Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Blogs are really for Grandparents
I just decided that Blogs are really all about Grandparents bragging about their wonderful grandchildren. Here are some pictures of Lily in her Elmo suit - that was too small and we had to return. Jedi in his bear suit (he came with his own bare suit). And Lily in the new toy I bought myself, so I can pull Lily and Jedi (when he is older) behind my bike.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Great New/Old Puppet Show
Micah Mann performed the debut of the rebuilt version of the old National Puppet Theatre version of Hansel and Gretel at the Arts and Olive Festival in Redwood City - He did and awesome job - the crowd cheered! It was too windy for the masking and we could watch Micah work the puppets. I was quite impressed when he used his foot to swing over a hook off that was facing the wrong direction - Imagine a puppet in each hand and a foot rising to relocate a hook off - only a veteran puppeteer would appreciate the beauty of that move and envy the guy who could do it with grace.
check out their new web site with new videos at www.nationalpuppets.com
check out their new web site with new videos at www.nationalpuppets.com
Friday, September 29, 2006
News Letter Article
Dear Church,
I have really been enjoying preaching on the Six Great Purposes of the Church. The Great Purposes, also known as the Great Ends of the Church, are a six mission statements for the Presbyterian Church USA. They were adopted around 1908 and even though the language is a bit old fashioned the direction they point us to is still valid and relevant to the church in today's world.
Preaching on the Six Great Purposes reminded me that the church is not the building and that worship is not about the people up front on Sundays like the pastor, choir or worship team. The church is made up of people who are called to follow Jesus. The worship service is about God and for God. One of the goals of the 2006 vision is increased involvement in worship and prayer. My prayer during my sabbatical is that WPC worship attendance is better than ever and that the ministry of Westminster continues to forward and grow in serving God and reaching out to our community as we equip believers to answer the call of God on their lives. I 'm so thankful for the great leadership of our session and support staff and their willingness to help make my sabbatical a reality. Please pray for them and support them in my absence. I will miss you all and look forward to returning renewed and refreshed in February.
I have really been enjoying preaching on the Six Great Purposes of the Church. The Great Purposes, also known as the Great Ends of the Church, are a six mission statements for the Presbyterian Church USA. They were adopted around 1908 and even though the language is a bit old fashioned the direction they point us to is still valid and relevant to the church in today's world.
Preaching on the Six Great Purposes reminded me that the church is not the building and that worship is not about the people up front on Sundays like the pastor, choir or worship team. The church is made up of people who are called to follow Jesus. The worship service is about God and for God. One of the goals of the 2006 vision is increased involvement in worship and prayer. My prayer during my sabbatical is that WPC worship attendance is better than ever and that the ministry of Westminster continues to forward and grow in serving God and reaching out to our community as we equip believers to answer the call of God on their lives. I 'm so thankful for the great leadership of our session and support staff and their willingness to help make my sabbatical a reality. Please pray for them and support them in my absence. I will miss you all and look forward to returning renewed and refreshed in February.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Lily Movie
I received this video in my email today and thought you might enjoy it. Click on the title of this entry
http://revnorman.com/Resources/Watermellon-little.mov
http://revnorman.com/Resources/Watermellon-little.mov
Monday, August 28, 2006
Radical Sabbatical Oct. 23, 2006 - Feb. 4, 2007
Westminster has a policy that pastors be entitled to a sabbatical their eighth year of employment. I find it hard to believe that eight years have past since I made the move from Los Angeles to San Jose. On June 7, 1998, I signed the terms of call and officially began as pastor of Westminster on August 1st, 1998. These last eight years have been wonderfully full of energy, enthusiasm, love, and joy. I have found Jesus to be very present in our common life together at WPC. I feel so blessed and privileged to serve, to follow, to laugh and to weep with the part of the Body of Christ that meets on the corner of Shasta and the Alameda. When my life was hit with tragedy, I was so thankful to be part of such a strong loving church.
The sabbatical is not in the nature of vacation, but rather is intended for career development and personal growth and is considered to be part of a Pastoral Staff member's job duties. I am looking forward to a time of rest and renewal, study and growth.
Rev. Nancy Schell and Rev. Judy Joy have graciously agreed to serve as co-pastors during the sabbatical. They are currently working with the personnel committee toward a division of responsibilities. They will work as a team, but will provide care and leadership for different areas of the church. Rev. Judy Joy will be returning to Westminster in October.
I encouraged the church to support and pray for Nancy and Judy as they take on extra duties during these months. I'm so glad to have such a great staff and I know the church will be in good hands. I have every confidence the church will continue to move forward in the vision God has given us. There is a momentum at Westminster that has little to do with me and everything to do with members catching the vision and moving forward in the things of God.
Sunday, October will be my last Sunday in worship before the sabbatical. My sabbatical will begin October 23, when I return from the 2006 Transforming Church Conference. I will return on February 4, 2007. I'm hoping and believing that the sabbatical will a time of rest and renewal to prepare me to enjoy many more good years of ministry at WPC.
Sabbatical Main Focus:
A time for personal and spiritual retreat and renewal. Oct. 23, 2006 - Feb. 4, 2007
Sabbatical Plan:
• Meeting weekly with a spiritual director for direction and reflection.
• Journaling and writing.
• Reading books about preaching, personal spirituality.
• Planning 12 months of preaching
.
Ecclesiastes 3
There is an appointed time for everything.
And there is a time for every event under heaven-
A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.
The sabbatical is not in the nature of vacation, but rather is intended for career development and personal growth and is considered to be part of a Pastoral Staff member's job duties. I am looking forward to a time of rest and renewal, study and growth.
