Where in the World?

Adoption

2008-12-28T14:03:00.000-05:00

On May 8^th, 1945 a woman named Gladys Kayser was admitted to the Home for Unwed Mothers in Fargo, North Dakota. There she gave birth to a girl - my mother - and named her Donelle Priscilla Kayser. She was immediately put up for adoption. Before long, Donelle was adopted by Ralph and Selma Vogel - a couple looking for a daughter. They took her home and gave her a new name – Victoria Elaine Vogel. Just like that, she had a new name and a new family. She had a whole new set of relatives and a new culture.

Growing up in her adopted family Vicki never felt like she belonged. She knew that her real family was out there somewhere, and she wondered what they were like, but for most of her life they remained a mystery. So, after giving birth to three kids of her own, she set out to find her birth family. After a long search she was reunited with her birth mom, Gladys. It took another 15 years to find the family of her birth father, the late Donald Campbell. While she learned that Donald had died in 1963, the surviving members of his family wanted to meet my Mom, so a date was set for a big family reunion.

For my Mom and family this reunion was an amazing experience. After all, the size of our extended family had literally doubled overnight! All of a sudden my mom had five new sisters, and us kids dozens of new aunts, uncles, and cousins! At first the thought of meeting them all was a little scary, and we wondered how we’d fit in with this new branch of the family tree. We wondered what all of these changes meant. Thankfully our fears quickly dissolved when we all got together. They welcomed and embraced us like we were just another part of the family. Gathered around the table, we shared stories and caught up on our family history. We felt at home with them, and they with us. Just like that, we had a whole new family.

In the Old Testament there is not a single mention of the word “adoption.” The way in which we understand adoption just didn’t exist in those days. If a child lost its parents or was abandoned it became the responsibility of the extended family. Likewise, in the four gospels of the New Testament, the word “adoption” is never spoken by Jesus – the concept just wasn’t a part of Jewish society and culture. It’s not until later in the New Testament in the letters of the Apostle Paul that we first hear the word for adoption.

Today, in our second lesson from Galatians, Paul writes to the leaders of the new churches in Galatia. These churches were made up of both Jews and Gentiles living in the Roman Empire under the rule of Caesar. Both Paul and the Galatians were Roman citizens, so he knew that the word “adoption” carried meaning for them. But the Roman custom of adoption meant something different to them than it does for us today. In Roman culture only males were adopted, and adoption only took place if a family needed a male heir for the family inheritance. In the Roman Empire of Paul’s day adoption was a way to pass on one’s legacy and family wealth.

Paul appeals to this Roman understanding of adoption when he writes to the Galatians. He tells them that they have forgotten their adoption – the adoption that had taken place in their baptisms. The Galatians had come to believe in their own self-made righteousness – that they could become “better Christians” if they only did the right things. They thought if they followed all the prescribed rules and laws that they would somehow become more spiritual, righteous, and holy. They believed that their religious rituals and ceremonies would win them God’s favor and approval. They had put their faith in the law instead of in Christ – in doing so, they had fallen out of a right relationship with God.

Paul reminds them of their adoption, and tells them that their divine inheritance will not come through their obedience to the law. In short, he tells them that they cannot have it both ways. Either you are a free child of God living by faith “under Christ,” or you are a slave because you are living “under the law.” By choosing to live under the law they became like slaves in God’s own house, denying themselves of their promised inheritance.

Like the Galatians, you and I have also fallen out of a right relationship with God. We too forget that we have been adopted and claimed as God’s people through our baptism. We do this whenever we fool ourselves into thinking we can make it on our own – without God. It’s easy to see how this can happen. After all, we live in a culture that values self-reliance – a society where independence is the ultimate goal. We are taught that those who rely too much on others are weak. Now, I’m not saying that self-reliance is a bad thing – there are times when we need to be able to fend for ourselves. But when we buy too much into this kind of thinking, we can forget that all of us are, in fact, completely and utterly dependent on God. The idea that we can survive for even a minute without God is foolish. It is God and God alone who gives us house and home, food, water, and shelter, and the very air we breathe. It is God who gives us night and day, rain and sunshine, and health and strength.

Our dependence on God, of course, is not limited to our earthly lives - we are dependent on God for our eternal salvation. We may think that if we live “under the law” that we can save ourselves. But what does it mean to live under the law? We live under the law whenever we think something WE do will bring us salvation. For example, we know that regular church attendance and serving others are good things, but they do not save us. Saying our creeds and giving our offerings to the church are good things, but they do not bring us closer to God. And while we may say that we’ve invited Jesus into our hearts, it is really God and not us who is doing the inviting - inviting us to a life of faith. We may think that we’ve made a decision to give our hearts to Jesus and come to God. But the only reason we’re saved is that God made a decision – the decision to choose us and to come to us.

For the Galatians, God made this decision when the time was right – “when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.” God sent the Spirit of his son, Jesus into their hearts – a spirit that cried out “Abba, Father” – a baptismal experience for the unity of all who believed. Freed from the constricting chains of the law, the people went forth with the baptismal cross on their foreheads - as the rightful heirs of God’s promised inheritance.

