I have yet to understand what path I wondered down to find working as a Parish Educator and dating an Intern Pastor. God never ceases to amaze me, keep me on my toes, and humor me.
Wednesday night Erik picked me up and we went to the grocery store to prepare for dinner. Erik had bought an Asian cookbook and since I’m so picky when it comes to Asian food, I was to pick out a recipe I would like for us to cook together. Erik had picked me up after he had gotten off work at the church, so he was still wearing what I call his “pastor shirt.” When he’s wearing his shirt I like to refer to him as “Pastor Erik” even if he is not an ordained pastor (priesthood of all believers!).
As we walked up and down the aisles at Copps I wondered if I should act different since he was wearing his special shirt. I’m pretty touchy feeling and we’re one of those sad little couples that are always calling each other “honey” and “baby.” (This started as a joke and kind of stuck).
This morning I went to both my church and Erik’s church. Erik was getting commissioned and I wanted to watch him “in-action.” Even though I had asked him several times what time the service was, he didn’t notice me. I had snuck through the other door and avoided him. I was afraid he might get nervous if I was there. The service was nice. The quilters gave him a beautiful quilt and afterwards I got to talk to Erik and Pastor Earl. I think next week I’ll go when he gives the sermon. Calvary has a contemporary service on Saturdays and I could use a little upbeat worship.
After that service I went to Grace to worship. I have yet to figure out if I should be introducing myself to people or exactly how to go about doing things. I’m shy to begin with. I’m glad I like the worship service at Grace. I thought I’d feel like a stranger and lost during worship, but for some reason I strangely feel at home. Even though I have yet to meet many people or make friends, I feel like I was called to the right spot.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Imagine
I found out yesterday that one of my friends lost his internship site because that church has left the ELCA. What are wrong with these people? Please explain to me why five little Bible verses make it so someone can not help in the mission of spreading the gospel and caring for the poor, homeless, hungry, orphaned, and widowed? Don't we want more people that are willing to take on the evils in this world and help those oppressed? I just don't get it. I don't see how being gay is any different from being straight. When are people going to get that you can't just pick five little Bible verses and interrupt them to keep away something you fear?
Okay, enough about my opinion.
Nothing too exciting in Green Bay. It's raining today. I'm trying to save money, so I'm pretty bored right now. Erik has a church meeting tonight, so I'm on my own. Green Bay is so small and conservative. Cedar Rapids seemed bigger and much more liberal.
I got a second job at a daycare. Friday is my first day. It's just a trial day, but the people seemed very comfortable to work with. I was thinking of applying to the Halloween Store since it's across my parking lot. I suppose I could still do that. I have lots of free time and haven't made any friends...of course I've only been here less then a month and I only have to work 16 hours a week at church.
Okay, enough about my opinion.
Nothing too exciting in Green Bay. It's raining today. I'm trying to save money, so I'm pretty bored right now. Erik has a church meeting tonight, so I'm on my own. Green Bay is so small and conservative. Cedar Rapids seemed bigger and much more liberal.
I got a second job at a daycare. Friday is my first day. It's just a trial day, but the people seemed very comfortable to work with. I was thinking of applying to the Halloween Store since it's across my parking lot. I suppose I could still do that. I have lots of free time and haven't made any friends...of course I've only been here less then a month and I only have to work 16 hours a week at church.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Farve Flops and ELCA Okays Gays
I'm mad a Brett Farve. I'm mad because his two minute playing debut for the Minnesota Vikings overshadowed any real news in the world.
What is real news it the ELCA's vote to recognize gay marriage, homosexual relationships, and allow those in committed homosexual relationships to be ordained clergy and rostered lay leaders.
Yippee!
Of course, it's all more complicated then that. Individual congregations have the decision whether or not they will call homosexuals. It is also rumoured many people are going to leave the ELCA for something more conservative. This is sad. Being new at my church, I do not know where my church stands. I'm excited to go to work on Monday to find out.
The "word alone" conservative thing angers me. It angers me that homosexuals are accused of being sinners for something they were born with. Sexuality is part of who we are and something God created us to have. It's not a sin. It's mentioned in all but 5 Bible verses and likely these verses were trying to keep new Christians from worshipping Greek Gods and joining cults, or are used in the Old Testament as part of a holy code.