Rev. Nancy Schell and Rev. Judy Joy have graciously agreed to serve as co-pastors during the sabbatical. They are currently working with the personnel committee toward a division of responsibilities. They will work as a team, but will provide care and leadership for different areas of the church. Rev. Judy Joy will be returning to Westminster in October.
I encouraged the church to support and pray for Nancy and Judy as they take on extra duties during these months. I'm so glad to have such a great staff and I know the church will be in good hands. I have every confidence the church will continue to move forward in the vision God has given us. There is a momentum at Westminster that has little to do with me and everything to do with members catching the vision and moving forward in the things of God.
Sunday, October will be my last Sunday in worship before the sabbatical. My sabbatical will begin October 23, when I return from the 2006 Transforming Church Conference. I will return on February 4, 2007. I'm hoping and believing that the sabbatical will a time of rest and renewal to prepare me to enjoy many more good years of ministry at WPC.
Sabbatical Main Focus:
A time for personal and spiritual retreat and renewal. Oct. 23, 2006 - Feb. 4, 2007
Sabbatical Plan:
• Meeting weekly with a spiritual director for direction and reflection.
• Journaling and writing.
• Reading books about preaching, personal spirituality.
• Planning 12 months of preaching
.
Ecclesiastes 3
There is an appointed time for everything.
And there is a time for every event under heaven-
A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Church Camping Trip
I had a great time on the church camping trip. One day I caught two really nice trout.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Could this be Sunday?
Here is a poem from the Writer's Almanac. It is a very cool PBS show that you can subscribe to as a podcast. I have a link to it on my sidebar. Any way - it is about a poetry reading gone bad. But I wondered if it might not also apply to some Sunday morning sermons....
Poem: "A Reading" by Wendy Cope from If I Don't Know. © Faber and Faber.
A Reading
Everybody in this room is bored.
The poems drag, the voice and gestures irk.
He can't be interrupted or ignored.
Poor fools, we came here of our own accord
And some of us have paid to hear this jerk.
Everybody in the room is bored.
The silent cry goes up, 'How long, O Lord?'
But nobody will scream or go berserk.
He won't be interrupted or ignored.
Or hit by eggs, or savaged by a horde
Of desperate people maddened by his work.
Everybody in the room is bored,
Except the poet. We are his reward,
Pretending to indulge in his every quirk.
He won't be interrupted or ignored.
At last it's over. How we all applaud!
The poet thanks us with a modest smirk.
Everybody in the room was bored.
He wasn't interrupted or ignored.
Poem: "A Reading" by Wendy Cope from If I Don't Know. © Faber and Faber.
A Reading
Everybody in this room is bored.
The poems drag, the voice and gestures irk.
He can't be interrupted or ignored.
Poor fools, we came here of our own accord
And some of us have paid to hear this jerk.
Everybody in the room is bored.
The silent cry goes up, 'How long, O Lord?'
But nobody will scream or go berserk.
He won't be interrupted or ignored.
Or hit by eggs, or savaged by a horde
Of desperate people maddened by his work.
Everybody in the room is bored,
Except the poet. We are his reward,
Pretending to indulge in his every quirk.
He won't be interrupted or ignored.
At last it's over. How we all applaud!
The poet thanks us with a modest smirk.
Everybody in the room was bored.
He wasn't interrupted or ignored.
Monday, July 24, 2006
What Every Jedi Needs
Right after Jedi came home, Micah ran out to Toys"R"Us to be sure that he had some basic Jedi equipment and supplies on hand. You know, light sabers, Darth Vader Helmut - the important things that every Jedi needs.
Return of the Jedi
Here are a couple of Jedi pictures. They are from July 4th - I'll post some new ones soon
Friday, July 21, 2006
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
I've been told that there is a certain prayer that God loves to hear and answer. I know that prayer well and I think you might know it too. But, for a long time, that has been my only prayer- "God, please, help me". There are times when life hurts so bad that we can't seem to find words for our prayers. Sometimes we are not even sure what to pray for, but we know that we must pray. So we pray, "Help me."
A few days ago, in a moment of grief, I prayed my all too familiar prayer.
"God, please, help me".
In my heart I sensed God reply, "How would you like me to help you?"
This stopped me cold. I seriously pondered, just what am I asking God to do when I pray, "God, help me." What answer or miracle action am I expecting? Do I simply want the pain to go away? Do I want a miracle cure? Do I want a lightening bolt from heaven to direct my path? None of the above were quite right. It came down one thing and only one thing. My help me prayer was really asking, "God, please make it as if these things never happened." So I adjusted my prayer. I made it more specific. I told God what I meant and what I truly wanted.
"God, Please make it as if these things never happened."
This became my new prayer.
I didn't hear a voice. I didn’t need to hear a word. I heard the impossibility of my request as the plea left my lips. I pictured God sadly explaining that He doesn't usually do that sort of thing and I shouldn't get my hopes up.
That wasn't the answer I wanted. I was hoping for some cure, some eternal sunshine of the spotless mind. I wanted to find a company or service where a trained technician could carefully erase all memories of this hurt and disappointment from my mind and heart. So, it would seem as if these things had never happened. Or better yet, I wanted time turned back and history changed. Where were the experts who could make things better? Where is the all-powerful God who can do all things? Is there any help for me? How can I ever get over this and live my life as if this never happened? Reality Check: I can't and no one else can do it for me.