This morning we will all take part in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. For all of us it is a privilege and a joy, for together with God we get to welcome a new child into the family of faith. As baptismal witnesses we are given a visible sign of God’s grace - a sign which God gave each of us in our own baptism. The word and water are poured over our heads, and we are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just like that, our adoption goes through. It is immediate and permanent, and it lasts throughout the fullness of time.

Thankfully for us, unlike my Mom, we do not have to wonder about our real family. We don’t have to search for a sense of belonging. For while our baptism may seem like a mystery, we know that God’s love is real and true. We see it in our lives and we feel it in our hearts. Through baptism our Heavenly Father re-unites us with our Christian brothers and sisters in every time and place. We are given a new family who loves and supports us, and a new name – Child of God. Through baptism, we are claimed and adopted by a God who knows no limits. As God’s adopted children we are freed from our bondage to sin. We are freed from the impossible requirements of the law. As children of God we receive the spirit of Jesus into our hearts, the spirit that unites us as God’s people. Together, we are reunited around the table – brought together as the adopted children and heirs of God’s inheritance – the promise of God’s salvation – a divine blessing for the fullness of time. Amen.

The Start of Fall...

2008-09-26T18:46:00.009-04:00

A lot has happened in the last two months. Since many of you have inquired about how my medical and life stuff are going, I thought I'd take a moment to post a little summary:

My surgery on July 22nd removed my thyroid gland, a cancerous tumor, and 32 lymph nodes, and lasted about 8 hours. I am now the proud owner of a good 12 inch scar running from behind my right ear to the other side of my neck. Pretty bad ass, let me tell you. I went home the next day with three drainage tubes and a bottle of oxycodone, which I made very good use of. The next two weeks were spent hanging out at AnnaLisa and Murray's house. Surprisingly little pain in my neck, but a severe amount in my shoulder from having it overstretched for the duration of the surgery. All this made for an unexpected summer CPE experience, to say the least.

I am SO grateful for the support during this time from my family. Mom, Dad, and Matt all flew out for the surgery, and Anna & Murray bent over backwards to host everyone and keep me comfortable. More than anyone, however, my now-wife Taryn was there for me the entire time. She's the one that stayed at the hospital with me all night and put up with my anger and paranoid delusions. She's the one who drove me back and forth to appointments and tended to my every need. I am incredibly blessed to have her in my life!

And now, she really IS the ONE! A little over two weeks after the surgery the two of us flew to Minneapolis, then headed to Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Wisconsin to get married! We had an amazing weekend with friends and family, great food, music, and great weather! If you'd like to check out some of the 300+ photos, go to http://tiasphotos.smugmug.com/ Thanks Tia for the awesome pics! And, THANK YOU to all our friends and family who made the trip! It was really special to have so many of you folks there!

From Wisconsin, my new bride and I headed back east in my Dad's 1996 Plymouth Voyager, which was filled to the gills with all our wedding stuff! After quick stops in D.C. and Philly to unload everything, we then headed north for a 12 day honeymoon! We spent two nights in Cape Cod, where we camped, biked, and ate lobster. From there we headed to Prince Edward Island, where we saw the Anne of Green Gables house and went deep-sea fishing. Other highlights included kayaking in Nova Scotia and seeing several moose up-close in Cape Breton! We then caught a ferry back to Maine for a quick visit to Acadia National Park and the Atlantic Brewing Company, followed by some sightseeing in Boston with our friends Ethan and Arielle. Pretty sweet, slow-paced and relaxing - a well needed break.

We're now settled into our new rental home outside of Philadelphia, in the Telford/Souderton area, in a really spacious yet comfy mill house built in the 1850's. There's a nice porch overlooking a wooded creek, and horses across the street and next to us. We're really enjoying ourselves, and learning lots about what it takes to make a home together! We're located about 20 minutes away from my pastoral internship and about 40 minutes from the seminary, where Taryn drives for classes.

I began my internship at St. Paul's Lutheran in Red Hill, PA on September 2nd. I've been getting oriented through lots of home visits, confirmation classes, youth events, and worship leadership. The church itself was founded in 1739, and is nestled on 60+ acres. In addition to their regular church ministries, they also have a day-care and after-school program that I'll be working with. It's going really well so far, and I'm excited for the experience - it's a good fit!

From October 1-10 I'll be down in D.C. for my radioactive iodine treatment at Georgetown University Hospital. In preparation for this treatment I've had to go off of my thyroid medication for the past three weeks. This has been hard. I'm tired most of the time, cold, sluggish, dizzy, lightheaded, and can't seem to concentrate on much. I'm also on a low-iodine diet. My upcoming treatment is designed to kill off any remaining thyroid cells in my body; by stopping my medication and iodine consumption, these cells will be "hungry" for iodine and take up the radiation. The hope is that after several days of radioactivity I should be cancer-free! The crappy part is that I'll be quarantined inside a special lead-lined hospital room with no visitors allowed. I'll then have a post-scan to see how well the radiation treatment worked. If all goes well, I should be back at my internship by mid-October.

