So I Spent 10 days with a bunch of Presbyterians Part 3
This is my final post for this ongoing blog, I guess you could say "series".
I used my OneNote app (thanks Microsoft - please sponsor me and pay for my education) to take notes and have "official" tabs and then "random thoughts" and "own thoughts" tabs. There are things speakers said that stuck out to me that I want to take back to my church like ideas and verses that need to be recognized and conversations that should be shared, but sitting in meetings, plenary, and committees for hours on end gave me a lot of time to think about who I am as a Christian, who I am as a young adult woman in this society, and who I am as Rachel Jewett.
This post started as some fun tidbits that wrapped up my thoughts but after a FULL day of plenary today (Friday the 22nd) a lot of items of business tugged at my heart more than I thought they would so this post will be longer than I thought. Enjoy.
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I Love Buttons. And SASS
This week there was an exhibition hall with different mission vendors, Presbyterian churches and schools, volunteer organizations, and projects promoting their belief and sharing their information. I stopped by one booth and picked up two free buttons, "#timesup" and "#churchtoo". If you are familiar with the #metoo movement these other buttons are apart of that campaign. According to an article by Alix Langone in the Times online, "Time's up can be thought of as a solution based, action-oriented next step in the #metoo movement." Founder of the movement, Christy Haubeggar was quoted saying, "It was founded on the premise that everyone, every human being, deserves a right to earn a living, to take care of themselves, to take care of their families, free of impediments of harassment and sexual assault and discrimination."
The #churchtoo button is to hold the church accountable. The church is not free of sexual assault or harassment and it cannot hide this fact any longer. We need to pay attention and come to terms that Christians are out committing these kinds of atrocities too. I chose to pick up both these buttons, not because I am a victim, but because I know people who are and it is time to say TIME'S UP. (**See note at the bottom)
This is where I need to insert some extra information. Today we were voting on an overture about addressing sexual misconduct in the church. A woman stood up with an amendment to add a paragraph at the beginning of the overture that highlighted women in the church who are particularly vulnerable to sexual misconduct by men in the church. I immediately felt an angry fire burning in my soul. Women are not the only people who are harassed. Women are not the only people who are assaulted. Woman are not the only people who are raped. I stood up and walked to a microphone and spoke against the amendment in front of 500+ people. I said exactly that (well not really but in spirit) and that we have been speaking over and over this week about inclusive language and this was not inclusive language. Both women and men need to be represented but also people who do not identify as either who are affected. I went back to my seat shaking. And for 10 mins after that I was shaking. I did not realize how important this issue is to me. TIME IS UP for allowing this behavior at all - no matter who it is directed too. The entertainment industry, the work place, AND the church (and everywhere else) need to hold themselves accountable for what is going on inside their doors and fix it. Again I say TIME IS UP for allowing this behavior to exist.
There was another booth that was selling some buttons so I took the time to search through and find the perfect buttons that were a little sassy, a little controversial, and stood out as important to me. I ended up with three different buttons stating:
"Speak your mind-even if your voice shakes"
- If it scares you, do it.
- It takes courage
- It takes strength
- It is worth the scary, the embarrassed, the afraid to have your voice heard for what you believe in (have been through)
- Don't let anyone tell you your opinion.
- Don't let anyone try to silence your voice
"Keep your laws off my body"
- I spoke to this in my first post in this series. My body, my choice,
"against abortion? wear a condom dude!"
- This made me laugh. Not all controversial topics have to be talked about in a serious manner! I also think that sometimes by making it comical it simplifies the issue and brings us back to the bottom line of the conversation.
"I wish my boyfriend was as dirty as my bike"
- EXPLAIN TO ME WHY I FOUND THIS AT A CHURCH CONFERENCE!
- I almost fell on the floor this made me laugh out loud so much, and though it does not apply to me (at this time) (and its a little personal) It brought me too much joy not to add to my collection.
"Well behaved women seldom make history"
- You have to take a stand.
- Make a movement. Challenge the norm.
- Rules were meant to be challenged and bent
- Society is meant to GROW and CHANGE not stay stuck.
- Do not be afraid to BE YOURSELF. Stand up for YOUR BELIEFS.
* Technically this is a sticker I will be putting on my computer
Jesus > Religion
In the evening after a full day the YAADs get together in what we call 'Home Groups' and we talk about how we feel about things that happened throughout the day. Sometimes I find it informative and I love it when people speak up and share, and when we can be in prayer for them, and sometimes it just drives me crazy.
I UNDERSTAND that social justice issues are very important but the intention behind it feels lost in this church. I feel like we are trying to solve the social justice issues (LGBTQ+ community, poor people's campaign, racial separation, gender gaps) because that is what society is doing and to be accepted by society the church has to match it. Our intention should be acting as the hands and feet of Jesus. We should be helping and fixing but with sharing the love of Christ at the for front. Justice is important but Jesus is greater.
We are called to make disciples of all nations. We are called to share the gospel. And through this help to mend our broken world.
As we spoke about this a little in home groups the same thing kept coming into my head, a video I watched years ago called "Why I hate religion, but love Jesus" by Jefferson Bethke. I LOVE it and I think I have talked about it before. But again, go watch it.
"Because if grace is water, then the Church should be an ocean."
"It's not a museum for good people—it's a hospital for the broken"
"But if Jesus came to your church, would they actually let him in"
"Religion is man searching for God; Christianity is God searching for man."
Another note but in the same realm.....there was a booth that was handing out stickers with a black Jesus on them and it really upset me. Jesus was not a blue eyed, blonde hair, white skinned man, but he was also not a black man with dreads. He was from the Middle East, from Israel and would have looked as they do. We can view God however we like because he is a God, He can be father or mother, He can look however you chose to imagine Him! But Jesus, Jesus was fully human and fully God. He was in a human body that had a certain look and we need to respect that.
