Green Lake United Methodist Church

Methodist Founder felt Tradition was important, Do we?

In the Methodist movement tradition is considered one of the 4 elements we stand on as a church:  Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience.  But our traditional memory often seems short, going back maybe 60 years, until the “good old days” of the 50′s when a post-war church boom was alive and well.  We remember when our Sunday Schools were full as well as our pews on Sunday mornings, we remember rummage sales, holiday pageants and potlucks.  These are fond memories that warm our hearts and take us back to a sweeter time.  But what really makes a time sweet?  Is it the focus on our needs, our wants, our desires?  The church of the 1950′s was doing an amazing job of healing a broken country in the aftermath of World War II, but at some point we felt that that this was our pinnacle, yet the traditions of the church which were set aside in the wake of needing healing, seemed to be forgotten, and what was self-care became self-serving.  We forgot our spiritual and sacred roots, we forgot the practices that nurtured communities of faith for centuries and were the hallmark of the Methodist movement.

One of the reasons that Wesley included tradition in his 4 principles, was his keen insight into inviting the wisdom of those who came before him into the fullness of faith that was essential to this movement that encouraged its people to worship in any church on a Sunday, but experience the fullness of a life of faith within spiritual “methods.”  Daily prayer, scripture and a gathering of small groups for support in a real world encompassing all from pain to joy, were the essentials for Methodism, this methodical group who encouraged one another in faith.  His greatest worry was that this movement would become institutional, forgetting who and whose they are.

But if we think woe to our denominational church, let’s face it, it is merely a reflection of a culture that has formed in this country of great newness.  We are one of the youngest nations, having pushed the natives of this land to the margins, and brought in new people for this new country.  As a good chef I know once said, “we don’t ask for a good restaurant when seeking a recommendation, we ask for a new one.”  We are a people who move from house to house on average every 3 years, who change our wardrobe on average of 6 months to a year as fashion demands, and who fill garage sales, thrift stores and land-fills with our cast-off “old stuff.”  We are taught by politicians, advertisers, and economic “experts” that we are not people, but consumers, who must buy, buy, buy new, New, NEW everyday in order to make things well, it is our responsibility.  Little room here to be informed by tradition.

Yet what does this all do for our sense of meaning and purpose?  It seems as if our culture is denying that there is a wide and awesome possibility of existence here in God’s creation, we lose some things that have been essential to human tradition, and more so, traditions of faith.  Our meaning and purpose get tied to things like economy, work, and “getting away.”  We are so dragged down by daily life that we need to get away.

This was precisely what our early founder was seeking to remedy with the foundation of Methodist practices, the grinding daily life that pushes us to get away, to seek what is missing in our lives.  Daily practices of communication in small groups where the highs and lows of life were not only shared, but all were surrounded by loving support of one another.  Where the greatest part of this circle of people was the awareness that God IS present, through prayer and spirit this was reinforced each day.  The constant reminder that One, mysterious, all-knowing, all-loving is always present.  God above all names is with us in times of trouble and times of celebration.

Wesley borrowed ideas for his faith groups, for his movement from the traditions of old, he did not invent something “new” in the 1700′s – it should be a reminder to us all that what worked so well for early Methodists was not even new then.  The essentials of tradition have as much to teach us now as then.

In the past months I’ve been writing much of my time in Italy, a land where people seem to be drawn to when seeking their souls, seeking deeper meaning.  Just look at the books and movies that are so popular these days: ” Under the Tuscan Sun”, “Eat, Pray, Love”, “A Thousand Days in Venice,” “Letters from Juliette”…..  What does Italy have that we don’t?   It has tradition, rich tradition that the people embrace fully, in their daily lives, in their food, in maintaining culture.  For me, coming from the life of pastor,  the greatest elements of this traditional culture was the life lived publicly, where all stories of life are shared among friends who consult, comfort, and celebrate with one another.  And of course, the amazing depth of worship, traditional celebration of the sacred, and the ever present witness to faith of the people via their art.  The wonder of the art was that it was often used as a means for social commentary, criticism of institutional church, and the awesomeness of a God beyond explanation.  Most Italians I met, even those who don’t formally attend church are intensely spiritual, it is a good place to seek spirit and healing.

