I'm moving to Cheyenne in a week. The apartment is a wreak, things half packed and pictures down off the walls. My husband and I are using up our gift cards to local places, enjoying our remaining time with friends over good eats and delicious coffee, and... freaking out.
Seriously. We don't want to leave Madison! I love so many people here! I know these roads. I know the towns surrounding Madison (and how to pronounce them). We have our favorite coffee roaster and our doctors and vets and our therapists and hair stylists. I don't want to find all those things again. I do not.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
More Than A Meal
Long time, no post. Sorry about that! How about a sermon for now?
Gospel: John 6:56-69
Jesus said, 56 “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.” 66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
We are now at the fifth and final week of our Summer Sermon Series on “More Than a Meal” and you will notice that once again we hear instructions from Jesus on communion. Jesus says that those who eat his flesh and drink his blood will abide in him and he will abide them. Quite a promise, but one that our entire community is based in. Think about how we share a meal. The very act of sharing communion means that we are in community together. We are breaking bread and inviting people to dine with us.
Well, many of you know that I got married on August 1st, about three weeks ago. It was pretty amazing and I keep remembering different pieces of the day. One that really stands out is having communion. We had an amazing church service with wonderful music, with a laying on of hands, a blessing from Pastor Scot, and a sending song that had to be “A Mighty Fortress is our God.” We had at least a dozen Lutheran pastors present, after all.
Gospel: John 6:56-69
Jesus said, 56 “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.” 66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
We are now at the fifth and final week of our Summer Sermon Series on “More Than a Meal” and you will notice that once again we hear instructions from Jesus on communion. Jesus says that those who eat his flesh and drink his blood will abide in him and he will abide them. Quite a promise, but one that our entire community is based in. Think about how we share a meal. The very act of sharing communion means that we are in community together. We are breaking bread and inviting people to dine with us.
Well, many of you know that I got married on August 1st, about three weeks ago. It was pretty amazing and I keep remembering different pieces of the day. One that really stands out is having communion. We had an amazing church service with wonderful music, with a laying on of hands, a blessing from Pastor Scot, and a sending song that had to be “A Mighty Fortress is our God.” We had at least a dozen Lutheran pastors present, after all.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
There is Nothing Jesus Can't Heal
Pastor Alison Williams - June 27/28, 2015 - Bethel Lutheran Church
Mark 5:21–43
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him.
Mark 5:21–43
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him.
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Madison OIS in my Neighborhood
 |
| Tony Robinson, 19 years old |
I lay in bed last night scrolling through the scant news stories appearing on my Facebook feed that my neighborhood friends were posting. Shots were fired on the 1100 block of Williamson. I live on the 1100 block of Jenifer, a block away.
Then more news started appearing. A 19 year old black man shot five times in the chest by a Madison Police officer. Then a protest began demanding answers.
This morning, it is all over my feed. The sickening hashtag that has been created? That makes this all very real and way too close to home?
#fergusontomadison
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Looking Back
From an old blog of mine, written in November 2010:
I'm wondering if this is really our call as Christians, especially as pastors and ministers. Ministry is quite frankly, the most uncomfortable thing I've ever done. It pushes me to deal with everything that blocks me from living the gospel and loving people. I am hesitant to admit those issues seem numerous.
I don't have it all together. I don't have it all figured out. And what's worse? I never will. There will never come a time when I will say, "Yup. I've figured it all out." Does it say anything about me that this is in any way surprising or frustrating?
Or perhaps something about my theology that I want to be in control and be perfect? I wish that weren't the case but the indicators point to "true." So I'm uncomfortable. Trying to figure out how to have a little more grace with myself about who God made me to be... and who I am."
And now in 2015, I still struggle to have grace with myself and all the things that I am not good at, that I am still figuring out. In ministry, pastors get real in touch with the things they are NOT good at. People point out our flaws and failings even as others celebrate our gifts. True humility is holding them both together, the saint and the sinner as Luther would say.
As we look back on the life of a dear friend and colleague this week at Bethel, it is easy to see the amazing ways that he has touched so many lives. But we also know he was not perfect. He had quirks and character flaws and his own special way of organizing that will never completely make sense to another living soul.
And we love him. Just as he was. This, for me, is a very special dose of grace.
Thank you Duane for your life, ministry, and friendship. You will be missed.
"Internship will be an uncomfortable year. Neither good nor bad but uncomfortable.
I'm wondering if this is really our call as Christians, especially as pastors and ministers. Ministry is quite frankly, the most uncomfortable thing I've ever done. It pushes me to deal with everything that blocks me from living the gospel and loving people. I am hesitant to admit those issues seem numerous.
I don't have it all together. I don't have it all figured out. And what's worse? I never will. There will never come a time when I will say, "Yup. I've figured it all out." Does it say anything about me that this is in any way surprising or frustrating?
Or perhaps something about my theology that I want to be in control and be perfect? I wish that weren't the case but the indicators point to "true." So I'm uncomfortable. Trying to figure out how to have a little more grace with myself about who God made me to be... and who I am."