A lot has happened in the last two months. Taryn and I thank you for your ongoing prayers and support.

surgery update

2008-07-24T23:34:00.000-04:00

Dear family and friends,

I wanted to send an update on Christoph's behalf regarding his surgery this past Tuesday. The surgery went well, and the doctors were successful in removing his thyroid, the tumor, as well as the lymph nodes on the right side of his neck. Because of his previous surgery in December, the doctors had a harder time navigating through the scar tissue, which caused this surgery to last over 8 hours. He stayed overnight in the hospital for observation, and was discharged the next day. He has significant shoulder pain from the operating table, as well as some swelling around the neck, but is resting well at home (his sister's house in DC). We have been blessed with a lot of support and love these past weeks - including having his mom, dad, and brother Matt all fly in from Fargo and Wisconsin, as well as his sister AnnaLisa and her husband Murray, our gracious hosts throughout it all.

Thank you for all of your emails, cards, phone calls, and visits. While it has been a difficult road to travel at times, we are grateful for the outpouring of love that we have received from each of you. Please continue to pray for Christoph's safe recovery, and for his heightened energy level in the coming weeks. Next step is radioactive iodine treatment, which we look to start in late August.

And so now it's onward into recovery, and preparing for our upcoming wedding.

In love,
Taryn (& Christoph)

Thyroid News

2008-07-07T22:31:00.001-04:00

Hello friends,

While I've regrettably been out of contact with some of you for a long time,
I'm writing to let you in on some tough news I've been dealing with
recently.  As some of you know, I had surgery this past December to remove
a benign cyst from my neck. In April the growth came back.  At first my
doctors thought it was just another benign cyst.  Now, however, they've
concluded that I have thyroid cancer, and will need surgery and
radioactive iodine treatment. They will remove my thyroid, the tumor, and
my lymph nodes, then I'll take synthetic thyroid meds for the rest of my
life.

The surgery will take 6 hours, and is scheduled for July 22nd at
Georgetown University Hospital in D.C., where I'm doing my Clinical
Pastoral Education.  I'm definitely getting more hands-on experience than
I bargained for.  The good news is that thyroid cancer has a very good
rate of survival, and my doctors are all top-notch.  I've also heard
LOTS of success stories regarding this type of surgery, so I'm feeling
very optimistic about my chances.  My fiance Taryn and my family will
all be present, which will be a real blessing and source of comfort.

I ask for your prayers during this difficult time.  Please pray for
healing, for guidance for the medical team, and for strength for Taryn and
for my family.  I also ask for sensitivity and understanding in your
support.  While I wish I could call and respond to each of you personally
with updates/etc, I simply cannot, and I trust that you understand.
Please know that this impersonal email is only written out of necessity,
and that I'll try to update you more when I get a chance.

Fortunately I have a lot of blessings in my life, including an upcoming
wedding, which the doctors assure me I'll be able to make and be present
for.  After that, things are a little up in the air.  Thanks for all your
prayers and support.

In faith,

Christoph


Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
2My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

3He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
4He who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
6The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
8The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time on and for evermore.

Christoph Schmidt
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
www.ltsp.edu

Turkey

2007-08-05T18:35:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! Hope your summers are going well. Hard to believe it's already August! I'm currently in Ephesus, Turkey, after a week of travel in Greece. Together with my Dad, we visited the Pauline sites of Philipi (above pic), Thessaloniki, Athens & Mars Hill, and Corinth. I'll get some good Greece pics up soon, now that I have a fast connection, but for now I've posted some more pictures and reflections from Africa. Dates reflect the time of travel. Thanks for all your comments and e-mails - it's always great to hear from you!

-Christoph

Kenya

2007-07-26T17:29:00.000-04:00

Tracy, my new Kenyan girlfriend - daughter of a professor at St. Philips Theological College, Maseno, Kenya.

Mr. Jacktone (Jack) Ambuka, friend and fellow student at LTSP. Jack and his wife Tracy are spending there summer working with the Maseno orphan program of the Anglican Church of Kenya, a program that teaches and feeds over 7000 orphans each and every Saturday. Despite being a Kenyan, Jack is not a very fast runner.

The Equator, which runs right through Maseno. (pictured: Jack, Tracy, me, Alison, Sue, and Emily - program volunteers)

Some of the children in the orphan program.

Walking through Maseno.

Kilimanjaro!

2007-07-19T19:19:00.000-04:00

Summit of Kilimanjaro.

(This post currently under construction. Yes, that's right. Yep.)

Technology...

2007-07-13T01:40:00.000-04:00

Greetings everyone, from Tanzania! Internet access has been pretty hard to come by, and excruciatingly slow and unreliable over the last few weeks, especially for this technologically spoiled Westerner. To make matters more complicated, all my writings on my flashdrive seem to be frozen and untransferable to internet cafe computers, inexplicably! Hope to solve that problem soon so that you all can know some of the stories of the last three weeks (South Africa, Zambia/Zimbabwe, Gaborone, Lesotho, Tanzania)

Today I'm headed up Mt. Kilimanjaro for a 6 day trek. Just me, a guide, and two porters! Should be interesting! Please keep us all in your prayers.

Yours,

Christoph

Lesotho

2007-07-01T10:57:00.000-04:00

Lesotho is one of the poorest countries in the world. It's also one of the highest. In fact, it boasts "the highest low point," altitudinally speaking, of any country. Because of this, it is quite cold, as you can see from the following pics.

Mom and I took a six hour pony trek to see some ancient San bushman paintings, as well as to a beautiful waterfall. And at night, we were treated to an outdoor concert of the Lesotho Junk Band, whose traditional instruments were made entirely from garbage and other everyday materials. They were great, and as you can see, they loved to have their picture taken!

