A Knitter's Church

Hello friends! 

This year I'm working part time as the Student Pastor at Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church, about 30 minutes down the road from school. Today I praught* my first sermon at OPC. Knitting, New Orleans, and Mr. Rogers make appearances. If it suits your fancy, keep scrolling to check it out. If you'd rather listen, you can do that here.

Love, Allison.

* If teach = taught, preach = praught! This new vocab word is brought to you by a good friend/fellow seminarian. 

(You can blame preaching class at CTS for my
sketchbook-and-colored-pencils sermon prep habits.)

^{Ephesians 2:17-22, 4: 15-16}

¹⁷So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; ¹⁸for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, ²⁰built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. ²¹In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; ²²in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God. ¹⁵But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.

***

The church I want us to think about today is Oglethorpe, but it isn’t exactly the painted white brick exterior, the pews you’re sitting on, or our cheerfully colored preschool hallways. This morning’s reading from Ephesians may not be talking about our specific Brookhaven church, or even any tangible brick-and-mortar structure. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely lacking in language about buildings.  For example, we hear from Paul that the church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.” 

 These days some physical cornerstones are more ceremonial than structural, taking the form of a large commemorative stone on the corner of a building, often marking the year in which the building was constructed. More importantly, the cornerstone is the point from which the rest of the building is oriented. Each wall of the structure is ultimately situated according to the cornerstone.  

So the greater Church can rely on Christ the cornerstone, who aligns the rest of our foundation, made up of the apostles and prophets, according to Paul. And it is through their teachings that we, the brick-and-mortar members, begin to be “built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.”

As Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus continues, it gets more specific about the body that is this dwelling place for God, and the words start to sound more like we’d find them in an anatomy lesson than in class on construction. Not only is Christ this dwelling place’s cornerstone, he is the head, “from whom the whole body is joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped.” A head...a body...and ligaments...the church is alive. Christ the cornerstone, and the rest of the apostles and prophets, serve as the foundation of this living, breathing, growing body of Christ that is the church. 

I don’t exactly know the science behind a body being knit together by ligaments, as Ephesians says we are if Christ is the head. But I do know that when I first read that sentence in the Scripture for today, I couldn’t help but think of another kind of knitting. My kind of knitting involves a ball of yarn. Now I should also confess to you that when I say “my kind of knitting,” I mean I would consider myself a beginner, at best. I have a few scarves under my belt, a dishcloth or two, and last Christmas break I graduated to making a hat (but my mom had to come to my knitting rescue at the end of that project). My novice status aside, here is what I know to be true about knitting. It usually requires at least a little guidance. It always requires patience. It also helps if you’re a naturally fidgety person. Although I don’t know that fidgeting is a requirement of the body of Christ, I can say from personal experience that it probably happens from time to time. Finally, in the world of knitting, as my Mom has informed me: “a real knitter never ties a knot.” This excludes the slip knot that is often used at the very beginning of a project, but either way, the point isn’t to tie the yarn so tightly together that there is no possible way it will ever move. Of course you hope your new scarf or hat or sock stays together. And it probably does! But the reason for that isn’t knots. When it comes down to it, knitting is really a series of fancy loops. Each time the needles are moved, the yarn makes one loop, slips through another, and becomes an anchor of sorts for yet another future loop, as each part of the yarn  gently and flexibly supports another in its place. Knots are even avoided when a new ball of yarn is brought into a project in progress. The new piece of yarn is held next to the old, makes its first loop and is woven into the former and future loops. So, these loops are where our work comes in. Jesus is a knitter in this hat or scarf or dishcloth of a church. He’s the beginning of our series of loops, ultimately their anchor. But we too, are knitters of the body of Christ. 

Some of you may be familiar with the prayer shawl ministry that is present in many congregations. The ministry’s website describes their project like this: “Compassion and the love of knitting [or] crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every stitch. Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way.”

 The page goes on to say that sometimes recipients will go on to make shawls for others, as God’s comfort spreads throughout the community. 

One more thing I’ll mention, about knitting. It is sometimes very. tedious. Once you get the hang of the basic moves, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially for the fidgeters among us, including myself. But however familiar the moves, knitting still requires care and attention. And the careful nature of crafting these loops means that every inch of that yarn, however briefly, has been touched by the knitter. 

And a certain balance of tension must be maintained in the yarn, to successfully complete a project. A knitter must keep the yarn pulled tightly enough to guide it into place. But also essential is that the yarn has some room to move. Just as ligaments help our bodies bend and stretch, flexibility is key in knitting.

