Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Sunday was the memorial service for our colleague and friend, Marcus Walker. The tributes were touching, meaning filled and funny! Thanks to Lauren (Marcus’ wife), his sons and family and friends for putting together such a wonderful tribute for someone too soon gone from our midst. The Burton Church Choir sang marvelously, to so many! Yet, somehow, I want to expect Marcus to still be around…

Yesterday, I spent the day with ecumenical colleagues over in Spokane doing a training event. The majority of the audience (well, all but one) were United Methodist pastors. We were presenting a seven-hour workshop called “Difference Makes a Difference.” It is a second level (after an introductory seven-hour workshop) on cultural competency. In this workshop, we review skills introduced at the first, then go deeper into the Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity. I worked with a United Methodist and two Lutheran colleagues.

I was reminded of how Evergreen must engage in this work, and how we seek to do so regularly in our meetings. I was also led to reflect how we can still minimize our differences. We must continually seek to be sure that we take the time to know ourselves and gain insight on how others do work, so we can creatively use the gifts and skills of everyone in Evergreen. This is an ongoing task. It is a part of jigsaw puzzle.

Marcus Walker is a good example of being/doing the unexpected. Many at his Memorial commented on the seeming inconsistency of being a Baptist Minister and a playhouse director. But truth be told, I see no inconsistency in that, I want to say, yes and why not?! Marcus was gifted in such a way that he clearly made an impact in both those worlds, toward God. One of the skills noticed was how Marcus could call out the best in others and support others in what they were doing. God knows how to use our gifts. We, too, must learn to do so.

As we learn to do this within Evergreen, it is will be a gift to share with the world. The world generally knows and affirms a “conformed” way of doing things, one that rarely sees the “different” gift as acceptable. We will be challenged to learn this acceptance in Evergreen and more challenged to share how to share it with the world. First we must work to make sure within Evergreen that we both listen to all the voices and affirm the various gifts and talents among us. It means that things will not always been done in ways we expect. We may all be surprised at times. But we serve the God of surprises! Let us prepare to serve our God well.

Marcia