Cheryl's Sabbatical 2010

"And so we bid a fond farewell...."

2010-09-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, Sept. 7
Here I am, four days away from returning to North Chevy Chase Christian Church…and I am enjoying one of my favorite pastimes -- watching the waves roll onto the beach at sunset. Through the wonderful generosity of a church member, I have the opportunity to spend the last few days of this sabbatical soaking up some sun (which is good because my Doc says I’m low on vitamin D!), meditating, writing, reflecting, and contemplating – all of which I have been blessed to enjoy in these three months of sacred time.

My contemplation leads me to wonder what will be different for me as I go back to my calling as minister of this church that has nurtured me into sabbatical. In the workshop I participated in at Pendle Hill, the workshop leader gave us a list of “qualities for chaos.” She was asked by some college students to give them insight as to how to handle the stresses of collage. She came up with these qualities that she suggested would be helpful. As I looked at the list, I found several that are crucial to me as I come back into the routine of my life and work:

•Gratitude: This is a given! How grateful I am to have had this time. How grateful I am that God has blessed my life in so many ways, and has blessed me with a congregation who recognizes the importance of sabbatical.

•Presence: Throughout my life I have been aware of God’s presence – but in this time away, I have had the chance to “be still” in God’s presence in a special way.

•Live in the now: I can’t change the past, and the future contains too many variables, but I can appreciate and delight in the now!

•Reflection: I relish the “discipline” I have developed in taking time each day to reflect and commit myself to try and keep that in my daily life.

•Permission: I give myself permission to be attentive to the needs of my body and spirit.

•Boundaries: I intend to be much more cognizant of the boundaries I need to protect.

•Balance: My life had gotten out of balance, as it does for many of us in the hustle and bustle of our lives. Balance is as important in our personal lives as it is in the natural world.

•“It’s not personal.” I think many ministers tend to take things very personally because ours is an ‘intimate’ calling, but learning to differentiate between the personal and the unseen/unspoken agendas can help prevent imbalance!

•Fresh choice: I related to a friend that one of the blessings of sabbatical has been choice – the opportunity each day to CHOOSE what I wanted to do with my day. As I move back into ministry, I hope to remain open to GOD’S fresh choice for me and for ministry.

•Play: Duh! Who doesn’t like to play? And this has been a life-giving summer, with play included!

And lastly but certainly not least,
•VISION: I’ve not had lighting-bolt revelations or prophetic dreams during sabbatical, but I do have a vision for my life and for my ministry, and while it may not be completely clear as yet, this Sabbtical time has offered me moments of insight and clarity, and my prayer is that I will continue to seek that vision in God’s grace.

It has certainly been a grace-filled journey!
Signing off,
Cheryl

Rugged Beauty and Creative Spirit

2010-08-20T05:56:00.000-07:00

Since my last posting, I have continued to be on the go -- spending four days in the Phoenix area with my uncle and aunt, both of whom are artists: my uncle is the organist/musical director at St. John's Lutheran Church, Glendale, and my aunt is a visual artist as well as the choral director at the Lutheran Church

My trip, although brief, was filled with sharing family stories and seeing some really interesting sites. On Day One there, my uncle and I went to the Phoenix Art Museum for a Cézanne and Moderism exhibit, visited a spire designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (rejected by the city of Phoenix so it now stands in the Scottsdale area) along with sculpture by Heloise Crista, and popped into a couple of bookstores ranging from Judaica to metaphysics! The next day we "toodled" over to Sedona where the red rocks created by residue of iron oxide are so magnificent that they're indescribable! There we visited a Buddhist stupa appreciating the beauty of design as well as the ideology! Sedona is known for its wonderful art and sculpture gallerys, some of which we saw. On a trip up to the edge of one of the mountains to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, we passed a MONSTEROUS house -- 8,178 sq. feet, with a 4-car garage, a water-fall and English gardens, and an observatory on top -- sitting amongst the saguaro cactus, rocks and sagebrush! Supposedly it originally cost $26 million and was built by the guy who invented the laser for lasik eye surgery. In the evening we were treated to "Pasta & Puccini" as we enjoyed an event sponsored by the 4-year old Phoenix Opera, having good Italian food and hearing a wonderful soprano and tenor share some of Puccini's most familiar arias.