So to truly live into our places in the church as the body of Christ -- whether we are held together as ligaments or as pieces of yarn -- we have to allow ourselves to be knitted, and we need to do some knitting ourselves. And just as Christ is the cornerstone of our foundation, he can be the first loop of yarn -- or the slip knot -- that holds the rest of us in place. Whether you grew up in this church, whether you’ve been here for a few years or a few weeks, or whether you are visiting today for the first time, Christ holds us together as one body, as the first loop and as the foundation for the gift that is this community. This community of faith is one that includes Oglethorpe, of course, but also one that goes beyond it.

The year before I started seminary at Columbia, I spent a year living in New Orleans with the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Young Adult Volunteer program. Not only did my fellow volunteers and I become knit together, we were woven into the fabric of the cities in which we served. That year living in community with other volunteers challenged me and helped me grow in countless ways, but one thing of the clearest memories I have took place in my very first week there. My housemates and I, along with some volunteers from another program, were on a tour of the city. We saw some of the usual sites, and we got to know some new neighborhoods. We stood on the levee looking over the Lower Ninth Ward. What is most memorable about that day, however, is a comment that our tour guide made, at the end of the tour. While we were debriefing the things we’d experienced that day, our guide shared some of her thoughts on the years following Hurricane Katrina. As she painted a picture of the city’s recovery process which included the gradual departure of the various forms of aid, and the media’s movement on to the next pieces of breaking news. But she made one thing clear. She said: “The church never forgot us.” As members of the church, we care for all the parts of our knitted body.

Our guide wasn’t just talking about the specific group of faith-based volunteers that was standing in front of her, nor specifically about the Presbyterian Church. The church that remembered New Orleans is a mosaic of helpers spread far and wide, from a vast array different traditions and geographical locations. One of my favorite Presbyterians, Mr. Rogers, once said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers, so many caring people in this world.” 

These words from Mr. Rogers have more to do with knitting than the fact that he wore a lot of sweaters. New Orleans is part of this knitted, global church, and the helpers that arrived after that hurricane -- and that still arrive today -- were and are proof of this connected church. 

The other thing about most knitted garments? They’re washable. Although New Orleans faced devastation in the wake of Katrina’s floods, and its people were scattered across the country, small rays of hope came in the form of helpers from faith communities across the country. Slowly but surely the helpers began to knit back together the stretched loops of New Orleans.

It is through this caring -- both for people in our own congregation and for people outside of it -- that we can, as Ephesians puts it, build ourselves up in love.  So, as we live out the coming week together let us remember that we are built on Christ’s sure foundation. And that as we continually knit each other together with intention and openness -- a thoughtful, creative, sometimes tedious process -- this community of faith will continue to build and be built up in love.

Amen.

On NC Amendment One

Hey friends,


First, some context. Currently, for those of you who might be unaware, gay marriage is at the forefront of many political conversations happening in my home state (that'd be North Carolina). On May 8th, North Carolinians who who head to the polls will find on their ballots a proposed amendment to the state's constitution (Amendment One, to be exact). Folks will be voting for or against the following language: Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.  This section does not prohibit a private party from entering into contracts with another private party; nor does this section prohibit courts from adjudicating the rights of private parties pursuant to such contracts. With this particular wording, gay and lesbian couples aren't the only ones that will be affected. (Read more about that in a New York Times editorial here.) There's more to this amendment than gay marriage. But since that particular facet seems to be a main point of disagreement between sides in the debate, it is mainly what I mention here. And I write this acknowledging that these are my own opinions, knowing that not everyone will agree with what I say completely or even a little bit. 

First of all, I feel like I need to say that personally, I don't think who marries whom should even be a political issue in the first place. Or any sort of issue. The way I see it, marriage is a very intimate thing between two people who love each other. Folks are going to love whomever they're going to love, whether or not they can get a document to prove it. I just feel like there are so many other things that we could be pouring our political and emotional energy in to (trying to combat poverty and violence, improving education...). If you ask me, we need to be filling our lives with efforts to help people, not hurt them. One Charlotte Observer article that I'd highly recommend you checking out: "No one is hurt by gay marriage". (If that didn't tip you off, and in the interest of full disclosure: I voted against Amendment One.)

The fact of the matter is that, whether it should be or not, this is an ongoing debate, and realistically, it is unfortunately one that will probably be continuing for a while. So I'll settle with clarifying that my words here are not my attempt at telling other people that they have to believe exactly the same things I do, nor are they an effort to start any hostile arguments. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. Sure, I wish everybody agreed with me on this, but these words are simply my attempt at taking part in the conversation.