I am coming to accept that what I want is not possible. It is not possible for me to change the course of events that have brought me here. It is not possible to erase these memories from my heart and mind. It is not possible for the most enlightened doctor or therapist. Whether God can or could turn back time or erase memories, I don't know. But, I'm pretty sure that God doesn't to do this sort of thing.
Acceptance of the unacceptable is where I dwell. I can't keeping asking God to turn back time and make things as if this tragedy never happened. No matter how many more times I ask, it will never happen. God has great patience, but I'm fairly sure that after awhile my request to change history would become annoying- even for God.
Enter a new way of thinking: Could I search my heart and see if there are other things for which I could pray? Things I would want, even if I couldn't have what I really wanted. So I decided to try and make a list. I didn't think I would have much on my list. Really, was there anything else I would want if I couldn't reroute the course of history? When I finally sat down and started the list I was amazed at the things that poured out on the paper. I keep the list in my wallet and pull it out often when I can't find the words beyond, "God, help me".
Things I can pray for:
God, help me:
• To know you will and do your will.
• To get better rather than remain bitter.
• To heal my broken heart/life.
• To pray that Teri might be well and connected to God.
• To help me feel the pain and let it pass rather than get stuck obsessing about the past.
• To accept that the unacceptable has happened and no one can change it.
• To be a good and loving father and grandfather.
• To be a good pastor and preacher.
• To be close to God and have a hunger for God's word.
• To learn how to be alone without being lonely.
• To love and be loved.
A few days ago, in a moment of grief, I prayed my all too familiar prayer.
"God, please, help me".
In my heart I sensed God reply, "How would you like me to help you?"
This stopped me cold. I seriously pondered, just what am I asking God to do when I pray, "God, help me." What answer or miracle action am I expecting? Do I simply want the pain to go away? Do I want a miracle cure? Do I want a lightening bolt from heaven to direct my path? None of the above were quite right. It came down one thing and only one thing. My help me prayer was really asking, "God, please make it as if these things never happened." So I adjusted my prayer. I made it more specific. I told God what I meant and what I truly wanted.
"God, Please make it as if these things never happened."
This became my new prayer.
I didn't hear a voice. I didn’t need to hear a word. I heard the impossibility of my request as the plea left my lips. I pictured God sadly explaining that He doesn't usually do that sort of thing and I shouldn't get my hopes up.
That wasn't the answer I wanted. I was hoping for some cure, some eternal sunshine of the spotless mind. I wanted to find a company or service where a trained technician could carefully erase all memories of this hurt and disappointment from my mind and heart. So, it would seem as if these things had never happened. Or better yet, I wanted time turned back and history changed. Where were the experts who could make things better? Where is the all-powerful God who can do all things? Is there any help for me? How can I ever get over this and live my life as if this never happened? Reality Check: I can't and no one else can do it for me.
I am coming to accept that what I want is not possible. It is not possible for me to change the course of events that have brought me here. It is not possible to erase these memories from my heart and mind. It is not possible for the most enlightened doctor or therapist. Whether God can or could turn back time or erase memories, I don't know. But, I'm pretty sure that God doesn't to do this sort of thing.
Acceptance of the unacceptable is where I dwell. I can't keeping asking God to turn back time and make things as if this tragedy never happened. No matter how many more times I ask, it will never happen. God has great patience, but I'm fairly sure that after awhile my request to change history would become annoying- even for God.
Enter a new way of thinking: Could I search my heart and see if there are other things for which I could pray? Things I would want, even if I couldn't have what I really wanted. So I decided to try and make a list. I didn't think I would have much on my list. Really, was there anything else I would want if I couldn't reroute the course of history? When I finally sat down and started the list I was amazed at the things that poured out on the paper. I keep the list in my wallet and pull it out often when I can't find the words beyond, "God, help me".
Things I can pray for:
God, help me:
• To know you will and do your will.
• To get better rather than remain bitter.
• To heal my broken heart/life.
• To pray that Teri might be well and connected to God.
• To help me feel the pain and let it pass rather than get stuck obsessing about the past.
• To accept that the unacceptable has happened and no one can change it.
• To be a good and loving father and grandfather.
• To be a good pastor and preacher.
• To be close to God and have a hunger for God's word.
• To learn how to be alone without being lonely.
• To love and be loved.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Melia Summer Tour Updates
For the latest news on Melia's summer tour check out her Tour Blog at http://www.xanga.com/mannsmission or click on the title of this article.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Jeanne Fernandez
Jeanne Fernandez was found dead in her room last Saturday. Jeanne was the woman that Teri took care of for many months. I spoke with Jeanne a day or so before she died. We had a very deep and meaningful conversation. Jeanne had been ill for quite some time and her whole life revolved around doctors, medications and hospitals. There was little joy in her life. She called and told me that she had decided that she didn't have to be a victim to cancer. She realized that she could start getting out of her room, finding positive activities and live a meaningful life and give something back in spite of her physical problems. This was amazing for Jeanne because so much of her life revovled around being ill.
This is a picture of a small plant growing out of a crack in the sidewalk by the downtown bus station in San Jose. Jeanne saw this plant and asked me to take a picture of it for her. She said seeing the plant grow out of such a hard place was God's way of telling her that she could make it after she got out of jail a few years ago.
For Jeanne pain is over, sorrow has ended and she is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Video chat with the Mann's
I got to talk with Melia, Micah and Lily via iChat. It was very cool. I even got to hear and see part of Melia's concert. Here are some snapshots:
Monday, June 26, 2006
The Melia Mann Show is On The Road
After two days of packing their trust VW van, Micah, Melia and Lily took off on Melia's US Summer Tour 2006. We prayed that God would use them as they make the pilgrimage to Cornerstone. Melia has some great gigs set up and who knows where God will lead them to play and share along the way. I bought at special camera for my computer so I can video chat with them as they travel. I needed to be sure that my granddaughter doesn't forget me while she is a way.
