http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/ Come to the Water   Last week there were 19 of us from Northminster at Montreat to attend the Worship and Music Conference.  The theme this year was, “Come to the Water.”   I have always been a water person.  My Grandmother lived by the philosophy that as soon a child could walk the child should swim and as soon as a child could swim a child should ski.  So I grew up going every summer to Rocky Fork Lake in southern Ohio and water skiing from sun up to sun down.   I still love the water, swimming, sunning, floating, boating.  Being near the water is relaxing and renewing for me.  There is nothing else quite like it.   I thought of all that during the Montreat Conference.  We were talking about the waters of baptism, the living water Jesus gives, and the water that flows from the throne of God.  Water is such a great image for God.  But sometimes I feel like water is also a symbol of my faith.   My faith feels so much like the ocean.  It comes in waves and is never the same twice.   One day my faith is so shallow I can walk over the sand and shells, feel the pain, and barely dampen my toes.  The next day the waves knock my feet out from under me and I swallow and breathe the salty waters.  One day I float on top of the gentle, calm pool, slipping in to cool off only when the heat of the sun is too much.  Another day the stormy waves frighten me away.  Crashing surf and powerful undertow pull me places I would not go.   The ocean, like my faith has so many faces, so many moods and none of them are within my control.   I can go to the water.  I can put myself there.  But the tides, the water, the surf, the currents are in God’s hand.  When I am feeling strong and confident and more than capable of riding the huge curls and fighting the frightening currents, I go to the beach and find the tide is out and I’m left with shallow pools in the sand.  When I am exhausted or wounded and simply want to float in the amniotic waters of earth’s loving womb I may discover a faith that it stormy and tosses me to and fro.   I used to think that faith was always a gentle, comforting presence that would make me feel warm and happy.  When those feelings were absent I feared faith was absent too.  Now I know the only water that is gentle and warm and smooth is a very small pond in a very isolated spot.  I want more than that.   I want the ocean with all its faces and moods and mysteries, a salty surface to buoy me to hold me up, keep me afloat in the glistening sun, ocean depths full of darkness, mystery, life, unexpected, unexplored, undiscovered.  I want faith that is refreshing and relaxing, like a vacation with God, and a faith that is challenging and fearsome and always holds something new in its depths.   When I shut myself in my office to pray I put a sign on my door that says, “In Conference.”  I think I want a new sign that says, “Gone to the Beach.”   Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:01:00 GMT en-us Copyright 2011 Northminster Presbyterian Church Indy Copyright 2011 Northminster Presbyterian Church IndynoCome to the Water   Last week there were 19 of us from Northminster at Montreat to attend the Worship and Music Conference.  The theme this year was, “Come to the Water.”   I have always been a water person.  My Grandmother lived by the philosophy that asCome to the Water   Last week there were 19 of us from Northminster at Montreat to attend the Worship and Music Conference.  The theme this year was, “Come to the Water.”   I have always been a water person.  My Grandmother lived by the philosophy that as soon a child could walk the child should swim and as soon as a child could swim a child should ski.  So I grew up going every summer to Rocky Fork Lake in southern Ohio and water skiing from sun up to sun down.   I still love the water, swimming, sunning, floating, boating.  Being near the water is relaxing and renewing for me.  There is nothing else quite like it.   I thought of all that during the Montreat Conference.  We were talking about the waters of baptism, the living water Jesus gives, and the water that flows from the throne of God.  Water is such a great image for God.  But sometimes I feel like water is also a symbol of my faith.   My faith feels so much like the ocean.  It comes in waves and is never the same twice.   One day my faith is so shallow I can walk over the sand and shells, feel the pain, and barely dampen my toes.  The next day the waves knock my feet out from under me and I swallow and breathe the salty waters.  One day I float on top of the gentle, calm pool, slipping in to cool off only when the heat of the sun is too much.  Another day the stormy waves frighten me away.  Crashing surf and powerful undertow pull me places I would not go.   The ocean, like my faith has so many faces, so many moods and none of them are within my control.   I can go to the water.  I can put myself there.  But the tides, the water, the surf, the currents are in God’s hand.  When I am feeling strong and confident and more than capable of riding the huge curls and fighting the frightening currents, I go to the beach and find the tide is out and I’m left with shallow pools in the sand.  When I am exhausted or wounded and simply want to float in the amniotic waters of earth’s loving womb I may discover a faith that it stormy and tosses me to and fro.   I used to think that faith was always a gentle, comforting presence that would make me feel warm and happy.  When those feelings were absent I feared faith was absent too.  Now I know the only water that is gentle and warm and smooth is a very small pond in a very isolated spot.  I want more than that.   I want the ocean with all its faces and moods and mysteries, a salty surface to buoy me to hold me up, keep me afloat in the glistening sun, ocean depths full of darkness, mystery, life, unexpected, unexplored, undiscovered.  I want faith that is refreshing and relaxing, like a vacation with God, and a faith that is challenging and fearsome and always holds something new in its depths.   When I shut myself in my office to pray I put a sign on my door that says, “In Conference.”  I think I want a new sign that says, “Gone to the Beach.”  PastorTeriThomasBloghttp://feedburner.google.com http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/pitching-a-tent-with-god/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/pitching-a-tent-with-god/ Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:00:50 GMT Still guest blogging on Darkwood Brew.  Check out the Advent Wait Training Series there. http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/wilderness-week/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/wilderness-week/ Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:23:04 GMT I have been invited to be one of the guest bloggers for Advent at this facinating web site called Darkwood brew.  The blog is only one part of what they offer.  The bloggers reflect every day on the week's lectionary passages. ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/advent-waiting/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/advent-waiting/ Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:45:28 GMT Advent is the most difficult season of the year for me. It is dark and cold and gloomy and all about waiting. I don’t wait well.  Those who work in retail don’t have to wait.  Christmas starts in October or September ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/higher-ground--the-movie/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/higher-ground--the-movie/ Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:44:16 GMT Many of you have suggested to me over the past few weeks that I see the film, Higher Ground, which just finished its run at Keystone Art Cinema.  Well, I did manage to see it and when it is released on DVD I am going to suggest we purchase ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/forgiveness/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/forgiveness/ Tue, 06 Sep 2011 20:53:52 GMT This week the scripture passage from Matthew is on forgiveness.  The passage from Exodus is more about revenge or at least redemptive violence. So I am wondering-  What is the most difficult thing you have ever been asked to forgive? ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/the-help/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/the-help/ Mon, 22 Aug 2011 17:54:56 GMT I read the book The Help when it first came out.  Everyone was raving about it, but it made me feel uncomfortable and I wasn't sure why.  