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March 8, 2023
By Derek Handley
Midweek Musings is a weekly Covenant blog with a variety of authors and a variety of topics.
Hi!
Remember me? I'm #MidweekMusings, your favorite blog.
Or rather, the guy behind the curtain, the producer, and occasional contributor.
Anyway, Jo Wiersema was the regular #MidweekMusings contributor as you probably know. Jo is no longer on staff at Covenant.
But the show must go on. And it will. You can expect to see the weekly musings that you have obviously missed to the degree of this little one.
For now, I have compiled a Top 5 Midweek Musings since it started just about one year ago on March 30, 2022.
We have had 5 total contributors. Other than Jo and myself, Bailey Green (Church Administrator), Melissa Hinz (Minister of Music & Pastoral Care), and Clara Thompson (Parish Associate) have contributed.
As I write this, I realize how upset I was when I was growing up watching The Simpsons and a rerun came on. Or when those Seinfeld episodes came on that were essentially best-of episodes but tried to disguise it as a real episode.. Yeah, I guess this Musings is kind of that experience.
But, I implore you to read on and if you didn't get a chance to read these blogs, now's a good time. Each are only about 2-3 minutes!
Here they are, in no particular order:
"Among the Trees" by Melissa Hinz This was a reflection on one of our Spiritual Strolls, this one was at the Ice Age Trail. Spiritual Strolls are one of our regular events hosted by our deacons as part of a program called CONNECT. I appreciated this blog by Melissa, mainly because the outdoors are a lifeline for me and I would argue most of us. Getting outdoors refuels us, reminds us of God's goodness, and can be one of the most simple ways to connect with God (and others).
"Making a Difference" by Clara Thompson I really had no clue what May Day was when I read this blog, even though it passes by every year. So, thanks Clara for educating me! And also, thanks for such a genuine and authentic blog! First of all, I love revisiting the simple event of an unexpected ringing at or knocking on your door. It just does not happen any more these days. As an introvert, my first reaction is admittedly, "who the h--- could that be?" But there is an genuine excitement tucked in there as well. Also reminds me of getting Secret Santa'd and being the Secret Santa with my family as a kid. Anyway, Clara's blog pushes home such an essential message we learn from Jesus - that (paraphrased) "if you love me, then show it" and to others.
"A Church Administrator's Guide to Listening to God When You'd Rather Go to Europe" by Bailey Green And coming in with 126 views and 7 ❤ is Bailey Green with this (speaking of authentic) amazingly honest and impactful blog. I think we can all relate with Bailey here. These are hard truths to speak. We've all dreamed or still dream. My dream to land a full-time position in a major orchestra did not necessarily pan out but it's important to look in other areas of our lives for ways that we have gained just as much fulfillment cumulatively as if we had fulfilled this one dream. I loved this blog. Thanks, Bailey.
"Sitting Shiva in Pine Ridge" by Derek Handley Clearly no bias here... I don't know what else to say about this blog that I already said, but this was one of the most amazing and impactful experiences I've had in my life. And it was truly and clearly God work happening on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Have you had a chance to go to one of the Taize services yet this Lent? What does that have to do with Native Americans in South Dakota? Well, you'll have to read. In short, the brothers of the Taize community in France hold "pilgrimages" all over the world where they sense deep hurt. My wife Natalie and I have been following Taize our whole lives and attribute much of our current spiritual identities to this community.
"The Face of Jesus Drinking a Beer" by Jo Wiersema We miss ya, Jo. Jo is living the good life in Oregon, continuing studies at Dubuque Theological Seminary and just preached a sermon at First Pres Oregon this past Sunday! It was hard to pick a favorite as of Jo wrote by far the most blog posts out of any of us. I could have easily picked Small Little Grief, The Radical Notion that Women are People Too, or any of the fantastically feminist blogs Jo wrote. There is a bit of a bias in me picking this one. I am a strong proponent of ministry outside the walls of the church. I would make an argument that that is where the most important ministry happens. "Coffeeshop Evangelism" is a term you may be familiar with. Well, think of that, but at a bar, and less aggressive. I could go on a rant with my issues about Coffeeshop Evangelism, or at least the dated version of it. I used to lead the 20s and 30s group at Christ Presbyterian Church and led a get-together called "Faith on Tap." We met at a different bar every month and talked about big questions of faith. Jo was on to something special in this blog. There is huge value in having honest, spirit-filled conversations with people outside the walls of church - conversations that make you question your faith.
Well, I don't know about you but I'm ready to welcome back #MidweekMusings back with open arms.
Have a great week, y'all.