Clicking the title of this post and will take you to Melia's web site where you can click on 'calendar" to find her itinerary.
New Jedi video coming soon -
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Fishing Trip
Here are some pictures from the camping trip. We had a great time, but it was very very hot. We played cards and we all caught fish - and isn't that what camping is all about? Due to the heat we ended up at the movies everyday - which is not what camping is all about - but I was very happy that we could head off to the matinee when the temperature reached 100 plus every afternoon.
Aric and Abel will be off to Hawaii to visit their dad for the summer. They were a lot of fun this last week.
Even Peter caught a few fish. Peter had been feeling like he was under a curse because he hadn't caught any fish for the past few years - but he broke the spell this week!
We had a bit of excitement when the rangers came through and told the campers about a new rule that declared it was cruelty to trees to tie a clothesline on them. People started yelling at the rangers saying they had been camping at Clear Lake for over 15 years and never heard of such a thing. The rangers were very apologetic and said they were only carrying out orders from the new superintendent. You could tell the rangers were not happy and there were not many happy campers. We figured out that we could rig a clothesline around our cook tent and survived but it was sort of strange to ban clothes lines on trees at a lakeside campground. I don't think the trees really mind all that much
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Jediah Norman arrived last night
It has been a crazy couple of days around the Norman house. Sunday night Kimberly and Micah came over to visit and Kimberly was not feeling well. They were thinking of going to the hospital the next day, but ended up going in at about 10:30 PM that night. Kimberly had severe swelling and was eventual diagnosed with preeclampsia. The doctors decided to induce labor. Kimberly was very brave and wonderful and Micah was a great coach and took good care of Kimberly. By Tuesday at around 7 PM Kimberly was having strong contractions but Jediah's heart rate was slowing. The doctors felt that it was becoming to hard for Jediah, so they opted for a C-section. Micah went along and stayed with Kimberly during the operation. Sometime soon after 8 PM Jediah entered the world four weeks premature weighing 3 lbs and 10 oz. Praise God for a wonderfully beautiful baby boy. Kimberly was doing well afterwards and her family all gathered around to see her and Jediah. Micah, Melia and Lily Mann were there to welcome Jediah.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Great new podcast -The Writer's Almanac
The Writer's Almanac is a great new broadcast and podcast from Garrison Keillor. Everyday has talks about authors born on that day a reads a poem. They are outstanding and quite moving. The title of this entry will take you to the site. You can subscribe to the podcast or to an email version or just visit the site from time to time. Here is one of the poems that spoke to me and I used it in a sermon today:
Poem: that has no title by Robert Lax from Tertium Quid.
praise god, though he's no place in any
astronomic seating plan,
sing still his might for still he can
wreak havoc on the race of man.
he still can shrug the earth a bit
to make your standing towers sit
and quite destroy your joules and volts
with mediocre thunder-bolts.
he still can tear your towns apart
while his surrealistic art
grows grass where hitler's moustache grows
and ferns from hirohito's toes
fills frank sinatra's mouth with ashes
and springs a toad from garbo's lashes
and with some slight celestial mayhem
destroys the shrines of martha graham
and porter cole and coward noel
and splits the earth from pole to pole,
or with some ray you haven't found
sink dante's hell-shaft under-ground.
sing still his might for still he can
wreak havoc on the race of man.
Poem: that has no title by Robert Lax from Tertium Quid.
praise god, though he's no place in any
astronomic seating plan,
sing still his might for still he can
wreak havoc on the race of man.
he still can shrug the earth a bit
to make your standing towers sit
and quite destroy your joules and volts
with mediocre thunder-bolts.
he still can tear your towns apart
while his surrealistic art
grows grass where hitler's moustache grows
and ferns from hirohito's toes
fills frank sinatra's mouth with ashes
and springs a toad from garbo's lashes
and with some slight celestial mayhem
destroys the shrines of martha graham
and porter cole and coward noel
and splits the earth from pole to pole,
or with some ray you haven't found
sink dante's hell-shaft under-ground.
sing still his might for still he can
wreak havoc on the race of man.
even More Lily Pictures
Well - there is only one thing worse than a grandpa's wallet when it comes to pictures of grandchildren - It is a grandpa's blog - Here are even more Lily pictures. Before the summer is over I will have grandchild number two and I will be adding many Jedi pictures. How can you help it when your grandchild is so beautiful?
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
UPDATE ON OVER 50 FUN
Well, well, well - It seems like things are just getting started with Dr. Chui. I wasn't sure how we stood after our last get together, but it seems like we hit it off better than I thought. He wants to see me again. Some of the results came back pre-cancerous - so I get to do it all over again in three years.
When it rains it pours!
This has been a crazy day. I'm up in SF watching Aric and Abel while Peter and Amber attend a really cool trade show in LA. We have been having a good time hanging out. Earlier Micah calls with news that Kimberly may have some problems with the baby and her health and the doctors are wondering if they should terminate the pregnancy or induce early labor - After we all flipped out the doctors decided things weren't as bad as they thought and Kimberly could continue the pregnancy - but she needs to come back for tests after the delivery.... Then Melia calls and they are taking Lily to the emergency ward because she is favoring her left arm and whimpering when mom and dad try to move it . . . Last I heard all was well - but they were waiting to see another doctor. They haven't called back so I'm hoping that is good news. I am keeping my kids and grandkids in nonstop prayer.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Monday, April 24, 2006
Over Fifty Fun
Well, well, well, there are so many new fun after 50 experiences! I finally gave in to my doctor's wishes a few days ago and completed my complete physical examination. Yes, COMPLETE physical examination. Last Friday Dr. Chui, a very nice man went where no man has gone before. He was great and the procedure was painless and over before I knew it - BUT no flowers, no dinner and not even a phone call the next morning. Well, actually his nurse called yesterday to see how I was doing, but I though that was a bit impersonal.