I have no idea what the above sign means. Don't worry, no one's going to shoot your dogs.

Frost and snow. In Africa.

When I die, I'm calling this guy. After all, the sky IS the limit, and he guarantees quality.

Cry, the Beloved Country

2007-06-28T19:11:00.000-04:00

I just completed Alan Paton’s classic, “Cry, the Beloved Country,” one of the most beautifully written and poignant pieces of historical fiction ever been written. I highly recommend it, both as a novel of faith and as a factual description of the urban-rural ramifications of South Africa’s racial divide. I’ve decided to include some extended passages from it, for Paton’s fictional description of apartheid is incredibly insightful. I hope this encourages you to go out and read it for yourself.

Stephen Kumalo, a native pastor and the narrator of the story, offers several prayers throughout his struggles: “And now for all the people of Africa, the beloved country. Nkosi Sikielel’ iAfrica, God save Africa. But he would not see that salvation. It lay afar off, because men were afraid of it. Because, to tell the truth, they were afraid of him… Yet men were afraid, with a fear that was deep, deep in the heart, a fear so deep that they hid their kindness, fierce and frowning eyes. They were afraid because they were so few.” “Cry, the beloved country, these things are not yet at an end. The sun pours down on the earth, on the lovely land that man cannot enjoy. He knows only the fear of his heart.”

Kumalo gives insight into the oppression of apartheid, but his witness is also a faith-filled invitation to salvation, a beacon of hope for those affected by racial injustice: “Who indeed knows the secret of the earthly pilgrimage? Who indeed knows why there can be comfort in a world of desolation? Now God be thanked that there is a beloved one who can lift up the heart in suffering, that one can play with a child in the face of such misery. Now God be thanked that the name of a hill is such music, that the name of a river can heal. Aye, even the name of a river that runs no more. Who indeed knows the secret of the earthly pilgrimage? Who knows for what we live, and struggle, and die? Who knows what keeps us living and struggling, while all the things break about us? Who knows why the warm flesh of a child is such comfort, when one’s own child is lost and cannot be recovered? Wise men write many books, in words too hard to understand. But this, the purpose of our lives, the end of all our struggle, is beyond all human wisdom. Oh God, my God, do not Thou forsake me. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, if Thou art with me.”

An interaction between Kumalo and a friend:
“-This world is full of trouble, umfundisi (Reverend, in Zulu)
-Who knows it better?
-Yet you believe?
Kumalo looked at him under the light of the lamp.
-I believe, he said, but I have learned that it is a secret. Pain and suffering, they are a secret. Kindness and love, they are a secret. But I have learned that kindness and love, can pay for pain and suffering… so in my suffering, I can believe.
-I have never thought that a Christian would be free of suffering, unfundisi. For our Lord suffered. And I come to believe that he suffered, not to save us from suffering, but to teach us how to bear suffering. For he knows that there is no life without suffering.”

A final prayer from Stephen Kumalo: “Yes, God save Africa, the beloved country. God save us from the deep depths of our sins. God save us from the fear that is afraid of justice. God save us from the fear that is afraid of men. God save us all. Call oh small boy, with the long tremulous cry that echoes over the hills. Dance oh small boy, with the first slow steps of the dance that is for yourself. Call and dance, Innocence, call and dance while you may. For this is a prelude, it is only a beginning. Strange things will be woven into it, by men you have never heard of, in places you have never seen. It is life you are going into, you are not afraid because you do not know. Call and dance, call and dance.”

Elim Home

2007-06-24T18:43:00.000-04:00

Cecilia Engel, Director of Elim Home; Vicki Schmidt, my mother.

The Elim Home

The town of Elim, population 1500, is located approximately 300 km east of Cape Town. To get there, we traveled on a small coastal highway tucked between the Indian Ocean and the towering Hotentot mountain range, then headed inland on a series of potholed gravel roads surrounded by sheep and ostrich farms. One feels transported back in time when entering; donkey-pulled wagons, Dutch-architecture, and thatched roofs all contribute to an old world feel. The town’s main industry, in fact, is producing and installing straw-thatched roofs! Elim also boasts of having southern Africa’s oldest and largest water wheel, a 14 foot diameter all-wood wheel that is still used for grinding wheat.

Elim Home was started by Pr. John in 1964 in response to a family in his congregation with a severely disabled son. It quickly grew to ten children with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. Today, the home has 50 residents ranging in age from 5-27; while most residents are discharged to their families (or other institutions) at age 18, many who were taken in as orphans are allowed to stay past their 18th birthday. Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and various birth defects make up the majority of diagnoses. In addition to taking care of their daily needs, the staff of 50 nurses and assistants programs various activities. Elim struggles for funding; with only 25% of their operating budget met by the government, they are constantly appealing to South African churches and other agencies for support. Staff members are underpaid, and many of their buildings need work. Because of its reputation for providing good care – a part of their history as one of most established institutions of its kind in South Africa - Elim has a long waiting list of applicants.

