Well I am not sure if a lot of interesting things have transpired since I last wrote you all. However, I have gotten more involved in the church and things I will be doing this summer, so that has to count for something. This past week I attended meetings for Bible School and Camp Palisades, the camp I will be working at later in the summer. I spent a good bit of time in the nursing homes in the area for visitations and Sunday afternoon services (just when I thought the congregation couldn't get any older).
On Sunday I was in front of the congregation more than Pastor Jerry was, and this was only my second Sunday. So I don't know what that is going to mean going into the future. People seem to think I can play piano when those of you who know me, know I only fake piano, so it has been interesting trying to convince people that I cannot play hymns. I have taken over (started teaching) the youth Sunday School class, with all two of my students. Sounds like Bible Studies in Bren-Dell this past year.
On a more fun note: Friday, Pastor Jerry and I went hiking in Pocatello after all our visitations in the nursing homes. We hiked a bit more than we expected because at one juncture he asked if we should go left or right. I said right (it looked more fun). In my math classes I learned that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Well this path was not very straight at all. Instead of going back in a fairly straight line we made a nice semicircle back to the parking lot. Fun, but longer.
Anyway, I hope you are all enjoying the nice warm weather in Ohio, or wherever you are. I walked through snow on the way to church on Saturday. And for those of you coming back from your Cross-Cultural experiences have safe trips home and I hope you had a blast. I would love to hear about them.
Shalom,
Matt
P.S. I hope to have some pictures up next time.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
A Physics Lesson and the Wings of Eagles
Well one important lesson was realized yesterday: Even though I know enough physics to pass Dr. Edmiston's class the discussion on velocity and the factor wind plays in it was taken to a new level of learning. Note to self: Do not overestimate how far you can go on a bike when you haven't ridden a bike in well over sixish years or when there is a 10-15 mph breeze in your face for the last 5 miles of the trip. However, a dog running out of a yard to chase you down will really motivate you to go faster even though you have no energy left. Gotta love adrenalin. Also I will be taking a fund for the dogs of Aberdeen so they can be properly kept in their yards. If you would like to donate please let me know :)
Anyway, the fact is I did learn a lot about perseverance yesterday. So often is the passage Isaiah 40:31 quoted, in fact I am going to quote it right now, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Which is all good for a cheesy motivational line but it is important to remember what is stated before this verse. The preceding verses of Isaiah 40 discuss comparing God to the different idols people had. Isaiah is trying to get us to realize that our idols are worthless and that our strength must come from God. In life, we so often say we trust in God, but in reality are leaning on things that are not God to get us through. However, nothing can replace God as our source of strength. By no means am I saying that we should not turn to friends and family for support in times of need to help but when we rely on friends and family more than God we have replaced God in our lives and cannot make it through on just them alone. On my bike trip seeing American Falls Reservoir was what was getting me there; however, on the way home the inspiration to see the Reservoir was not enough to carry me through to the end. Only when God is our anchor point for hope and not material things or people or other things that pass away with time, will we truly find hope and strength.
It is nice to be slowly settling in and figuring out what exactly I am going to be doing this summer. I enjoy having some things to work on like dramatic readings for Scripture, special music, Sunday School lessons and so on. However, my internal clock still thinks I am in Ohio. I am still waking up at 6:00 every morning. Not 6:05 or 5:50 or anything like that, but right at 6:00. It is getting a little creepy. Hopefully at some point soon my body will realize I am in Idaho.
May we all put our hope in God and not temporary things as our way of journeying through life. But with that, may we see God in the people around us, through a smiling face, or a warm embrace as well as in the beauty of nature. May you soar because God is lifting you up, taking you to new heights and places that you have never been before or even thought were attainable.
Love you all,
Shalom,
Matt
P.S. For those who are interested in my mailing address. Here it is:
Matt Weaver
c/o First Mennonite Church
381 W. Washington St.
Aberdeen, Id 83210
Anyway, the fact is I did learn a lot about perseverance yesterday. So often is the passage Isaiah 40:31 quoted, in fact I am going to quote it right now, "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Which is all good for a cheesy motivational line but it is important to remember what is stated before this verse. The preceding verses of Isaiah 40 discuss comparing God to the different idols people had. Isaiah is trying to get us to realize that our idols are worthless and that our strength must come from God. In life, we so often say we trust in God, but in reality are leaning on things that are not God to get us through. However, nothing can replace God as our source of strength. By no means am I saying that we should not turn to friends and family for support in times of need to help but when we rely on friends and family more than God we have replaced God in our lives and cannot make it through on just them alone. On my bike trip seeing American Falls Reservoir was what was getting me there; however, on the way home the inspiration to see the Reservoir was not enough to carry me through to the end. Only when God is our anchor point for hope and not material things or people or other things that pass away with time, will we truly find hope and strength.
It is nice to be slowly settling in and figuring out what exactly I am going to be doing this summer. I enjoy having some things to work on like dramatic readings for Scripture, special music, Sunday School lessons and so on. However, my internal clock still thinks I am in Ohio. I am still waking up at 6:00 every morning. Not 6:05 or 5:50 or anything like that, but right at 6:00. It is getting a little creepy. Hopefully at some point soon my body will realize I am in Idaho.
May we all put our hope in God and not temporary things as our way of journeying through life. But with that, may we see God in the people around us, through a smiling face, or a warm embrace as well as in the beauty of nature. May you soar because God is lifting you up, taking you to new heights and places that you have never been before or even thought were attainable.