But is you still want to believe it's a sin and sinful people can't be leaders of the church. Well then after you take the plank out of your own eye, I ask if you can name anyone in the Bible (besides Jesus) that was sinless. I applaud you if you can, because I currently can not, (and if they were sinless, they were in a shitty situation when God called them.) God uses us (and we tend to be sinful) to spread the gospel. God calls those who are not perfect. Thinks about it. Noah got drunk, Moses couldn't speak in public, Jonah ran away from God, Rahab was a prostitute, Ruth uncovered Boaz' "feet", David was an adulterer, Paul prosecuted Christians, and Peter (the Rock upon which the church was built) denied Christ THREE TIMES!
During the assembly a tornado hit the convention center. There have been comments about this being the wrath or warning of God. I'm sorry, but I find that to be silly. I think if God didn't want this to happen, it wouldn't have passed. Many people prayed that the church would make the right decision and I believe the vote answered their prayers.
I think God would be happy to have more people do His work and serve him, regardless of sexual orientation.
What is real news it the ELCA's vote to recognize gay marriage, homosexual relationships, and allow those in committed homosexual relationships to be ordained clergy and rostered lay leaders.
Yippee!
Of course, it's all more complicated then that. Individual congregations have the decision whether or not they will call homosexuals. It is also rumoured many people are going to leave the ELCA for something more conservative. This is sad. Being new at my church, I do not know where my church stands. I'm excited to go to work on Monday to find out.
The "word alone" conservative thing angers me. It angers me that homosexuals are accused of being sinners for something they were born with. Sexuality is part of who we are and something God created us to have. It's not a sin. It's mentioned in all but 5 Bible verses and likely these verses were trying to keep new Christians from worshipping Greek Gods and joining cults, or are used in the Old Testament as part of a holy code.
But is you still want to believe it's a sin and sinful people can't be leaders of the church. Well then after you take the plank out of your own eye, I ask if you can name anyone in the Bible (besides Jesus) that was sinless. I applaud you if you can, because I currently can not, (and if they were sinless, they were in a shitty situation when God called them.) God uses us (and we tend to be sinful) to spread the gospel. God calls those who are not perfect. Thinks about it. Noah got drunk, Moses couldn't speak in public, Jonah ran away from God, Rahab was a prostitute, Ruth uncovered Boaz' "feet", David was an adulterer, Paul prosecuted Christians, and Peter (the Rock upon which the church was built) denied Christ THREE TIMES!
During the assembly a tornado hit the convention center. There have been comments about this being the wrath or warning of God. I'm sorry, but I find that to be silly. I think if God didn't want this to happen, it wouldn't have passed. Many people prayed that the church would make the right decision and I believe the vote answered their prayers.
I think God would be happy to have more people do His work and serve him, regardless of sexual orientation.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Life in Green Bay
Life isn't too exciting here. It's not that boring either. I do need to get another job because I have way too much free time and then I think I have to go shopping.
Thursday night Matt came to visit. Erik, Matt, and I went to church at Erik's church. Now Erik's church knows he has a girlfriend. No big drama there. His pastor seemed pleased that I was working for Grace and was interesting in the church, etc. Friday we went to the NEW Zoo and saw all the animals. Erik's pretty cute at the zoo. He's like a little kid. It rained, so the giraffes refused to be fed. Saturday Erik worked, so Matt and I went to the Farmer's Market and I bought some corn and some beautiful flowers for $6. I think all Saturdays will be Farmer's Market Saturdays. That night Matt and Erik went to the Packer's pre-season game. I stayed at home and knitted while watching the game on TV.
Sunday Erik and I made homemade Ravioli. We had watched a cooking show on PBS so Erik decided we could do this as well. It turned out pretty well. Our Raviolis were huge! But everything tasted well. With all our success at homemade pasta, I made noodles for soup Monday night. Erik didn't listen to me and ended up putting the whole pound of noodles I made into the soup soaking up all the broth.
Tuesday I met Erik for lunch at Mandarin Garden and I helped him pick out shoes at DSW. He had to help with youth thing, so I was Erik-less for the night.
Which brings us to today. I've worked most of the morning trying to make decisions about classrooms and supplies, curriculum, and Bibles. I wore the wrong shoes today because I've been up and down the stairs ways too many times.
