Nancy Beach

In Spite Of...

     I'm leaving this afternoon from Germany and heading to Amsterdam.  My time here in Europe also included a seminar in Copenhagen.  I celebrate how God has been at work in spite of a few obstacles:

• I didn't get my luggage for the first 4 days
• The language barrier is very real.  Here in Germany we are translated live on stage, and sometimes the words simply don't translate well 
• We had some audio challenges in the main session I just taught. Although all equipment was properly checked, a few microphones would not work. Obviously that is difficult, but we kept going and eventually all was well.    
• Our team is really tired.  They begin rehearsing about 6:15 in the morning and rehearse into the night.  Certainly they aren't getting enough sleep!    

And yet...

God has still unmistakably been at work!  He is so very faithful.  We are called to just show up and do our best. We can't control much, let alone the outcome or fruit.  I head to another country knowing that in spite of whatever, God is truly WITH his children and WITH me.  I can only do my part and then rest knowing He can always, always be counted on to do His...

Great Day in Copenhagen

     I so enjoyed a day teaching "Gifted to Lead" to about 80 women here in Copenhagen yesterday. We met at a Methodist Church, with some women coming from several hours away. There was a wide age range in the room, which always inspires me.  I love to hear their stories of seeking to use their gifts in the church.  Some are pastors...most are volunteers, also working outside the home which is the norm for women in Denmark. There was a tremendous energy in the room.  I told them that a 60 Minutes program revealed that Danes are the happiest people on earth, according to a recent study.  They said that is only because they go through life with low expectations!  

     It always surprises me to see how church leaders in various countries face such similar challenges. These women were very open about their struggles, and yet clearly devoted to doing what they can to make a marked difference in this extremely non-churched culture.  It was such an honor to be among them...

     On a more mundane and yet frustrating note, I've been in Europe since Sunday afternoon with no luggage.  My sweatpants are feeling a bit grungy by now!  Today the airlines said my bag may never have made it out of Chicago...so I guess it's time to do a little shopping!  Then it's off to Germany.

Hope for Haiti Telecast

     As I watched the telecast last night seeing artists of all kinds challenge us to give to Haiti, my heart was lifted in a variety of ways.  First, I thought they did a superb job of finding the right tone for the evening.  Second, I was inspired to see artists doing what they do best to make a difference and help the cause.  This is as it should be in the church.  Artists rally to tell stories, to move people deeply, to sing their songs and look in the camera and make passionate appeals.  It was also great to see famous artists on the phones, talking to everyday folks and thanking them for their contributions.  Sure resembled what the local church should look like!

     I'm also proud of the stories trickling in of how churches are rising up to care about Haiti.  In our own church, we have an outpouring of generosity which reflects the heart of Christ.  People long to do good, to share out of their abundance with those who have so little.  Hundreds are willing to adopt, or head over on a medical team, or contribute money, and certainly, to pray.  I am honored to be counted among the family of God when I see us be the hands and feet of Jesus to this needy world...

Preparing for My Daughter's Birthday

     Tomorrow my younger daughter turns l7.  She lamented that she will no longer be able to sing, "I am l6 going on l7!"  I just can't get over that my baby is 5'9" tall, incredibly mature, and as easy to talk to most of the time as my good friends.  So tonight I'll wrap the gifts and prepare to celebrate her life once again, the miracle that she was born and the staggering gift that I get to be her mom. Our birthday celebrations, like those of many families, include certain traditions.

    When Johanna comes downstairs, she will see her gifts all wrapped and displayed on the dining room table.  She will eat breakfast using the "special plate".  Our daughters don't get to eat any sugary cereals all year long, but on their birthday they get to pick a cereal and enjoy it til the box is empty.  Jo chose chocolate Rice Krispies, which means she'll be having dessert for breakfast.  Although she will barely be awake yet, Johanna will insist on opening just one gift and it can't be one of the "key gifts."

     These traditions are so embedded among the 4 of us that though they may seem a bit silly, they tether us and ground us as a family. I'm curious what some of your birthday traditions are - please let me know.  I love how these little practices emerge and somehow become sacred in a home, and I'm interested in hearing what some of yours may be.

     For now, I have some wrapping to do.

     

Moved By "Brothers"

     I saw such a powerful film today - Brothers - which tells the story of a young father (Toby McGuire) who goes to Afghanistan, and is reported dead from a plane crash.  His young widow (played by Natalie Portman) is left grieving with two young daughters.  The film focuses mostly on the triangle of relationships with the soldier's brother, a young guy who drinks too much and never feels like he can measure up to his older sibling, the hero.  Played by Jake Gyllenhal, the younger brother goes through quite a transformation as he steps up to be a loving uncle to his nieces and a support to his sister-in-law.  That support eventually leads to an attraction and a kiss.

     This film portrays the horror of war in a quiet, yet incredibly intense way.  The writing and acting are all superb.  I was particularly blown away by the two little actresses who played the daughters - they were so very believable in every scene!

