My heart is strangely torn

[adriennessence]

I just read a blog entry that a friend/mentor of mine wrote awhile ago about the role of deacons and the decision of the General Conference to allow sacramental authority to deacons in certain circumstances. I think he made reference to me in the beginning of his article in a vague way, although I'm not entirely sure. I guess it doesn't matter

Comments

[shelbylu]

Your thoughts are always so amazing to me. Your views are important and they matter and even though I am altogether ignorant in this field, I know you are probably not alone. And don't ever shut up.

[adriennessence]

Thanks, Shelby. I really appreciate your thoughts!

[faintgraylines]

Other than from having a few friends who are children of UMC ministers, I'm woefully uninformed about the system you're talking about. I know this weighs heavily on you though, and I hope you find a semblance of resolution one way or another.

Our pastor (we attend a progressive Disciples of Christ church) talked once about how his professional support network is largely ministers from other denominations, and I know he speaks frequently with the minister at a UMC congregation nearby. If you are ever interested in picking his brain, I will pass along the contact information.

[adriennessence]

Sure, I'd love to talk with your pastor! And thanks for your support, as always.

[faintgraylines]

No problem. He's on Facebook and is my friend - his name is Jay Hartley.

- Sam (faintgraylines)

we are heart sisters

[anonymous]

Adrienne! It's Kristina. I came across this posting when I was doing a search for what the great Donna Techau has written on embodiment in heaven. Weird huh? When I saw your picture pop up I knew I had to read. I didn't know you blogged here and were you really up at 3:15am writing this? I think you bring up some excellent points about the legitimacy of deacons having the sanction to do sacraments. Why should you be able to bring Eucharist to the people outside the church to whom you are ministering, and why should you be barred from celebrating Eucharist within the local church you are connected to? I understand that there is an issue of representation, in the sense that it is important for the person who is presiding to be a part of the community in which the celebration is taking place so that she can truly be the congregation's representative in their role of the celebration, but as long as you are integrated into that church community in some way, why shouldn't you be able to, and the church certainly doesn't always play by the

Re: we are heart sisters

[adriennessence]

Thanks, Kristina. It's good to know I'm not alone! We will figure this thing out together, regardless of where we both go, and we will have the help of the Holy Spirit...that's my comfort in all of this.