January Journey's

Back in January I spent most of the month travelling around the United States and Canada going to different conferences and such.  What follows is a summary of those travels, and some reflections on them.  

Enjoy if you wish to.  

Spiritual Vitality Project - Part 2 

I have been part of a Spiritual Vitality Project with the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence ministry of the Christian Reformed Church. 
This is year #2.  

Since last January (you can see my blog post on that trip) I have done more readings, met with a Spiritual Advisor four times (challenging) and met with my cohort of three other wonderful men in ministry (continuing to get to know them better).  

The project involves 16 Pastors and two gatherings together in the two year period.  

This was the second visit to Texas to see the group.  

I travelled to a couple of new airports this time.  

Two connections, but things went smoothly.  

This was pretty cool to be walking under at one of the airports as I walked to my connecting flight.   

I decided to walk between connections, and discovered it's a long way between terminals, and the underground was under construction.   

Looks so impersonal.   

And I walked.... 

...and walked.  But it was good exercise.  

Finally I arrived in Texas.   

I met up with others from our group and took a shuttle to the car rental place where a bunch of us hopped in a van and travelled to Comfort, Texas.   

Once again we stayed at 

The Haven River Inn. 

This time I was in the cottages. 

I bunked with my cohort.  The room was nice. 

And once again Rob and Dave were delayed in their travelling.  Didn't arrive until after midnight.  : ) 

Seems the two of them just shouldn't travel together. : )  

We watched the sunset once again. 

It was warmer this year.  Last year was a bit cool. 

The wonderful balcony.  
Nice and peaceful.  

It's winter here, so the trees are pretty dull looking.   

The house in the early morning sun.   

We spent our time together as a group and worshipped together, taking time to reflect on our year and how we have grown.  

We had free time again in the afternoon.  

I took another walk to the river.  

Enjoyed the noise of the water.  

Calming.  

Went for a bit of a walk and found these bones.  

Then relaxed and took a nap on the veranda.    

The highlight of our time was the food once again and the fellowship around the tables during meals. 

Always amazing meals. 

We spent time together as our cohort as well. 

We talked about how our lives were going and our journeys of faith with it's joys and struggles, and prayed together. 

It has been a joy getting to know Bob and Hector and Dave (Left to right).  

After a good night's sleep we awoke to a cloudy day.  

Bob taking some time to drink in the surroundings.   

After breakfast we opened with worship time once again.   

The food...amazing!   

As part of the other afternoon of free time, Bob, Dave, Hector and I took a trip into the bustling town of Comfort, Texas.  : ) Something we didn't do last year.  

The main street.  Not a very busy town. 

 We were there around 2 pm and many of the shops were just not open. Like it was siesta time or something.  

This antique store happened to be open though.  

Filled with old stuff of all kinds.   

 Can't have a Texas store without Cowboy boots. : ) 

Now this brings back memories. 

I read the Hardy Boys series as a kid.  Loved them.  

The street got busier, but the stores still weren't open. : )

A nice old town though.   

You won't get lost in this town.  : ) 

We spent a good hour in the town and bought some things for our wives and then headed back to the Inn.  

When we arrived back we took up a game of croquet.  

The ground was less than smooth, let me tell you. 

It was quite a competitive game.  We even drew a crowd.   

We ended our time together with worship, communion, and then praying for each other in smaller groups.

I have enjoyed this time with these 16 Pastors and leaders.  I have grown in my understanding of myself, how I was created by God with my gifts and my shortcomings, and how I can grow spiritually stronger through the use of different methods of worship, prayer, and fellowship with others on the journey of faith.

I thank the team at Sustaining Pastoral Excellence for the opportunity to be part of this experience and I hope it will be made available to all Classis and Pastors in some way. 
Thanks too to my church for letting me be part of this experience and the opportunity to be stretched and grow. 

Classis Champion Meeting

I have had the priviledge to be Classis Eastern Canada's Classis Champion for the past 2 years now.  
It's a fairly new endeavor of the CRC, but it's proven to be more successful than was hoped for.  I attribute that to the hard work of Syd and Ron (not me : )) and Leslie, the newest edition to the leadership team. 

Below is what our role and responsibilities are, just so you know why we are doing what we are doing. 

