Boundless in 2012

We are often asked to step outside of ourselves for the sake of the Word. God’s love is boundless, and we are asked to push past the artificial boundaries imposed by our culture and community to be an expression of God’s love.  This “Holy Discomfort” is exactly how I started my New Year.

Welcome 2012! The End of the world looms, if you’re Mayan. If you’re not (or at least, not concerned about End Times prophecies a la 1 Thessalonians 5:2), then another year rolls on ahead, full of it’s unique challenges, joys, burdens and blessings. For me personally this is a year when I finish seminary, and creep fearfully into the Big Bad World of Actual Real Life Adults. Not particularly exciting if you ask me. A Ph.D looks more and more appealing the closer to May 15^th (the day after graduation) I get. Let me not get ahead of myself too much. Because New Years Day started off with a band (sort of).

Now I had Epic Death Cold the whole week after Christmas. And even went so far as to stay at home of New Years Eve in my pjs drinking tea and watching an NCIS marathon (I’m a winner!). You might say “Brekke, why didn’t you just power through?! Tough it out for one night!” Except that A) I’m really broke and couldn’t justifying spending my hard earned (or loaned-out) money on drinks that I couldn’t taste anyway, and B) I had to get up early on Sunday morning. Why you might ask? Oh, because I accepted an invitation to preach on New Year’s Day, like a good little seminarian. So December 31^st, 2011 was spent tweaking a sermon, and trying desperately to get over the Death Cold before I had to preach at 11am the next morning. I am happy to report that God answers prayers and I got over the Death Cold in time to preach (although, I’m still waiting on the mysterious inheritance from a kindly old person to come my way…).

I didn’t just preach anywhere. I preached at a quaint, little community church in Lawerenceville, Georgia to a congregation of mostly over-40 adults (and literally 4 kids) who had the commitment to not just come to church the day after New Year’s, but to come listen to some strange seminarian who isn’t even a member of their denomination. Yep, not even a member of their tradition. Someone outside their boundaries (not that this church seemed to have particularly thick boundaries). Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, part of the ELCA (clearly, since I’m a lady-preacher), welcomed me with open arms and warm smiles when I came to preach. I was “reformed enough” as a Presbyterian, and although I was hopelessly lost during much of the liturgy (thank the Good Lord for the Cantor), my sermon and prayers at this “dry Mass” were kindly received.

Prepping at the Pastor's Desk - all official and stuff

 

They had me “robe up” – something way beyond my comfort zone. I wore an alb (and felt rather holy and also completely inept at the same time), which is the first time I’ve ever worn liturgical robes in any form or fashion. I felt a bit like a nun instead of a preacher.

 

I preached on the Holy Name – one of the more obscure selection for the first Sunday after Christmas (my Feasting on the Word commentary didn’t even have it listed!).  And while there were moments that I was scared out of my mind (like the three seconds before I started my sermon), I knew as I opened my mouth that it wasn’t about me and my feelings of inadequacy. It was about the Word of God, the movement of the Holy Spirit, and the redemptive love of Christ.

Children's moment - each name is especially chosen!

It is so easy in this world to forget our chosenness. To forget that God knit us together in our mother’s womb. That God calls us by name.

Jesus' name was specially chosen too - in Hebrew it means "He Saves"

 

For the first time I saw myself in local parish ministry. I know that it’s not the life-long calling that some people feel, but it is a calling of mine. To preach, to teach, to touch the lives of individuals with the boundless love of God. This is a brand New Year – a year that started off with the Word proclaimed, a year of “Holy Discomfort”, and a year of great change. Hopefully I’ll muddle through, and y’all will be along for the adventure!

That Parament is providential

2011, In memorandum

Hello friends.

My oh my how time flies when you’re having fun (or working on so many projects you forget to update your blog). Where has 2011 gone? It feels like it was just last week I filmed a video about not making resolutions in 2011 while snuggled up next to my radiator in England. Now, I’m snuggled under blankets (the joys of a lap-top!) trying to fight a cold and working on the sermon I’ll preach on New Year’s Day 2012. Talk about fast forward!