On my last day we attended the Maitreya Project Heart Relics tour at a Unity Church in Mesa. It was quite an experience and an insightful peek into the devotion and ritual of Buddhism.

My time in Phoenix made me hungry for more time with this particular part of my family -- as we have so much in common and get to spend so little time together!

And for the last four days I've been immersed in a Creative Spirit Paper Collage retreat led by a PHENOMINALLY gifted, spirit-graced young artist by the name of Melanie Weidner at Pendle Hill a Quaker retreat center up near Philadelphia. There were 14 of us from all over the Eastern Region, as well as one young woman who flew all the way from Germany (!) for the retreat!. Each session, beginning Sunday evening, started with a circle of sharing and meditation. From there Melanie led us through the process of collage starting us off with the simple process of finger-painting!! Imagine being given permission to PLAY again in finger-paints! And it was incredible to see the images that emerged. Now, let me be clear that many of the women there were "trained" artists -- others of us were "emerging" artists -- so some of the images were more polished than others, but EACH of them expressed an element of Spirit moving through them. As each day progressed, we added layers --a layers of materials to our collages and layers of meaning to the relationships we were building with each other and with Spirit. Melanie is so gifted in opening the window into how we receive and give of the Spirit through our art that the hours seemed to stand still as we breathed deep of all that the moments held. Melanie shared with us much of her own work which you need to see at listenforjoy.com>! One she did in 2005 entitled "Deep Breath", was especially motivating as each of us resonated with that deep breath of Spirit.

Yesterday we concluded our time together, and I'll have to say that for the last "official" event of my sabbatical, it was one I won't forget. There aren't words adequate enough to share it in this blog -- hopefully, I'll get to share it with some of you in person soon!

Let me add that Pendle Hill is an incredible retreat and education center! Sitting in the woods, off a residential area close to Media, PA, it offers wonderfully historical 19th century buildings, quiet rooms and accomodations, well-maintained grounds with a variety of trees and plants, PLENTIFUL libraries and reading areas, and healthy foods served buffet-style (most of the time). I even survived as a vegetarian for four days!! (But had to have a little meat when I got home last night :) Each day begins with breakfast and then "Meeting in Worship" which actually decribes the congregation (the "Meeting") as they gather in community ("Worship") and, as is the Quaker way of worship, sits in silence for about 30 minutes (unless someone is moved by Spirit to speak). At the conclusion, Worship ends when the Elder shakes another's hand and offers Peace. They then exchange prayer concerns, announcements, and as the gathering disburses, some may stay to sing. The classes offered at Pendle Hill are well-organized and cover a wide range of interests and topics. I encourage you to take advantage of their gracious hospitality if you ever get the chance!

As for the days ahead, no more travelling -- I will rest, reflect, write, and admittedly, finish some "housework" on my list... then will conclude this magical, incomprehensible gift of sabbatical with some time at the beach.

Until next posting,Blessings!
Cheryl

London and Germany and Austria, Oh My!

2010-08-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I've returned home, but have not yet descended from the heights of my experience in visiting the Bregenzer Festspiele in Bregenz, Austria; staying on the quaint island of Lindau, Germany; and spending three days exploring the streets and underground tubes of London!

Leaving here on the 28th of July, we spent one day running around London before meeting up with the ACE Study Tour group (Association for Cultural Exchange) which was a joint venture with the Alumni of Cambridge University. Once the group gathered, we winged our way to Zurich where we caught a coach for the 2 hour drive to Bregenz, and then on to Lindau to unpack at our hotel.

From Friday, July 30 - Sunday, August 1, we were treated to a lecture by Lord Alan Watson (former president of Britain's Liberal Party), two operas ("The Passenger" and "The Portait"), a Requiem and a Symphonie (both utilizing the talents of the Vienna Boys Choir) composed by Mieczyslaw Weinberg, a contemporary of Shostakovich. Weinberg, a Polish Jew who escaped from the Nazis to Russia, was encouraged and nurtured by Shostakovich, and while his music has been known in Russia, he's relatively unknown in the US. His opera, "The Passenger" was one of the most moving experiences I've had -- even if I didn't understand the language! The set design blew me away! And the music was phenominal!