Love you all,
Shalom,
Matt
P.S. For those who are interested in my mailing address. Here it is:
Matt Weaver
c/o First Mennonite Church
381 W. Washington St.
Aberdeen, Id 83210
Sunday, May 16, 2010
My Little Hamster Can't Keep Up
Well it is good to be writing this from Idaho, but at the same time also a bit scary realizing this is actually happening and I will be here for the next 11 weeks. My flights were very good and I enjoyed flying over the still snow capped Rockies, which got me to thinking how whoever named the Rockies was so original and descriptive, I marvel at our American genius. It is amazing what I think about when I am on little sleep and bored out of my mind. But anyway my travels went smoothly yesterday and I thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Like I have said earlier I will appreciate your continued prayers while I am here in Aberdeen.
Speaking of Aberdeen, saying it is half the size of Bluffton is being very generous to its actual size. I can get to most places in the town on foot within five minutes, ten max. It is the epitome of small town USA, no traffic lights, no fast food, one gas station (which really jacks up their prices) but there are friendly people everywhere.
This morning I was introduced as the Student Pastor in front of the approximately 50 people that were there, and 90% of them are older than 50. It will be interesting getting to know all of them but I look forward to it. Everyone was coming up to me this morning saying "Oh you must be Matt Weaver." After that they would give me their name, which I would forget in the next 15 seconds but pleasantries were still exchanged. I was definitely on information overload trying to get to know everyone and take in what all was being said, remember I only got 4 hours of sleep the night before I traveled. My poor little brain just couldn't quite take it in. It reminded me of Analysis class this past semester. (This is for Mary Good) But eventually I am sure I will know their names and things like that, it will just take some time.
I look forward to seeing what all I can offer this community as I am sure they will have plenty to offer me, like potatoes. The county Aberdeen is in is the largest producer of potatoes in the nation, one of the church members plants 3000 acres of them. Most of the potatoes go to KFC for their wedges and McDonalds for their fries, now you know. But the people of Aberdeen are some of the nicest people who just like to have a good time and pick on each other incessantly. I think I can fit in if push comes to shove.
Anyway this post is getting long enough. Thanks again for your continued prayers and support. Miss you all.
Shalom,
Matt
Speaking of Aberdeen, saying it is half the size of Bluffton is being very generous to its actual size. I can get to most places in the town on foot within five minutes, ten max. It is the epitome of small town USA, no traffic lights, no fast food, one gas station (which really jacks up their prices) but there are friendly people everywhere.
This morning I was introduced as the Student Pastor in front of the approximately 50 people that were there, and 90% of them are older than 50. It will be interesting getting to know all of them but I look forward to it. Everyone was coming up to me this morning saying "Oh you must be Matt Weaver." After that they would give me their name, which I would forget in the next 15 seconds but pleasantries were still exchanged. I was definitely on information overload trying to get to know everyone and take in what all was being said, remember I only got 4 hours of sleep the night before I traveled. My poor little brain just couldn't quite take it in. It reminded me of Analysis class this past semester. (This is for Mary Good) But eventually I am sure I will know their names and things like that, it will just take some time.
I look forward to seeing what all I can offer this community as I am sure they will have plenty to offer me, like potatoes. The county Aberdeen is in is the largest producer of potatoes in the nation, one of the church members plants 3000 acres of them. Most of the potatoes go to KFC for their wedges and McDonalds for their fries, now you know. But the people of Aberdeen are some of the nicest people who just like to have a good time and pick on each other incessantly. I think I can fit in if push comes to shove.
Anyway this post is getting long enough. Thanks again for your continued prayers and support. Miss you all.
Shalom,
Matt
Friday, May 14, 2010
A Journey Begins
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." --Lao Tzu
Tomorrow I will physically take my first step on the journey to Aberdeen, Idaho from Berlin, Ohio. I will be going from Amish Country to Mormon Country, the familiar to the unknown and the comfortable to a place completely out of my comfort zone. However, some of you may be wondering why am I taking this step in the first place? Why am I going to Idaho this summer? How did this all begin? These are fair questions. I hope through this blog a few of these questions might be answered.
Does my journey really start tomorrow morning at 3:00a.m. or did it start this week when I started packing my bags, or was it when I first thought about doing MIP (Ministry Inquiry Program) this summer or what about when I first discovered First Mennonite Church in Aberdeen online over a year ago or when I realized my call to ministry? All of these could be argued as a "first" step to this journey. I don't know if I can truly pinpoint which step was the first step but it is important to realize that this has been a process and has taken plenty of prayerful consideration. Tomorrow I will physically take my first step on the journey to Aberdeen, Idaho from Berlin, Ohio. I will be going from Amish Country to Mormon Country, the familiar to the unknown and the comfortable to a place completely out of my comfort zone. However, some of you may be wondering why am I taking this step in the first place? Why am I going to Idaho this summer? How did this all begin? These are fair questions. I hope through this blog a few of these questions might be answered.
I hope to learn a lot this summer about God, about ministry, about people and about myself. I know it will be a difficult, nerve-wracking, fun and exciting summer all at the same time. I would really appreciate your prayers for this summer and as I travel tomorrow, it will be a long day.
Micah 6:8 says "And what does the LORD require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." May all of our lives reflect this verse. May we do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God realizing that to live a life like this starts with one step. May you be blessed on your own journey this summer.
Shalom,
Matt
P.S. I am also interested in how you would like to see this blog done. Would you like me to:
1. Post whenever I can
2. Post once a week about what is going on in Idaho
3. Post about what is going on once a week as well as try and post some reflections on Scripture weekly
Feel free to comment on what you would prefer or send me an email. Thanks for your support and everything else that you have done for me over the years.
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