It was something and a white woman telling the story of being black in the south.  It ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/you-have-a-story-to-tell/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/you-have-a-story-to-tell/ Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:04:12 GMT Our worship theme for this fall is Remember, Restore, Renew. On September 4th we start with the remembering.  The lectionary passage for that Sunday is Exodus 12 which is all about remembering the Passover and the ritual that was ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/community/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/community/ Mon, 11 Apr 2011 22:09:35 GMT This is the final week of our study- Embracing an Adult Faith. Having covered God, Jesus, Salvation and Practice, we now move to the topic of Community. Have you had memorable experiences with a faith community or Spirit focused ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/practice-makes-better/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/practice-makes-better/ Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:48:23 GMT I am not sure practice really does make perfect- but I know it makes better.  This week we are going to reflect on spiritual or religious practices. What spiritual or religious practices do you follow? What is your practice of prayer? Do ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/are-you-saved/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/are-you-saved/ Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:06:20 GMT Are you saved?  It is not a question we ask to often in the Presbyterian Church.  We will discuss salvation this week on Wednesday evening at 6:15.  Hope you can join us.  It will also be the sermon topic Sunday at 9 and ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/jesus-who/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/jesus-who/ Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:38:13 GMT This week we will be asking the question- Who is/was Jesus? We will discuss this Wednesday at 6:16 at Northminster and we will explore it even further with the sermon on Sunday March 27th.  Join us at 9 or 11 or try video streaming at ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/who-or-what-is-god/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/who-or-what-is-god/ Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:51:00 GMT This week in the Wednesday night study and in the Sunday sermon we will be exploring the meaning of God.  Here are your questions if you want to help... What is your most recent experience of God? What words best help you express the ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/ashes-and-oil/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/ashes-and-oil/ Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:31:47 GMT Ashes are a sign of penitence, a way to express regret or sorrow.  In days of old the faithful would rub ashes on their body as a way of saying they were sorry. Oil is a symbol of healing.  We use it to anoint the sick.  We use ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/the-religion-of-football/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/the-religion-of-football/ Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:46:32 GMT Super Bowl Sunday is fast approaching and everyone is talking about the big event- the release of a new batch of commercials advertizing everything from employment companies to beer.  I must admit I enjoy the contest of each sponsor to out ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/tucson-tragedy/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/tucson-tragedy/ Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:44:55 GMT You cannot go anywhere that folks are not discussing the shooting of a congresswoman, a child, a judge and many other innocent bystanders in a grocery store parking lot.  The news, the papers, the conversations are focusing on what caused ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/waiting-this-advent/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/waiting-this-advent/ Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:32:47 GMT We don't wait well. We have one click shopping on Amazon...drive thru dining...express lines at the grocery and self-check-out if that line is too long...express lanes on the interstate...instant cash at the ATM...we don't wait well. So this ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/advent-what/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/advent-what/ Tue, 30 Nov 2010 22:37:42 GMT During Advent we are talking about Heaven and Earth in worship.  We talk about going to heaven, but the Bible actually talks about heaven coming to earth.  So what difference does that make?  In the beginning there was not a ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/big-day-has-arrived--/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/big-day-has-arrived--/ Sat, 30 Oct 2010 16:46:05 GMT Day 20 Exude Gratitude- Saturday 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 “For you know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”  (1 ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/oops--forgot-fridaysorry/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/oops--forgot-fridaysorry/ Sat, 30 Oct 2010 16:43:34 GMT Day 19- Friday Exude Gratitude   2 Corinthians 9:6-15 “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)   A capital ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/thursday--almost-there/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/thursday--almost-there/ Thu, 28 Oct 2010 14:56:05 GMT Day 18- Thursday Extravagant Blessing     Mark 14:3-9 “But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me.’” (Mark 14:6)   Can you picture the scene? This ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/wednesday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/wednesday/ Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:38:21 GMT Day 17- Wednesday Express Joy   John 3:22-30 “The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice.  That joy is mine, and it is now complete.  He ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/tuesday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/tuesday/ Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:02:07 GMT Day 16 Expanding Influence  Acts 4:32-37 “There was a man named Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”).” Acts 4:36  The name “Joseph” is such a ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/monday-of-commitment-week/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/monday-of-commitment-week/ Mon, 25 Oct 2010 13:07:37 GMT Day 15 Expanding Giving   Luke 19:29-35 “The owners said, ‘Why are you untying the donkey?’ (The disciples) said, “The Lord has need of it.” (Luke 19:33-34)   I already give to the church. How can I ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/one-week-left/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/one-week-left/ Sun, 24 Oct 2010 16:46:48 GMT Day 14 Excess Baggage  John 15:1-9 “Every branch that bears fruit (God) prunes to make it bear more fruit.”(John 15:2)  How can I find ways to give?  Maybe I need to cut back in some overgrown areas of my life in ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/home-stretch/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/home-stretch/ Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:08:15 GMT Day 13 Examine Commitment   2 Samuel 24: 18-25 “I will not offer a sacrifice to the Lord my God that costs me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24)   Finally we are heading toward home plate and getting close to being ready to ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/nine-days-to-go/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/nine-days-to-go/ Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:40:44 GMT Day 12 Examine Commitment   2 Corinthians 8:7-8 “Now as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you – see that you abound in this gracious work of ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/10-days-until-commitment/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/10-days-until-commitment/ Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:40:20 GMT   Day 11 Examine Commitment  Matthew 6:5-19 “This, then, is how you should pray. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.  Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/11-more-days/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/11-more-days/ Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:47:48 GMT Day 10 Examine Commitment   2 Corinthians 8:1-5 “They gave themselves first to the Lord, and, by the will of God, then to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:5)   Have you ever watched a tee-ball game where the children are just ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/12-days-and-counting/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/12-days-and-counting/ Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:33:42 GMT Day 9 No Excuses   Luke 14: 15-24 “Come, for everything is ready now. But they all alike began to make excuses.” (Luke 14:17-18)   How many reasons are there for not participating in a capital campaign?  The ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-13/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-13/ Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:48:27 GMT Day 8 Extra Effort Romans 12:1-2 “Offer yourselves as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-14/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-14/ Sun, 17 Oct 2010 12:43:33 GMT Day 7 Extra Effort     Mark 12:41-44 “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-15/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-15/ Sat, 16 Oct 2010 10:56:47 GMT Day 6 Extra Effort   Matthew 6:19-21 and Luke 19:1-9 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth … but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-16/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-16/ Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:29:39 GMT Day 5 Expect a Miracle    Matthew 14:13-21 and John 6:1-11 “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”  (Matthew 14:16) “There is a boy here with five loaves and two fish, but what are they ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-17/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-17/ Thu, 14 Oct 2010 13:19:49 GMT Day 4 EXperience Calling   1 Samuel 3:1-11 “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10)   In the time of Samuel, the bible says, “the word of the Lord was rare in those days, and visions were not ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-18/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-18/ Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:27:31 GMT Day 3 EXperience Purpose   Matthew 28:16-20 “Go therefore and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19)   When a church has a second capital campaign, everyone seems to have the same kind of question – what for?  The ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-19/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-19/ Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:38:37 GMT EXplore Promise   Luke 11:9-11 “And I say to you, Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9)   Most of us are good at the first baby step of prayer. ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-20/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/day-20/ Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:43:21 GMT Commitment Sunday is just 20 days away.  As we all prayerfully consider our personal commitments to the capital campaign and to the annual budget let's join in some study and prayer together. For the next 20 days there will be a daily ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/crop-walk-coming-soon/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/crop-walk-coming-soon/ Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:07:22 GMT Hunger is an issue that is very important to me and I have decided to get involved!  I am walking in the CROP Hunger Walk and I need your help. Our donations will support life-saving programs around the world.  ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/new-in-class/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/new-in-class/ Thu, 23 Sep 2010 19:47:02 GMT I go to the Jordan Y about three times each week for exercise.  I have been fairly faithful, off and on, for the past several years and have tried a variety of activities.  I work out on the machines, walk on the tread mill, meet with ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/love-one-another/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/love-one-another/ Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:52:33 GMT I just don’t get it! I mean I really do not understand. It makes no sense to me at all. I cannot comprehend a reasonable, rational, sane person acting that way.   I have just about had my limit of hate in the name of ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sabbatical-report/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sabbatical-report/ Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:03:29 GMT This coming Sunday, August 29th, I will be presenting a report on my sabbatical.  I am still trying to determine how to do that in a meaningful way.  I could talk about the people and the places for several hours but of course no one ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/where-does-it-hurt/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/where-does-it-hurt/ Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:25:54 GMT This coming Sunday the Gospel lesson from Luke is one of my favorite stories.  Jesus heals the bent over woman.  This account has always held special meaning for me, but now after my trip to Africa it takes on a whole new ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/friends-of-the-dead/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/friends-of-the-dead/ Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:36:41 GMT I was driving down Michigan Road the other morning and at the corner of Michigan and 38th Street I stopped for a light.  Glancing across the intersection I saw the big Crown Hill sign on the corner.  It read-  Look for us on ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/still-from-africa/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/still-from-africa/ Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:41:31 GMT News   Our hotel rooms in Ethiopia and Kenya did not have TV and usually they did not have phones.  There were never newspapers in the lobby.  Usually the only place we would see a TV was in the airports.  As we were ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/is-it-predestined-or-controlled/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/is-it-predestined-or-controlled/ Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:12:38 GMT If anyone thinks we are “roughing it” on the safari portion of this trip, think again.  For most of the trip we have been in very modest accommodations but that is over.  Safari could spoil me in a hurry.  Meals ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/what-i-missed-and-not/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/what-i-missed-and-not/ Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:03:54 GMT What I missed and what I did not miss…   I did not miss TV or telephones at all.   I did miss good internet connections and the ability to communicate with friends and family.   I did not miss any particular foods ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sorry-ive-been-very-busy/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sorry-ive-been-very-busy/ Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:19:57 GMT I do realize that I have not posted a new blog for a while.  I have more that are partially completed, and they will get finished and posted eventually.  But in the past week since we returned to the states I have been extraordinarily ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/safari-continues/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/safari-continues/ Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:55:58 GMT 11 June 2010   The screeching sound of a tree hyrax woke me this morning at 5:30.  I rolled over in our huge king size bed, pulled up the heavy down comforter and reached for one of the hotwater bottles the staff had left the evening ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/safari-begins/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/safari-begins/ Sat, 05 Jun 2010 15:06:38 GMT 4 June – Masai Mara   We are on the border of Kenya and Tanzania at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge in the center of the game park.  This is our first day of safari and so far we have seen-   Gazelle, elephant, giraffe, ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/surprises/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/surprises/ Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:43:35 GMT Surprises   Things I did not expect-   The colorful variety of birds.  