Almost as controversial as the amendment itself are the arguments that religion should or should not play a part in the discussion. Friends, whether we want it to be or not, religion is part of the discussion. The thoughts and actions of a person with a firm (or not so firm) set of spiritual convictions will undoubtedly be influenced by those beliefs. Seeing as most major world religions have some form of a treat-your-neighbor-as-yourself commandment, religious influence on our actions can, in theory, be a good thing. But of course that's not always the case.

Given our propensity to include our faith in the way we make decisions, church leaders are in a powerful spot. I know not everybody out there is voting or speaking out of faith-filled motivation, and that is totally cool. Regardless, spirituality is a very real part of many people, many cultures, and the ways we live our lives. Church leaders on both sides of the Amendment One conversation have not let this go unnoticed.

Clergy and other people of faith are speaking out in favor of Amendment One...

...and against it. (In addition to the video below, you can read this letter signed by five different religious leaders in Davidson.)

Without a doubt, my religious beliefs are a major motivation behind the way I voted on this amendment. We are called to love one another. And that includes all of the "anothers" with which we share this earth, whether we agree or disagree with another's lifestyle or political views or the fact that they like the beach instead of the mountains. We are called to love one another. 

I find myself struggling daily with judging people who judge people. I see or hear someone speaking harsh or hateful words about another person or group of people and instantly the wheels start turning..."Oh, he/she is so judgemental. How could anyone say something like that? He/she clearly doesn't understand how Jesus taught us to live." Who the heck made me the authority on that?! Or at the very least, I'll hear these people and think "Stop arguing! Just get along! Why are you being so mean?!" Uh...I hate to break it to you folks (and self), but that whole "love your neighbor" deal? Sometimes our neighbors include our enemies. Besides, Jesus didn't exactly pick the most popular kids on the block to make friends with.

Speaking from my own personal Christian context, I think that the Church as a whole has such wonderful potential to be an advocate for change. I don't mean to go out and change everybody to be just like us. I don't mean that at all. What I mean is that we have been given such grace, mercy and love that it is only fitting we share it. With everyone. This is a very difficult task, and by no means always fun. But this world is so full of hurt and exclusion and judgment, that wouldn't it magnificent if we didn't add to that? This morning in church, we sang a hymn called "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love." My heart broke a little when I saw that title in the bulletin, because the first thing I thought when I read it: "Well...that might not always be true." So friends, if you are those viewing Amendment One through a Christian lens, I urge you to work towards making the title of that hymn a reality. And if it's another lens you're looking through, maybe just try and operate under the assumption that helping and including people is generally a better idea than hurting and excluding them.

While it should be clear by now that I hope Amendment One won't pass, my primary motivation for writing this isn't to try and shove that down your throats. Of course I would encourage those of you who are registered to vote in North Carolina to consider voting against it, but it is your prerogative to think and vote as you wish. What I urge you to do, more than just vote the same way I did, is to continue moving forward in this conversation (which is by no means confined to one state or faith community) with open minds and open hearts. This is not just a North Carolinian discussion, not just a religious discussion. Regardless of the current amendment up for voting in North Carolina, there are laws in many, many states (North Carolina included) that prohibit gay and lesbian couples from getting married. And in my opinion, it is only through thoughtful and genuine conversation that we as a society can move forward.


Love,
Allison


PS - If you're into music and interested in hearing more from the "against" side of this conversation, here are a couple videos I think you'll enjoy. The first is a song about the amendment, with thoughtful comments sprinkled in from various North Carolinians. The second is "NC Amendment One: The Musical!!" And it's just awesome. 

Stubborn Love

Hey friends,

I recently heard a song by The Lumineers called "Stubborn Love." The song as a whole is about a romantic relationship, but there's one line that jumped out at me and got the wheels turning, so to speak.

The opposite of love's indifference.

The opposite of love isn't hate, but indifference. Not an entirely new idea, I don't think, but one that is too often overlooked. Most people probably/hopefully realize we should avoid living lives full of hate. But it's a lot harder to avoid indifference.

If we are called to love one another and to care for one another, who can justify turning a blind eye to those in need? I don't just mean our homeless brothers and sisters or refugees or New Orleanians trying to come home after the storm. Of course those people are all included, but what about the friend that has a sick family member, or the kid whose parents are going through a divorce, or that guy at work who just looks kind of sad sometimes? Sure, different people need different kinds of love and support depending on their personalities. Not everybody wants to sit down with you and spill their proverbial guts. Maybe a smile in their direction is enough. Maybe saying good morning to the people you pass on your walk to work is enough. The point is that even if you're not speaking or acting negatively towards someone, it doesn't automatically mean you're loving them as much as you could be. Whatever form our love for one another takes, I think we should be stubbornly consistent in sharing it. But that is quite the task, if all it takes to fail is indifference.