The major production we saw was "Aida" utilizing the huge Bregenz Festival floating stage on Lake Constance (Bodensee in German!). The set was enormous and glitzy -- and while I won't go into detail, the production was blantantly anti-American (see review) with very overt references to Abu Ghraib. But as for the glitz and specticle, it succeeded at that. As "luck" would have it, the rains came just at the end of the Triumphal March and the production moved indoors for those with the choice tickets (which we had). So we finished the show on a minimalist staircase staging, with unmiked voices -- and it was MUCH more enjoyable. While I would recommend to anyone a trip to the Bregenz Festival for its Opera, this wasn't the highlight I had anticipated! But the experience of being in Austria and Germany was! On one afternoon, we made a trip up to Schopperhau, an Austrian Alpine ski area to see an installation of 100 solid cast iron, larger-than-life size figuresby Antony Gromley. While I can't say that I was that impressed by the metal men, I was transfixed by standing at what felt like the top of the world, only a hand reach from God! The most beautiful views I've ever seen!

While in the little town of Lindauwe had the opportunity to walk around and see churches and buildings with the wonderful Austrian/German designs and enjoyed the people, the food, and the scenary.

The on-our-own, far-too-quickly ended two days in London at the tail of the trip were filled with seeing the Queen's Gallery (an exhibit on "Albert & Victoria: Art and Love), revisiting St. Paul's Cathedral, attending a Taize service at All Hallow's Church (the oldest in London), a visit to Hampton Court Palace (where we got in on the wedding festivities of King Henry VIII to Jane Parr), a trip down the River Thames, and LOTS of walking.

Trips like this are reminders of how large a world there is out there, and what incredible sights there are to see! As I finish out the days of this sabbatical, I will relish for a lifetime this wonderful experience. God has blessed me with time and energy and the financial support to enjoy sabbatical time and experiences.

The next adventure comes in a few days as I make plans to attend a retreat entitled "Creative Spirit: Paper Arts Collage" at Pendel Hill, a Quaker Retreat Center near Philadelphia.

Until next posting!
Blessings!
Cheryl

Florida and the Arts

2010-07-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

Have returned from a trip of mixing business with pleasure...

I visited my brother and sister-in-law in Sebring, Florida, and it was a wonderful visit! I had an opportunity to talk, to relax, and to reconnect.

And I was able to make two visits to explore churches that offer arts academies as ministries of their church. Both churches were within a couple of hours to the west and to the east of where my brother lives. On Monday I headed west to Bradenton, Florida, to visit the Woodlands Community Church. I would call it a "megachurch" -- it has a large membership, large campus and a large staff. However, the Fine Arts Academy is coordinated by a part-time director who works on a commission. The program offers instruction in instrumental music and voice, musical theater, and dance.

On Tuesday, I headed to the east to visit First Baptist Church, West Melbourne, Florida (also a "megachurch") and its Gateway Academy of the Arts. I found much there that I had also seen at the Woodlands, except that FBC's program has been in existance longer, and does not have a salaried director, but is coordinated and administered by the Music Ministry Assistant. Their program offers classes in instrumental music, voice, musical theater, dance, and art.

[ASIDE: Of course, both facilities are to die for, for those of us who lust after all the bells and whistles (space, lights, and sound) that can be used to enliven and enhance the worship experience -- or to offer the arts to the community!!]

It was an enriching experience to gain some insight into the organization and implementaion of these programs. Interestingly, neither of these churches currently incorporate the teachers or students into their worship experience, except as the teacher/or/student might already have a connection (i.e. some of the teachers play in the churches' existing orchestras). That type of involvement is one of the things I'm interested in seeing as a part of a program, but understanding that the students of these programs are about 1/2 members and 1/2 non-members, their not being involved in worship is understandable.

Pastor Hasker of FBC and I had a good conversation about the importance of art education and art in spiritual formation. The spiritual formation element is where my interest and my passion lie -- but I need to think a little longer about how that might play out in an art academy setting.