In the meantime I've been busy with my hobbies and I started running again. It's frustrating because I'm so slow and out of shape. I went to the JoAnn Fabric store which is huge!! I got some yarn for Christmas projects. I've complete a pair of mittens and a hat.
The new Brett Favre Saga has been the headlines on the news all day yesterday and today. Minnesota doesn't like him, so I don't know why he did it. Yes, he wants to play, but I wonder if the team will be behind him. Plus they are paying him a lot of money...I guess that will set them a few years back from that new stadium. He just looked so sad during the press conference...in which they interrupted the world news for the whole 30 minutes. And yes, this was discussed at the staff meeting this morning.
Welcome to Green Bay.
Thursday night Matt came to visit. Erik, Matt, and I went to church at Erik's church. Now Erik's church knows he has a girlfriend. No big drama there. His pastor seemed pleased that I was working for Grace and was interesting in the church, etc. Friday we went to the NEW Zoo and saw all the animals. Erik's pretty cute at the zoo. He's like a little kid. It rained, so the giraffes refused to be fed. Saturday Erik worked, so Matt and I went to the Farmer's Market and I bought some corn and some beautiful flowers for $6. I think all Saturdays will be Farmer's Market Saturdays. That night Matt and Erik went to the Packer's pre-season game. I stayed at home and knitted while watching the game on TV.
Sunday Erik and I made homemade Ravioli. We had watched a cooking show on PBS so Erik decided we could do this as well. It turned out pretty well. Our Raviolis were huge! But everything tasted well. With all our success at homemade pasta, I made noodles for soup Monday night. Erik didn't listen to me and ended up putting the whole pound of noodles I made into the soup soaking up all the broth.
Tuesday I met Erik for lunch at Mandarin Garden and I helped him pick out shoes at DSW. He had to help with youth thing, so I was Erik-less for the night.
Which brings us to today. I've worked most of the morning trying to make decisions about classrooms and supplies, curriculum, and Bibles. I wore the wrong shoes today because I've been up and down the stairs ways too many times.
In the meantime I've been busy with my hobbies and I started running again. It's frustrating because I'm so slow and out of shape. I went to the JoAnn Fabric store which is huge!! I got some yarn for Christmas projects. I've complete a pair of mittens and a hat.
The new Brett Favre Saga has been the headlines on the news all day yesterday and today. Minnesota doesn't like him, so I don't know why he did it. Yes, he wants to play, but I wonder if the team will be behind him. Plus they are paying him a lot of money...I guess that will set them a few years back from that new stadium. He just looked so sad during the press conference...in which they interrupted the world news for the whole 30 minutes. And yes, this was discussed at the staff meeting this morning.
Welcome to Green Bay.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Cheese
Did you know Broccoli and Cheddar Soup at Panera taste 100 times better in Green Bay, WI then anywhere else I've had it. Same for the Asiago Cheese bagels. I think it's because of all the happy Wisconsin Dairy cows.
My first days of work went well. Nothing too demanding yet. I did have to pick out two office chairs. There is an interior committee or something, so this woman had picked out chairs she thought might work. I liked them, but they seemed more like living room chairs. I ended up getting two off-white wing back chairs with cherry legs. They just seemed like office furniture.
I have unpacked everything!! I have one shelf left to put up and decorate, but I'm kind of holding out. I'm so glad I bought that power drill a couple years ago. It was so handy in putting all my furniture together. Another woman from the church donated a couch. Erik and I went to pick it up. It didn't go with my living room so I bought two really cheap chocolate brown sheets at Wal-Mart and covered it up.
Matt is suppose to come tonight, so Erik will have someone to play with other then me this weekend. Come September I'm going to join the Curling Club and maybe take a yoga class or something. I'm also planning on looking for a second job, so I'll be able to meet people that way. My friend Jeremy from college lives in Green Bay. I'll have to give him a call soon.
I'm having difficulty getting facebook to work right now....very frustrating.
Monday, August 10, 2009
New Job
Today I started my new job...which was actually just touring the church and having a meeting with both pastors. For as nervous as I was, it wasn't that stressful. I'm going to be fine.
In the meantime I've slowly been unpacking. Slowly being the key word. I'm almost done. I still have lots to do. I really haven't been up to much. My parents drove up to move me in and that was a headache. My dad can be such an ass sometime. I somehow managed to forget all my coats at home....so I guess I will be making a trip back sooner then I thought. Timothy wants me to come home and watch the marching band.