     My heart goes out to all those in the military who return to our country and can never be completely the same. The transition is harder for some than others.  Last summer I pastored a funeral for a young man who had done two tours in Iraq, and made it home only to die an unnecessary accidental death connected to too much alcohol.  Post traumatic stress is complex and so very real - there are now a record number of suicides from the military ranks. The film "Brothers" underscores the need for civilians to listen to the stories, hard as they may be to hear, of our returning soldiers.  They need our empathy, our love, and our patience.

3 Distinct Worship Experiences in One Day

     This weekend I had the privilege of teaching at Christ Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, Minnesota.  Under the terrific leadership of Pastor John Crosby, this church offers three different kinds of worship experiences every weekend (two services, Saturday night and Sunday at ll are the same).  The 9:30 am service is more traditional/liturgical.  What a joy to hear such an excellent choir and organ (under the direction of Heather Hood)  at the beginning of the service!  The church is acoustically designed for awesome choir sound.  As I prayed with the congregation, heard the Children's story, sang the beautiful hymns, and engaged in a time of confession, I thought - it doesn't get any better than this!  I sensed the power of God's presence.

     Then at ll am, CPC takes a turn to a more contemporary worship approach.  Worship leader Steve led us with a rhythm section, still incorporating some liturgy and weaving in the theme of the morning.  Once again, the congregation was engaged...

     At 6 PM on Sunday, CPC offers what is known as "The Table."  This experience, primarily designed for twenty-somethings (though all are welcome and many older adults show up), transforms the worship space without losing its essential and core design.  Steve led the worship, Cory taught, and we also heard brief stories from a few of the members of that community. Once again, I sensed a tremendous spirit in the room and the unmistakable sense that God was there in a mighty way.

     I marvel at how this very small team has devoted themselves to designing three distinct worship experiences.  While this approach is not for every church, it certainly seems to be working at CPC.  Today I have the privilege of meeting with their staff and facilitating dialog about what is working well and what can be improved.  I'm looking forward to being among these humble, devoted servants all day!

The Generations and Worship

     Today I joined Pam Howell and Sherri Meyer on a conference call with Ross Parsley.  Ross is going to serve as one of the teachers for our Green Room event February 19.  For the past several years, Ross has addressed the challenge of multiple generations planning and leading worship experiences in the local church - the common difficulties most of us face when the young and the not so young try to create and experience corporate worship together. Ross has such a wise and healthy perspective on all of this!  I can't wait to learn more from him.

     As the Executive Producer of our church's Christmas services this year, I led a team that included about a thirty-plus years age span among the creatives.  That makes for some interesting and fun meetings!  I was delighted to see how we learned to listen to and respect one another, even though at times it was definately a little messy.  We all have so much to learn from those in another generation, and I celebrate communities who are figuring this out and doing it well.  

     Ross says that the worship gathering is the primary place where local churches struggle on issues of the generations.  I would strongly agree, based on the conversations I'm having these days.  It's comforting to know that many teams are facing very similar issues - let's learn from one another!

     If you don't know about our CCN Green Room event on February l9, please go here.  There is a fabulous day of training planned for staff and volunteers who have anything to do with the weekend worship gathering.  This day will be compelling, interactive, and highly affordable!  You'll be able to attend with other members of your team at a site near your church.  Ross is only one of the communicators who also include DeWitt Jones, Dan Allendar, Nancy Ortberg, Effrem Smith, and yours truly...

New Beginnings

     Not just a new year - a New Decade!!!  What is it about us that treasures the whole idea of a fresh start, of new beginnings? I am making lists, thinking about projects around the house, and trying to fight off the blahs of the below-zero windchill temperatures of Chicago.  I sharpened some pencils, took out my new calendar (yes, I still use a paper one), and began to dream of what lies ahead.

     I have made a few adjustments in my role with the WCA heading into the new year.  Essentially, I asked to trim back my part-time hours to about 30% or so of my work time.  I will continue to serve on the Executive Team of the WCA, and serve churches through events and writing.  Already I've committed to traveling to 8 countries in 2010 for the WCA.  But with the time that is freed up, I've made some room for outside speaking and consulting, serving churches as God leads.  I am excited to see where this new path will take me, what opportunities the Lord might have for me that I don't see yet.

     Yesterday I drove my older daughter Samantha back to college so she can begin a brand new quarter.  I shared her sense of anticipation as she looks ahead to new classes, a role in a main stage play, and the responsibility to produce a play in the Spring.  Though I am three decades her senior, I share that almost giddy back-to-school joy that imagines new possibilities and relationships.  I hope I never lose that, even in my elderly years!

     So as you look at this new decade, my hope is that you cherish the clean page of a brand new start.  If you are going through a transition, like I am, may we learn to trust in the midst of uncertainty, and seize each day as a treasured gift.  May we be filled to the brim with the joy of the Lord and the wonder of being alive!