames he threw the first ball and I then failed to pick up the remaining pins. Nonetheless, that strategy worked well for us and we had an 89 to 87 lead after our final frame and Ciaran/David having one frame left. I was anticipating them picking up the 3 pins needed to beat us, but with the pressure on, Ciaran and David each threw gutter balls making me and Brandon the new champions. Below are a couple more shots from the night.

the whole group

me and Wayne

creators, little things, and a long time since i last posted

I wrote this first part of the blog a couple of weeks ago but am just now posting it. I thought I would add to it sooner and haven't until tonight. 

It was an interesting week. I'm only going to touch on two events, though. Tuesday night, I was with the Disabilities Club at the 174 Trust as usual. I was playing games with one of our kids, a seventeen year old with a learning disability, when he told me he was feeling sick. We left the game to take a seat, and as I went to get him some water, one of our high school volunteers took him to the bathroom. Yup, he was going to be sick. I went to lend a hand and ended up in the bathroom most of the night. Matthew, the boy, did a good job of making getting sick something easy for me to deal with. I'll give him that in a heartbeat, but that doesn't mean it was a night I'll be forgetting soon.

As we sat on the bench in the bathroom, because he was a little jittery from being sick, he looked at me and said pretty clearly with his suddenly wide eyes, "I'm going to be sick again." To be sure, I asked "Are you going to be sick again?" Matthew responded, "Yeah." "Well then," I said, "let's be sick in the toilet and not out here because that will be easier to clean up." Matthew smiled and said, "Good idea!" before returning to the bathroom stall. Shortly after, Matthew's mother was able to pick him up and get him home. I had him cleaned up ok and the bathroom cleaned up, as well. I know that shouldn't be an accomplishment, but that night I feel I proved to myself I can handle some situations better than I would've anticipated at the beginning of this year. And while I had no idea that the YAV year would include something like that, somehow I felt prepared for it.

After Matthew's mum picked him up, I joined the larger group in the hall. One of our girls was by the boombox we had out but wasn't dancing. This was a little odd because she's always dancing. So, I went up and danced by her. She was less than impressed. Eventually, I got her to laugh and then to dance, but after showcasing a few of her moves, she finished off her routine by pushing me quite unexpectedly. Caught completely off guard, I stumbled back and tripped over the moveable staircase that let's you get up on the stage in the hall. Shortly after, a different kid came up and stole my beanie off my head. What response did my newly shaved head get from the kids when it came out from beneath the hat? "Baldy!" All in good fun, and I'm not above those kids getting a good laugh at my expense, I give them one quite frequently, but I will say that they're lucky I didn't sic some she-bears on them (see 2 Kings 2:23-25 for reference). All in all, though, it really was a good night with the Disabilities Club. A night I won't forget anytime soon.

I added this next piece to the blog tonight, Februrary 22.

Matthew couldn't remember my name this year until the week after I helped him when he was sick. He's remembered my name each of the weeks since, though. The little things we do can make a big difference.

This past Sunday evening I had the opportunity to preach at a joint service with Shankill Methodist. I've kept a small notebook in my pocket for the last few months to jot down sermon ideas, funny things Pat says, and other random thoughts so I thought it was just a matter of flipping through the notebook and getting an idea. I didn't find anything that jumped out to me in the notebook, but I eventually settled on trying to dissect Genesis 1:26-31 and explore what it means to be made in God's image.

I'll just cut to the chase with what I discussed and give you some of my main thoughts

• I don't think we physically look like God. We're different. I have bushy eyebrows, the lady in the flat downstairs doesn't have eyebrows. I'm short, you might be tall. The list could go on. But part of being made in God's image is that we are each unique. Like the one God we worship, who is unique, so are the people He made.  
• We can create. Our God is the Creator God and like Him, we can create. He gave us the power to when He made us in His image. We can create bad things, yes, because we have been gifted with choice, as well. But we can certainly create beauty, too. We create beauty when we hug a child. We create beauty when we visit an old friend. We create beauty when we care for a new friend. We create beauty by showing love, which can be done in so many different ways.
• We create beauty, but I don't think it's quite up to snuff with the beauty that God has created. As a result, one person's characteristics don't fully portray the image of God. Thus, I believe that together we create the image of God. It takes each of us, in our uniqueness, and the beauty we create in the different ways we've been gifted to make up the full image of God (similar to the parts of the body stuff Paul talks about in Corinthians but different in my mind). Therefore, we each have tremendous value. The image of God is not complete without you.  

When I reflect on the first part of this blog and the second, I think that the beauty we can create often comes in the little things we do. I hung out with Matthew when he needed it. He called me by name exactly when I needed to hear it. I believe that those two little events created beauty in our lives.

