I'm sitting at my computer at 8:00 in the morning with a hot cup of coffee at my side. It tastes (and smells) so good! TT and BB are with LZ's mother at a hotel. She kindly came down to spare me on this 10th day of LZ's trip. Our littlest one is down for his morning nap so I have one hour of quiet.
So here are more thoughts...
The intensive course I led last week was an incredible experience for me. In a class of 23 we had represented United Methodists, Presbyterians, Franciscan Friars, AMEs, Baptists, UCCs, Episcopalians, and me as the sole Lutheran. The diversity also included African Americans, Caucasians and a Latina. Some were Christians from birth; others came to Christianity later in life. Some, such as myself, have been only been affiliated with one particular denomination; others have participated in countless denominations. We learned quickly that our own identifiers aren't the only ones we bring to a classroom experience because those we know and perhaps love -- who may be very different from us -- also come with us in our hearts and minds. (For instance I represent the ELCA and yet I have family members for whom I care deeply that represent the Missouri Synod. Initially my comments in a class might arise from my ongoing conversation with my family instead of dialog with those members of the class.) How we approach a subject depends very much on our past experiences. Although this is not a new concept within adult education we practiced it overtly in our class; learning together.
We explored teaching and learning in the church as a ministry of equipping. We identified core practices within our traditions that encourage discipleship. We learned together how to be fully embodied teachers and learners; walking the way of the cross.
These 23 students gave their whole selves to this course - mind, body and soul. We celebrated the whole church. We spoke passionately about our particular traditions. I am grateful for the full participation of all.
(Update: I am posting this at 10:30 with my second cup of coffee cold on the table. LZ's mother arrived a little early with a sick BB. After numerous vomiting episodes this morning BB is crashed out on the floor
-- no temperature. Kind friends took TT to church. Littlest tyke and I are sitting amidst a pile of toys. *sigh* I was really looking forward to worship today.)
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