The purpose of this forum is to facilitate communication and mutual support and edification among those who strive toward gender justice in Churches of Christ. If you would like to join the forum, send an e-mail (including your first and last name) from your primary address to forum@gal328.org.
Candace, this one's for you.
My third year of divinity school at Yale, and it was my turn to preach in Marquand Chapel during the morning devotions. (All the third-years got a turn.) I was feeling rather stupid for borrowing so much money for an M.Div. I would obviously never use... and rather unwanted by my denomination in spite of my training and strong desire to preach. Not my best semester, psychologically speaking.
So I'm sitting in the chapel with Lance, participating in the elegant, beautiful worship that space inspires. Now it's my turn to get up, scoot past Lance in the pew, and head for the pulpit. I'm wearing my best dress; this is a special occasion for me, a rare chance to preach in front of a congregation (sorta'). I do that sideways-shimmy to the aisle and turn to move toward the front when -- rrrrrrrrrip! -- the pocket of my dress catches on the corner of the pew and tears apart.
Worse than that -- it's a side seam pocket, meaning that the side seam of my dress from the pocket almost to the hemline rips apart, leaving a gaping hole down the side. (Thanks, Mom, for always insisting that I wear a slip.)
There was not a snicker in that room as my face turned as red as the cranberry corduroy I was wearing. I hobbled to the pulpit and looked out at my peers and professors. Every one of them beamed back at me with all the support and loving energy human beings can radiate. They knew of my struggle to stand in that place and preach -- the ripped dress brought the struggle right into the room. They wanted me to succeed. They wanted to hear a word from God. They thought, in spite of the dress, in spite of (because of?) the struggle, I might have one to offer.
So I did. That was ten years ago last month. God is good.
peace -- Katie
:::posted by Katie on 12/21/2003 08:29:38 PM
A friend of Sara Barton's, Candace Cain, wrote the following for the bloggers of gal328.org:
"The congregation I attend has struggled for years and years with the issue of a woman's role within a church setting. I only began attending less than a year ago but I had heard that they were moving forward and letting their women's talents be used more fully and decided God was prompting me to go help.
Although we have been utilizing women in leading prayers and serving communion I was asked to lead communion thoughts last Sunday. The request was presented to me about three weeks prior so I began praying about the opportunity and that God would guide my thoughts so I could help conjure up images for our congregation in such a way that communion would be meaningful and elicit a response (obedience) to this wonderful Jesus. I was a bit nervous but being up in front of people regularly at my job I knew God's spirit would see me through.
My time came to approach the front of the auditorium and taking my big bible and notes I made my way to the small carpet covered 8 inch platform. I placed my Bible and notes on the music stand provided (we don't use a formal podium) and then adjusted the microphone to my height. I was about to begin speaking and the black music stand, still holding my bible, notes, and a large songbook, slowly descended like some invisible hand was pushing it down. Folks began to laugh softly so I looked down, pulled it back up to a useful height and smiled. Then I began speaking about how we as humans remember. That God has given us not only a brain with memory but avenues that spark our memories like taste, touch, hearing, sight, and smell. I talked about when I smell certain fragrances such as old spice and soap I am always reminded of my father and then as I continued my story I could hear a sound that was getting louder and louder within the auditorium. In fact now everyone was looking to see where the sound was coming from? It was cell phone with the music of "Charge of the Light Brigade" - quite startling, and it went on and on (at least that is how I felt). As an elderly women realized it was hers - she opened her purse, the noise now resounding in the room even louder, plucked the phone up and attempted to hurry from her chair. Again, we all laughed. I now had silence but I was thinking how can I get focused? and silently prayed for guidance. I breathed deeply and continued. I felt strong and confident in the words coming out of my mouth and looking around at the faces I saw my words had everyone's attention. I felt God's presence. After my encouragement I asked for everyone to pray with me. As I was feeling moved and inspired I prayed deeply and sincerely. Suddenly the music stand collapsed throwing all my notes, bible and song book to the floor. I heard it but never looked. I was silent for a few seconds and continued my prayer. After the prayer I felt like laughing and was thinking to myself "What else could possibly go wrong?" Never ask that. Finished with my prayer I was to retreat to the communion table and take bread out of one plate and distribute it to others. As I was attempting to place the bread (cracker) in another communion plate I tossed it on the ground. Inwardly I gasped ( I wanted to scream) and without skipping a beat I broke the other bread in two and place it in the container and then waited for the communion ushers to start down the aisle. I quickly darted over picked up the cracker on the floor and went and sat down to await my next prayer time for the cup. Then I realized I was supposed to have taken the communion bread first and in my comedy act had forgotten it. Oh MY!, by now I do want to laugh!! Then suddenly as I was feeling low and foolish - - an usher showed up at my side and offered me the communion bread. Thank You Lord! I went on to get up and lead the "cup" prayer with no other distraction the cup was passed successfully without further error and I walked head down to my seat. I felt light (bursting out in laughter entered my mind) and thought God can use anyone and even with all the distractions I must believe His will was accomplished despite the enemy's provoking. Our minister took the platform and stated, "I don't believe I have heard such a powerful meditation on the Supper, our communion, but it was obvious the enemy was hoping to distract us. Let's pray and ask God to protect us and help us focus". I was thinking the same thing so this acknowledgement certainly affirmed me regardless of all the things that happened.