Cecelia Engel is the director of Elim. She is a registered nurse, but also works extensively with the Moravian church as a public health advocate and as a guest preacher. Wearing these multiple hats made her a perfect candidate to interview for my project. During our visit, she gave us a tour of the grounds, and introduced us to some of the residents and staff. She also showed us the farmyard where the home raises chickens and vegetables for food and to supplement their income. In our conversations, Cecelia revealed a deep passion for her work and for helping the children in her care. As a person of faith, she sees the Holy Spirit as a tangible, active force that keeps Elim afloat. Despite their financial struggles and staffing uncertainties, Cecelia reflects that the Spirit has always met their every need. Just when they have felt on the verge of bankruptcy, a large grant or donor has come through to help keep the home running.

Cecelia doesn’t try to pretend to understand the workings of the Spirit. While there is definitely a need to grow to provide for more residents, Cecelia says that “the Spirit only provides when the time is right.” She sees her work and her life as a journey of faith; her greatest joy is when a resident makes an unexpected breakthrough - such as learning to self-feed or communicate in a new way - when such learning was thought to be beyond their capability. In this way, the journey is full of twists, turns, and surprises. For Cecilia, this is the Spirit at its best! She says that she is constantly surprised by the Spirit and the way in which it infuses her residents and staff with life, love, and laughter.

Cape Town, South Africa

2007-06-22T06:12:00.000-04:00

Amsterdam, Netherlands

My mother first came to South Africa in 1967 to visit a friend, and has always said that she left a big part of her heart here when she left. I can see why. South Africa is an enchanting landscape of people, culture, history, and geography. There is much to say about the incredible vistas of the Cape, the geological wonders, and the diversity of flora and fauna. But there is also much to say about the turbulent history of oppression and apartheid, and the stories of people that lived through this history. It is these stories that got into my mother’s heart; people that shaped and formed her faith and understanding of the world.

She tells the story of how her friend here, the Rev. John Ulster, was unable to sit with her at a Cape Town soda fountain, but rather had to stand behind her chair because he is coloured. He was putting himself at risk just to show her around town, and could be arrested just for being in the same car as a white woman. My mom now says that this experience as a “young and naïve” traveler served to open her eyes to injustice in the world. It led to her lifetime calling of social-justice work in refugee resettlement, anti-apartheid efforts, and Central American relationship-building.

So, it is a real privilege to be here with my mom! It has also been a privilege to meet and have lunch with her longtime friend John, now 85 years old and the retired bishop of the Moravian Church in South Africa. When I was first developing my project themes, Mom suggested I talk to him. As a young pastor, John’s family was part of the government’s forced relocation of black and coloured families. Millions were removed from desirable property with inadequate warning or compensation, simply because the white minority-ruled government wanted the land for white citizens. The areas that non-whites were moved to were inadequate, offering little for industry, infrastructure, or employment. John’s had no choice but to move his family to the coloured township and take a call at half his previous salary.

He had no idea how they would survive, and wondered how he would put his five children through college. But he has learned to trust the work of the Holy Spirit. Now, at age 85, he says that he can look back and see how the Spirit has provided for him and his family along the way. His children all received bursaries for their studies, through both grade school and college. And their daily needs were met through the generosity of his parish. In fact, even though his parish was filled with relocated people suffering from poverty and the injustice of apartheid, they managed to do a lot of missionary outreach to their communities. One of these projects included the opening of the Elim residential home for developmentally disabled youth. John says that this was the Spirit at work, a Spirit that provided for those in need, a Spirit that uplifted and encouraged a group of parishioners that otherwise had little to be encouraged about.

Boundary Waters

2007-06-22T05:38:00.001-04:00

Here are a few pics from my trip to the Boundary Waters with my brother, Matthew. We spent a week along the MN-Ontario border, canoeing roughly 40 miles, and portaging about 10 miles. I've got some great shots of the loons that I'll put up later (contrary to popular belief, the MN state bird is the Common Loon, not the mosquito!)

Matthew, my personal gourmet camp chef!

Straddling the border between Canada (on the left) and Minnesota.

Not a whole lot of luck with the fishing, which is probably good, considering my lack of a fishing license. Oops.

Itinerary

2007-05-31T15:55:00.000-04:00

Hello friends and family!

I am very fortunate to be travelling this summer with a ministry fellowship I received from the Fund for Theological Education (FTE). My project theme is fully outlined in the post below. I will be posting to this blog from time to time, and invite you to take part with your comments and/or questions! Here's my basic itinerary for the summer:

June 1-7: Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Minnesota/Ontario Border
Wilderness canoe trip with Matthew Schmidt, professional canoe guide and my younger brother

June 9-13: Amsterdam, Netherlands

June 14-July 11: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia (4 weeks)
Interview church leaders in Cape Town, Gabarone, and Windhoek. Visit churches and schools, including the Elim Home for developmentally disabled youth. Visit Woodpecker and Paulinum seminaries

July 12-26: Kenya, Tanzania (2 weeks)
Hospital chaplaincy visits in Nairobi. Visit farmers and ecological workers. Mwamba Church Ministries, Arusha, seminaries, Mt. Kilimanjaro, safari

July 27-August 12: Greece and Turkey (17 days)
“Footsteps of Paul and John” tour with Pilgrim Tours – in depth study of the New Testament travels and ministry of Paul and John of Patmos

August 12-13: Rome, Italy (20 hours!)