Purpose:

In a report conducted by the Canadian Youth Ministry Committee (CYMC) it was determined that there were gaps within youth ministry in the Canadian CRC that were ready to be address and were summarized as the following:

●       lack of a common vision and vocabulary for youth ministry and its place in the overall discipleship ministries of congregations.
●       lack of proper education and equipping of youth workers
●       lack of knowledge on the part of churches regarding assessment, managing expectations and the building of strong ministries teams for the youth ministry staff they hire.
●       lack of integration of a youth ministry into the life of the church.  When this happens, even strong youth ministry cannot bear long-term fruit.
●       “We long for a shift from ministry that is ad hoc, reactive, age-segregated and anxiety driven to a ministry that is rooted in grace, part of a larger, comprehensive vision of inter-generational discipleship and built on solid foundations of leadership development.”

(Canadian) Youth Champion Role Defined:

“Classis Champions are a team of people who are passionate for youth ministry and faith formation within the CRC. We are here to empower and encourage those working on the frontline in youth ministry within each Congregation across Canada. We will listen, pray, help connect, and be a voice, on behalf of youth workers, on a Classis level. Our desire is to strengthen youth ministry in the CRC by reminding churches that we are all in this together and we all play a significant role in furthering the Kingdom of God.”

Action Steps for Youth Champion work in Classis:

●       function as a listener/broker for youth leaders and congregations (listen to the joys and struggles of youth ministry and connect them to places/resources for support as needed)

●       connect on a personal level with each church’s youth ministry leaders in classis via CYMT meetings and church visits with the assistance of the CYMT

●       bring awareness at the classis level of the opportunities, needs, challenges and celebrations of youth ministry volunteers and staff within Classis Eastern Canada

●       represent congregational voices to the Canadian Youth Ministry Team (CYMT) in part to help create an understanding of the diversity in classes across Canada and how individual classis needs can be addressed by each Youth Champion

●       bring awareness of events and resources that are available to congregations in Classis and act as a conduit of information from the CYMT (ie. Webinars for youth ministry/faith formation, multi-classes events, youth ministry opportunities and training to develop leadership etc.)

●       pray for each church's’ youth ministries in Classis with intentionality

We have some very gifted and talented Classis Champions as well, and that has helped.  Some are paid staff from churches, like me, but others are volunteers.  Cudo's to them.  
I am honoured to continue to be able to get to know them as time progresses. 
For two years now we have gathered as Champions in Burlington to continue to get to know each other and refine the role and work of Classis Champions.

It has been rewarding work, and wonderful to get to know these fellow youth workers in the CRC.     

This year we did something fun.  
Went bowling and had a blast. 
I didn't take many pictures of our time together.  
No food ones, for which some of you will be very glad.  : ) 

We usually meet in conjunction with another group - at the beginning and the end of our time there.  
Last year it was first time Pastors to the CRC, and this time it was Clerks of Classis.   It's nice to be able to interact with different ministry people in the denomination. 
We continue our work as Champions and hopefully advance the cause of ministry to our youth and their faith formation. 

Soul Care - Calvin Style 

For the past several years, in January, we have gone to Ancaster and been part of SOUL CARE.  A retreat for youth workers in Ontario.  They have been fun and rewarding (and there are several earlier blog posts describing them). 

This year it was cancelled, however, but since we had already put out the funds, I decided our youth leader team would go to Hamilton anyway and have our own Soul Care weekend. 

Not all our leaders could come this time, but we did have Victoria (our Youth Intern), Rosy, Jeannine (on sabbatical, but who wouldn't want to go to Hamilton and see her sister : ) ) and Lucy because she is going to be a great leader in the future, and we met Cindy in Hamilton, sister to Jeannine, and needing a break.   

We stopped in Kingston.  I picked my usual place to eat, Arby's, but apparently that's not the best place to eat (see last year's post : ) ) 

I needed to find a place for us to stay that could accommodate all the girls, and me separately.  
I found a great hotel and suites place in Hamilton. 
Large rooms and all 5 girls could stay in one room, two bedrooms.  It was a great place to stay. 

Even had a kitchenette, which we thought we'd use, but ended up not having the time to.  

Nice bathroom too.  : ) 

After checking in I took a tour of the hotel.  Very nice and clean.  

Looking down at the dining area.  

Nice and quiet at the moment.  
Very nice. 

Our breakfast bar for the morning. 

We relaxed for the evening and prepared for our time on Saturday.  A nice crew of leaders in our youth ministry.  

Saturday morning and breakfast time.  
Everyone sampling the breakfast choices.  

Lots to choose from.  

Hot and cold selections.  

By far the best breakfast in a hotel I've ever had.  

Hey Rosy and Jeannine...at least Lucy knows how to pose.  

