Monday, August 13, 2007

Commissioning

So I haven't written in awhile, partially because of laziness and partially because it's hard for me to put things into words.

I got commissioned on July 15, 2007 at St. Paul and St. Andrew's UMC in Manhattan. There were 9 US-2's and 8 Mission Interns (my program). Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar of the Greater New Jersey Conference gave the message and led the commissioning. He said "This is not about success, it is about faithfulness." This is something I've known, but as he said that the reality of the situation hit me hard. I am a missionary. Not the negative stereotype of imposing beliefs and customs onto "poor native savages", but as in living out my faith, putting that faith into action. Amazing. Love. Christ's unconditional love and Ubuntu forgiveness. Community. Connection. Peace and Social Justice. Walking with my neighbors as Christ intended. Being connected to the global community. Humility. I am finally going to be able to do what matters the most to me. And what God has called me to do which is why it matters to me.

One of the songs that we sung during that service is called "The Summons." I first heard that song at the Womens Retreat with Westminster UMC this past year. I was touched by the lyrics then but on this day, it meant even more.

Here is one of the verses. The rest are under the picture if you want to read them. The hymn came from the Iona Community which is an ecumenical community based on an island off of Scotland. So picture a Irish/Scotch type melody.

4. Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
Wow.
Here's a picture of the commissioning:


Here's the rest of the lyrics:


The Summons by John L. Bell(I think)




1. Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known,will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?


2. Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?


3. Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?


4. Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around,through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?


5. Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show.Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.