We need more Instapartying.

Soon and very soon Ashley Gill will tie the knot with a rather excellent man, a one Mr. Brian Harrington.  I am privileged to be a bridesmaid in the wedding.  I can't wait to celebrate two wonderful people being wonderful together until death do them part.

Ashley and I have been friends for a long time.  The best word to describe our pal-ship is fun.  We have had 14 years (egad!) of fun: BSU, education and espanol classes, Kenya, BBH, Sigma Kappa, drive-by-caking:  you name the place or group, Ashley Gill and I had fun there with those people.

One of my favorite memories with Ashley is the discipline of Instaparty.  Instaparty is not a real word BUT IT IS A REAL THING.  I don't know whether or not my seminary pals and I invented instapartying, but we were at least pioneers.  When Merriam-Webster asks me to define instaparty for official inclusion, I'll say "An instaparty is an instant singing and dancing party that happens to other people when they least expect it.  Sometimes they like it; other times not so much."

Sometimes Instaparty recipients are amused.  Other times disdain is expressed (see Raintree Apartments, fall 2006.  I'm looking in the direction of Georgia, River).  Part of the fun is knocking on a door and asking yourself:  Amusement or disdain?  Who knows?

The impetus for our first Instaparty was exhaustion from exam preparation.  One night Ashley, Christy and I were stick-a-fork-in-us-done with studying.  We were worse than charred steak done.  Do you understand our done-ness? We were done.

I can't recall who, but one of us said "We should dress up in prom wear and surprise classmates with a boom box and dancing."  And then the other two said "Excellent idea" (one of the many reasons Ashley and Christy remain two of my favorite people on the planet).  So we put down Mounce's Greek and, in a New York minute, became Waco chic.  Instead of reading Kierkegaard, we were ready to kick it hard.  (Now I'm done.)

Before piling in the Altima (RIP) we decided to invite new friends, Tiffany and Meagan, to join our fledgling Instaparty adventure.  This was a risk of biblical proportions in the early stages of friendship.  There was a 90% chance they would think us crazy (the bad kind); however you can kind of tell within seconds of meeting someone who will be an Instapartying kind of friend and who won't.  We felt they fit the bill, but you never know.  People are tricky.  Amirite world? (Lesson)

We nervously dialed their number and said, "Hello Tiffany and Meagan:  We are tired of studying.  Would you like to show up unannounced at classmates' homes with a boom box?  And then we will do some hollering and dancing?"  We put ourselves out there. 

Tiff and Meg waffled for about 3 seconds and then threw caution to the proverbial wind.  To say Ashley, Christy and I were elated is an understatement.  We knew these would be lifelong friends.  Here is a photo from that evening:

L to R:  Christy, Katie, Meg, Tif/Tiff and Ashley.  Note Ashley's space glasses,  Tiff's jazz hands, Meg's ascot, my flash disk necklace and Christy's sweet frames.

We had a lot of fun.  Life is grand when you make friends who don't shut down your good crazy--they capitalize on it.  Ashley Gill, you're a blessing!  I can't wait to share in your special day.

The Character of the Presidents

On my drive home to Scottsville I finished up a four cassette series on the character of Presidents Reagan, Johnson, Carter and Nixon.  Each of the lectures was presented by a person with a favorable view of the particular president (usually a staff member or political wonk); but even so I found the series to be mostly fair.  I felt like I got to know the presidents as people instead of the cardboard cutouts they are often made to be.

I especially appreciated one of the anecdotes about President Reagan.  As he was wheeled into surgery after John Hinckly, Jr. attempted to assassinate him, President Reagan said to his wife "Honey, I forgot to duck"--which was a kind of subtle grace in the midst of chaos.  And as the surgeon put an oxygen mask on his face, President Reagan removed it to smile and say "I hope you are all Republicans."

I mean...that's funny. 

The surgeon, who is reported to have been a liberal Democrat, said "Today, Mr. President, we are all Republicans"--another subtle grace in the midst of chaos. 

Grace in the midst of chaos is a gift.  These men who have served as our presidents spend many a day in chaos, and I got to thinking we could be better givers of grace to them.  Of course they make mistakes and it is more than fine to vigorously disagree with any of them; however I hope we remember they have the weight of the world on their shoulders.  I really hope we remember that.