I am not a birder by any means but have found it fascinating to see the colors and shapes.  I’ve learned to identify some by call and others by ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/interesting-questions/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/interesting-questions/ Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:33:27 GMT Yesterday we did what I had been afraid of doing in Africa.  I broke down and went for a haircut.  jack went first but what can go wrong with a buzzer?  You set it on #1 and run it over his head.  While i do not have a lot of ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/two-sabbath-days/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/two-sabbath-days/ Mon, 31 May 2010 17:44:30 GMT 31 May 2010- College and Church   Saturday morning we went to the home of Michael and Lillian.  They are both administrators and faculty at Comtiah College in Kisumu.  We enjoyed their hospitality at home and then moved to the ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/indianapolis-hunger-initiative/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/indianapolis-hunger-initiative/ Mon, 31 May 2010 17:41:55 GMT 31 May 2010- IHI   On 27 May we drove three hours from Malindi to Mombasa at 5:30 am, waited two hours, flew to Nairobi, waited five hours, flew to Kisumu and finally checked into the St. Anna guest house at 9:00 pm.  Our host in ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/why-not-me/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/why-not-me/ Tue, 25 May 2010 15:28:29 GMT You know jack.  He talks to everyone.  They joy of that is that we have met some interesting people.  The waiters and waitresses have helped us with local language and customs.  they are more than willing to help. Today we ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/its-my-birthday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/its-my-birthday/ Sun, 23 May 2010 14:53:06 GMT 23 May 2010   I am spending my 56th birthday at the Driftwood Resort  in Malindi, Kenya.  This is a coast town about 2 hours north of Mombasa.  We are here in the off season.  It is winter.  It is sunny and in the ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/why-we-moved-on-early/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/why-we-moved-on-early/ Sun, 23 May 2010 14:42:22 GMT 20 May 2010   They tell me that Ethiopia sensors email and that anything with the words “election” or “ruling party” may have been ‘lost’ last week.  That does not seem to have been the case but I ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/the-bethel-synod-girls-school/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/the-bethel-synod-girls-school/ Wed, 19 May 2010 06:16:57 GMT 13 May 2010   Ato Tefere- Administration of the Bethel Synod Mekane Yesus Girls School gave us a tour of the school and campus.  There are 1,159 students in K-12.  There are 6 departments and 50 staff.  Some teachers are ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/may-14-delayed/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/may-14-delayed/ Tue, 18 May 2010 16:11:12 GMT Nothing goes as planned and until today I was handling that alright.  But today I am in tears from fatigue and frustration and being just plain fed up.   Thomas called over 30 hours ago to say Sara’s water had broken and they ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/bahir-dar/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/bahir-dar/ Tue, 11 May 2010 07:16:13 GMT Bahir Dar   The flight from Addis to Bahir Dar took about 30 minutes.  It takes two days by bus!  The city is the capital of the Amhara region of Ethiopia.  The Amhara have traditionally been warriors and ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sheraro-continued/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sheraro-continued/ Mon, 10 May 2010 14:28:12 GMT   The emotional visit to Shimelba concluded we return to the village of Sheraro and our “not quite the Hilton” Hotel.  Solomon drops us and he goes off in search of Zenabesh.  Zenabesh is Meharet’s mother.  ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/nothing-is-going-as-planned/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/nothing-is-going-as-planned/ Sun, 09 May 2010 14:03:03 GMT Nothing is going as planned… But everything is working out well.   Friday morning, May 7th we left Axum early for the long trip to the refugee camp.  After four hours of heat and dust on bumpy roads with more camels than cars ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/30-april/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/30-april/ Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:34:12 GMT 30 April 2010   We moved from the Hilton to the MekaneYesus Seminary Compound.  We are staying with a PC(USA) missionary, Carolyn Weber.  Carolyn arrived in Addis in February of this year for a three year assignment  ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/29-april/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/29-april/ Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:32:13 GMT Thursday April 29, 2010   Yesterday was spent trying to make arrangements.  The Hilton IT guy tried to determine why my netbook would not connect to the hotel LAN.  He was very helpful and not very successful.   Attempts ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/hilton-hospitality/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/hilton-hospitality/ Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:18:44 GMT Hospitality Hilton style.  We are recovering from jet lag, making final arangments, and getting used to the altitude.  All is good and we are blessed.  More later...tomorrow we move into the real Addis. http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/there-is-no-me-without-you/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/there-is-no-me-without-you/ Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:18:50 GMT   I just finished reading a book- There is no Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene.  The subtitle is- One Woman’s Odyssey to Rescue Her Country’s Children.  This is a powerful story.   The book (non-fiction) is ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/i-get-to-carry-all-the-bags/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/i-get-to-carry-all-the-bags/ Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:45:55 GMT More about stuff…     Jack has a broken hand.  Three bones are broken.  His other injuries are healing although his face looks pretty bad.  He saw the orthopedic doctor today.   I am threatening to ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/driving-to-africa/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/driving-to-africa/ Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:06:37 GMT Tuesday 20 April   Yesterday when I was saying good-bye to a friend he comments on how brave we are to be making this trip.  Brave?  I never thought of us as brave.  Lucky?  Yes.  Blessed?  Sure.  ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/in-case-you-missed-it-saturday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/in-case-you-missed-it-saturday/ Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:45:49 GMT This article was printed in the Star last Saturday...   Imagine for a moment that you have absolutely nothing.  You have been forced to leave your home, your community, your job, your country.  You are living in a makeshift camp ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sabbatical-week-2/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sabbatical-week-2/ Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:19:07 GMT It was almost two years ago that I began this sabbatical process.  I asked permission from the Personnel Committee and the Session to apply for a grant.  I began imagining what I could do- travel, study, write, pray.  Then I began ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sabbatical-prayer/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sabbatical-prayer/ Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:21:07 GMT On day four of sabbatical I have found my sabbatical prayer in Hither & Yon: A Travel Guide for the Spiritual  Journey by Becca Stevens   God set me on the path again. Turn me to the rising sun   &nb... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sabbatical-focus/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sabbatical-focus/ Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:00:59 GMT April 6, 2010   I sat in the chapel for evening prayers.  