It's kind of odd driving around town. It seems that no matter where I go, I see Lambeau Field. It's like I live in Mecca or something. Packer fans from all the over world come here. This week is training camp, so everywhere you go there is some out of towner who came up to watch practice. I have yet to go.
Things with Erik have been awesome. It was odd staying with him last week. It felt like I was playing house. Well, time to leave Panera and go home and assemble more furniture.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Moving
I found an apartment! Actually, I found an apartment on Tuesday and even signed my lease. I now live in Green Bay by the Bay Park Mall near Barnes and Noble...convenient, yet dangerous. It's kind of far from work, and a little bit more then my budget allowed, but the location is good and it's the type of place that visitors can easily get to. I also have a dishwasher, garage, balcony, and TWO walk-in closets.
Today my mom and I got the Uhaul and so far this afternoon Timothy and I have been loading it up. We have most of my bedroom empty and the basement empty. Everything is just sitting on the porch waiting to be loaded up Tetris style. He's actually a pretty big help. I remember when we used to make fun of him being a wimp, but all that lugging band gear up and down the basements stairs has paid off. I think he's just excited to get his basement back. The band has been practicing around my stuff.
Tomorrow we head up to Green Bay to unload. It's going to be a long weekend. Then on Monday I start my first day of work. I'm pretty nervous. I have to keep reminding myself that God has chosen me for this position and God wouldn't give me something I couldn't do (that's not to say he wouldn't challenge me; he knows I need a challenge).
I don't think we're going to get to do too many things in Green Bay since my family is only there one day and most of the day will be spent moving. Erik has to preach this weekend and well, now that he's an intern pastor, he can't really skip worship and help out. It's kind of odd thinking of him as a pastor. I mean, my boyfriend is going to be a Pastor and I'm a Parish Educator. God is certainly funny.
Today my mom and I got the Uhaul and so far this afternoon Timothy and I have been loading it up. We have most of my bedroom empty and the basement empty. Everything is just sitting on the porch waiting to be loaded up Tetris style. He's actually a pretty big help. I remember when we used to make fun of him being a wimp, but all that lugging band gear up and down the basements stairs has paid off. I think he's just excited to get his basement back. The band has been practicing around my stuff.
Tomorrow we head up to Green Bay to unload. It's going to be a long weekend. Then on Monday I start my first day of work. I'm pretty nervous. I have to keep reminding myself that God has chosen me for this position and God wouldn't give me something I couldn't do (that's not to say he wouldn't challenge me; he knows I need a challenge).
I don't think we're going to get to do too many things in Green Bay since my family is only there one day and most of the day will be spent moving. Erik has to preach this weekend and well, now that he's an intern pastor, he can't really skip worship and help out. It's kind of odd thinking of him as a pastor. I mean, my boyfriend is going to be a Pastor and I'm a Parish Educator. God is certainly funny.
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Hunt Continues
I've looked at over 5 apartments today and have yet to decide which one feels like home. I'm kind of leaning towards one in Howard, which isn't Green Bay, but very close. I also found one that I really liked near where Erik lives and right behind the Barnes and Noble and across from the Mall. It was the most expense, but had a garage, balcony, and TWO walk-in closets!!! I think it had free heat and the first month was free so it probably evens out.
I found a coffee shop. It's actually in the Goodwill, so all the money goes toward Goodwill and helping people. Yipee! I love helping people. I also like cookies and chia lattes. I'm doing everything in my power not to go into the actual store part and buy anything, because part of me is really leaning towards that more expensive apartment. I could save $100 a month living somewhere not as nice, but after that whole scary guy showing up to my parents house thing, I don't want to live somewhere to Ghetto.
Erik's Duplex is really nice. He has lots of space and not a lot of stuff. Him and Andy bought a ping-pong table this past weekend so last night we played some ping-pong. I had to remind myself that the object is not to hit the ball as hard as possible.
I've pretty much learned my way around West Green Bay. It's not that big. It seems smaller then Cedar Rapids, but I haven't been anywhere in East Green Bay. I've been told that is the rougher side of town. This is also the side I will work in, but I will be right across the river. I'm sad I won't find something within biking distance or walking distance.
Well, I'm running out of thoughts to kill time.
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