This blog was inspired by a challenge from my pastor. When I queried him about the possibility of going into ministry he said: “whatever the Lord has put on your heart to do, begin where you are, with what you’ve got, and get started doing it!” He says what he means and means what he says. God bless him for that.
So this blog may be a bit unusual as “religious” blogs go. It’s a way of testing the waters. I may include a few sermons preached and lessons taught, but mostly I’m just here to toss out ideas and get your comments. I’d like to know if what I write makes sense to you, or inspires you, or ticks you off. If you’d like to know more about following Jesus I’d be happy to share.
As far as a short bio — I’m a married 50-something with a degree in music education. Follows logically that I’d have 20 years experience teaching computer courses, right? :-} I also direct the music program for a local Presbyterian church… small in numbers but mighty in talent, a joy to make music with. I started attending seminary part-time in the fall of ’07, still not sure exactly where the Lord is leading, but I do know it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
If you’re curious as to what I believe or where I’m coming from, you probably won’t find it in any mainline denomination or non-denomination, but if you read CS Lewis you’ll come close to my heart. And like him, I find myself drawn to the Anglican church, while admitting there’s as much room for improvement there as anywhere.
– Peg Bowman
(updated 10/31/09)
Hi, Peg,
I stumbled upon your blog while googling Lesslie Newbigin, then quickly noticed many links to interesting sites such as biblegateway, John Stott, Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, Tolkien, refs to C.S. Lewis, etc.
With all the Anglican connections I never would have pegged you (unintended pun) as a Presbyterian. I’m neither; Baptist really, but have many Episcopal friends, several of whom are Trinity grads. I’ve bookmarked your blog and will check in from time to time.
Have a wonderful Holy Week, and yes, He is risen indeed.
Ted Spurling–Islesford, Maine
PS Nice touch on the YouTubes–I enjoyed the Beatles on Ed Sullivan.
PPS–This is probably not a long shot, but have you ever read any of Susan Howatch’s novels, particularly the Starbridge series? I’d be interested in your reaction to her work.
Hi Ted,
Thanks for stopping in and saying hi! Actually I am an Episcopalian (for the time being… we’ll see how much longer our diocese will be allowed to be both Christian and Episcopalian!) and a 25-yr member of St. Stephens. I’ve been working as a musician in the Presby church for 15 years, which explains all the Presby references. I’ve been baptized Baptist, too, somewhere along the journey!
I’m currently attending Trinity — cool that you have friends among our alumni. It would be interesting to see who we both know. And no, I’ve never read any Susan Howatch… will have to give her a try!
Cheers,
Peg
Hi, Peg,
My Trinity friends have long since graduated. The most notable is probably Mark Lawrence for having recently been made bishop of South Carolina. I think he’s the first bishop (in this country) from Trinity. Others friends include Chris Hathaway and Chuck Bradshaw. Don Paschal too, but he died a few years ago.
The Starbridge novels by Susan Howatch are also called the “Anglican Series” because they follow several clergy families in England from the 1930s to the 1960s. Each novel and its protagonist also revolves around a particular theology troubling the church in that period. Very authentic, according to my Anglican friends, and great character development, interconnecting plots between families and between novels. Start with Glittering Images and go straight through. Problem is, you might not have time for your studies. And she ruined my writing. Set the bar too high.
I’m currently taking a course through Gordon-Conwell Seminary. Theologically I think both schools are in the same ball park.
I know what you mean about being allowed to be Christian in some dioceses. I’m watching you Episcopalians and praying it doesn’t turn into a train wreck. Susan Howatch could do well with a novel about the current challenges.
Have a wonderful Easter.
Ted >
Hi Ted,
I remember the crowd you’re talking about! I took my first class at Trinity back in 1985 with Terry Kelshaw. I’ve heard all the names you mention but don’t think I’ve met any of them except for maybe Chris Hathaway. I knew his dad, Bishop Alden, for a number of years when I was working as a musician in the diocese. He confirmed me into the Episcopal church… wonderful man, very pastoral and deeply spiritual. And one of my classmates is up for ordination under Bp. Lawrence, so I’ve heard a good bit about him (all good!)
Re: Gordon-Conwell — I have heard wonderful things about the school! Very much in the same ballpark, yeah. One of G-C’s graduates is a former employer… a man of deep faith and real vision, and I take it much of his spiritual formation came from attending G-C. Prepare to have your socks blessed off (if they haven’t been already!)
OK you have piqued my interest in Susan Howatch! Sounds like a good candidate for summer reading as soon as June Term is done.
And yeah, the whole Episcopal fracas would make… a good novel? or a Shakespearean tragedy? At this point it looks like our diocese, along with about a half-dozen others, will eventually become Anglican under the oversight of the southern hemisphere (the Anglican South is theologically sound and growing like a weed!) What’s left of the Episcopal Church USA will be like the Sadducees of Jesus’ day – an aging elite class who believe in little and function basically as a cultural institution with a vaguely religious veneer. Meanwhile the biggest challenge for the rest of us will be to fight the temptation to become like the Pharisees.
God grant us leaders with level heads…!
Happy Easter to you and yours too!
Peg
Peg,
I just read your “about” section and see that you are currently Episcopalian. I’ve been following the trials and tribulations of the Episcopalian Church.