August 14-23: Scotland (10 days)
Sabbath at Abbey at Iona. Prayer, worship, spiritual direction, hiking, reflection

August 25: Mark and Christine's wedding, Baltimore, Maryland

September 1: Matthew and Erin's wedding, Piney Hill Farm, Wisconsin

FTE Ministry Fellowship Project - Summer 2007

2007-05-30T15:22:00.000-04:00

Spirituality and Faith in Ministry: The Sacred Orientation of Pilgrimage

Summary: An analysis of spiritual orientation as a practice of lifelong pilgrimage. The expression of spiritual pilgrimage within individuals and churches of various cultures. Study and pilgrimage travel in Africa, Greece, Turkey, and Scotland.

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Phase One: Listening

Growing up in Minnesota, our family would often visit Itasca State Park, the source and Headwaters of the Mississippi River. Native Americans have lived in and around Itasca for thousands of years, considering it a spiritual center and source of life. It is a holy place of ancient paths, living waters, and spiritual centering. When I was 14, I was hiking near Itasca with my older brother, Patrick. While engaged in a deep theological discussion, Patrick shared his view that “We are spiritual beings living a human existence.”

The truth of this statement has stayed with me ever since, speaking to me in ways that I never could have predicted. It has led me to seek a fuller understanding of my own spirituality as well as that of others. It has drawn me to people, places, and pursuits in search of the Holy. In the years since that hike, I have come to understand that our earthly existence is primarily spiritual; the human form is merely the vessel that God provides for our spirit to reside. Practicing this awareness has drawn me closer to God and to all of God’s creation. Spirituality has formed my sense of vocation, the themes of my travels, and my call to ordained ministry.

And yet, the nature of spiritual awareness is nebulous. Sometimes I’m aware, connected, and in touch with my spirit. Other times, the connection is fleeting. I believe that spirituality is a gift from God; it is the “divine spark” that gives us intuition, faith, and insight. But I also struggle with the doubts and questions that come out of being a spiritual being, doubts that easily lead to feelings of despair and frustration. Just when I think I have it figured out, God confounds and challenges my faith and sense of control. Rather than reveal, God often chooses to ask. I resonate with the words of Rilke:

“...I would like to beg you dear Sir, as well as I can, to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.” -Rainer Maria Rilke, 1903, in Letters to a Young Poet

With the help of God, I have tried my best to live into the questions. Sometimes I’m given new insight, other times I’m challenged and thrown back into doubt. The key seems to be orientation; when the Holy Spirit orients my compass, the questions are fruitful. It is clear to me that our spirituality is a journey, a pilgrimage in search of truth. This journey is marked by spiritual questions and the way in which we respond to these questions.

I’ve engaged in pilgrimage travel to India, Guatemala, Egypt, the Holy Land, Taize, and other places. During these travels, my focus has been on spiritual transformation rather than traditional tourism. I’ve learned that pilgrimage always has an internal and external experience; through external travels my inner sense of spirituality is re-awakened and challenged. But everyone approaches spiritual pilgrimage from a personal context. One’s history, culture, and faith community give direction. As I grow in love for God and in my call to ministry, new questions arise. How does the Holy Spirit work to orient our spirituality? How do external or internal notions of pilgrimage create space for spiritual questions? As a minister, how will I preach and teach the idea that spirituality is not static, but rather a lifelong pilgrimage in its own right?

Phase 2: Understanding

The theme of my project is about the joys and challenges of spirituality as a lifelong pilgrimage. The emotion of this theme is our experience of joy, as well as the myriad emotions that accompany us in our search for joy. The situation is our orientation to the journey; how do we, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, prepare and orient ourselves for this journey? I realize that spirituality is a broad topic, with concepts that can take many different shapes. My intention is to let these concepts and themes develop and play out in the following questions:

How do Christians respond to God’s gift of spirituality throughout their lifetimes? How do Christians in various cultures view their lives as spiritual journeys? To what extent does this temporal awareness exists, both individually and collectively? What does this awareness look like in our personal and church lives? What is the role of the Holy Spirit? Is there such a thing as a practical, operational understanding of spirituality? How can I, as a future pastor, help people to better understand their own spiritual journeys? What spiritual questions should I be wrestling with as a future minister?

Why is joy the proper response to the gift of spirituality? Why should we even try to see our spiritual life as an ever-evolving, life-long journey? Why and how is our spiritual awareness both a source and product of our worldview? Why do some view spirituality as a practice while others consider it an inherent state of being? Why do some isolate individual and congregational spirituality? Why are these viewpoints important? Why do many pastors, congregations, and churches seem to focus solely on the physical expressions of religious actions - liturgies, programs, etc - at the expense of spiritual expression? Why should we even try to view spirituality as a lifelong pilgrimage? Why should this understanding matter or make a difference?

How is one’s awareness of the spiritual journey influenced by context? What are some of the particular cultural and ethnic dimensions that affect this journey? How is spirituality affected by political instability, racial oppression, and economics? How is spirituality shaped by one’s community of faith? What is the role of geography and physical landscape? Does place form and influence spiritual geography? How do we form spiritual maps to help us navigate through this geography? Can we do this alone, or must it be done within community? Which way should we orient ourselves on this journey? What do we look to for our directional compass and points of reference? How do we know, if ever, that we’ve arrived at our destination?