The Christ candle was in a prominent position but it did not appear to be lit.  It was so tall, it was hard to tell.  The tiny, short Sister Amelia who always lights ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/holy-saturday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/holy-saturday/ Sat, 03 Apr 2010 13:29:04 GMT Holy Saturday is a time of darkness, disquiet, heaviness.  In our creed this is the time we say Jesus descended into hell.  Some churches leave that line out of the Apostle’s Creed.  They do not believe that Jesus, being ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/gods-friday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/gods-friday/ Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:13:49 GMT After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's Pastor slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit and, before he gave his sermon for the evening, he briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening.  In ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/maundy-thursday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/maundy-thursday/ Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:42:08 GMT The truly strong are not afraid to appear weak.   That goes against everything our culture teaches us.  We are taught to pull ourselves up by our boot straps.  Never let them see you sweat.  Survival of the fittest.  ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/holy-wednesday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/holy-wednesday/ Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:21:06 GMT If you are following the devotional guide through Lent you can read this there.  For those of you without the guide, they suggest a wonderful exercise in prayer for today.  I really encourage you to find a quiet place and try ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/tuesday-march-30/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/tuesday-march-30/ Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:09:46 GMT This morning’s devotional refers to the spiritual Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? I was thinking about that hymn as I drove into the office this morning and tried to remember all the verses.  I finished with – Were ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/monday-march-29th/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/monday-march-29th/ Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:31:40 GMT We don’t believe our way into a new way of acting; we act our way into a new way of believing. I really used to believe that I could think my way through anything.  I have learned that is not true.  I agree with the saying that ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/march-26-friday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/march-26-friday/ Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:42:24 GMT I recently read a book called Half the Sky.  It changed my life. The book cites studies that say if you want to have a significant influence in a poor nation you don't send traditional foreign aid- instead you educate women. The authors ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/thursday-march-25/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/thursday-march-25/ Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:00:08 GMT The Hebrew word SHALOM is understood around the world to mean peace. But peace is only one small part of the meaning of the word SHALOM. Here in Israel, even though we don't have much in the way of peace, we use the word SHALOM on a daily basis. ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/wednesday-march-24/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/wednesday-march-24/ Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:55:52 GMT Do you know how many people cry in church?  I think one reason people like to sit in pews and look at the back of each others’ heads is so that nobody can see them cry.  It is a rare Sunday when I can’t see tears in the ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/tuesday-march-23/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/tuesday-march-23/ Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:03:30 GMT Charity is “safer” than working for justice.  Working for justice gets political and we tend to avoid political issues.  Health care reform seems to be on everyone’s mind these days.  It is a justice issue but ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/monday-march-22/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/monday-march-22/ Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:54:21 GMT Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  The first person that came into my mind this morning when I read this was Traci, my personal trainer at the YMCA.  She makes me hurt.  But I immediately realized she does ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/thursday-march-18/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/thursday-march-18/ Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:44:53 GMT The devotional suggests kneeling at the side of your bed this evening for prayer.  Some of us have knees that make that difficult.  Try sitting.  Try this version of St. Ignatius’s prayer. 1. Become aware of God’s ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/wednesday-march-17/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/wednesday-march-17/ Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:57:00 GMT Happy Birthday to Ruth today!! The idea of repentence or turning around does not simply turn us away from sin but it gives us a different perspective on life.  When we turn around we see things differently. SOmeone sent me this today and ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/happy-birthday-jack/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/happy-birthday-jack/ Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:19:14 GMT Our devotion invites us to sit in silence for 10 minutes.  Try it.  When thoughts rise into your mind just blow them away and empty yourself so God can speak. Tell us about your experience. http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/monday-march-15th/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/monday-march-15th/ Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:22:30 GMT Remembering ten years ago... On Monday morning, three days after my last radiation treatment, I loaded the convertible and headed west toward the mountains.  Way back in July when this had only just begun I sat next to Lon Dring at a ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sunday-march-14/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sunday-march-14/ Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:02:57 GMT Hands up in the air.  Hands outstretched. Standing.  Sitting.  Kneeling.  Still.  In motion.  Eyes open.  Eyes closed.  Head bowed.  Head up.  There are as many different postures of prayer as ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/devotions-for-lent-sunday-feb-28-saturday-march-march-13/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/devotions-for-lent-sunday-feb-28-saturday-march-march-13/ Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:34:15 GMT Ruth’s Contribution to Teri’s Blog   Sunday, February 28 – Second Sunday in Lent   “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God.” (1 John 3:1)   I have ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/saturday-february-27/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/saturday-february-27/ Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:50:24 GMT They put five total strangers in a room together and told us to be a covenant group.  Tell your stories and pray them together and you will have the bonds of compassion and support.  When pigs fly, I thought.  I wasn’t here ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/friday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/friday/ Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:44:12 GMT Ways in which our culture promotes or condones practices and beliefs that are contrary to the gospel... Part of the difficulty with this assignment is that we do not all agree on what is contrary to the gospel.  I just saw The Last ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/thursday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/thursday/ Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:10:16 GMT Images that inspire awe and humility and symbolize the "beyondness" of God.  I see those most often in nature- the ocean- mountains- the Grand Canyon.  Waterfalls really do it for me.  