Kontakion

Things have been moving fast around here since graduation. I have had several interviews, and am still in the process of finding a job. I quit my job at Lenscrafters for various reasons probably the biggest one being that they still won't give me hours. Last Sunday (Sunday after graduation) we had a party with church folk, old friends, and family, my wonderful wife surprised me with a joint gift of the entire New Interpreters Bible commentary, this has been the only commentary in my 8 years of biblical studies that I have wanted the entire set. I also received enough cash to buy some much needed personal reading books. I haven't been able to read what I want regarding church for so long but finally I can. So with the money I picked up "An Emergent manifesto of Hope" (so far this is a great read), "A Generous Orthodoxy", "Velvet Elvis", and "Early Methodist Life and Spirituality." I will keep you updated with what I think as usual.

As far as I’m concerned my seminary career is done. True I have graduation on Saturday, as well as other events but here I am this week faced with an almost scary prospect…I’m not in school any more. I went from High School to College, and then College to Seminary. In essence I have been going to school almost as long as I’ve been alive (about 19yrs, I’m only 25). The realization came over me last Thursday, when I walked out of my Christology class and realized that that class was the last one I had to take. Now of course I’m not talking about continuing education, but just the sheer fact that I am no longer working toward a degree. For the last 8 years I have had this week in mind, now that I’m here I’m in some ways wondering what happens next. Christ has been present through my entire educational experience, even the times I didn’t think he was; now he is at a new crossroad with me. What is next? Only He knows. P.S. I feel this is doubly fitting for my blog right now. This

This past weekend I went with the youth group to Pocono Plateau, a United Methodist campground. It was fantastic. The facilities at the campground were perfect, and the site was rustic. In general I think the youth had a great time. We got there at 8:30 on Friday night and after getting settled in we gathered around a fire (which one of the kids lit with my help because it was raining), and sang worship songs. We stayed up late that night talking and playing. The next morning I did the lesson, and what we did was use the Myers Briggs testing to teach the kids about personalities, the whole weekend was centered on being the body of Christ. In the afternoon we went to do the low ropes course, when we went to do that Katie stayed with Olivia in the camp so Olivia could take a nap. Katie was so proud of herself when we got back because she was able to stroke the fire up from just a bed of coals. She was so proud that she took a picture of it, and I have to say it was pretty nice.