In such a new nation, can we find a depth of spirit that seems to leave us seeking other places to find it?  Can we dig deeper into our souls to move us beyond the trappings of our culture into a sense of eternal that looks both the the past as well as to the future?  Can we reclaim in our churches and institutions the heart and soul of what was so alive in the early church, in the renaissance, in the reformation??  Are we desperate enough for depth of meaning to make profound changes in our world that take us back to what is so important, the Love of God, others and self – sustained in community???

Penicale Piazza Sacred Art

Papa Pio, Caretaker to the poor in modern Italy, a recent saint can be seen in many surprising places, a reminder of contemporary faith lived out.

Assisi Art

Gubbio Tower

Marie a most Courteous Clerk!

The Gang from the Back Row Before Worship

Marie is a very familiar face in our neighborhood, she works as a courtesy clerk at QFC grocery, she lives just a few blocks from our church castle, and she is a member of our congregation.  She knows soooooo many people in the neighborhood not only from her job serving customers at the grocery, but because she is always about the neighborhood and on our local buses.  Marie knows every barrista in the area and is frequently invited to area events because she is so well known and loved.

Marie has moved around the Seattle area since early childhood, but she and her mom Shirley returned to our neighborhood when purchasing a home because it was a place where she felt welcomed and cared for when she was a child at Green Lake Elementary.  In turn Marie now is a member of our children’s ministry team, caring for some of the youngest in our congregation.

One of the beauties of being in the neighborhood in so many ways is that Marie truly connects with some folks that seem to fade in an out of the neighborhood scene.  I can think of how a member of our congregation had been dealing with health issues, but Marie stayed in touch with them via the grocery, and staying connected to their family, even when they weren’t able to get out.  Marie has a gift, a skill, a charming way about her that keeps her connected and connecting our community.

I had the privilege of traveling with Marie to eastern Washington for a training and learning the depth of commitment and love she has for our community, stories of her friends at Bus Stop Espresso, Peaks Custard Shop and the folks she works with at our neighborhood grocery, stories peppered with laughter and joy.  Marie has that gift, to share her laughter and joy around the community as someone who is truly connected to the people that she meets each day!

How can all of us get more connected to the various levels of neighborhood we live in?  How do our lives reflect a sense of appreciation for the place we call home?  Why do we choose to live somewhere, is a spiritual sense of place that draws us in, a place of welcome, a place of beauty or something else, more or less?!?!?!  How thankful are we of the place we call home and the people we can call neighbor?

Marie, Playing with our boys in the nursery, caring for all!

Linda at the Bookstore sharing her ever-present smile!

I met Linda and her husband Jim through our congregation member Teresa, as she yelled out an invitation to them from the coffee cart on the church porch.  Linda and Jim live within sight of the church, which is lucky for us!  They are both so delightful at Jim has volunteered at the church before, and as both have become welcome visitors to the coffee cart, sometimes with dog in tow to visit Boo, but always bringing their friendly presence and warmth even on the coldest of spring days!!

Linda is a former school librarian who now lends her talents  to Mockingbird Books, reading stories, suggesting books, helping children and adults find the books their hearts desire.  If she doesn’t have something, she will find something that will suit your needs, Linda aims to please!

When I think of people who use their talents and gifts for the best of their community I can see Linda’s skill as storyteller shining through with so much joy.  As a pastor that is always the most exciting thing, to see how people utilize the gifts that they have been so wonderfully made with!   It is exciting to see someone at a work they love, not an action movie excitement, but a deep heartfelt excitement that inspires one to find their own gifts and talents to share.

Linda takes me back to the joy of my childhood in savoring the colorful books of the library that my mother would read to me in fullness of animation and intent.  Some of my greatest memories was listening to a really good story, it has inspired me to write, preach and teach, sharing the stories of meaning and imagination in God’s world.  When Linda even speaks of her life as a librarian, or of sharing stories in the big room at Mockingbird Books each morning, her eyes sparkle, and one is drawn in.  It is the sort of thing that makes one want to borrow a child from a neighbor so they can come be part of the group at 11 a.m.

