Kris Nordstrom

Weekly report #2

09/28/06

This practicum involved observing Pastor Kaye in a purly administrative setting.

Today I met with Pastor Kaye before lunch and spent about an hour observing her attend to daily administrative duties. As I have stated in the past, I feel that this is the area in which I will need the most assistance. While I was there, several phonecalls came in. Most of which were taken, some however were not. It was important to note that she felt stretched very thin with the possible litigation regarding the previous post. She then spoke of the need to be able to differentiate between urgent needs and those that can wait.

We had a long discussion in reference to the previous post and the developments that have come to light in the last week. Without being specific, it would seem litigation is not avoidable. This greatly saddens me. I had hoped that this might be resolved without getting ugly. Even if court is avoided, I fear a trial by media. We must be careful to not to be dragged into a quagmire in which there is no positive outcome. If we do not refute the statements of the other side, does our silence confirm what is said? Is it possible for us to respond to the "accusations" in a loving Christian manner that glorifies The Kingdom? How can we best serve God and His will throughout this ordeal.

I learned today that just when a situation seems to be as complex as it can possibly be, it will undoubtedly get even more muddy. We must remain faithful and ensure we adhere to Christian principles until the end.

The prayer walk ministry continues and I am hopeful that it will bear fruit soon. I know that I sounded pretty pessimistic previously in this post, but I know that God is with us. I feel that somehow, God is using this ordeal to strengthen his church. To prepare us for something greater to come. This church is standing on the brink of greatness, one final push is all it needs to awaken a great movement toward what God has planned for us. That, to me, is exciting!

Kris Nordstrom
Weekly Report #1
9-21-06
This practicum was discernment, prayer, admnistrative action related.

I spent Thursday morning learning about humility and the importance of ensuring we look to fulfill God's will. I think it is easy for us to feel that whatever seems to be good or great is God's will and conversely, whatever seems to be a setback or stumbling block is not.

In the case of the First United Methodist Church in Marion Indiana (FUMC), the will of God is not clear regarding the use of a piece of property it owns and currently leases out. The leasee would like to sublet, the church would like to terminate its agreement with the leasee and start an inner city outreach for disadvantaged youth and young adults. Currently both sides seem to be at an impass. The tenant is not interested in any form or fashion in what the church's plans are or how they might benefit the community. The church I believe is convinced that the building should be used for the outreach program.

As I spent time with Pastor Kaye, I learned that to her, it is not a question of what the church wants or even what she wants. She is more concerned with the will of God and being granted the discernmaant needed to understand His will. It very well could be that the outreach is not the plan God has laid before the congregation. If that is the case, it is ultimately doomed to failure, or mediocrity at best. Further in that line of thought is the ralization that maybe the hardness of the tenant's heart is exactly the will of God being used to redirect them.

Or on the other hand, is it possible that this is a chance for the first person reached by the outreach be the tenant. Faced with this quandry, Pastor Kaye has seen it fit to begin a prayer walk project. Those who feel so moved are to walk the in question property and pray earnestly that God's will be shown to all parties involved and that throughout the process God's love in Christ be exibited clearly.

I feel that given the situation, the prayer walk idea is one of great merit. I wonder if more decisions, both urgent and mundane, were made in this prayerful manner how the world would look to us.

Your comments are welcom and appreciated.

Kris

Welcome to my blog. Here I will spend time describing and discussing the practicum sessions that I spend during this semester. All practicums will be served under Pastor Kaye Patton of the First United Methodist Church in Marion Indiana. My appreciation toward her assistance is great.