Aside from those goings-on, we're having a fun week because Collette and TJ got here yesterday to visit. We haven't seen family in about 6 months (except via Skype) and it's terrific to have them around! We've got some fun things planned but are mostly just hanging out enjoying being with each other again.

I hope to post some thoughts on Lent tomorrow or Friday so please stayed tuned! But in the meantime, go create something beautiful.

guitar lessons, justin beaver, and talks about tithing - just a typical week?

Been a little while since I last put up a post. We're really back and into the swing of things again since the wee break for Christmas. Yes, I did just say "wee." With being back, guitar lessons have picked up again. On Wednesday evening I give free guitar lessons at Woodvale to anyone who would like to come. I've been doing this since mid-October. I've had a few come and try it out but last just a few lessons. But I also have three syblings who've stuck it out the entire three months so far with me. They are 11, 9, and 8. The two oldest are girls and the youngest is a boy. And they're a whole lot of fun. Wednesday evenings have truly become one of the highlights of my week. We haven't progressed as far as I thought we might have in three months, but I've found that trying to teach guitar to young students is proving challenging for me and that's probably part of it.

Now, I mention my guitar students because tonight they had the chance to show off some of the chords and songs they've learned so far. We opened up the midweek service/Bible study/prayer space/whatever it happens to be depending on the Wednesday with two of the songs we have learned. The first, "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love," we performed for the same crowd about a month and a half ago. The second, "Amazing Grace" was a debut for the kids. They did a great job and I think they were quite excited when some of the congregation joined in and sang "Amazing Grace" as they strummed. It was a fun night and I'm quite proud of the trio.

On a different note, I'm still trying to decide what kind of compliment I was given yesterday by one of the eight years olds in the after schools at the 174 Trust. As I left to go on bus runs for the Disabilites Club, this boy came up to me, hugged me, and said "You're the best human being ever! Way better than Justin Beaver when he's singing songs!" Yes, you read that right. "Justin Beaver." Unless I'm still having trouble with the accent, I'm pretty sure that's what was said. Nonetheless, I think it was quite the compliment and it's fun to know that some of these kids do actually enjoy having me around.

As long as I'm skipping all over the place with this post, let's go back to last Wednesday, the 18th. At our midweek Bible study we began discussing stewardship. Oh, the church's dreaded S-word. Even worse, we got into the almost forbidden T-word. We talked about tithing! Now, as I say this, I will say that I am not generous by the standards I am about to lay out. Additionally, lots of people don't necessarily believe tithing to be a spiritual practice. But we started to talk about what it means to be generous. And in light of tithing, which we were also talking about, I made the comment that tithing is not being generous. If we believe tithing to be a spiritual practice, then giving ten percent is not being generous. On top of that, if we do tithe, then living within our means (which we were also discussing) takes on a different form, because if we put this spiritual practice of tithing first, then our means is smaller than our paycheck. Just a little thought to wrestle with. I certainly am. And on top of that, what money that we give can be considered as part of our tithe? I would argue that a tithe doesn't just have to go to our church.

Blessings and peace from Belfast and as one of my first bosses wisely said (and says), be good to each other!

a year of service for a lifetime of therapy

When we were at YAV orientation almost five months ago now, I heard a YAV alum say that instead of "a year of service for a lifetime of change" the YAV slogan should be "a year of service for a lifetime of therapy." I laughed. I knew we'd be up against some tough stuff at times and I knew we'd each come home from our respective placements with a different view on things. Now, however, I'm beginning to understand what that YAV alum meant.

A week ago Kendra and I were in Dublin for New Year's. It was a great trip, for the most part. We spent a couple of days before New Year's seeing the different museums and galleries and taking in the sites. On our last day, as we ate a small lunch at a coffee shop, I saw a young man take a seat outside on the sidewalk in his sleeping bag. I thought about taking him a cup of coffee or something but then didn't even acknowledge him when we left. My lack of action stuck with me. As a result, I wrote the following in my journal on the train back to Belfast that same afternoon.

Jan 1. I didn't get it until today. "A year of service for a lifetime of therapy." There's something about doing a YAV year. Something about selling or giving away a lot of your things in order to move and serve where God has called you. There's something about making God's work the center of your being. And that something messes with you. As we ate lunch today at Insomnia Coffee in Dublin I watched a guy take a seat outside in his sleeping bag. As we left and passed him, I think he was crying. I noticed him when we were in the coffee shop and had time to think of doing something for him. Then, I did nothing. Kendra asked me if we should go back but still, I did nothing. I saw him one last time a half hour later as I looked back on our way down Grafton St and I did nothing. I don't care now if he sleeps somewhere warm at night or not. I actually hope he does. I hope he has means of getting by other then begging. And even if he does, even if he's trying to scam people, I should have helped. Because we don't live in a world that was created with the idea in mind that someone sitting on the corner crying should be passed by again and again. And we need to change the perception that we do. If I'm for that crying man then I am not of this world's perception about him. Yet, today I was. And now it's eating at me. I might not solve anything but Christ only instructed me to help - to feed, to clothe, to visit. I could've done all of those today. Instead, I'm on a train back to Belfast. (concludes journal entry)