I think it is the power and the force and the ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/wednesday--yes-i-know-it-is-late/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/wednesday--yes-i-know-it-is-late/ Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:26:04 GMT Argh- body prayer.  I have always been resistant to prayers that require movement.  Whenever the workshop leader says “Please stand, put your feet at shoulder width apart, put your arms out to your side and close your ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/tuesday-devotion-for-lent/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/tuesday-devotion-for-lent/ Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:29:27 GMT “Open my eyes, that I may see the wonder of your law.” Our reading tells us that the word “law” can also be translated as “teaching” or “instruction”.  It can also be translated as ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/monday--lenten-devotions/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/monday--lenten-devotions/ Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:20:11 GMT Monday There is a great quote floating around that I think is from Gandhi.  It says- Be the change you want to see in the world.  Today’s passage from James seems to tell us to be the church we want to experience ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/lenten-devotion-for-sunday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/lenten-devotion-for-sunday/ Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:31:43 GMT What a question this asks us today- When you think about God, what do you “know in your bones” to be real? Way back in the days when I was serving as a youth pastor I brought a bus load of kids from Omaha, Nebraska to IU in ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/life-is-short/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/life-is-short/ Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:14:13 GMT Sat “Lord, let me know my end and the number of my days, so that I may know how short my life is.”  Psalm 39:4 I cannot consider the span of my days without thinking of my experience with cancer.  I cannot consider that ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/cold-shadows/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/cold-shadows/ Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:34:27 GMT Friday “My days pass away like a shadow…” First of all, I have a confession to make.  In order to get these devotional reflections up on-line each day I knew I would need to work ahead.  If I did them in real time ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/precious-in-gods-sight/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/precious-in-gods-sight/ Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:37:25 GMT Precious in your sight, O Lord, is the death of your servant. Right up there with my mother and my grandmother in the list of significant women in my life is my Aunt Ilo.  I think she was the third born of 12 children in my dad’s ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/lenten-devotions--ash-wednesday/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/lenten-devotions--ash-wednesday/ Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:31:41 GMT Ash Wednesday When I was a kid we all thought ashes on the forehead was a very Catholic thing.  The only people who did it were Catholics, the same folks who wore head coverings, ate fish on Friday, and “crossed” ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/smurfs-meet-rambo/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/smurfs-meet-rambo/ Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:23:24 GMT The two movies with the most nominations for awards this year are Hurt Locker and Avatar.  You could not find two movies that are more different.  Avatar is the Smurfs Meet Rambo.  It is science fiction and fantasy and magic ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/fixing-a-broken-angel/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/fixing-a-broken-angel/ Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:54:42 GMT     I have never been one to memorize scripture.  I read it.  I like to read it because I see something different each time.  But on Christmas Eve my favorite part of the service is the Benediction when I can recite ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/cookie-jar/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/cookie-jar/ Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:48:57 GMT Yesterday’s sermon provoked some interesting reactions from folks at church.  I knew when I wrote it that it was a stretch for me.  I am a big believer in grace and forgiveness and the love of God for absolutely everyone.  ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/preparation/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/preparation/ Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:09:57 GMT Read Amos 4:1-13 Amos is talking about preparing to meet the Lord.  He thinks that means being ready to be held accountable for actions and/or behaviors.  We don't usually think that way in our preparations for Chris... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/journal-to-bethlehem/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/journal-to-bethlehem/ Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:30:12 GMT Today’s reading is   Jeremiah 33:14-16 14The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/advent-journal/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/advent-journal/ Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:53:43 GMT     How about getting into Advent?  This is a time of waiting and preparation.  I picked up an Advent Journaling booklet this year called Prepare the Way of the Lord.  You might also call it- Journaling to ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/how-do-we-learn-about-god/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/how-do-we-learn-about-god/ Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:32:34 GMT   My first lesson about God came on a quiet summer day on our short street in a new subdivison. I was young, probably in kindergarten, which made my little sister about 3.  We were in the driveway making mud pies after a morning ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/high-school-class-reunions/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/high-school-class-reunions/ Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:38:58 GMT Ooops, must be the wrong room.  These old, gray-headed, wrinkly folks can’t be the same people that were in my graduating class.  We haven’t been out of high school that long, only, let’s see, 71&hel... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/time-for-some-vacation/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/time-for-some-vacation/ Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:00:41 GMT Next week Jack and I will be hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park.  I can hardly wait.  It has been too long since we have had a “get away from it all” kind of vacation.  I am eager for the peace and quiet, the ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/a-new-office-space/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/a-new-office-space/ Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:24:27 GMT This week I will be moving back into my office.  I have been temporarily located across the hall while painting, renovating, and carpeting took place.  The space in unchanged but the redecorating makes it feel different.  It has ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/out-of-deep-unordered-water/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/out-of-deep-unordered-water/ Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:00:34 GMT As I sit on the beach this water theme keeps playing in my head.  On July 4th the beach is very crowded.  Rehoboth is a family kind of beach so there are lots of families, kids, couples, and multigenerational gatherings. On one side ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/come-to-the-water/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/come-to-the-water/ Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:09:02 GMT Come to the Water   Last week there were 19 of us from Northminster at Montreat to attend the Worship and Music Conference.  The theme this year was, “Come to the Water.”   I have always been a water person.  ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/the-trinity-in-the-shack/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/the-trinity-in-the-shack/ Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:32:23 GMT This Sunday is Trinity Sunday.  