About those New Year’s “Goals” (as I hate the idea of resolutions). I epic failed. I didn’t learn to play the piano (I can play with my right hand, I can play with my left hand; but, I can’t play both at the same time!). I didn’t get to 6 different countries – although I did get to 2, France and the Netherlands. I didn’t finish my book – not even close. I didn’t run a 5K (although I did start training for a half marathon).  I failed spectacularly at making weekly videos (my camera died…and I’m really lazy).

HOWEVER, lest you think that I actually am an epic failure, I did successfully meet 2 of my goals! I went to a blue grass concert which headlined the Whiskey Gentry which was AWESOME! If you’ve never checked them out, do it. You won’t be disappointed. And, a few weeks ago I went on not one but three actual, legitimate, real-life dates. No joke. Now, 66% of these dates were super awkward and will result in a big fat nothing. But there is a hopeful 33.33333% that may turn into something. Maybe. Possibly. We’ll see.

2011 has been a year of movement. I started the year in England, and end it in a new apartment in Atlanta with an old friend as a roommate. I’m looking back on such an incredible adventure while turning to face a new (and slightly more frightening) adventure on the horizon. 2011 was a year of new experiences – Paris, Amsterdam, plays in London’s West End, Cambridge in the Spring Time, my first Pilgrimage, my aunt’s re-marriage, new friends, new family. I feel like in the last three years I have been in a perpetual state of forward motion, that change is the norm and a new harbor is always on the horizon.

And change is still yet to come. If all goes well, I should graduate from seminary in May. From there everything goes back up in the air. I have absolutely ZERO idea as to where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing. I have over a year before I can start thinking about being ordained (thanks PCUSA), so I’m having to explore non-ministry options. I’m facing a denomination which is ripping apart at the seams. I’m made more and more aware that there are more people looking for ministry jobs than there are jobs available. Loan balance reminders hint at the large educational debt that must be repaid. Being a grown up is certainly not as glamorous as I thought it was a decade ago.

And yet, it all moves forward, one way or another. My mantra over the last semester has been “consider the lilies.” God provides for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field – how much more so for God’s children? This of course doesn’t mean I don’t fret about my future, but that I can take a deep breath and look forward with confidence. I’m excited about 2012, and 26, and life after schooling.

I end with a few pictures from Thanksgiving. Two of my dear friends from England, who went on a semester exchange to Yale, flew down for a proper Southern Thanksgiving. Instead of indulging in capitalistic gluttony on Black Friday, we went hiking at Amicacola Falls, in Dahlonega Georgia. While it wasn’t a grand tour of a great European city, it was a lovely day riding through the foot hills of the North Georgia mountains. For Tom and Chantal – my two darling friends – it was a chance to see what real America looks like, complete with trailer parks, dive bars surrounded by muddy pick-up trucks, and the greasy love of a Waffle House.

View from the top

Chantal and I on our way down

Mr and Mrs Clause are just chillin'

Pilgrims Progress

My Dad, ze Chef!

Tom and I relaxing on the back porch with gin and tonic

(yes I'm wear flig flops - it was a warm Thanksgiving!)

I cannot but guess what 2012 will bring. If it is half as exciting, and filled with friends and food and fun as 2011, then I’ll be alright.

Until next year…

B

Pride!

Friends! It’s been ages. I know that I am quite on the edge of failing, but there has been much mayhem afoot (and good things too).

I am trying to get two videos edited, but my camera – the trusty little red camera which survived Europe and Cambodia, died upon returning state-side. Terribly sad day. I lost all the footage of my last week in England, including London pictures, video of my last, epic party, and snap-shots of my dear Wesley House friends. There has been a part of me which has been loath to update out of protest (even though that’s just silly, but hey – that’s me, right?). 

I am, however, updating from a few of my more recent adventures, because y'all should know that just because I’m back in good old Atlanta, I haven’t given up adventuring! There’s much to do here – And I am going to attempt to do it ALL!

This past weekend was the 41^st annual Atlanta Pride march through Midtown. I walked for the first time, and oh my goodness it was amazing! To be surrounded by hundreds (thousands?) of people who were cheering and rejoicing in all the love and joy of honest and authentic self expression was amazing. And, to represent a divinity school – a population so often considered to be non-affirming, was a gift. On many levels being apart of this celebration was as much a religious experience as carrying the Cross to Walsingham at Easter (I promise to write a post about that too!). 