All Work and No Play Makes Presbyterians a Boring Bunch
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I was so blessed to have an AWESOME roommate. We get along so well and it was always a joy to close the night talking about our days. At an event that is basically a week long meeting with 50-500 people, I ALWAYS look forward to the next time I get to eat. The local eats in St. Louis are so yummy so here are my suggestions!
- Sugar Fire Smokehouse: AMAZING barbaque! The meat is just perfect, there is a variety of bbq flavors, and the sides change everyday and are local and home-style. They even have boozy shakes. So next time you are in St. Louis grab a bite and a peanut butter bourbon shake from Sugar Fire. @sugarfiresmokehouse
- Porano Pasta: Many friends have tried their pasta bar, I only have experience with their gelato popsicle but let me tell you they are SO. GOOD. When you have been walking around in the hot, humid weather of downtown St. Louis, nothing cools you off better then a berry gelato popsicle. @poranopasta (photo 5)
- Rooster: BEST BRUNCH! This little restaurant has a beautiful aesthetic and delicious food. TIP: go to their website and put your name down. They are very popular with a LONG wait so we sent our name in while we got ready in the morning so when we got their we only had a 10min wait. @roosterstl (photo 1 & 3)
- Bailey's Range Burgers and Shakes: Gourmet and unique burgers to the St. Louis area. The pretzel bites are also very yummy (and keep to a second day for a late night snack) @baileysrange (photo 3)
- Rosalita's Cantina: I was craving Mexican food so my roommate and I FINALLY found some! Simple Carne Asada Tacos with a side of guacamole and a delicious pomegranate margarita was exactly what I needed to get through afternoon plenary. @rosalitascantina (photo 2)
-Insomnia Cookies: They are open until 3AM and deliver until 3AM as well!!! The cookies are SO GOOD and they make ice cream sandwich cookies too. @insomniacookies
We did more than eat! We also stopped at the bottom of the arch to take pictures! You can't go to St. Louis without at least seeing the arch!
One of the event the General Assembly put on was a dance at the Marriot Grand and it was honestly such a good time! YAADs and commissioners and observers all dancing and enjoying time together. It was fun to teach older folks out there how to do the "cupid shuffle", "footloose", and many more dances (my legs still hurt from the "drop" that was inserted into the "cupid shuffle"). They in return taught us how to salsa. No matter your age you are ALWAYS ABLE TO DANCE. Feel the beat, step touch your feet, bend your knees, sway your hips, and wave your arms -- ANY can dance.
We were in plenary and were about to start a new section of approving overtures and we took a "Salsa break" and learned how to salsa! I feel like a pro! FINALLY I can salsa dance.
The first night we were here, I met a YAAD who had previously attended GA, said he made friends around the country and now he always has someone to visit. In my head I was thinking "oh that's cool but no way in 10 days I am going to like any of these people (or they like me) enough to actually reconnect after this week" Well 10 days later and I have found "my people". We do not all come from the same parts of the country, we don't all have the same views, but we all appreciate, respect, and enjoy one another. Thursday we went bowling (@flamingobowlstl) and had a BLAST. Then we did the typical "its almost over and we are bonding" thing and all crowded into a hotel room and talked and played games until the wee hours of the night. There is something about having Christ and specifically a Presbyterian faith that connects us that sets a level of respect and understanding that grounds us as a group. I hope that I have a couch to crash on around the country, and I hope they all know they are always welcome on mine.
After HOURS and HOURS discussing specific portions of business we had a one minute transition break. I was throwing something away and when "Hey Soul Sister" came on the loud speaker I jumped and IMMIEDIATLY started singing at a normal to loud volume and skipped all the way back to my seat where I continued to dance and grabbed friends to do the same.
I wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU to the Seattle Presbytery for choosing me to be here, I am so honored and have loved my experience. Thank you to Per Capita for providing my hotel, flight, and food money for this 10 day trip. A lot of money is spent to have all of us here and I am so grateful for what they provide.
There is always More to Share
I keep thinking of little lines and thoughts and tidbits and have SO many more stories to tell about. I could add to this about my experience asking a question in front of 500+ people, running through the rain, dance parties, visiting with my cousins, and more but for now I shall close.
I am going to close with a prayer for the people at GA this week and the transition back home.
Hey God!
You are an amazing God, a good God. You are more powerful than any of us could ever comprehend.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to gather in this St. Louis as advisory delegates, pastors, and elders and the opportunity to try to do what we can to honor your will in issues that we have discussed. Thank you for your presence in this space this week.
Lord none of us are perfect and we ask that you fill and heal our hearts. That we remember to respond in kind words and humble ourselves in front of each other. We are sorry for when we fall short of your will.
Please continue to guide us as we take this work back to our home churches, congregations, and communities. Please prepare them for the influx of information and excitement we will have coming back from such a week. Give us all patience and faith. Please help us to transition back home, the rest of the world goes on while we were at GA and we need reminded of that.
Please help us to all get the rest we need, to fall asleep at a decent hour and be blessed with sweet dreams.
Again Lord thank you for your power and presence in this space and in our lives.
In your name, Amen
Thank you for reading my blog. As always I would love conversation! Comment, email, suggest, ask questions!
~Be You
Rachel
** I am not an expert. Please if you are a victim or survivor of sexual assault or sexual harassment speak up and find support. There are many websites and organizations that are here to help. The two websites below were attached to an article I read. Also please reach out to a trusted friend or adult who can guide you. I am available to talk, process, and support but again I am not professional help. Use the hashtag and let your voice be heard.
https://www.raperecoverycenter.org/
http://talktoasurvivor.org/about-us/
Article:
time.com/5189945/whats-the-difference-between-the-metoo-and-times-up-movements/
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY
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