When I think of my Sesame Street years and “who are the people in your neighborhood, the people that you meet when you’re walking down the street…”  I think of Linda and Jim, people who meet and greet – are the very best of neighbors sharing life and vitality!  Today I shall have to venture down for story time at 11 a.m……Gonna be a happy day!!

Linda with Sue, two amazing "Book Ladies!"

Linda with Jim - everyone lends a hand at Mockingbird - a Family Place.

Ed helping the children get to school.

I met Ed in a most embarrassing way, he was saving my beloved dog, Boo from oncoming traffic as he had escaped the church yard.  But then, that is what Ed does, he serves and protects all in our neighborhood as they cross the street near Green Lake Elementary.  Not just the kids mind you, but any neighbor can be comfortable in knowing that Ed is there in the mornings and afternoons looking out for us all.

We had Boo only a 2 days when he escaped the yard and in the following school year Ed would save him more than that once (we have now fixed the fence).  As I visited with him one day he mentioned that he had to “step up” the kids coming were dangerous, 3 children with one nanny, quite a handful and Ed was there to ensure they all made the busy street safely.  This was his gentle tease, kids not dangerous, but his dedication to them very serious.  As former police officer, Ed’s commanding presence is a gift with so much traffic abounding!

But Ed offers more than safety, he offers greetings, conversation and warm smiles to all who pass by.  Ed is so well beloved for being that kind and friendly presence first thing in the morning and as the kids go home!  Everyone in the neighborhood knows and loves Ed.  As the school breaks for summer tomorrow, Ed will be missed by many of us.  As I stand out here in the coffee cart I look forward already to the day when school returns with the kids and with Ed!!

Have a great Summer Ed!!

Ed Shares a Story.

Amy at Lulu's a neighbor and friend to all at Green Lake.

I discovered why Amy Duncan does what she does so well, she is by profession a librarian, she enjoys people, research and informing.  Amy is the heart and soul behind www.mygreenlake.com our neighborhood blog site.  Behind her efforts are those in the neighborhood with police scanners, the businesses, community councils and simply the word on the street she gleans from people or neighbor’s web sites.  She combs our community to share information with all so that we can all connect.  Amy sends out the invitation for all to participate in the activities of the neighborhood, she encourages us to get out of our homes and into the parks, businesses, churches and community centers around Green Lake.

Amy is a one person Welcome Wagon.  Amy lived on the edge of the Green Lake neighborhood for years and when she and her family moved here a year and a half ago she missed seeing local neighborhood listings on the Greenwood site.  So utilizing her gifts and talents for this very work set out to create what hadn’t yet happened in our techie part of the city, a neighborhood blog just for us at Green Lake.

Amy keeps us up to date on deaths in the area, crime, but much more importantly, the life and pulse of what is happening here.  You check the site and you know what businesses are opening and closing, who is offering what type of worship on Christmas and Easter, and when and where the next Contra Dance will take place at Green Lake!  We can find out about our local school changes with the financial cutbacks, and have an opportunity to express our opinions to King County regarding our bus service.  Amy plugs us in to the community.

The absolute coolest thing is that Amy does not live behind her computer, she lives in the neighborhood.  If there is a neighborhood meeting, she is there, she is a regular at Lulu’s and many other businesses here, and when we had the Open Castle Amy brought her daughter, Sloan, to come and do our green crafts and explore our dungeon.  Amy is a living breathing part of our community who breathes life into this service of inviting folks to live a life public with neighbors.

I have yet to see Amy without a smile on her face when she speaks of her work.  Did I mention this is an unpaid position?

When I think of Spirit of Place, and the concept that the sacred is everywhere and in everyone, I contemplate how this place, Green Lake is uniquely wonderful.  What makes it so, is what makes every place uniquely wonderful, the love that is shown for neighbor by neighbor.  Amy has truly found her calling here at Green Lake, and I wonder how we can all be so engaged with our neighbors, with our community in the celebration of the Spirit of Green Lake?!?!?

Amy you and your family are in our prayers as you welcome your second child into the world later this month.  You are truly a gift to our neighborhood!!

Amy sharing her warm smile on a rainy day.