Growing Up

I realized last night that this is my last weekend before I officially begin my career. This is the last weekend of any sort of 'student' life that I might have. What did I do with my last weekend? Well, I was on a JrHigh Mission Trip till now and I preach tomorrow and move on Monday... I guess it could be said that the weekend before Rockdale ROTC was the last of my 'student-like' life, but I didn't realize it then, but do now. I don't know what to do with this information and this feeling. Mostly I don't have time to worry about it..But here it is for now. 10 Years ago at the age of 17 I decided I didn't want to be a gifted and talented education teacher (my dream since before I can remember) and that I wanted to be in Arts Ministry though I really had no idea what that meant. Here I stand (or sit on a guest bed at my parent's wishing I could be asleep) two DAYS from a job in arts ministry. I'm officially a liturgy coordinator. This makes up aspect 1 of a multi-layered container of Arts ministry. Bringing the visual, vocal, experiential elements of the weekly liturgical event is not what I would have told you 10 years ago that I'd be doing now. It is not what I would have told you 10 months ago. I know really my 'career' began years ago with the many paid and volunteer work I did related to this bigger scheme. But this week its really real. I'm doing it..Kelly Williams-Artist in ministry.

an article

Bay Area churches opened door to same-sex vows

Matthai Kuruvila, Chronicle Religion Writer

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Mission

It occurred to me in a conversation last night that when I refer to ROTC as camp people are not realizing really where I am and what we are doing. ROTC is a mission organization. I will spend two-three weeks of this summer on Jr.High Mission Trips. There is a link to our site on the right column. We're a mission trip that is unique for allowing Jr. High youth to use actual power tools and do construction, part of our system is a Sr. High leadership program and third, we have a strong emphasis on worship (which is where I really fit into the picture). In a board meeting a few months ago, I'm told it was discussed and voted on as to who was the target of our program. Who is this for. For some the answer was obvious -the clients, the folks we are sent into the world to help. But the conversation led to another group and this focus truly guides what we do, which in turn serves so many other groups. ROTC exists for Jr. High youth. They are who this is for. The results of a week prove this intention is being fulfilled. We may significantly touch the lives of our clients, the towns we go to, the churches who host us, our Sr. High and adults. But, we change the lives of Jr.High youth. After one-week there are 11-14 yr olds who have worked harder and had more fun doing it then they could ever imagine. They pay to come and work for a week. But through working, program activities, the community of all ages gathered to serve them and worship whether they stand up on Friday night during our Share Service and articulate it or not, life is a little different after a week of ROTC. I'm proud to be a part of that. On Friday night of this past week, I took my turn on share night and told them that no matter how much the director tells us we're not here for ourselves but to serve others, I say she's wrong. These two-three weeks in a summer remind me why I do ministry the rest of the year.

Reaching Others

Yes, it really is 7:37 in the am and I have been up for more than an hour for the fourth day in a row. As if the mornings were not bad enough already the hour of sleep is not arriving 7.5 to 9 hours prior to the time of arising. This blog actually begins as I sit behind the pulpit and the band leads a game of atom five to stall for breakfast to be ready. A team of adults has now left the room skipping and singing We're off to see the Wizard...I love camp when telling people to do the absolutely ridiculous is completely legitimate and expected really. I love camp when success is marked in the number of people that cry at worship or puke at programs. I love camp when..well I must go join the food line so this shall have to wait. But I guess I do love camp when at 7:40 in the morning I can be so positive about camp. Someone remind me to read my blog about 9:30 when I just want a nap.