The strangest part of the procedure was waking up half way through, watching everything on a monitor and getting a guided tour of my innards by Dr. Chui as he was extracting the five foot long endoscope. Very surreal. He gave me a set of pictures to take home to commemorate the event. I decided that I would save you and not post them here.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Getting Ready for Easter
I'm really looking forward to Easter Sunday. I will be preaching on the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel as the ultimate vision of resurrection. I am working on a powerpoint background for Easter that is from a picture of one of our sanctuary's stain glass windows.
I need to go to Costco and pick out a roast or ham or some festive cut of meat. Peter and Amber, Micah and Kimberly, Melia and Micah and Lily will all be coming for Easter dinner. It should be a great time. I'm hoping to have a dart board set up.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Holy Week
Palm Sunday was very good. I really felt confident getting back to preaching. We had good attendance and I felt that Jesus was with us. Today is a busy day - pastor's prayer meeting, new tires on the car, finish taxes, mail a book I sold on eBay, counseling, support group and more - I think I need to get over the reality that I won't complete everything and just complete the most important items. Here is a new picture of my darling granddaughter -
Monday, April 03, 2006
Thanks for the prayers
Thanks for the prayers and keep praying! Church was great and God is good. This is a song by Chris Tomlin that keeps running through my mind and I want to make it my song and prayer:
Verse 1
Caught in the half-light
I'm caught alone
Waking up to the sunrise
And the radio
Feels like I'm tied up what's holding me
Just praying today will be the day I go free
And I want to live like there's no tomorrow
I want to dance like no one's around
I want to sing like nobody's listening
Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty
I want to love like I'm not afraid
I want to be the man I was meant to be
I want to be the way I was made
Verse 2
Made in Your likeness
Made with Your hands
Made to discover who You are
And who I am
All I've forgotten help me to find
All that You've promised let it be in my life
The Way I Was Made
Authors: Chris Tomlin
Ed Cash
Jesse Reeves
Copyright: 2004 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Alletrop Music (Admin. by Music Services)
sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Verse 1
Caught in the half-light
I'm caught alone
Waking up to the sunrise
And the radio
Feels like I'm tied up what's holding me
Just praying today will be the day I go free
And I want to live like there's no tomorrow
I want to dance like no one's around
I want to sing like nobody's listening
Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty
I want to love like I'm not afraid
I want to be the man I was meant to be
I want to be the way I was made
Verse 2
Made in Your likeness
Made with Your hands
Made to discover who You are
And who I am
All I've forgotten help me to find
All that You've promised let it be in my life
The Way I Was Made
Authors: Chris Tomlin
Ed Cash
Jesse Reeves
Copyright: 2004 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Alletrop Music (Admin. by Music Services)
sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Back to work
After taking around a month off from ministry, I am returning this morning. I am surprised at how apprehensive and anxious I feel. I have felt great love from the church and from God, so I'm not sure why I am feeling these feelings. I am trusting that God will meet me in worship today and affirm my calling and gifting as a pastor.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Great Grandma and Great Grandpa
My parents stopped by last weekend. We had a great time. Family is so precious. Here are my parents with their great grandaughter.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
A Poem
This is a wonderful poem and picture that my daughter made for me as a Father's Day present about 10 years ago. The picture is from 1985 or '86 when we spent a very happy day spent at Pictured Rocks National Monument in Munising, MI. Micah can be seen as a toddler and Melia must be a first grader. I was 30 something. There is a picture of the poem as the layout seems to add to the feeling and meaning.
Inadequate words of good intent to sooth things unspoken.
I show my heart, my need, your constant gift of patience, kindness, this is love.
Take peace, know that you have given all-
Know that He knows, Know that he loves- that the eyes of a proud Father look down upon you as the eyes of a daughter look up for guidance.
Things lost, life rushes on- you’ve not been swept aside.
A constant faith, unending selfless striving to show your heart, to fill the need with your gift of patience, kindness, this is love.
Inadequate words of good intent to sooth things unspoken.
I show my heart, my need, your constant gift of patience, kindness, this is love.
Take peace, know that you have given all-
Know that He knows, Know that he loves- that the eyes of a proud Father look down upon you as the eyes of a daughter look up for guidance.
Things lost, life rushes on- you’ve not been swept aside.
A constant faith, unending selfless striving to show your heart, to fill the need with your gift of patience, kindness, this is love.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
A nice picture
This picture was taken at Max's Deli. Lily was about 2 months old at that time. A lot of folks have been asking about Teri. She has just been transfered to a new recovery program, It is a 90 day to 6 month program. She cannot call home for the first 2 weeks. I hope she can find some help there. If you email me, I can send her address.
Monday, March 06, 2006
More New Baby News!