I could continue to pose questions. A topic like spirituality is a bottomless well of questions. And these are the kinds of questions that have an infinite number of answers! Because of this, the “Understanding Phase” of this process has been very challenging. The questions seem to fall into five broad categories – why, what, who, where, and how. WHY focus on spiritual awareness? WHAT are the most identifiable causal factors that shape, form, and direct spiritual pilgrimage? WHO is involved in giving this direction? WHERE does spiritual formation occur? HOW can I, as a leader in the church, nurture effective climates for spiritual formation?

Phase 3: Dreaming

I understand God’s work in the world as an all-encompassing, ever expanding endeavor of grace and love. We are called to grow closer to God through spiritually-grounded love for our neighbor. By loving our neighbor in the way of Christ, we love God. God’s work in the world is relationship based. Relationships come out of our intrinsic human need to connect with others. Our need to connect is primarily spiritual. When we are lonely, our spirit suffers; when we connect with others, our spirit rejoices in the interdependence of connection.

Seeing our spirituality as an evolving, lifelong journey is consistent with this theological vision. Meaningful relationships and spiritual evolution share similar traits. Both take time and effort. Both involve the full range of human emotion. And both relationships and spirituality connect us to God. Our spiritual journey is part of our lifelong relationship with God. It is an interactive journey with peaks and valleys, a journey centered in deep spiritual connection. God guides us on this journey, and wants us to find the divine in ourselves and others along the way. It is through our spiritual journeys that God’s work is made complete, both in us and in the world.

The spiritual pilgrimage is a common theme in Scripture: “Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16). God recognizes that the way is often difficult, and that some paths are good while others lead to peril. Our souls depend on following Christ, the one who makes all paths straight. Most church traditions, including my own Lutheran tradition emphasize spirituality as a lifelong journey. From birth and baptism through death, the entire Christian lifespan is seen as a spiritual journey with and toward Christ. This view is evident in our teaching of doctrine, our worship, and our community values. We believe that the Kingdom of God is here and now; our response is to give thanks to God and to minister to the world.

I see the church as the primary place of spiritual formation. While our spirituality is a gift from God, it needs to be nurtured from within Christian community. The Holy Spirit, through the work of the church, fosters and harvests the fruits of spiritual awareness. The sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, along with Christian education, worship, and community life are all essential to spiritual formation. Our orientation to the world is critical as well; our practice of hospitality, mission, and evangelism helps us form and express our spirituality.

Phase Four: Acting

I want to respond faithfully to this theme as one who is called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. As a pastor and leader, I will need myriad tools for this task; primary is the ability to cultivate attentiveness to the spiritual journey. This project will help me to better understand the nature of spiritual orientation so that I may nurture the faith of the whole church. God wants me to participate as a person of faith, and as a worker with Christ for the Kingdom of God. My gifts and passions lie in my ability to find connection with others. I meet people where they are at, and minister to them. In doing so, they minister to me. The nature of my own journey has engendered compassion for those who share the path; my response is to seek connection.

Through the process of journaling, reflection, conversation, and prayer, I feel the best response to my theme is to build relationships. I want to talk to people in churches, hospitals, social and earth-justice organizations, and academic institutions. My plan is to interview both clergy and laity from various cultures and walks of life. My questions will be centered in the spirituality and pilgrimage of both individuals and faith communities. What does the spiritual journey look and feel like across different cultures? Hopefully, this approach will reveal the grand diversity of opinions and knowledge inherent in God’s creation.

My entire project will take me on a ten week journey, primarily several countries in Africa, Greece/Turkey, and Iona, Scotland. It is both a survey of spiritual pilgrimage, and a pilgrimage in and of itself. My primary method of data collection will be through directed conversations with others; I’ll evaluate the effectiveness of my response through journaling and Sabbath reflection. My hope is that this journey will give me valuable tools for future congregational ministry. It would be disappointing if this didn’t happen. I have good church and seminary contacts in all the countries I’ll be visiting, and my interview subjects undoubtedly carry a wealth of experience and knowledge. The full potential of my project, however, depends on their ability and willingness to convey this experience. With God’s help, I hope to come away from this project with new knowledge and insight and the ability to share this experience with others. This would bring me deep joy and satisfaction.

Christoph Schmidt
The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
7301 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19119

A year in the bag

2007-05-23T11:02:00.000-04:00

Just turned in my last final paper, and am now officially done with my first year of seminary! Congratulations to me. It's been quite a ride so far, fulfilling some expectations and surprising me in many ways as well. Assuming I passed my recent finals, I've completed the following courses:

Intro to Church History
New Testament 1
New Testament 2
Thinking About God
Greek
Intro to Pastoral Care
Christian Assembly 1
Lutheran Confessions
Global/Ecumenical Trip to India

Good times. In addition to my coursework, I've somehow managed to get involved in lots of extracurriculars as well. Started a campus wide environmental stewardship group to help advocate for recycling access, promote creation care education, etc. Singing in the choir. Playing flag football and basketball. And, staying active in student government; will serve as LTSP student body president for 07-08. We've been working to get better student representation for international, Urban Theological Institute, and "special" students, drafted a campus wide statement on alcohol use, and revised the student body constitution. Lots of work to do this coming year, and a personal challenge to stay healthy. Good times indeed!