I'm pretty in pink representing Sacred Worth!

Atlanta Gets Festive!

Megan is shy...and all the Emory kids decide to match (except me)

A float of amazing drag Queens and a timeline of the AIDS pandemic in America...moving in so many ways

 I didn't take pictures of the enormous crowds, but I wish I had. There were thousands of people lining the streets, cheering and clapping. Several of the churches we passed had members (and clergy!) handing out water along the roadside to walkers. It was like Christmas, and Mardi Gras, and Halloween and Purim and all sorts of good times rolled into one march. And it was empowering. To know that all people are affirmed and surrounded by the love of God and neighbor is powerful. It was my first time being at Pride (and as I like to do - I go all the way or not at all, so of course I walked it). 

It is a beautiful reminder of why I came back home, no matter how far I stray: Atlanta, for all it's craziness, is a place of hospitality and welcome. May I strive to open the arms of welcome to all people, near and far. For, I like the Hebrews, have been a stranger and a strange land, and profoundly respect the need for a little love and generosity.

 And all God's people said, Amen.

Return of the Sojourner

Friends, I have been living in the proverbial whirlwind! This has been a season of coming and going, of packing and moving, and of catching up with life. I am safely back “home” in Atlanta and can report that my flight across the pond was thankfully uneventful. I have spent the last three weeks attempting to adjust back to Southern American heat and humidity – with only mixed success.

I have many more adventures to tell y’all! There is still my Easter pilgrimage to Walsingham and my trip to Scotland and North Umbria which have yet to be related. I have yet to bring you the joyous story of why I came home in June instead of July (which includes my ginger auntie, a purple wedding dress and a really awesome jazz band). And – most recently – I have stories to share about the Conyers Presbyterian Church summer mission trip to Gulf Port, Mississippi.

There is SO MUCH left to tell, so many adventures which are owed a bit of internet space. And, my hope is that I will continue to have adventures to share with y’all. I may not be living abroad any more, but that is no reason for the stories and escapades to end. So I’ll be here – hopefully more regularly than I have been these last several months – updating about my travels near and far, and maybe even telling a good joke or two to boot.

Cheers y’all!

Top C hallmates, 2011!

More pictures from Paris...because I just can't help it!

The Eiffel Tower - it still takes my breathe away!

The Rose line at San Sulpice - Da Vinci Code anyone?

Miss Venus herself. It's phenomenal that she was carved by hand thousands of years ago. It's like a woman was frozen into the marble.

Another of Notre Dame. The Cathedral dominated our trip, it was our landmark, our point of reckoning the rest of the city. We saw only a tiny portion of all that Paris has to offer, and even that little bit was overwhelming. I never stop thinking about how lucky I am to have done and seen so much. To have come so far - across the world!  What a blessing, a treat, a joy to see so much of this wide world.

Brekke and Kristin's Excellent Adventure, part II - Paris

Dear friends,
This post has been an absolute age in coming to you, but here it is! Paris, oh the city of Lights. The city of Love. The city of delicious wine and fine art. Ever since I was a little, a tiny little thing listening to my Dad's stories of being stationed in Paris a mere 16 years after the end of WWII, I have wanted to visit. It's the scene of sweeping romance films, and the home of the world's best art. And, with my trusty side-kick, we made our way with almost no French, and sore, blistered feet.


A video montage of the trip - complete with organ music from Notre Dame! :)

We went to Mass in La Notre Dame the Sunday that we arrived. And - don't worry - we arrived in style, making it without any hassles for the first time in our entire trip! To hear Notre Dame filled with organ music, literally filled with sound and incense, was like moving through a dream. For a thousand years pilgrims have prayed in this church, coming from near and far to humble themselves before the majesty of God. It was incredible!