In the middle of all the crazy stuff going on with our family, I was so happy to find out that MIcah and Kimberly are expecting a baby boy! This is the latest ultrasound. It is a close up of the babies face. They have chosen, Jediah, for his first name. It means "hand of God". Micah wants to call him Jedi for short. I can't wait to have another baby around. Lily has been growing up so fast. She is walking and starting to talk. A few days ago words began to have real meaning for her. It was so fun to watch. She can say and understand; up, cracker, cheese, shoes, olive, and cat. It is amazing how you can have a meaningful conversation with so few words. Well, at least Lily and I can.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Kind Words from Pastor Nancy Schell
You might have heard of the hard time our family has been going through. The church has been wonderfully supportive and kind. Here are some kind words from Rev Nancy that were written for the church newsletter:
Dear Family,
We here at Westminster are a particular part of the family of God. Called together by our Lord, we continue to learn day by day what it means to be a healthy family. How does each of us learn the skills necessary for living together? How do we care for each other, support each other, accept each other for the persons we are?
For almost eighty years, Westminster has been my family--through the good times and the hard times. Eight years ago, we called Rev. Steve and Teri Norman into this family, to walk with us and help us grow and change. I have watched as Steve has helped us find a new vision of what Westminster can become.
I have admired Steve's honesty, openness, and vulnerability. One of my continuing frustrations is how we can care and love each other if we are not willing to admit where we are hurting. How can we be "wounded healers" unless we are willing to reveal our own struggles? Pastor Steve has been a model of this by his personal integrity.
As the Apostle Peter wrote in his letter to the Christians scattered over the known world, "You are a kingdom of priests." Today each of us here at Westminster is a priest for our God, speaking for our Lord to the people and speaking for the people to our Lord. Right now we are called to pray to God for Pastor Steve and Teri in their struggles, to care for them, and support them with our love. Tomorrow any one of us might be the one who stands in that place of need.
Together let us be the Body of Christ!
Dear Family,
We here at Westminster are a particular part of the family of God. Called together by our Lord, we continue to learn day by day what it means to be a healthy family. How does each of us learn the skills necessary for living together? How do we care for each other, support each other, accept each other for the persons we are?
For almost eighty years, Westminster has been my family--through the good times and the hard times. Eight years ago, we called Rev. Steve and Teri Norman into this family, to walk with us and help us grow and change. I have watched as Steve has helped us find a new vision of what Westminster can become.
I have admired Steve's honesty, openness, and vulnerability. One of my continuing frustrations is how we can care and love each other if we are not willing to admit where we are hurting. How can we be "wounded healers" unless we are willing to reveal our own struggles? Pastor Steve has been a model of this by his personal integrity.
As the Apostle Peter wrote in his letter to the Christians scattered over the known world, "You are a kingdom of priests." Today each of us here at Westminster is a priest for our God, speaking for our Lord to the people and speaking for the people to our Lord. Right now we are called to pray to God for Pastor Steve and Teri in their struggles, to care for them, and support them with our love. Tomorrow any one of us might be the one who stands in that place of need.
Together let us be the Body of Christ!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Dear church -
Worship is more that sitting in the sanctuary on Sunday Mornings. The word "worship" actually means "work of the people". We often think of worship as prayer, preaching, sacraments and singing. Worship can involve all four elements, but worship is more than that. Worship is serving God. Everything we do as service to the Lord is worship. When we share God's love in real tangible ways it is worship. Just imagine you could be washing the dishes and worshiping God at the same time. No cathedral, no organ, no pulpit necessary! So, why is it necessary to meet together on Sundays?
We need to be together in worship on Sundays because we are part of a community together. Following Jesus is more than a solitary pursuit. It is also a walk along side and with others who are also following Jesus. There are times to worship alone and times to worship together. There are times we worship through serving God and others in very practical, visible ways and times we worship and serve in ways that may seem invisible. Singing out together, speaking out together, believing God hears and responds may not seem practical to some, but things happen unseen - deep in our hearts. These are the invisible workings of God in us that become visible as we live out our worship in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit mysteriously moves through the prayers, songs, words, signs, hand shakes, hugs and symbols we share on Sunday morning. Worship should always be God-centered, but we do benefit and receive hope and strength when we worship the living God together. We have a lone solitary life in Christ and a together body life in Christ. Both are real and both are necessary parts of the Christian life. Come; let's worship together this Sunday.
We need to be together in worship on Sundays because we are part of a community together. Following Jesus is more than a solitary pursuit. It is also a walk along side and with others who are also following Jesus. There are times to worship alone and times to worship together. There are times we worship through serving God and others in very practical, visible ways and times we worship and serve in ways that may seem invisible. Singing out together, speaking out together, believing God hears and responds may not seem practical to some, but things happen unseen - deep in our hearts. These are the invisible workings of God in us that become visible as we live out our worship in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit mysteriously moves through the prayers, songs, words, signs, hand shakes, hugs and symbols we share on Sunday morning. Worship should always be God-centered, but we do benefit and receive hope and strength when we worship the living God together. We have a lone solitary life in Christ and a together body life in Christ. Both are real and both are necessary parts of the Christian life. Come; let's worship together this Sunday.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Capernaum
We are blessed to have an awesome ministry meet at our church called the Capernaum Project. The minster to youth and youg adults with disabilities - The local paper published a wonderful article about them at http://www.rosegardenresident.com/rg-cover.shtml - or click on the title of this article
Friday, December 23, 2005
New Baby on the Way
Well, Micah and his girl friend Kimberly are expecting. Here the sonogram. Kimbery is sure you can see the face. Teri and I are happy to have another grandbaby on the way. Lily has a new cousin on the way.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Jammin at the open mic
I'm sitting using the free wifi at an open mic that Melia is putting on. Not many people here - so I felt brave enough to sing a few songs. How strange that the few people who were here decided to take that as their que to leave. I seem to have that affect on folks.... I used to play country music but no one could every figure out which country it was from...
