I am so fortunate to have a job in which there is a spiritual place of refuge. The chapel at Saint Mary's is my absolute favorite place on campus. I often go there when I just want to steal away and sit in God's holy presence. Sometimes I just sit speechless and other times I go in armed for spiritual warfare with a litany of petitions and requests for myself, family and friends.
Today was a visitation day for our school, in which prospective students and their families come to our campus, attend classes, take a tour, attend sessions with various school representatives and attend a chapel service. In addition to prospective families, we also had the Alumnae Council of our school present on campus and in chapel. After meeting with my advisory (homeroom) as normal, I went to the chapel service. I was feeling a little down and was not the cookie cutter, happy-go-lucky child of God that I tend to be on most days. But thanks to Jennifer Moran, Director of the SMS Chorale, I was reminded that "I know the Lord will make a way." The Chorale sang this upbeat number with such conviction, I was instantly catapulted back in time to my childhood and Baptist roots. I was head bopping and ready to jump in with the hand-clapping.
Many times we get so bogged down with life, life, life and life in the form of work, finances, children, pets and the list goes on and on. As I reflected during this song -- I reminded myself that "The Lord will make a way." He's done it so many times. He's so faithful and I'm so grateful. Whatever you are facing, just know this: "I know the Lord will make a way. If you trust and never doubt, he will surely bring you out." Beloved, God has proven himself faithful time and time again. I just came to remind you that, the Lord will make a way, even if you can't see it.
Peace,
Karsten
Friday, October 28, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
God is with US!
I'm at a point in my life where I want to just throw my hands up to the heavens and yell at the top of my lungs, "Hey God, it's me Karsten. Are you up there?" My life is filled with many question marks, discerning moments, deep and fervent prayer. I am on an emotional roller coaster, happy - sad, excited, overjoyed, overwhelmed and yes, STRESSED (I promise I'm not bipolar). In discerning what I believe that God is leading me into ordained ministry in his church, my eyes have been opened and my mind has been enlightened to all the possibilities that God has for me. Some of which may include relocating, other professional ventures, further graduate study, and the list goes on and on.
In addition to my own mental and spiritual tug of war, both my professional and spiritual leaders are leaving their posts. 2012 will prove to be an interesting year, as my parish will begin the search for new rector. I am taking the news of my rector's call to St. Margaret's Church in Washington, DC a bit more personally than I anticipated. Besides being an awesome preacher and pulpiteer, she is a great sister in the Lord and Reverend Mother. My priest, the Reverend Kimberly D. Lucas, was one of the first faces of color that I saw and could identify within the Episcopal Church. Now the Vestry and search committee, with the assistance of the diocesan staff, are charged with the task of calling a new rector to our parish. I've never been at a church in which the pastor leaves or is called to another congregation, and I've never been on the governing body, that will oversee the calling of our new rector. The thought of this is both daunting and exciting to me.
On the professional front. My Head of School or Principal in other school circles announced last year that she would be retiring to her native Texas to be with her family. She has led our school for twelve years. Through the years of plenty and now in the overly stressed economy, which is our reality. The Board of Trustees and Search Committee for the HOS have diligently narrowed the pool of candidates to three, all of whom have been on campus for interviews with various constituencies of the school. I have met all three candidates, and am equally impressed with all of them. Currently the major questions that both saintly institutions of my life (St. Ambrose Church and St. Mary's School) face are. What now? What next? Where do we go from here?
In church today, my pastor, rector, priest, mother in the gospel and sister in Christ formally faced her congregation and told us that she has been called to another church and that she has accepted that call. Most of us have been through change and know that it can be exciting, hopeful and difficult. Reverend Kym reminded us today that God is with us. At first I thought this was a pre-Advent sermon. But Reverend Kym told us that "God is with us, both when we're confident and when we're most confused. God is doing everything possible to save us, not only from the wicked schemes of this world, but from ourselves. What God has for us is infinitely better, even if we can't see it." As I contemplated what will be one of my rector's final sermons as rector and priest-in-charge of St. Ambrose Church, the words to a very familiar hymn from my childhood rang ever so clear.
Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand.
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God's unchanging hand.
I know that some how, God has everything worked out. As my sister-in-law reminded me earlier today, that this is a part of the Master's plan. In response to my opening question, I can hear God saying "Be still and know that I am God."