And now in 2015, I still struggle to have grace with myself and all the things that I am not good at, that I am still figuring out. In ministry, pastors get real in touch with the things they are NOT good at. People point out our flaws and failings even as others celebrate our gifts. True humility is holding them both together, the saint and the sinner as Luther would say.
As we look back on the life of a dear friend and colleague this week at Bethel, it is easy to see the amazing ways that he has touched so many lives. But we also know he was not perfect. He had quirks and character flaws and his own special way of organizing that will never completely make sense to another living soul.
And we love him. Just as he was. This, for me, is a very special dose of grace.
Thank you Duane for your life, ministry, and friendship. You will be missed.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Prepare and Hope - An Advent Sermon by Alison Williams
GOSPEL:
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
"See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'"
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
“Prepare the way of the Lord.”
This is what John the Baptizer preaches. This is what we hear from the prophet Isaiah. “Prepare the way of the Lord.” This is what the Advent season is all about. Preparing for the birth of that tiny baby boy who will change the world with his life and death and resurrection. This is what we take time to prepare for.
And yet, I am not altogether sure that we know what or how we prepare for the coming of the Christ child. We all know a lot about preparing for the holidays. Even our church has been beautiful decorated this weekend. And I know that I really enjoy shopping for a great present that I know someone will love and choosing wrapping paper that compliments the decorations up in my living room and tying on a beautiful bow. I know about decorating Christmas trees and making cookies and ensuring that I have carrots to put out on Christmas eve for the reindeer next to the milk and cookies for Santa. I even have special glitter to put on my lawn so the reindeer can find my house easily. Trust me, it works.
But I need God to be bigger than holiday glitter and advent devotions and beautiful hymns. I need God to be bigger than whatever meager preparations I might make to prepare a place in my heart and mind and soul and schedule for the Christ child. Perhaps this is because I feel powerless in the face of recent news. I have had an overwhelming depression settle about me in the last few weeks as I read more and more about black people dying. It seems never ending: the ugly backlashes as people jump to blame the police, the ignorant commentary from either side of the discussion, and the frustration and anger of many who have protested. I mourn for Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, for the deaths that have not reached national news, for the hundreds upon hundreds of black children who have been killed in Chicago in the last few years, for the racial injustice of our world and the fear that is a part of each and every one of us.
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
"See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'"
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
This is what John the Baptizer preaches. This is what we hear from the prophet Isaiah. “Prepare the way of the Lord.” This is what the Advent season is all about. Preparing for the birth of that tiny baby boy who will change the world with his life and death and resurrection. This is what we take time to prepare for.
And yet, I am not altogether sure that we know what or how we prepare for the coming of the Christ child. We all know a lot about preparing for the holidays. Even our church has been beautiful decorated this weekend. And I know that I really enjoy shopping for a great present that I know someone will love and choosing wrapping paper that compliments the decorations up in my living room and tying on a beautiful bow. I know about decorating Christmas trees and making cookies and ensuring that I have carrots to put out on Christmas eve for the reindeer next to the milk and cookies for Santa. I even have special glitter to put on my lawn so the reindeer can find my house easily. Trust me, it works.
But I need God to be bigger than holiday glitter and advent devotions and beautiful hymns. I need God to be bigger than whatever meager preparations I might make to prepare a place in my heart and mind and soul and schedule for the Christ child. Perhaps this is because I feel powerless in the face of recent news. I have had an overwhelming depression settle about me in the last few weeks as I read more and more about black people dying. It seems never ending: the ugly backlashes as people jump to blame the police, the ignorant commentary from either side of the discussion, and the frustration and anger of many who have protested. I mourn for Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, for the deaths that have not reached national news, for the hundreds upon hundreds of black children who have been killed in Chicago in the last few years, for the racial injustice of our world and the fear that is a part of each and every one of us.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Xmas and Happy Holidays: Why Christians Need to Use These Words
<Begin rant.>
I get cranky this time of year. Not bah humbug type of cranky, because I love the holidays but cranky at all the self righteous Christians who berate people for saying an inclusive Happy Holidays or who tell me to keep Christ in Christmas when I use Xmas. I'm sure you've seen something like this on Facebook or perhaps shared it yourself:
I do not agree. It is Merry Christmas if I'm talking to a Christian. But saying Happy Holidays does not condemn me to hell or assume that I'm a terrible Jesus-hating Christian. I would hope it would assume something completely different, for instance, respect of other traditions like Kwanza, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah...
I get cranky this time of year. Not bah humbug type of cranky, because I love the holidays but cranky at all the self righteous Christians who berate people for saying an inclusive Happy Holidays or who tell me to keep Christ in Christmas when I use Xmas. I'm sure you've seen something like this on Facebook or perhaps shared it yourself:
I do not agree. It is Merry Christmas if I'm talking to a Christian. But saying Happy Holidays does not condemn me to hell or assume that I'm a terrible Jesus-hating Christian. I would hope it would assume something completely different, for instance, respect of other traditions like Kwanza, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah...
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