Whether it is President Carter or Nixon, Johnson or Reagan, Obama or Bush--I hope we make room for a little grace.

Wisconsin: Where It's At.

The Patrick-McKown Family Reunion is coming up!  I can hardly wait.  This year the reunion is in the Badger State.  Speaking of:  On behalf of all people who love cheese allow me to thank you, Wisconsin, for who you are.  Your efforts in the cheddar and pepper-jack worlds are unmatched.

While Wisconsin is known for cheese, the Patrick-McKown clan's main culinary emphasis is pig.  Pig is our thing.  We dig the pig.  We're dorks for pork.  I'll stop...though I could continue.  Every year we lit-rally live high on the hog. 

I'm finished now. 

I still remember Granny's first pig pickin' ('g' unnecessary).  Every year she adds a new element of excitement to the pulling of pork festivities. Last year Granny wore a tiara.  Awesome!  The apple doesn't fall far from the pig's mouth.

Granny, Christmas 2012.

Nearly all of my cousins will be there, which makes me happy.  What a motley crew in the best sense of the cliche, amirite cousins?  I don't see my cousins often--we live in Kentucky, Texas, Wisconsin, Virginia, Alaska, California, Illinois, Ohio and Minnesota--so it's a great opportunity to catch up and get to know one another as adults.  Most years we run a 5K and sometimes we wear costumes.  We don't mind the long stares from innocent bystanders either.  I like that.  Last year Iron Man and friends even made it into the Ohio County (KY) Times.  EXCITING.



Wisconsin contingent, 2012.



Running in formal wear, 2011.

I'm grateful for my family and look forward to seeing them.
 

A Delightful Afternoon at Lakewood Manor

Nancy and John Elliott are names I hear often at Scottsville Baptist Church.  John was the pastor from 1952 until 1968 and they are the first family who lived in the parsonage.  A few weeks ago Nancy stopped by the house and shared stories and memories.  It was a happy afternoon.

At Nancy's invitation I preached at Lakewood Manor today (a Virginia Baptist Homes Retirement Community). And my goodness: What a blessing.  I was able to meet many folks and was honored by their words and encouragement.  Allen Brown, a Virginia Baptist music leader, was running sound. (wow!)  A few years ago I was blessed to travel with Allen and others to India to work at an orphanage in Kerala.

Dinner was off the charts.  The food was great, but I couldn't have asked for better company.  I sat at the table with five strong Baptist women who truly paved the way for me and others.  I loved hearing their stories. Among these stalwarts of the faith were missionaries, WMU leaders, an IMB employee, BTSR volunteers, pastors' wives, Virginia Baptist committee members, Virginia Baptist Women in Ministry leaders, church historians, etc. etc.  One of the women was John Claypool's sister so I was able to tell her how much his writings have meant to me.  They asked good questions and were eager to hear my story.  We spent a great deal of time laughing which brought an extra dose of joy to my day.

Nancy then gave me a tour of Lakewood Manor.  It was a treat to hear her involvement in all facets of Manor life.  We paused for a picture. She is quite delightful.

I am honored to be part of Scottsville Baptist Church's rich history.  I am grateful for Nancy and others who have welcomed me into this family with loving, open arms.

Snapshots of Covenant

I'm having a difficult time writing about the Installation Service. Words are funny, are they not?  Sometimes they rip out of me like the Tasmanian devil. Other times words are as slow moving as a turtle. Perhaps the day is difficult to capture because it meant so very much to me.  

Here's the-Installation-in-a-somewhat-large-nutshell:  I am blessed to be pastor of Scottsville Baptist Church.  I'm grateful for all the ways they bent over backwards to make Sunday special.  I cherish the words of covenant we spoke to one another.  I'm excited about the future.

Here are some pictures to do the talking for me:

Dorothy Somerville, Co-Chair of the Pastor Search Committee, gives a touching welcome.  I mean...people needed tissues (people = me).

Judy Smith reads beautifully from Isaiah.

Albevanna Clergy Group sings "The Summons."  I meet with these fellow travelers every Wednesday for prayer, singing and Bible Study.


The congregation sings "I Love to Tell the Story." Thank you for leading in worship, Richard Buerkle!