Peace,
Karsten
In addition to my own mental and spiritual tug of war, both my professional and spiritual leaders are leaving their posts. 2012 will prove to be an interesting year, as my parish will begin the search for new rector. I am taking the news of my rector's call to St. Margaret's Church in Washington, DC a bit more personally than I anticipated. Besides being an awesome preacher and pulpiteer, she is a great sister in the Lord and Reverend Mother. My priest, the Reverend Kimberly D. Lucas, was one of the first faces of color that I saw and could identify within the Episcopal Church. Now the Vestry and search committee, with the assistance of the diocesan staff, are charged with the task of calling a new rector to our parish. I've never been at a church in which the pastor leaves or is called to another congregation, and I've never been on the governing body, that will oversee the calling of our new rector. The thought of this is both daunting and exciting to me.
On the professional front. My Head of School or Principal in other school circles announced last year that she would be retiring to her native Texas to be with her family. She has led our school for twelve years. Through the years of plenty and now in the overly stressed economy, which is our reality. The Board of Trustees and Search Committee for the HOS have diligently narrowed the pool of candidates to three, all of whom have been on campus for interviews with various constituencies of the school. I have met all three candidates, and am equally impressed with all of them. Currently the major questions that both saintly institutions of my life (St. Ambrose Church and St. Mary's School) face are. What now? What next? Where do we go from here?
In church today, my pastor, rector, priest, mother in the gospel and sister in Christ formally faced her congregation and told us that she has been called to another church and that she has accepted that call. Most of us have been through change and know that it can be exciting, hopeful and difficult. Reverend Kym reminded us today that God is with us. At first I thought this was a pre-Advent sermon. But Reverend Kym told us that "God is with us, both when we're confident and when we're most confused. God is doing everything possible to save us, not only from the wicked schemes of this world, but from ourselves. What God has for us is infinitely better, even if we can't see it." As I contemplated what will be one of my rector's final sermons as rector and priest-in-charge of St. Ambrose Church, the words to a very familiar hymn from my childhood rang ever so clear.
Time is filled with swift transition,
Naught of earth unmoved can stand.
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God's unchanging hand.
I know that some how, God has everything worked out. As my sister-in-law reminded me earlier today, that this is a part of the Master's plan. In response to my opening question, I can hear God saying "Be still and know that I am God."
Peace,
Karsten
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
VOTE!
Today is Election Day! An off Election Day at that. I very happily report that I casted the number 2 ballot at my poll (Freedom Temple Church) today. I had been meaning to vote early, but it just slipped up on me. The right to vote is something that I take so seriously. Regardless of one's political affiliation, it is a right that was denied for many Americans for a great part of our nation's history, especially African-Americans and women.
When President Obama was elected as our nation's Chief Executive Officer in 2008, two things happened. (1) People showed up and voted in record numbers. (2) Many democratic politicians were catapulted into office by being in the right party at the right time. However, it is not party time in the United States, our economy is seemingly beyond repair. One out of every ten people do not have jobs. Budget cuts are threatening the qualility of education that is offered in both public and private schools. The list goes on and on.
Although this is not an election for the presidency and gubernatoral seats, it is still a very important election. In fact, I deem it to be more important than the presidential and gubernatorial elections. It all begins at home. There are several mayoral and city council races across North Carolina today. Even here in Raleigh, we have a mayoral race. But the election that pulls to the very fiber of my being as an educator is the election of the members of the School Board. There are five seats up in the Wake County School Board. These are the people that make decisions based on how our future hope, the students of Wake County Public Schools will be educated.
It is my prayer that everyone who is elected today will remember the people whom they have been called to represent and serve; and that the love of Christ will cross partisan lines and unify us. In the words of Julia Sugarbaker, "Each day, I pray that those in power will get good sense and those with good sense will get power, and in the mean time Lord have mercy on us as we await the ones with good sense to come forward."
Peace,
Karsten
When President Obama was elected as our nation's Chief Executive Officer in 2008, two things happened. (1) People showed up and voted in record numbers. (2) Many democratic politicians were catapulted into office by being in the right party at the right time. However, it is not party time in the United States, our economy is seemingly beyond repair. One out of every ten people do not have jobs. Budget cuts are threatening the qualility of education that is offered in both public and private schools. The list goes on and on.
Although this is not an election for the presidency and gubernatoral seats, it is still a very important election. In fact, I deem it to be more important than the presidential and gubernatorial elections. It all begins at home. There are several mayoral and city council races across North Carolina today. Even here in Raleigh, we have a mayoral race. But the election that pulls to the very fiber of my being as an educator is the election of the members of the School Board. There are five seats up in the Wake County School Board. These are the people that make decisions based on how our future hope, the students of Wake County Public Schools will be educated.