I can genuinely say that I wouldn't trade this year for anything, but there have definitely been (and are still) times when I have felt indifferent towards certain people or situations. I mean, indifference seems pretty neutral, right? Certainly not an ideal frame of mind, but not particularly detrimental towards anybody? At least that's what I figured. Maybe that's why that particular line in this song stuck out so much. If to be indifferent is to be unloving, that's an attitude I'd really like to avoid.

This past weekend several roommates and I went to an event celebrating Project Homecoming's fifth anniversary. In addition to serving up a pot of gumbo that seemed big enough for me to sit in, part of the evening included some words about the the rebuilding organization's history so far. Some of those words came from a woman who was one of the first five homeowners to benefit from Project Homecoming's post-Katrina rebuilding work. After enthusiastically expressing her thanks, she continued: "This is what God wants from us, ya know? To love each other and take care of each other."

It's as simple and as difficult as that, friends.

Love,
Allison

PS - Here's the song, for those who are interested. These guys (and gal) have some good stuff goin' on.

Something Bigger

Hey friends!

In my last post I shared some of my (mostly stressful) thoughts about orientation. Another thing I keep thinking about, though, is how incredibly thankful I am to be part of this little YAV world of ours. I remember hearing about how much it would mean at orientation the first time around, but I feel like I get it now. That's not to say that I didn't realize it was something big last year, or that all the new YAVs can't get it now. But several times during orientation last week I was almost brought to tears with thoughts of YAV friends new and old, the ones that I've known for more than a year now and the ones I've known for just a couple weeks. Despite the rough patches that inevitably accompany a year of service (or any year, for that matter), it is unbelievably comforting to know that you are part of something bigger, and that your friends scattered across the world are, in perhaps slightly different ways, going through similar things. And it lasts longer than just your year (or two) of being a YAV.

Tropical Storm Lee has been making it's way through New Orleans over the past few days, and several YAVs sent texts and messages to make sure we were alright. When my birthday happened during orientation, I found out that my fellow former Nashville YAVs had all signed a card and sent a present for me. When I was at Montreat this past summer, two other small group leaders were YAVAs. None of these are probably huge deals in their own rights, but put together they give me confidence that I am part of something pretty incredible. And as I head out on this journey towards seminary or wherever else I end up, I can rest assured that I will have cherished friends along the way.

One of my fellow New Orleans YAVs shared this quotation (from David Nicholls's novel One Day) with me...

"What are you going to do with your life?" In one way or another it seemed that people had been asking her this forever; teachers, her parents, friends at three in the morning, but the question had never seemed this pressing and still she was no nearer to an answer. "Live each day as if it's your last," that was the conventional advice, but really, who had the energy for that? What if it rained or you felt a bit glandy? It just wasn't practical. Better by far to be good and courageous and bold and to make a difference. Not change the world exactly, but the bit around you. Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved, if you ever get the chance. 

So here we go, YAVs and YAVAs all over the place, trying to change the bits of world around us or at least make a little bit of a positive impact. (Because make no mistake, being a YAV changes the way you see the world even after your year is up...at least it did for me.) Probably I won't change the world in New Orleans, but if I can brighten somebody else's day or make the slightest bit of difference then that's good enough for me. If you count all the current and former YAVs and add up all those slightest bits of difference, it counts for a lot. We might not be revolutionizing policy or overturning entire systems of injustice, but all those bits can add up to something bigger. Something way bigger. Just in the US, here's where YAVAs are living now (and before you all think I'm creepy and found/typed in addresses, I found this map on the YAVA blog)...

Blue = one YAVA, yellow = 2-6, and pink = 6+

In the words of Needtobreathe, we're "just tryin' to make the world a little better, you know, shine a light." And we're not trying alone.

Love,

Allison

Wisdom on the Radio

Despite 11 months in Nashville, country music still isn't my favorite. I don't mind it, and I can sing along with my fair share of songs now. And I mean I do go to the same coffee shops as Taylor Swift. Just not at the same time...sigh.


Anyway I was driving back to the Shed tonight and this song came on the radio...turns out in between all the singin' about heartbreak and such, there's some good stuff in country music. Honestly I couldn't tell you a single other thing this Lee Brice character sings, but "Love Like Crazy" is what came on. And I just like the chorus a lot. So to tide you over while I work on some sort of end-of-the-year blogging, think about this...

Be your best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you
Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense

Never let your prayin' knees get lazy

And love like crazy

Now, other best friends are good too. And hardly ever to I actually kneel to pray. But still. Love is good, yeah? 