Pam Chisholm prays like she knows God real well.  Stand on your head if you're surprised.


Bill Smith being Bill Smith (that is, being awesome).


Speaking words of covenant.


Seeing your name in icing never gets old.

There are more pictures to treasure.  I'll share soon.  Feeling grateful.

Cool Cats

These hipsters are coming to visit tomorrow.  I can't wait.

This is probably post Carpenters concert. Pat and Mike love themselves some Carpenters.  Can't you see the "On Top of the World" look in their eyes?

What's not to love about this photo? Their tresses are out of control...basically they're a Pantene ad. Their mix of patterns is fun.  They're wearing lovely smiles...and best of all?  They look oh so happy.  They still look this happy.

Mom, Dad and Katie will have a whirlwind of fun which is just the way I like it.  We'll enjoy time in Scottsville and catch a Nationals game in D.C. (Please oh please let them win.  Bless their hearts--they're in a bit of a slump.)

My brother Sam will join us and on Sunday Scottsville Baptist will install me as pastor.  Many favorites--old and new--will be there.  I am blessed.  Everyone is welcome to join at 4:00 p.m.  But first I must finish a sermon about a sheet from the sky filled with animals!  Never a dull moment.

Handbells and the Holy Spirit

When I arrived at the association meeting I parked on the lower level of the lot.  As I was walking toward the building I noticed several parking spaces near the door labeled ELDERLY.  (How considerate. Shout out Broadus Memorial!)  And of course...all around me elderly folks are NOT parking in those spaces.  They're walking up from the lower level with me.  This is a classic move by the Greatest Generation—always thinking of others, always assuming someone else could use help first. We have so much to learn.

I walked inside and found a seat.  I am embarrassed to admit this...but I was not looking forward to the afternoon.  I was tired and not in the mood for an extended meeting.  I share my initial hesitation because it was—hands down—the best association meeting I have attended.

The moderator conducted business at the beginning and end in a timely fashion and the lion share of our time was spent in worship.  Both speakers were exceptional.  The first speaker was chaplain of the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women.  I wish you could have heard her.  Julie's frank, yet compassionate words about the prisoners to whom she ministers was inspiring.  She works in the prison every day and organizes worship services on Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening.  Worship attendance averages between 150 and 250.  "The gym is transformed into a sanctuary." Her words painted a picture.   It's like we were there.

Julie has organized a worship leadership team of inmates.  There is a choir, praise dance team and (are you ready?)...two handbell groups.  When Julie told us prisoners were playing handbells I was out.  Tuesday afternoons were my favorite as an elementary schooler because John Cashion picked us up for handbell rehearsals.  I loved playing handbells, so the thought of prisoners knowing God's love and playing handbells?  It got very misty in the back row.

So there I was tearing up...at an association meeting...on a Sunday afternoon...because God's love is that surprising and beautiful.  Julie said the women come hungry for the Word and God shows up at the prison.  It was inspiring, friends.  Julie told us "In the midst of this hellhole, God is alive and well."  Thanks be to God.

The second speaker was Dean Miller who works at the Virginia Baptist Mission Board.  Dean gave an excellent presentation on More Than Nets.  I was impressed by project's holistic approach, which not only provides mosquito nets to protect Ghanians from malaria—the project also provides education and funds for church planting.  Hundreds of churches have already been planted by sisters and brothers in Ghana.  Physical needs are being met and the gospel is being preached.  I hope Scottsville Baptist prays about joining in this mission.

We closed worship with communion.  It was special to receive the elements from clergy pals, some of whom I study the Bible with every Wednesday.  As soon as the benediction was offered I couldn't help but blurt out "That was amazing" because it was.  It really was.

I was preparing to leave when lo and behold—a room of snacks was announced.  I mean...icing on the literal cake.  They even had the good cheese.  God bless them.  One of my clergy pals whispered "If we play our cards right, this could be dinner."  For about 12,000 reasons it was a great day to be at a Baptist association meeting.

People lingered and enjoyed one another's company for a long time.  I was handing out my business card like it was going out of style because the Holy Spirit was up in that place.  It was a nice afternoon.
Thanks to all those who planned the meeting.  Well done.  I can't wait for the next one.