Katharine Jefferts Schori happens to be my father’s first cousin’s wife. It is tragically funny considering the fact that I’m pretty theologically conservative.
It is interesting for me to hear about your seminary professor’s perspective on Wright and other out-of-touch pastors that use the pulpit to spread their racism instead of the Gospel of reconciliation.
Anyway, keep moving forward. It is up to our generation to be agents of change.
Neil
Neil,
O.M.G. – the meetings that happen in cyberspace… LOL! It’s a pleasure!
Yeah, things are messy in the Episcopal church right now. I consider myself to be fairly conservative too, but I’m liberal where the Gospel points to a need for it (such as immigration law, ecology, etc.) Now in seminary, I have no idea where I’ll end up but I hope to stay somewhere within the Anglican communion – I love the ancient roots and liturgy and I think both have a lot to offer in a postmodern society.
BTW and FWIW I’ve been following some of the verbiage on the ‘conservative’ Episcopal blogs and a lot of what’s written there is not very pretty… my apologies to your family on their behalf. I hope and pray when the fracas is over people’s heads will cool and the need for repentance be realized.
Re: my comments on the racism issue – I just needed to clarify the perspective offered was that of the pastor I work for (who is Presbyterian). We were comparing notes and both realized much of the material in our respective anti-racism classes, similar to the verbiage in Wright’s sermons, is straight out of the 1960s — as if nothing has changed since then…!
Thanks for the encouraging words! I appreciate your blog too, especially the way you end posts with prayer… it’s a great reminder that what we say and do is always before the Lord.
Here’s to the future!
Peg
Dear Peg,
My name is Andrew Henning. I was very happy to stumble across your blog late this evening. You see sometimes when I get bored I search names of people I know on Google. Not the best use of my time but sometimes its fun to see familiar names in the search results. On this particular night I searched my dad’s name and your blog came up. I’m very happy with what you wrote about him and I was curious as to how you knew him. I was very young when he passed away and so these stories are really the only thing I have to remember him by. Would you mind taking a little time and writing back with a story or two? Thank you very much.
Andrew Henning
henningad@gmail.com
Hi Andrew,
So good to hear from you! Email reply sent backchannel.
Blessings,
Peg
Just thought I would leave this here for you al…
The Snake of Postmodernism
” The debate is over,” said the man with
the big peace sign on his shirt, ” God does not exist, he
was a passing fashion, a cultural product of another era,
he is a choice we now know we do not have to make.”
But I knew the truth, I knew that any chance God
had of being known was zapped by the whole incident
with the apple, when the snake said to Eve:
“Girlfriend, your are just a thought in God’s head,
do you realize that? Just a thought, no more.
Now, how would you like to turn the tables
and have Him see how it feels
to be just a thought in your head?
Yeah, just munch this apple right here
and turn your brain into a super-powered
computer with the ability to know absolutely
everything and distill everything down
into the product of your own thought.
We are talking some serious bang
for your buck , honey. Yeah, you can create
the entire universe by yourself.
Shoot by the time you’re finished you will be God
and He will be just yesterday’s news
in your memory bank. How’s that for a deal?”
and of course, Eve took it.
She was dazzled by that big peace sign the
snake wore, and he promised
her she could have one just like it.
In the end though, it turned out to be just a fig leaf.
Eve,
Thank you for sharing! And welcome to the blog. I don’t recall if we’ve ‘met’ but one of your friends is the sister of one of my best friends (or something like that)… a very creative and wonderful group of ladies. Do you have a blog of your own? If so please leave a link and I’ll add you to the blogroll.
Cheers,
Peg
The debate is over, said the man with the big peace sign on his shirt, God does not exist, he was a passing fashion, a cultural product of another era,he is a choice we now know we do not have to make. But I knew the truth, I knew that any chance God had of being known was zapped by the whole incident with the apple, when the snake said to Eve: Girlfriend, your are just a thought in God’s head, do you realize that? Just a thought, no more.Now, how would you like to turn the tables and have Him see how it feels to be just a thought in your head?Yeah, just munch this apple right here and turn your brain into a super-powered computer with the ability to know absolutely everything and distill everything down into the product of your own thought.We are talking some serious bang for your buck , honey. Yeah, you can create the entire universe by yourself.Shoot by the time you’re finished you will be God and He will be just yesterday’s news in your memory bank. How’s that for a deal? and of course, Eve took it.She was dazzled by that big peace sign the snake wore, and he promised her she could have one just like it.In the end though, it turned out to be just a fig leaf.
I’m loving your blog…. I think we think a lot alike! I started blogging a year and a half ago after I had felt God prodding me to use my love of writing for Him. It took 6 months of Him “convincing me” before I finally did it. I love how He has revealed Himself to me in ways that are so convicting, but so full of love! It’s funny b/c I am a totally different person “in person” than I am as a writer. As a writer, I’m bold and confident. I’m loving seeing how God makes me bold for Him!
Love your blog… keep it going!
Be blessed sister,
Christy
Glad you enjoy it! I agree – I think whenever we handle God’s word it changes us and stretches us. It’s a joyful calling! May He continue to bless you as you follow His lead.