Until next time,

Allison

A Beautiful Thing

Music is a beautiful thing, friends, and music can do beautiful things. A link on the good ol' Facebook this morning led me to this video:

After a little research (aka clicking on a link) I've learned that it's produced by a group called Playing for Change. Check out the website for more info...they're doin' some pretty cool stuff over there. Music has always been a powerful thing for me, and I think it's just incredible to see it doing powerful stuff elsewhere too.

I couldn't help, reading and watching all of this, but think of the YAVs scattered across the world, in different continents or just on different sides of the country. We're all connected through this program, but doing different things...playing different instruments of sorts, still tryin' our best to play this collective song of love, one way or another. And I can't help but be thrilled that I get to be a part of that for another year.

Love,
Allison.

PS- As I was about to click "publish post" on this entry, I almost took down that last video. Not because it's anything less than awesome, but because I feel like I write a lot about how super it is to be friends with people and love everybody and such, but it's not all that easy. It is super, but it's not as simple as jammin' out to a Bob Marley song ya know? I'm leaving the video there though. I mean first because I just love it (the end is my favorite part), but also because despite the fact that there's a whole lot of hurt and conflict in the world, and despite the fact that maaaybe I didn't step all that far out of my comfort zone this year...gosh darn it I've gotta try! And anyway. What's the harm in a little positive thinking?

PPS- Look! I added fancy new tabs to the top of my blog! (And by "top" I mean right below the title...)

PPS- Update (June 6, 2011): Besides the music that is outwardly trying to do good things/support a cause, I'm just so thankful that music exists in general. I mean it's just so wonderful that somewhere along the line we humans figured out words and instruments and songs. I went to a concert last night with a fellow YAV (Sarah Jarosz...check her out) and the combination of her beautiful voice and crazy instrumental talent was just lovely. Also there's a special place in my heart for banjos and madolins and fiddles and cellos. You just really can't go wrong with that combo. I'm really going to miss Nashville music next year...but I'm pretty sure New Orleans will be able to keep me entertained too. :)

All you need is...

From Room In the Inn's Facebook page.

In the words of Rev. Becca Stevens, chaplain of St. A's and founder of Magdalene House and Thistle Farms: "First is that love is the most powerful source for social change in the world. Second is that love heals. I’m not called to change the world. I am called to love it."

Love,

Allison.

A LOVEly Day Indeed

Hello once again dear friends!

February 14th is, obviously, Valentine's Day (or, depending on your current life situation, maybe Singles Awareness Day). Admittedly, despite St. Valentine's historical existence and the emphasis on love and other such sentiments, today's holiday is basically a commercial one. Red and pink balloons, cards, and assorted stuffed creatures take over pretty much every store out there, and romantic commercials launch a similar invasion of every television channel.

But I promise I'm not trying to be all bitter and cynical. Really. Despite all the aforementioned craziness, and despite the fact that technically I didn't have a "valentine" per se, today was such a lovely day! (See what I did there? Lovely? Valentines Day = love...) I woke up nice and early Valentine's morning at St. A's because PSF hosted Room In the Inn there the night of the 13th. After helping cook breakfast and clean up (I was on biscuit duty), I headed back to the Shed until my usual Monday lunch in the Commons (Vandy's Hogwarts-esque dining hall).

Thennnn Decker (fellow PSF intern) and I walked to Ben & Jerry's to celebrate the beautiful weather. There I was walking down 21st in my "Have You Hugged a Presbyterian Today?" t-shirt when all of a sudden this random woman walks up and says "I'm gonna hug a Presbyterian, because I'm Presbyterian too!" Of course then we hugged. Literally, it made my day. We went on our merry way and got some ice cream, after which I proceeded to park myself in Centennial Park within sight of the Parthenon. A glorious couple of hours were spent soaking up some Vitamin D, reading, doodling, and people watching. A staff meeting later I was back at the Shed for a heart shaped pizza from Papa Johns (an excellent use of community money if you ask me...) with the roommates. Back to work for the PSF interfaith study I've been planning (Greek Orthodoxy was the name of the game tonight) and now I'm home for good! At least until tomorrow.

Not a bad place to spend the afternoon.

I'm quite certain it was completely unnecessary for me to share this play-by-play of my day with the internet world. But the whole day I was just thinking about how incredibly content I felt. I mean nothing super remarkable happened but it was such a lovely day. And then I started thinking...what if it doesn't even matter if you have a certain special someone to be your valentine? I figured spending the day doing things I love was just as acceptable as spending it with a person I love. So off I went, sharing some love and breakfast, eating ice cream, being outside, and enjoying some pizza too. A lovely day, indeed.

Love,
Allison