It is my prayer that everyone who is elected today will remember the people whom they have been called to represent and serve; and that the love of Christ will cross partisan lines and unify us. In the words of Julia Sugarbaker, "Each day, I pray that those in power will get good sense and those with good sense will get power, and in the mean time Lord have mercy on us as we await the ones with good sense to come forward."
Peace,
Karsten
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Be Still and know...
Be still and know...If you're a true Bible scholar, I know that you know this comes from Psalm 46:10. You may also be able to complete the verse with ...that I am God. "Be still and know that I am God." I can remember hearing this several times as a child. From my mom, grandparents and other childcare providers. It was difficult back then and it is even more difficult as and adult to sit and be still. Naturally we want to control our circumstances and situations. Beloved, in a perfect world in which we were in charge, that might be possible. But in a world in which we have absolutely no control, it's hard to just sit and let the chips fall as they may.
However, the cares of this world, constant pulling and tugging, issues at work, home and school, and the list goes on and on. It is hard to sit still and put it all in God's hands, even after he's proven himself time and time again. Sometimes I look at my day and laugh at myself. From the time my feet hit the floor in the morning and I utter my first "Thank you Jesus" of the day, I am in constant motion. Doing this and doing that. Rather than just being. God wants us to be still and know that he is here. He really has something to say to us. The question becomes are we making time to listen to what he has to say? Recently, I have been listening to Yolanda Adams' song "Be Still." This song has blessed me and I'm sure that it will bless you too. I can hear ever so clearly God, my mom, and countless others saying "Karsten, Be still!" I pass this on to you. Brothers and sisters, be still and know that HE is God. Enjoy a silent moment with God, listen to him. You and I may agree that we've said more than enough.
Be Still
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03GQiPaa69I&feature=related
Peace,
Karsten
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
From a former student
Today's blog entry is a re-Blog from a former student of mine, Macon Cornick. Read all about it!
My dad, John Cornick, was a very proud Phi Delta Theta at UNC- Chapel Hill. He deeply valued the friendships he made within the Fraternity and years after he graduated from UNC, especially in the past few years when he was battling ALS. He was diagnosed with ALS in June of 2009 and fought an extremely courageous battle until May of 2011. As the disease took its toll, I was blown away by the way his fraternity brothers constantly surrounded him and encouraged him through visits, emails and phone calls.
When I arrived at UNC Chapel Hill as a freshman, I learned that Phi Delta Theta’s national philanthropy is the ALS Association and the Phi Delts were planning on having a philanthropic event to support it. Around the same time, I had joined Kappa Delta Sorority and met my now, very dear friend, Ally, whose dad also battled the disease. I also learned about a former Kappa Delta at UNC whose mother had the disease as well. After getting to know Ally, and learning about the very close and personal connection that Kappa Delta has to ALS, it was obvious that KD should join forces with Phi Delt to make this event happen.
We saw this as an incredible opportunity to raise awareness for this disease, as well as funds for research and care for ALS patients. It was amazing to see how the members of Phi Delt and Kappa Delta instantly stepped up and volunteered their time and talents to making this event a huge success. On April 8, 2011, KD and Phi Delt hosted their inaugural Cookout to Knockout ALS on the lawn of the Phi Delt house. Over 600 people, including the UNC Chapel Hill community, family and friends, enjoyed the delicious barbeque, burgers and hotdogs prepared by John Jenkins, Phi Delt’s very own chef. Attendees also enjoyed socializing and listening to the Fabulous Kays play many beach music hits. With many generous donations, we raised over $25,000 that went to the North Carolina Catfish Hunter chapter of The ALS Association. The greatest and most priceless part of it all was my dad’s ability to gain enough strength to come to the cookout. My dad was able to physically be on the lawn of the house where he created his greatest college memories. His favorite “Famous Phi” brothers swarmed him with love and support at one time and showed him that they and the rest of the Chapel Hill community would continue to fight the disease on this earth after he is no longer with us.
Even though my dad will not be at the 2nd annual Cookout to Knockout ALS in April of 2012, he will be able to look down from heaven and see the Chapel Hill community honoring his legacy and rallying around the cause for a world without ALS.
Macon Cornick grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and attended Saint Mary’s School. She is now a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill, studying exercise and sports science and is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She is very thankful for the UNC Phi Delta Theta community and the enthusiasm shown by the alumni and current brothers to help fight ALS, a cause that is very close to her heart
The Peace of the Lord be with you all, and especially to the Cornick family.