It's easy to beat ourselves up. We forgot that we were created by a forgiving God. But we can't take forgiveness for granted. We're created for more than making redeemable mistakes. And we do not live in a world where it's okay for someone to be begging on the street for any reason. We have to fix that. People shouldn't be homeless and begging and people shouldn't have to pretend they're homeless and begging. People definitely shouldn't defend not helping with the thought that they were going to be scammed. Scammed or not, we're called to help. And if someone feels that they have to scam to get by, then the Church and its people still have work to do with that person. But that work won't start if we don't stop to help in some way.

So there's a quick post just on how this year has started to shape how I'm seeing the world. The other thought that goes along with this is that the episode made me think more deeply about the idea of a YAV year. A lot of people had said that it's great we're "giving up a year" or "putting our lives on hold for a year" but I've begun to realize we aren't doing either of those. We're living for God this year more than we have before and I think it's safe to argue that doing so does not put life on hold. One might say we're truly living for the first time. And we aren't giving up anything because we're in the right place for 2012 trying (and often failing) to do what we're capable of doing for the Kingdom. Because of that, it's going to be a great year! Happy 2012!     

Belfast Christmas and 2011 wrap-up

Christmas has come and gone over here in Belfast and we've certainly enjoyed every minute of it. As I reflect on the past few days, I'm reminded of the words in the Charlie Brown Christmas song "Christmas Time Is Here."

Christmas time is here
we'll be drawing near;
Oh that we could always see
such spirit through the year.

Keeping the family tradition of Christmas Eve oyster stew alive!

Such spirit through the year. Ah, that would be wonderful. But as this blog will show you, we've received the hospitality our whole time here in Belfast. Christmas wasn't anything especially new because people have been going above and beyond for us our whole time here so far. In light of that, THANK YOU! It's been a great first four months and that is due to all of the people we've been working with and in contact with at Woodvale Methodist, the 174 Trust, and Whitehouse Presbyterian. And thank you to Doug, Elaine, the staff at the YAV office back home, and all of the other YAVs in Belfast and around the world for the support that you've provided.

Ellison and I in the kitchen at YAV Christmas

Some of the highlights of the first four months have been mentioned on the blog already, i.e. the numerous lessons learned at the 174 parent/toddler group. But other memorable moments would include any time Pat (the do-it-all guy at the 174) has said something ridiculous and I've jotted it down in my notebook. For example, "He's about as useful as a one-legged man in an arse kicking competition." I'd also have to include the time with our newly formed young adult group at Woodvale. We've had many tough discussions that have brought us all closer together and have even made time to go bowling and do some outreach. Last week, on the 23rd, we took soup and bread over to the fold (a type of elderly housing) that is next to the church to share a meal with residents and sing carols and visit. It was an effort by the group to look beyond ourselves this Christmas season and give something that we normally wouldn't. I pray that we continue such a spirit of giving through the year.



Josh visiting and sharing a cup of tea

One of the not-so-scared kids at the party

At the Christmas party for the parent/toddler group at Woodvale I dressed up as Tigger. I'm not sure who decided this or why it was decided but someone thought the kids would like Tigger at the Christmas party. Well, the kids liked the idea of Tigger. They didn't like Tigger himself. As I held children for parents to take pictures, the majority of the kids cried. I scared more kids than I would like to admit but when Tigger left the party, many of them were asking where he went. Like I said, they liked the idea of Tigger but not the big orange guy himself. The experience made me quite glad I don't work at Disney World.

One of the yearly Christmas traditions at Woodvale is a Christmas ball. You put on your best attire and come for a wonderful three course meal and then get your dancing shoes on for a bit of fun. We had a wonderful time at the ball and, staying true to Wyoming form, even did the Cotton-Eyed Joe. That's right, the song was magically on the iPod that was being used to play the music and I found it on there. Thus, we taught Woodvale how to dance Wyoming style. I'll upload the video later as the try to so far as resulted in 12 hours of waiting.

Thanks again to everyone who made Christmas and the first four months over here so great. Now, may we strive to show the spirit of Christmas all year in 2012! Happy New Year!

twitter

I've joined that sensation that is twitter and will be tweeting about my YAV year each day. At least, I intend to. I always said I wouldn't join twitter but the string of good one-liners I heard this week made me second guess that decision. Now, when someone like 9 year-old Katie at Urban Magnets says to me "Karl, I can kick my own bum" and then proceeds to jump in the air and do just that, I can share it with you all much more quickly. So follow me there on twitter for further updates! My twitter name is karlheimbuck.

Merry Christmas!