This has never been an easy doctrine to explain.  The Trinity as such is not mentioned in scripture.  The whole notion was the creation of the early church.  There are many inadequate analogies ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/up-up-and-away/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/up-up-and-away/ Mon, 18 May 2009 22:06:03 GMT This Sunday we will celebrate the ascension of Jesus.  This has never been a big deal in the Presbyterian Church, even though Calvin was really into it. I think we have stayed away from it because it is just too weird.  I mean really, ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/innies-and-outies/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/innies-and-outies/ Mon, 11 May 2009 22:06:31 GMT As we move through the season of Eastertide (you knew that didn’t you) we have this string of passages that come from first John about LOVE.  How much can you say about love before it starts sounding redundant?  John keeps saying ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/help-me-with-this-weeks-sin-please/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/help-me-with-this-weeks-sin-please/ Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:03:24 GMT This week’s lectionary passages are about sin.  Actually, they are about a number of things, but for some reason the topic of sin stood out.   I get a number of questions from folks about sin, or actually about ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/great-movie/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/great-movie/ Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:20:48 GMT Slumdog Millionaire opens with two police officers brutally torturing a young man in India.  The boy is not talking.  Turns out the boy is a contestant on the TV game show Who Wants to be A Millionaire and he is close to winning 20 ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/and-even-more-movies/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/and-even-more-movies/ Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:12:40 GMT I need to catch up on some movie reviews... Trouble The Waters is a documentary that begins with a young woman in New Orleans taking home video the day before Katrina. She interviews her friends and neighbors about the storm that has been ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/movie-updates/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/movie-updates/ Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:36:35 GMT Movies Haven’t made it to the film festival yet but do have some movie comments to make… Body of Lies- yuck. I did not like it at all. It demonstrated how we have great technology to win wars but we lack human intelligence. I ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/the-shack/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/the-shack/ Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:40:37 GMT I love book referrals. Some of my favorite books are ones that a friend suggested I read. So why was I so suspicious when everyone started telling me I just had to read this great book called The Shack. I read about the book first and I ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/wow-this-would-make-meetings-easier/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/wow-this-would-make-meetings-easier/ Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:47:28 GMT Some days are just full of new adventures.  What ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/politics-politics-and-more-politics/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/politics-politics-and-more-politics/ Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:33:18 GMT I commented about a year ago that this would be the first national election of my voting life when I could actually vote FOR someone I like instead of AGAINST someone I did not like. I was really excited about a new direction and hopeful ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/back-to-biff/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/back-to-biff/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 23:35:31 GMT So, here are some questions to consider... Why was this story worth telling? Did the book "Lamb" increase your interest in the biblical story? What do you think will be your lasting impression of ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/america-is-not-a-christian-nation/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/america-is-not-a-christian-nation/ Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:37:38 GMT You know those mass e-mails that fly around being forwarded by countless people?  Well I got one the other day that included this section… As I was listening to a news program last night, I watched in horror as Barack Obama made the ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/who-do-we-represent/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/who-do-we-represent/ Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:38:26 GMT People come to church looking for God and you are the first person they see. Scary thought?  Somebody told me they did not think Biff was a good representitive of Jesus.  They thought Biff didn't take the whole Messiah thing seriously ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/distracted/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/distracted/ Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:41:50 GMT I am late this week with my BLOG entry.  Sorry about that.  We had a big funeral last night that occupied most of my week.Many of you know that in December of 1996, the pastor of Northminster and his wife were murdered in their ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/interfaith-exploration/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/interfaith-exploration/ Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:42:50 GMT The tradition of our faith teaches that Jesus was Jewish.  We assume he was raised as a Jew the same way other boys would have been raised.  When Jesus started teaching there is no indication that he intended to start a new ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/a-blog-book-study/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/a-blog-book-study/ Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:48:10 GMT Chapter OneYou think you know how this story is going to end, but you don't. Trust me, I was there. I know.The first time I saw the man who would save the world he was sitting near the central well in Nazareth with a lizard hanging out of his ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/closing-statement/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/closing-statement/ Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:49:55 GMT On our last morning in Turkey we met with the Organization that partners with the Holy Dove Foundation to arrange our stay in the country.  Our group put together a statement to share as a group.  Here is what we said-Eleven curious ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/almost-over-too-soon/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/almost-over-too-soon/ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:51:49 GMT From the sea to the mountaıns to Cappıdocıa and back to Istanbul.  Thıs mornıng we met wıth the local group who helped organıze our trıp to thank them.  Then to the Grand Bazzar.  WOW.  The spıce ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/so-you-thnk-northmnster-needs-renovatons/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/so-you-thnk-northmnster-needs-renovatons/ Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:53:01 GMT Constantıne was converted to the Chrıstıan faıth by hıs mother around 320 ad.  After hıs conversıon he made the Roman <Empıre a Chrıstıan empıre.  Hıs mother was on her way to Rome and went ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/konya-today/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/konya-today/ Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:53:46 GMT We have been so very busy I have not had tıme to fınd a computer and wrıte.  Our dınners wıth famılıes last ınto the nıght and no one wants to leave at the end.  Even wıth the language barrıers we are ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/all-s-well-wth-us/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/all-s-well-wth-us/ Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:54:40 GMT We just heard that there was a terrorıst attack on the US Consolate ın Istanbul.  