Remembering My Father, Who Lost His Battle With ALS
Posted on October 4, 2011 by phidelt
My dad, John Cornick, was a very proud Phi Delta Theta at UNC- Chapel Hill. He deeply valued the friendships he made within the Fraternity and years after he graduated from UNC, especially in the past few years when he was battling ALS. He was diagnosed with ALS in June of 2009 and fought an extremely courageous battle until May of 2011. As the disease took its toll, I was blown away by the way his fraternity brothers constantly surrounded him and encouraged him through visits, emails and phone calls.When I arrived at UNC Chapel Hill as a freshman, I learned that Phi Delta Theta’s national philanthropy is the ALS Association and the Phi Delts were planning on having a philanthropic event to support it. Around the same time, I had joined Kappa Delta Sorority and met my now, very dear friend, Ally, whose dad also battled the disease. I also learned about a former Kappa Delta at UNC whose mother had the disease as well. After getting to know Ally, and learning about the very close and personal connection that Kappa Delta has to ALS, it was obvious that KD should join forces with Phi Delt to make this event happen.
We saw this as an incredible opportunity to raise awareness for this disease, as well as funds for research and care for ALS patients. It was amazing to see how the members of Phi Delt and Kappa Delta instantly stepped up and volunteered their time and talents to making this event a huge success. On April 8, 2011, KD and Phi Delt hosted their inaugural Cookout to Knockout ALS on the lawn of the Phi Delt house. Over 600 people, including the UNC Chapel Hill community, family and friends, enjoyed the delicious barbeque, burgers and hotdogs prepared by John Jenkins, Phi Delt’s very own chef. Attendees also enjoyed socializing and listening to the Fabulous Kays play many beach music hits. With many generous donations, we raised over $25,000 that went to the North Carolina Catfish Hunter chapter of The ALS Association. The greatest and most priceless part of it all was my dad’s ability to gain enough strength to come to the cookout. My dad was able to physically be on the lawn of the house where he created his greatest college memories. His favorite “Famous Phi” brothers swarmed him with love and support at one time and showed him that they and the rest of the Chapel Hill community would continue to fight the disease on this earth after he is no longer with us.
Even though my dad will not be at the 2nd annual Cookout to Knockout ALS in April of 2012, he will be able to look down from heaven and see the Chapel Hill community honoring his legacy and rallying around the cause for a world without ALS.
Macon Cornick grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and attended Saint Mary’s School. She is now a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill, studying exercise and sports science and is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She is very thankful for the UNC Phi Delta Theta community and the enthusiasm shown by the alumni and current brothers to help fight ALS, a cause that is very close to her heart
The Peace of the Lord be with you all, and especially to the Cornick family.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Don't forget to remember...
I will always remember that cool, crisp Tuesday morning, low humidity, clear blues skies with puffy white cotton balls. I was relishing in the fact that autumn, my favorite season was fastly approaching. It was also the day of my first test of the year for my students. I had first period planning and around 8:50 my colleague Tina Bartlett, frantically asked me if I had heard what happened at the World Trade Center. She continued to tell me that a plane flew into one of the towers and I laughed out loud and told her to stop playing. I only wish that she were joking. We quickly ran over to Ava Closs's classroom to watch the coverage. For the next thirty-five minutes, we watched with horror as the second plane flew into the other tower. Later during the course of the day, we would learn of an incident at the Pentagon, a plane crash in Pennsylvania, and the indelible shock that plagued our hearts and minds.
Beloved, here we stand ten years later, still broken, maybe even more confused that we were before these acts of terror plagued our nation. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, many of which were doing what I was doing that same day, simply going to work. But God, who is rich in mercy and compassion, whose love fails not, thought it not robbery to perserve and sustain us for such a time as this. I cannot imagine the loss that the survivors of the 911 victims have experienced and continue to endure.
However, in this time of reflection of tragedy, let's remember that there is triumph. There were people in the Twin Towers who escaped and may be plagued with guilt as to why they were spared. In God there is no failure, and yet bad things happen to good people. In just a few moments, President Obama will address the survivors and those gathered at Ground Zero. He will lead them with a recitation of Psalm 46. The opening line of Psalm 46 is "God is our strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble." Let us not lose sight that even as we reflect upon this tragic time in our nation's history, that God has turned our mourning into dancing and prasise. Gospel singer Donald Lawrence, recorded a song a few years back "Don't forget to remember." As we reflect on this tragedy, let us not lose sight of the triumph that we have in Christ as he has given us beauty for ashes.
Peace,
Karsten
Beloved, here we stand ten years later, still broken, maybe even more confused that we were before these acts of terror plagued our nation. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, many of which were doing what I was doing that same day, simply going to work. But God, who is rich in mercy and compassion, whose love fails not, thought it not robbery to perserve and sustain us for such a time as this. I cannot imagine the loss that the survivors of the 911 victims have experienced and continue to endure.