That's better. 

Great waffle maker with whipped cream.  

This strange couch/sofa thingy ended up becoming a place to take some nice pictures.  
Nice pose Rosy.  

Lucy catching up on the daily news....yeah...right.  : )

We took the morning and gathered in the girl's spacious room and went over a book called "The Emotionally Healthy Leader."
Some good discussion came out of that book.  

For lunch we decided to go downtown to a place called "541," a place suggested by Hannah.  
As we were waiting for Rosy to finish up everyone stood and talked together, getting to know each other better.  : ) 
NOT! 
Those phones  :  )  

541 was a beautiful place. 
It's run mostly by volunteers who serve food at low prices. 
You can also pay it forward and purchase buttons for $1 each and then people can take up to 4 buttons a day and order things for free with them.  

Our lunch, and yes, specialty coffee for Lucy and Jeannine.  

The group enjoying lunch.  
The food was very good and I liked the idea of this place.  

Outside the building.  
Lots of Character.  

541 was suggested by Hannah. 
We next went to visit her and Olivia and Tobie at Redeemer University/College.  
Rosy is so excited.  : )

The dorms are so nice at Redeemer. 
I love the family style dorm life.  

Hannah making her coffee. 
Such a long process, but it's apparently very good.  

After a short visit we all went to the Redeemer gym to watch Tobie play basketball. 
She's on the Redeemer team. 
Looks like Hannah and Lucy and Rosy aren't into the game that much yet. : )

Start of the game with Oh Canada! 

The game was fun to watch, even if they didn't win. : ( 

It was a foggy day though.  
Couldn't see very much from the 7th floor.  

After the game we grabbed a quick bite at Kelsey's
Chicken parm..yummy. 

Now That's a burger Victoria.  : )
We didn't have much time because our next stop was to do an escape room that Jeannine and Cindy's sister, Heather, and her husband had put together. 

These things are fairly new and catching on. 
I'd never done one, and feel it's not my thing, but this was a team building exercise so I did it.  
It was challenging and fun, and even scary.  : ) 
And I was actually able to help with a couple of clues, which felt good.  : ) 
The idea is that you find clues in a themed room and within 1 hour you need to get the door opened using a code. 

We had a bit of help, but not much and were able to get out of the room with 29 seconds to spare.  Jeannine and Cindy had already done this room, so couldn't do it with us, but they got to watch us get frustrated, etc.  : ) It was exhilarating and draining at the same time for me, but I think I'd try it again.  

Back to the hotel after that and relax time until the morning.  

Another GREAT breakfast.  

Jeannine doesn't look to happy. : ) 
Not enough sleep?  

We then spent some time in worship. 
We even had a ukulele to strum on and we managed pretty well. 
We shared some favorite Bible texts and I then had us all prepare a "Rule of Life". 
What is a rule of life you ask? 

The meaning of Rule comes from the Greek word for “trellis.” A trellis is a tool designed to enable a grapevine to get off the ground and grow upward, becoming more fruitful and productive. 

In the same way, a Rule of Life can be the trellis that helps us abide in Christ and become more fruitful spiritually. 

A Rule of Life, very simply, is an intentional, conscious plan to keep God at the center of everything we do. It provides guidelines to help us intentionally pay attention and remember Him. 

It is meant to be a framework for freedom, providing healthy boundaries while leaving plenty of room for flexibility and individuality. Remember, a good Rule works best when it challenges us. A Rule cannot be so easy that we are not stretched. At the same time, it cannot be so demanding that we are overwhelmed and discouraged. 

So we took some time and shared our draft Rule of Life and I'll periodically connect with them to see how they are doing on their rule of life. 

Before we knew it, it was time to go.  
A group shot in the hotel lobby before saying good-bye to Cindy.  

I made sure we stopped at a Starbucks for Lucy. 
Very important to keep her happy.  : )

Now, on our way home, we stopped at THE BIG APPLE along the 401.  I've driven by that place for more than 30 years (if it's been around that long).  Never stopped in. 
Well, we decided to stop in.  I was excited.   : ) 

A nice building. 

Neat directional sign.  

They make everything apple here. 
I mean everything.  

A nice store.  

I had the apple bacon grilled cheese sandwich. 
AMAZING!!!

Apple fries for Rosy.  

Everyone enjoying lunch.  

THE BIG APPLE!  

SELFIE!!! 

Cute.  

It's big.  You can go up to the top of it too, but it was closed for the winter.  Too bad.  : ) 

Jeanine and I having some fun. 