We heard ıt from US news on lıne, not from Turkısh news.  The report here ıs that someone shot at three polıce on guard near the ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/marhaba-fromturkey/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/marhaba-fromturkey/ Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:55:42 GMT The Turkısh alphabet has two dıfferent versıons of the letter i.  One has a dot and one does not.  Only took me a day to dıscover I was usıng the wrong i when tryıng to log on from here. The keyboard ıs also very ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/want-to-read-a-book/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/want-to-read-a-book/ Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:59:07 GMT I am about to leave for Montreat Music and Worship Conference.  When we return I will repack and leave for vacation.  So I won't be blogging (unless I can get on from Turkey) until August 4th.When I resume I plan to go in a new ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/the-stranger-in-the-tent/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/the-stranger-in-the-tent/ Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:59:56 GMT I really love this story of Abraham and Sara in Genesis 18:1-15. There are so many rich themes in it- trust, obedience, hospitality, faith, laughter…The hospitality theme hooks the Benedictine experience I have had through Women Touched ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/earth-shaking/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/earth-shaking/ Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:40 GMT In case anyone is wondering, the destruction of the three homes was indeed an earth shaking experience.  In my office (the east end of the CE wing) I could hear and feel each blow.  The vibration of the building was felt as far away as ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/a-week-off/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/a-week-off/ Tue, 20 May 2008 00:01:30 GMT No lesson this week since I am not preaching.  Larry will preach on Matthew 6:24-34 and he calls it, Don't Worry ABout Tomorrow.One of the fun things with having three pastors preach is how we sometimes feed off each other and other times ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/some-background-on-the-beginning/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/some-background-on-the-beginning/ Wed, 14 May 2008 00:03:05 GMT Every culture has been intrigued by the mystery of their origins. Where did we come from? How did we get here? Every religion and every society has some form of creation story. They are never designed as factual accounts of the origin of life ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/a-thought/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/a-thought/ Mon, 12 May 2008 00:06:34 GMT This is from Ralph Milton who writes an on-line newsletter called Rumors.Absolute darkness. I’ve only experienced it a few times. Most recently in the Kartchner Caverns in Arizona. At one point along the tour through those magnificent ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/creation/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/creation/ Mon, 12 May 2008 00:08:44 GMT This Sunday is Trinity Sunday.  The key lesson is the first chapter of Genesis.  This is the first of the two accounts of creation.  It goes as follows-Genesis 1:1 - 2:41In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/earth-wind-and-fire/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/earth-wind-and-fire/ Wed, 07 May 2008 00:09:47 GMT I think I will call the sermon this week- Earth, Wind and Fire. The wind and the fire come from the Pentecost story but the earth is what stumps me.I love the Pentecost story as long as it is a story from scripture. When I try to fit it into my ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/pentecost--what-does-it-mean/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/pentecost--what-does-it-mean/ Tue, 06 May 2008 00:11:59 GMT It is amazing how three people can read the same passages and hear different things. I guess I just tend to skip over the speaking in tongues. People I love and respect claim it as a true spiritual gift. I do not have that gift. In the context ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sunday-comes-every-week/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/sunday-comes-every-week/ Mon, 05 May 2008 00:17:19 GMT Well, we did not have a lot of discussion last week but let's keep trying.I have decided not to post the sermon resulting from this BLOG each week.  It is already posted at http://dnn.northminster-indy.org/Worship/Sermons/... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/blog-bible-background/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/blog-bible-background/ Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:18:22 GMT The Book of Acts was written somewhere between 70 and 100 AD by the same person who wrote the Gospel of Luke.  We do not know who it was but we call him “Luke” because it is easy and traditional. The stories in Acts are so ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/help-me-with-my-sermon/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/help-me-with-my-sermon/ Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:19:08 GMT I  have a great idea. How would you like to help with the sermon each week? I am going to try something new and see how it works. I wanted to start a Bible Study group that would study the lectionary passages each week. Then I would ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/holy-week-race-and-politics/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/holy-week-race-and-politics/ Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:25:38 GMT It seems appropriate that the current debate on race and politics should take place in the midst of Holy Week. Much of what has been said and written has been helpful, faithful and thoughtful. Much has been just plain sinful and ignorant.I ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/we-all-make-mistakes/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/we-all-make-mistakes/ Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:25:13 GMT If you recall the day I mis-spoke in church, check this one out...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vs5nZYq1hY http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/holy-week/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/holy-week/ Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:24:52 GMT This week turned everything upside down for the disciples of Jesus. Can it do the same for us? Check this out...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsPBVNecOMoHappy ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/amazing-music/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/amazing-music/ Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:24:29 GMT Why haven't I heard of this amazing woman?  Her songs are beautiful and her thoughts are so universal.  You can read about her and listen to three songs at this link.  Scroll down the left side for the songs and I suggest you ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/dont-get-mad--get-curious/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/dont-get-mad--get-curious/ Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:27:00 GMT I read this BLOG today and really liked the sentiment.  I made me think of people's reactions to the hymns we sing on Sundays in church. Check it outhttp://peculiarpreacher.com/?p=31I have some more movies to tell you about and will get ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/more-movies/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/more-movies/ Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:28:01 GMT I read the book and it took me forever.  The movie is absolutely beautiful.  The camera folks (cinematographers?) should win an award for the amazing shots in this movie.  The story is gripping and very sad.  The amazing part ... http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/what-i-did-on-my-christmas-vacation/ http://www.northminster-indy.org/pastor-teri-thomas-blog/what-i-did-on-my-christmas-vacation/ Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:29:05 GMT So many movies, so little time!Bella was one of the winning films at the Heartland Film Festival last October.  I tried three times to see it then and it was always sold out.  So now it is at College Park Theaters and it is definitely ... nonadult