However, in this time of reflection of tragedy, let's remember that there is triumph. There were people in the Twin Towers who escaped and may be plagued with guilt as to why they were spared. In God there is no failure, and yet bad things happen to good people. In just a few moments, President Obama will address the survivors and those gathered at Ground Zero. He will lead them with a recitation of Psalm 46. The opening line of Psalm 46 is "God is our strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble." Let us not lose sight that even as we reflect upon this tragic time in our nation's history, that God has turned our mourning into dancing and prasise. Gospel singer Donald Lawrence, recorded a song a few years back "Don't forget to remember." As we reflect on this tragedy, let us not lose sight of the triumph that we have in Christ as he has given us beauty for ashes.
Peace,
Karsten
Monday, September 5, 2011
Why Church??
I think that one of the best things that some churches could have discovered recently, is the ability to stream live into their worship services via the internet. I admit that I periodically have a St. Mattress worship experience with Rev. Slumbers from time-to-time. Some of my favorite pulpiteers to drop in on are Rev. Floyd Flake, Pastor of Greater Allen Cathedral (NYC), Rev. Jamal H. Bryant, Pastor of Empowerment Temple (Baltimore), Rev. Otis Moss, III, Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ (Chicago) and Father Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Catholic Church (Chicago).
I am so appreciative of my church home, St. Ambrose Episcopal Church: Raleigh, NC and other churches in which I was enriched and have grown spiritually. I believe that church worship is a multi-sensory journey in which all of our senses are engaged in worship and thanksgiving for all that God has done for us, and will continue to do for us. Often times I encounter people who are interested in church, but may have been over exposed to it growing up, may have been hurt by a spiritual leader, or even afraid of God. In a quest for a perfect church, mosque, synagogue or temple, we have to be mindful that the perfect one does not exist. There may be a community of faith that is perfect for you at this season in your life. Beloved remember that we are all imperfect beings, broken and marred that are in pursuit of perfection. We run to the end of the rainbow, only to discover that the glimmery, shining pot that we were running toward was filled with fool's gold.
As I have my St. Mattress worship sessions, the one thing that I cannot experience, is the love of my parishioners, a touch from my pastor, a word of encouragement from my adopted mother, or passing the peace (unless I shake my own hand). The building is not the church, we who name the name of Christ are the church and the church should be in us. At times church people don't act like church people. When you encounter those types, my grandmother said "You just gotta love the hell outta 'em."
A community of faith is a vibrant place for you to tap into your gifts amd potentially make sense of God's plan for your life. Any time you have more than one person in a room, there is the potential for disagreements and discord. We worship to be strengthened and empowered. At the close of our worship service, my priest dismisses us with this charge, "Go forth into the world to love and serve the Lord." If you are not connected to a community of faith, find one. You may have shop around, but when you find the right one, it will fit you just like Cinderella's glass slipper.
The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
Karsten
I am so appreciative of my church home, St. Ambrose Episcopal Church: Raleigh, NC and other churches in which I was enriched and have grown spiritually. I believe that church worship is a multi-sensory journey in which all of our senses are engaged in worship and thanksgiving for all that God has done for us, and will continue to do for us. Often times I encounter people who are interested in church, but may have been over exposed to it growing up, may have been hurt by a spiritual leader, or even afraid of God. In a quest for a perfect church, mosque, synagogue or temple, we have to be mindful that the perfect one does not exist. There may be a community of faith that is perfect for you at this season in your life. Beloved remember that we are all imperfect beings, broken and marred that are in pursuit of perfection. We run to the end of the rainbow, only to discover that the glimmery, shining pot that we were running toward was filled with fool's gold.
As I have my St. Mattress worship sessions, the one thing that I cannot experience, is the love of my parishioners, a touch from my pastor, a word of encouragement from my adopted mother, or passing the peace (unless I shake my own hand). The building is not the church, we who name the name of Christ are the church and the church should be in us. At times church people don't act like church people. When you encounter those types, my grandmother said "You just gotta love the hell outta 'em."
A community of faith is a vibrant place for you to tap into your gifts amd potentially make sense of God's plan for your life. Any time you have more than one person in a room, there is the potential for disagreements and discord. We worship to be strengthened and empowered. At the close of our worship service, my priest dismisses us with this charge, "Go forth into the world to love and serve the Lord." If you are not connected to a community of faith, find one. You may have shop around, but when you find the right one, it will fit you just like Cinderella's glass slipper.
The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
Karsten
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