This was a crazy experience. It seemed like everything went wrong. I have often given into my fear of stepping up into who I really believe God wants me to be because of what others have said, thought, or because of the circumstances (the fact that often things go wrong). I know God wants us to use the talents he gave us and we have to be willing to trudge through some very hostile and distracting places often to accomplish our task. I am glad I did ( and will continue to do so) and certainly appreciate the support of my church. We have so many talented young women and men who need to know God can and will use anyone despite their amount of faith, place in life, gender, or even specie (He used a donkey).
I am Thankful and constantly in awe of His presence in this world."
-- Thanks for listening, Candace Cain of Troy Church of Christ in Troy, Michigan
:::posted by jch on 12/16/2003 10:05:11 AM
I'd definately come if it were in Nashville and probably if it were in Boston. I would love to have an excuse to come back to Boston to visit.
:::posted by Indie on 12/11/2003 11:51:14 PM
Um...I probably spoke out of turn, since if a conference did happen it would involve a lot of already very busy people's time and energy (although Brent and I would love to pitch in). I was really just curious to see if there was interest. So those of you who read that post and started hyperventilating out of added stress, my sincere apologies. But I'd still love to see it happen.
Jen
:::posted by Jennifer on 12/10/2003 09:36:11 AM
I would love a gal328 conference...when is it? Sign me up. grace, Julie
:::posted by julie on 12/08/2003 09:03:27 PM
Jen,
Wow, I was starting to wonder what had happened to everyone!
I would certainly be interested in such a conference. There are a lot of people in our congregation who don't know where to go with gender issues in the church. They are discontent with the status quo, but fearful of change. A CoC oriented conference might be helpful in invigorating some movement, especially if it were not too far to travel.
Thanks for asking about the class; it was interesting. I think there was some movement; someone brought up the standard CoC party line on Gal. 3:28 refering to salvation only, but I don't think anyone was really adamant about that. There was plenty of discussion as to the general context of Galatians not fitting that idea too well, especially given the concept of heirship and the rights of adopted sons (of both sexes).
We'll be continuing the discussion this coming Wednesday night, with reference to the two major "problem" passages. I'll be ready :-)
Funny thing, in our small group a couple of weeks ago, one of the women said it was a shame women couldn't be priests. I pointed out that 1 Peter says we are all priests, with the right to go directly to God. She was thrilled!
-Tom
:::posted by TWD on 12/08/2003 04:45:32 PM
Just wondering...has there ever been any discussion of a gal328 conference? Would there be any interest in doing something like that?
And Tom, how did the class go?
Jen
:::posted by Jennifer on 12/08/2003 09:02:36 AM
Our Wednesday night men's class has been slowly making its way through Galatians. Tonight we are finally at 3:28, the verse I have been waiting for since the whole thing started. The class leader is a long-time friend, and is sympathetic to a more equitable understanding.
Pray that the Spirit leads us forward, and breaks down presuppositional barriers that separate siblings from each other. Pray that I don't get too sarcastic, as I sometimes can!
Respecting gender issues, it feels like we've been stuck as a congregation for two or three years, going neither forward nor backward, and pretending there is no issue. Meanwhile, we've grown in many other very positive ways. But it now seems to me that some things are starting to happen. I keep giving God advice on when and how to work, but he seems to prefer his own time. :-)
-Tom
:::posted by TWD on 12/03/2003 03:15:44 PM
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