But paris isn't just about churches - although there are many of them and they are elegant and inspiring. We were on the prowl, looking for Shakespeare and Co, and English-speaking book shop which had been the local hang-out of delightful ex-pat writers like the Fitzgeralds. So after a mad search (in which we passed by the little ally-way where it's tucked away about 15 times) we finally found it. It's crammed with books, piled and stacked all across the store. But, it's homey and seems to fit perfectly into this cosmopolitan city.
 Kristin and I geeked out, taking pictures and she even bought a copy of The Great Gatsby for her boyfriend who is a dedicated Fitzgerald fan.

Then it was a day at the Louvre! We barely made it through 1/3 of the museum before we gave up to exhaustion (we'd seen lots and lots of paintings and had been there 5 hours). I saw Botticelli, and Da Vinci (the Mona Lisa is much less impressive in real life), and paintings from the 1200s and so much more. There was the Winged Victory (above) and Venus Demilo, and the graces in one of the sculpture rooms. I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of paintings I recognized (thanks to my dad's plethora of art history books lying around over the years!). It is truly amazing - everyone should have the opportunity to see so much wonder and talent.

We walked up the Champs Elysees, to the Arch D'Trumph, and watched as a ceremony took place honoring French veterans. There were school children and lots of flowers over the tomb of the unknown soldiers. It was sweet and reminded me of similar traditions back home in the States.

  French veteran, waiting for the ceremony to being. 

The Eiffel Tower - doesn't disappoint! It's gorgeous and inspiring. You can see in my video how it lights up - shimmers and sparkles - at night. It's magnificent and more than lived up to everything I had imagined.
It's a masterful piece of engineering, and despite being metalic it is gorgeous the way it sours up toward heaven.

I had such an amazing trip. It's hard to put into words all the things that happened - the crazy room with the exposed electric wiring and the door that wouldn't open; the crazy subway system; the amazingness of the Musee D'Orsay and realizing that had I been alive in the 1880s, I could have been a Renoir muse. To be surround by such profound works of art - art that moves you and makes you feel something - it takes your breath away. It is the feeling of being so supremely human - finite and bundled up with feelings and emotions - and being so bigger-than-life, like we are going to outlive these little bodies. It was wonderful!

San Chapel - a Medieval church with spectacular stained-glass windows!
If you ever, ever have the opportunity to go to Paris, it isn't to be missed. It's an overwhelming city, with so much history and culture that it makes us little Americans blush. It's fast and frantic. It's ancient and modern. It's a little bit of everything, and classic artwork to boot.
I'd go back tomorrow if I could, because there's so much left unexplored!

Brekke & Kristin's Excellent Adventure, part I

Hello friends and family!
So much has transpired in the month since I've posted! We've been released for a month of Easter holidays (fantastic, isn't it?). I've been traveling here, there and everywhere collecting pictures and stories to share with y'all. I've had guests and been a guest. I've even found the time to finish some of my classwork!

Two weeks ago one of my dearest friends in the whole, wide world, Kristin, came to visit me. She flew from Charlotte NC to London then, after many trials and tribulations found the right train to bring her to Cambridge.  What a reunion!

Kristin strolls through an 11th century garden!

We went punting - which is sitting in a flat-bottomed wooden boat, which is like a cross between a raft and a canoe - which is what all tourists do when they visit Cambridge. It's the best way to see the colleges!

 Kings College in all its glory

After a lovely day we got up at the crack of dawn (seriously!) to fly to Amsterdam. Amsterdam was fantastic!

Here is a video of our epic adventures!

We went to museums, and art galleries, and rode boats on the canals!

boats along the canal!

The Anne Frank statue - they don't allow photography inside the museum, so this will have to do!

There's something romantic about the canals. I can see why people flock to Venice. They are a delightful and charming feature of the city!

Kristin and I both agree - we'd like to go back!

In two days there just isn't time to see everything you'd like to see. I know I'd like to go back when it's warmer and the tulips are in bloom! But, we journeyed on, from Amsterdam to Paris by train, passing through Antwerp and Brussels (although we stayed on the train and didn't dare set foot off it - we've had our fair share of traveling difficulties).

Three days in Paris! I'll save that for another post. Until then, I hope y'all are well. I send  my love - and a reminder that I'll be home in just a mere 2.5 months! Imagine where the time has gone.