So much to share -- so little space (at least if I want anyone to spend timee reading this!)

Anyway, the trip was great! and I offer my appreciation to the staff of both churches and apperciate all the materials they shared with me. And NOW, off to Europe to the Bregenz Music Festival!

Until the next post, Blessings - and stay cool!
Cheryl

Immersed, Over-Whelmed, and Awed!

2010-07-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

July 11, 2010

My heart is still singing, my eyes filled with beauty and my ears reveling as the week of the Am. Guild of Organists Convention comes to a close! In spite of the inhospitable heat, I, along with 2,000+ church musicians, have been immersed in magnificent music played on organs from the small but mighty organ at the Franciscan Monastery to the mega-organ just finished two weeks ago at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel, hearing pieces from early Renaissance to those commissioned for and premiered at this convention. I heard local organists and organists from Versailles, France, and Vienna, Austria, playing everything Bach to Michael Bedford and David Hurd. I sat in the beautifully simple sanctuary of St. Paul's Episcopal Church Rock Creek Parish, the iconicly magnificant Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church, the splendly Gothic National Cathedral, as well as other beautiful and inspiring sanctuaries. There were choral music offerings ranging from the energetic and powerful sound of the Heritage Signature Chorale singing spirituals and Handel with equal artistry to the etheral sound of The Six from Philadelphia as their singing reverberated through the barrelled ceilings of the Monastery.

The theme of the Lily Clergy Renewal Grant is "What Makes Your Heart Sing?" -- and this experience has done that! The power of music to inspire, confront, challenge, and comfort is an amazing thing to experience, and having the opportunity to hear so much right here in my own backyard was almost over-whelming! Music is an integral part of my heart and soul -- whether it's a well-performed Bach Prelude and Fugue, or a Taize chant....my heart sings!

Blessings until the next post!
Cheryl

July 1, 2010

2010-07-01T09:52:00.001-07:00

This last week at home has been great! I've gotten some of those "put-off" projects done and have enjoyed staying up late and getting up late!

Beginning this Sunday afternoon, I'll be participating in the 2010 National American Guild of Organist convention being held here in DC. I'll attend workshops and have the opportunity to hear in concert some of the finest organists from around the country. Unfortunately, it seems that the heat and humidity are moving back in -- which means I'll be staying inside as much as possible!

I also turn another year older this week. In doing so, and in this sacred sabbatical time, I'm reflecting on where I am in at this stage in my life and ministry. I have followed God's call in ministry for 24 years and wonder where God is leading me in the next 12 years before potentially retiring from active parish ministry. In many ways ministry has changed dramatically over the past 20+ years. But the call to be present to people in times of joy and sorrow, to help people discern how God is calling them to live their faith in the every-dayness of life, and to encourage and present opportunities for others to seek deeper relationship with God -- to experience those "thin places" where holy and human touch -- THAT remains constant.

Much for me to contemplate!

Until next post, blessings!

Beginnings

2010-06-27T05:59:00.000-07:00

It's now been two weeks since I started my sabbatical and today is the 2nd Sunday that I've not been in the pulpit at North Chevy Chase Christian Church.

Over the last two weeks have traveled over 2,500 miles visiting family -- first in Tennessee where I got to see a great-nephew for the first time; then to Oklahoma for a Tatham family reunion, where the weather was HELLISHLY hot! Lots of Tathams and their off-spring present. -- even had a couple of "Tatham Family Bands" as part of the experience (Brother Ron on spoons on far left)

In all of the driving, I've reflected on the bitter-sweet feel of this trip as it's probably the first time in my adult life that I've done the "family trip" without one of my parents with me. I realized I've got unreleashed grief over the loss of my parents, both events happening as I was immersed in major church stuff! Mom's death occured while I was in the midst of my doctoral work and doing interims; Dad's death occured in the midst of Thanksgiving and Advent events at the church -- no time to grieve! So, I am doing that now, and it is a good grief as I have so many incredible memories of time spent with my parents.

From Oklahoma, headed to Ohio where I went through the final storage elements from my Dad's apartment -- brought home more than I probably should have, but hey! I've got all summer to find a place for it!

NOW -- into the rest of the summer!