Busy-ness

I've been struggling with some health issues lately that have kept me from being very productive at anything, blogging included. I am doing a bit better now, but am still working through what appear to be some chronic issues.

It's interesting, I've had lots of opportunity lately to tell medical personnel the long litany of things in my life that could be potential sources of stress. It's usually right about the time that I say I'm taking 13 hours of credits at school and doing an internship that's 20 hours a week that they start to comment about how incredibly much that is, and that it's certainly a lot of stress to cope with. That's when I tell them that it's typical -- everyone in their second year at Iliff in the MDiv program is expected to take 13-14 hours and do an internship on top of that. If we don't, we end up having to stay here an extra year.

The truth is, though, that it really is a lot. All of my collegues seem to be stressed to the max. There's been quite a lot of illness at Iliff this term, and no wonder if students are so run down from busy-ness. Iliff, isn't atypical in this, either. I think it's pretty much standard for theological schools, and probably other graduate schools for that matter. But is it healthy?? Not really. Isn't it ironic that at a school where we're trying to learn to be models of healthful living and choices that we are in fact setting up life patterns that are so taxing and unhealthy. I'm not sure what a good solution for the institutional problem is, but for me at least, stepping back a bit is going to be essential.

Application Complete

The adoption application is finished and turned in. I dropped it off today. I'm really amazed at how much better I feel at having it in. It really is a weight off my shoulders. Now, of course, comes the even more invasive process of home study.

Why I'm a United Methodist

I just couldn't resist stealing Will Willimon's title.

So, I guess it's decided now. I am a United Methodist. Methodisto sum. Yo soy una Metodista Unida. Ego eimi o methodomenos o sumphutos. And why? Well, I think the most important thing is this: the people called United Methodists are my people. Just that alone is enough. In addition, there are several things that I still prefer about The United Methodist Church, including: open communion, the Social Principles, inclusive language, the hymnal(s), UMCOR, itinerancy, camping ministry, and several other things that I just can't think of at the moment. I do really enjoy some of the liturgy and ritual of the Episcopal Church, but most of the important things from that are still quite possible in a United Methodist Church, and I will continue my involvement in the Order of Saint Luke, which is working toward just such liturgical renewals in the church. It really is the people, though.

Ash Wednesday

Started the day by setting up for Ash Wednesday at Calvary Baptist, where I'm an intern. Then went to Iliff to participate in Chapel there. It was in the Anglican Style, and I got to participate as a chalice bearer and an imposer of ashes. The Rev'd Dr. Richard Valantasis, whose my New Testament Prof and an Anglican Priest was to officiate. Unfortunately, he's very ill. So, we ended up with a bunch of Methodist and Presbyterian clergy trying to fill in along with us students who were assisting. We all did our best, but it was a bit rough. I was still glad to be participating in the role that I had. It was my first time imposing ashes. There something very solemn but at the same time, very connected about it.

Dr. Valantasis cancelled class this afternoon as well, so I think I'm going to actually take care of my body for once and go for a walk. I feel like I haven't even been outside in weeks.

Denominational Crisis

Well, I'm thinking of becoming Episcopalian again. I had a feeling similar to this about this time last year. I really drawn to the high church worship style. I already pray the Daily Office as member of the Order of Saint Luke. I really like all of the ritual. When I close my eyes, that's where I imagine myself in ministry, behind the altar with all of the chanting and sitting and standing and kneeling. I'm starting to lose track of the reasons that I decided to stay Methodist last time around. I think mainly because of all the Methodist people I know and that I've always been Methodist. Just to be clear, I don't really have anything against the United Methodist Church, Methodists, or Methodism. I just think that I might be a better fit in the Epistcopal Church. Time will tell, I suppose.