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Holy Huddles
Someone once criticized Sunday morning worship by calling it a holy huddle. I guess the put down is deserved when a church becomes self-centered and isolated from her community. But when church is Jesus-centered, servant-minded and turned outward towards her community a holy huddle could be a positive thing and a necessary part of being whole and healthy.
In football the huddle is a time for the players to gather behind the scrimmage line in order to plan the next play. In the best sense, Sunday worship is kind of like a holy huddle. A weekly time to gather together all the players on God's team so we can regroup and get the plans for the next play.
Could you imagine what it would be like for a football team if players stepped on to the field without attending the huddle? How could they ever hope to get the ball across the field? How could the coach plan the plays not knowing which players knew the plans or would show for the game?
With this in mind, part of the Faith Promise Card asked Westminster members to make worship and prayer priorities for 2006. I was encouraged to see that out if all the Faith Promise Cards received, 54 individuals pledged to make worship and prayer priorities for 2006. This is a great start, but I would like to see that number increase before the year is over. I'm hoping that at least 200 people would make a commitment to be in worship and to pray for our church in 2006. It is hard to be a winning team, when players miss the huddle. Consider sending a email (steve@revnorman.com), phoning a message (294-7447 X12) or drop a note in the offering basket and let me know that you want Westminster to be winning team and will make worship and prayer priorities in 2006.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Jr High Time
Well, it's 2;26 AM and I just discover a wireless access signal in the Christain Ed building. What am I doing here at 2:30 AM? We are having a fun cool Jr High lock in! We went to see the new Narnia Movie - It was great! Earlier in the day we decorated a room to look like Narnia. The kids had to enter through a wardrobe and we had a lamp post and stone table. The thought it was pretty cool. Right now the girls are in one room watching movies and the guys are in another room playing video games. True jr. high!
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Becoming one church with two main languages and many cultures
"For my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." From Is. 56:7
Our congregation is made up of individuals from many different cultures and countries. In 2003, we received a Transforming Church Grant from our denomination to help us grow as a church and explore this wonderful thing that God is doing at Westminster. In 2004, we were able to move Rev. Stella from a non-ordained position to an ordained call to Associate Pastor of Hispanic Ministries. Every Sunday, separate worship services are held in Spanish and English. There are many other Spanish classes and ministries during the week as well.
The goal is not to bring everyone to the same cultural behaviors, but to bring everyone to a more full relationship with God. We are committed to celebrating the differences between the people within the church and seeking to help each person meet God in the setting which they feel most natural.
Some of the activities associated with this effort are:
• Intentionally combine activities with English and Spanish speaking members
o Men’s Breakfast
o Women’s Retreat
o Mother’s Day Dinner
o Cross-Preaching
o Bilingual Services
• Build more leadership from Communidad Latinoamericana for the whole church –Deacons/Elders
Our congregation is made up of individuals from many different cultures and countries. In 2003, we received a Transforming Church Grant from our denomination to help us grow as a church and explore this wonderful thing that God is doing at Westminster. In 2004, we were able to move Rev. Stella from a non-ordained position to an ordained call to Associate Pastor of Hispanic Ministries. Every Sunday, separate worship services are held in Spanish and English. There are many other Spanish classes and ministries during the week as well.
The goal is not to bring everyone to the same cultural behaviors, but to bring everyone to a more full relationship with God. We are committed to celebrating the differences between the people within the church and seeking to help each person meet God in the setting which they feel most natural.
Some of the activities associated with this effort are:
• Intentionally combine activities with English and Spanish speaking members
o Men’s Breakfast
o Women’s Retreat
o Mother’s Day Dinner
o Cross-Preaching
o Bilingual Services
• Build more leadership from Communidad Latinoamericana for the whole church –Deacons/Elders
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Celebrating Children and Youth, being intergenerational
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them..." From Matthew 19:14
Westminster has always placed high value on children and youth. We see the youth and children of the church as part of the body of Christ today, and the core of the church tomorrow. Over the next year, there will be an intentional emphasis on building Westminster's youth ministry.
Along with the value given to the children and youth of the church is a desire for healthy connections between all age groups. WPC has a strong belief that the older members of the church have valuable insights for the younger, and that activities and programs that encourage contact and cooperation among older and younger members of the church are beneficial to the vitality and growth of the whole church.
Some of the activities associated with this effort:
• New youth director for Jr. and Sr. High
• Develop volunteer staff for youth programs
• Fix-up CE Building
o Nursery remodeled
o Playground remodeled
o Bathrooms remodeled (3 more)
o Carpets in 2 rooms (3yr. old & computer room)
• Intentional intergenerational programming
Westminster has always placed high value on children and youth. We see the youth and children of the church as part of the body of Christ today, and the core of the church tomorrow. Over the next year, there will be an intentional emphasis on building Westminster's youth ministry.
Along with the value given to the children and youth of the church is a desire for healthy connections between all age groups. WPC has a strong belief that the older members of the church have valuable insights for the younger, and that activities and programs that encourage contact and cooperation among older and younger members of the church are beneficial to the vitality and growth of the whole church.
Some of the activities associated with this effort:
• New youth director for Jr. and Sr. High
• Develop volunteer staff for youth programs
• Fix-up CE Building
o Nursery remodeled
o Playground remodeled
o Bathrooms remodeled (3 more)
o Carpets in 2 rooms (3yr. old & computer room)
• Intentional intergenerational programming
Monday, November 07, 2005
Reaching out to others by showing God’s love in practical ways
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth" 1 John 3:18
We desire to reach out in a way that will allow and encourage open conversations about how God loves us.
