A couple months ago I got word that my former roommate from seminary will become a DS as her new appointment, starting in July. (In United Methodist-speak that means that she'll move from pastoring a church to being a "District Superintendent"-- as close as our denomination comes to being "knighted." She'll get to participate in meetings with the Bishop and tell pastors "where to go"- literally, as part of the UM appointment system).
She and I have only shared passing voice mails since then, but as her former roommie it's my job to share this news with the world. With this move, we, the outsiders, finally have an "in" to the secret society of the church hierarchy. I felt I needed to quote her in my blog (definitely WITHOUT her permission) with her initial message to me. (If I'd ASKED her "ok," she might have told me "no"...! Now THAT wouldn't have been any fun!) Her message is in response to me asking if she, as a DS now, was too good to talk to me any more since she wasn't answering her phone. Here it is:
"Hey you **** , you know where I was the whole freakn' day?! I was sitting in a *** **** Cabinet meeting! I... have absolutely no idea how the **** I got there-- but I can't wait to talk you about that! It's been a bit of a wild ride the last month.. but um.... I don't know what the **** I got myself into, but I think maybe we can do some good on behalf of ridiculous people everywhere... I don't know... but anyway.. I can't wait to talk to you; but I'm on my way home.. but, umm..driving and talking on the cell phone, which I shouldn't do... So..umm.. I will hopefully talk to you in the near future, but I haven't seen my husband in 4 days, so if I don't pick up the phone, you'll know why. Bye!"
Yeah, if you're reading this blog things are probably starting to make sense why this woman and I were such good roommates. This "irreverent rev" and ol' roommie had just a few commonalities (see also "Why I Swear"). What I liked about her message, of course, is the great, colorful content-- everything that she "shouldn't be doing" as a pastor-- swearing, talking on the cell phone while driving long distances through the mountains at night (admittedly so- but does it anyway) and adds a little innuendo there at the end. It doesn't get much better than this.
Yes, my friends, God does work in mysterious ways. And yes, it's a good day for "The Ridiculous" everywhere.
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3 comments:
Ok, Rev....I think I'd like your old "roomie," too, but doesn't she sound just a bit like she's showing off? I don't mean to be rude or disrespectful, but she didn't get to the level of D.S. just by showing up, right?
In the WI UMC there are only 4 D.S's, I believe. Consolidated (or downsized) from the former 8. And they form the "Cabinet," right? Awesome. So she must have wanted it, at least to some extent, to have achieved it. She doesn't need to apologize for that; being a pastor was obviously her choice of career, at least at one time. If she now thinks it's just all toooo passe'? uncool? whatever...she shouldn't do it. Your serve......
Hey Connie-
It's always interesting to see and hear 'comments'- what one THINKS he/she is writing is often interpreted quite differently! This person is INCREDIBLY humble and is filled w/ God's spirit. She's been serving churches since she was 18-- and so yes, is quite talented and experienced.. and yes, feels called to this new ministry.
Thanks for your reply. I'm happy to know a bit more about your friend. And I'm glad to know she's serving OUR church willingly.
I think you & I just might have quite a lot to say to each other as time goes by...I'm getting some definite vibes. I'm sure we'll have our differences, but I think it will be fun, too.
Keep the faith, keep writing, and I'll stay tuned, "Ir-rev."
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