And then it was back on the road to get back home. 
All in all a great weekend of fellowship, reflection, and team building. 
Next year we do this again.  
For sure!  

Calvin College Worship Symposium

The final January travel event was attending the annual Worship Symposium at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  

I went with Wilma, Christine and Colin. 
It was a long drive to get there, but thankfully uneventful.  
Our home for the next couple of days.  

Nice room for Colin and myself.  

An indoor/outdoor heated pool.  

Nice lobby

Exercise room which Christine and I took advantage of.   

We arrived at around 4 pm, and found out that the hotel was offering a free light dinner.  FREE!  
Who doesn't like that. 
With free "drinks".  Bonus.  

A nice pasta dish

and chicken

and chili and soup etc.  A nice spread. 
Did I say FREE! 

Wilma and Christine enjoying the company and FREE food.    

A nice salad as well.  I'm eating healthy dear. : )

After dinner it was time to work out and then relax in the pool. 

That's Christine and me in the outdoor part of the pool.  The water was warm, the temperature...not so warm. 

After a good nights sleep it was time for breakfast.  

Not a bad spread at the hotel.  

I caught Colin in mid prayer : ) 

Then it was off to Calvin College for the day. 
We started with opening worship.  
Full of different elements.  

Main plenary speaker was a choice between N.T. Wright and Sandra V. I chose N.T. first.  His knowledge of the Bible was impeccable.   An amazing and refreshing talk on Public Worship as Sign and Means of New Creation.

Before we knew it it was lunchtime. 
The food at Calvin was also amazing.  

Nice Cafeteria. 

You could choose from various work shops and worship sessions.  

Here's what I chose over the two days and some of my thoughts on what I experienced:


1.  The phrase "Please rise in Body or in Spirit"  came up in one of my workshops. It resonated with me.  A different way of saying "Please stand if you are able" that is more inclusive of those who can't stand for whatever reason.  I'll be using that phrase a bit more when I do liturgy.   

2.   I attended the workshop on worship for people with disabilities.  Was a very good one that challenged me to remember we need to build social ramps in worship that allow people of all abilities to connect in worship.  
That's a challenge. 

3.  Attended Children at the Lord's Supper workshop.  That affirmed for me that what we do here at Calvin works.  A touch point for families to engage their children as they become aware of communion and what it means for them.  Some churches let children come at any age. I like our practice of using this as a faith formation moment for our children and parents. 

4.  Attended Teenage youth worship Leaders.  Was an ok workshop.  Didn't learn much new here. 

5.  Attended the Celtic Psalms worship service.  Loved it.  Relaxing and contemplative for me.  

6.  Attended Explaining Christian Worship to the Skeptical or Questioning Seeker.  Unfortunately this was not as billed and was a totally different seminar than presented.  More on how to memorize parts of the service than anything else.  Left early from that one. 

All and all the workshops were good and it was a great time to get away and reflect on worship again and be reminded of things we are doing well, and some things I can work on as I continue to prepare and do liturgy at Calvin. 
  

Dinner Time.  Yummy  : ) 

Nice face Colin.  

Christine has her coffee.  
Happy Christine.  : ) 

Guess who else was at the Symposium. 
HANNAH!!!  

Chocolate Heaven ! : )

We spent one evening in a worship service in the Calvin Chapel. 
Wonderful choirs.  

Wonderful singing.  

Nice liturgical dancing.  

Colin chilin after a long day of learning. 

Breakfast again. 
Caught Colin praying again.  : )

Waffles!!  
They were good.  

Opening worship on day 2.  

And then I listened to Sandra V. 
A powerful, in your face speaker.  Challenging.  I really enjoyed her talk.  

Lunch.  

Look dear.  I'm eating healthy.  

Closing worship.  
There's always a choir made up of attendees of the symposium. 

We would be having communion too.  

Then it was time to head to Sarnia for the night. 
Stopped at Applebee's.  

Another GREAT food picture for those of you who JUST LOVE them.  : ) 

We are still smiling.  : ) 

We spent the night at Ralph and Anita's. 
Nice to reconnect them after so many years. 
In the morning I went out to visit an old friend. 
He suggested this famous Sarnia restaurant. : )  

Good to see Sandy again.  

And another good breakfast. 

We left for home after this and arrived home safely that afternoon. 
A good symposium and a time of relaxation, learning and getting to know Wilma, Christine and Colin better. 

Travels are done for a while.  : ) 

Whew!  : )