Some of the activities associated with this effort are:
• Servant Evangelism outreaches
• A church-wide philosophy of ministry that focuses on practical applications of faith
We desire to reach out in a way that will allow and encourage open conversations about how God loves us.
Some of the activities associated with this effort are:
• Servant Evangelism outreaches
• A church-wide philosophy of ministry that focuses on practical applications of faith
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Becoming a faithful partner with our neighborhood
"The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood." From John 1:14, The Message
Westminster is actively involved with many of the neighborhood associations, business associations, and volunteer groups operating in the same community as the church building. Many of these groups currently use the Westminster facilities for meetings. Neighborhood involvement is a response to God's call to be good stewards of the world. It is also a way to live out God's command to love our neighbors. As Westminster takes seriously its commitment to the local community, all church members will be inspired to be good stewards in their own local communities.
Some of the activities associated with this effort are:
• Create a greater awareness in the congregation of WPC's community involvement.
• Further a common understanding of the Biblical basis for community involvement
• Increase Westminster’s visibility in the neighborhood
• Making our property more attractive and accessible
Westminster is actively involved with many of the neighborhood associations, business associations, and volunteer groups operating in the same community as the church building. Many of these groups currently use the Westminster facilities for meetings. Neighborhood involvement is a response to God's call to be good stewards of the world. It is also a way to live out God's command to love our neighbors. As Westminster takes seriously its commitment to the local community, all church members will be inspired to be good stewards in their own local communities.
Some of the activities associated with this effort are:
• Create a greater awareness in the congregation of WPC's community involvement.
• Further a common understanding of the Biblical basis for community involvement
• Increase Westminster’s visibility in the neighborhood
• Making our property more attractive and accessible
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Inspiring personal outreach in our own communities and around the world
"You are the light of the world….let your light shine…" From Matthew 5:14 –16
One statement from a town hall meeting was something like this:
" I see a big emphasis on the church reaching out to its local community, but where do I learn how to reach out to
my friends and my community? "
One of the primary ways we see God working through Westminster is in the actions of church members reaching out to their neighbors.
Westminster is called to provide the training we each need to effectively reach out to our neighbors and show God’s love to those around us. A picture of this ministry would show the members of our church spread out through all of the neighborhoods in which we live and work, each individually reaching out to the people we know.
Some of the activities associated with this effort are:
• Making worship and prayer a priority
• Short Term Missions program
• Strategy to assimilate new people
• Leadership Training program
• Small Group Ministry
One statement from a town hall meeting was something like this:
" I see a big emphasis on the church reaching out to its local community, but where do I learn how to reach out to
my friends and my community? "
One of the primary ways we see God working through Westminster is in the actions of church members reaching out to their neighbors.
Westminster is called to provide the training we each need to effectively reach out to our neighbors and show God’s love to those around us. A picture of this ministry would show the members of our church spread out through all of the neighborhoods in which we live and work, each individually reaching out to the people we know.
Some of the activities associated with this effort are:
• Making worship and prayer a priority
• Short Term Missions program
• Strategy to assimilate new people
• Leadership Training program
• Small Group Ministry
2006 WPC Vision
"So that the follower of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." From 2 Timothy 3:17
Over the last two years, there has been a deliberate effort to seek out God’s will for our church. This has included the work of the Vision Team formed in 2004, a series of Town Hall meetings with the congregation, and a large portion of the Session activities during 2005. Church leaders have been seeking God's leading, listening to you, and searching their hearts to discover what God is doing in the midst of our church. Early on in the process the session decided not to cast their own visions and ask God to bless what they wanted to do. Instead, the session has been seeking to discover what God is already doing because it is blessed already.
The results of this effort have been summarized in the following description of the primary objective of the church for the near term:
EQUIPPING AND CALLING CHRISTIANS OF ALL AGES TO ANSWER THE CALL OF GOD ON THEIR LIVES.
This vision comes directly from our mission statement and grows out of two presuppositions that are core values of Westminster. The first is a firm belief that all people have a God-given purpose in life. The second is the conviction that God calls the church to equip and inspire people to answer that call. The qualifying words, "of all ages,” speak to our commitment to seeing everyone of any age as a vital part of God's church.
I'll be blogging the descriptions of the major objectives and characteristics of the planned ministry of Westminster, and a set of specific goals for Westminster for the next 12-16 months.
Over the last two years, there has been a deliberate effort to seek out God’s will for our church. This has included the work of the Vision Team formed in 2004, a series of Town Hall meetings with the congregation, and a large portion of the Session activities during 2005. Church leaders have been seeking God's leading, listening to you, and searching their hearts to discover what God is doing in the midst of our church. Early on in the process the session decided not to cast their own visions and ask God to bless what they wanted to do. Instead, the session has been seeking to discover what God is already doing because it is blessed already.
The results of this effort have been summarized in the following description of the primary objective of the church for the near term:
EQUIPPING AND CALLING CHRISTIANS OF ALL AGES TO ANSWER THE CALL OF GOD ON THEIR LIVES.
This vision comes directly from our mission statement and grows out of two presuppositions that are core values of Westminster. The first is a firm belief that all people have a God-given purpose in life. The second is the conviction that God calls the church to equip and inspire people to answer that call. The qualifying words, "of all ages,” speak to our commitment to seeing everyone of any age as a vital part of God's church.
I'll be blogging the descriptions of the major objectives and characteristics of the planned ministry of Westminster, and a set of specific goals for Westminster for the next 12-16 months.
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