Faith and Advocacy

2007-04-05T20:37:00.000-04:00

Students Advocate For Children's Issues

When Martin Luther King, Jr. marched on Washington for civil rights, he carried his Bible in one hand and a copy of the United States Constitution in the other. He believed that people of faith had a responsibility to effect change. Many in today’s church also feel that faith and political advocacy go hand in hand. As followers of Christ, we believe that our faith calls us to act with love for the sake of others. John seems to agree: "Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action" (1 John 3:18).

In response to this call, ten students from LTSP recently joined 1000 other Christians for Ecumenical Advocacy Days, held March 9^th-12^th in Washington, D.C. The focus of this year’s gathering was on issues relating to children. Participants learned about international and domestic issues in different area tracks, including Africa, Latin America, Eco-Justice, Global Security, Economic Justice, and the Middle East. We learned about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, health care access issues, and the effects of US foreign policy on children in developing countries. All this was done in preparation for a day of lobbying on Capitol Hill.

Particular attention was given to the effects of global warming on children. As worldwide weather patterns shift, traditional food sources and economies are disappearing. Children usually end up disproportionately suffering from malnutrition, disease, and hunger. Dr. Larry Rasmussen spoke about the “mismatch of metabolism” between the human economy and nature’s economy, and the need to stop seeing the “good life” as “the life of goods.” Other speakers included Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President of Children’s Defense Fund; John McCullough, Executive Director of Church World Service; and many excellent speakers from different countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Participants spent Monday visiting their state legislators. LTSP students met with staff members of Senators Bob Casey and Arlen Specter, and U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah of the 2^nd District, Philadelphia. We asked for Congress to move toward enacting quality health care coverage for all children in the United States, including the nine million children who are currently uninsured. We lobbied for legislation to significantly reduce U.S. carbon emissions to 15-20% of 2000 levels by 2020, and to 80% of 2000 levels by the year 2050. Finally, we asked that Congress shift military spending to fund a wide variety of peace initiatives, including Middle East peace, aid in Columbia for displaced children, human rights in the Philippines, and for 100% funding of the JUBILEE debt relief act. This included requesting that Congress NOT appropriate funds for Complex 30 – the Administration’s plan to spend 150 billion on developing and manufacturing new nuclear weapons.

In addition to sessions and lobbying, the Lutheran LTSP students joined together on Saturday evening with other ELCA Lutherans for a meal, music, and fellowship at Resurrection Lutheran Church. Working together, our shared experience of faith-based advocacy shaped and formed us into the Body of Christ. We learned that when people of faith combine their efforts, thing can and do change! Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.” Will we pass this test? Are we a moral society? How is God calling us to express our faith? When Christians hear and faithfully respond to this call, we help bring about God’s vision for justice and peace.

(Reprinted from my article in "The Seminarian", the student newspaper of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia: www.ltsp.edu. For more details and information on Ecumenical Advocacy Days, check out www.advocacydays.org)

Post-trip reflections on the Indian Caste System

2007-02-23T14:54:00.000-05:00

Reflections on the Indian Caste System

“As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:27-28).

How does the Indian social caste system lead to widespread oppression? How does Christianity fit into the dominant Hindu culture? Finally, how do Christian Indians work for social justice and caste eradication without inciting religious friction? Of the many themes that I reflected on during my study trip to India, these three questions stood out as especially important. As a Christian pilgrim in a foreign land, I empathized with the plight of the outcasts and the role of the minority Church. In my journals and thoughts I tried to reflect on these questions. I wanted to enter and live into the questions in my experiences, conversations, and encounters with Indian Christians. While I don’t pretend to have all the answers, I have come away with some valuable new insights, thoughts, and observations. My hope and expectation is that these reflections will continue to develop as I further process the realities of this journey.

I had heard about India’s caste system before, but only through the lens of the media and from an outsider’s perspective. After traveling in India and seeing the realities of caste oppression firsthand, the system and its injustices are much more real. Dalit women living in the streets and begging for rupees. Children with diseased skin looking at us longingly through our tour bus windows. Crippled men with homemade crutches, open sores, and deformed limbs. These images confronted us daily, bringing us face to face with their poverty and with our own extreme affluence. For millions of Dalits – those who find themselves cast out of the social hierarchy - this is the harsh reality. They have no birthright; by nature of their inherited caste, religion, employment, illness, or skin color, they are considered less than human. These are just some of the horrendous consequences of a categorization system that bases individual worth on factors beyond their control. The caste system has served to keep people in their economic place, so to speak; the wealthy maintain their position through the toils and labors of the lower castes. This kind of oppression is not exclusive to India, of course, but the institution and history of the caste system certainly make the cause of this suffering more apparent.

Our group visited two old-age ashram homes, a girls’ orphanage, and two hospitals run by the Church of South India, the ecumenical Christian church body. Christians in India make up roughly ~2.5% of the population, but these social programs reach out to the general population of Dalits and other disenfranchised castes, regardless of religion. Because Indian law prohibits religious activity that even remotely resembles attempts at conversion, Christian evangelism is best approached through social mission. The church hospitals, ashrams, and orphanages fill a great need by addressing the human suffering caused by caste exclusion. Millions of outcasts would experience further suffering without the reduced or no-cost services that the church offers. While it is critical to relieve human suffering, it is apparent that these church institutions mostly address the symptoms of caste oppression. Technically, the caste system has been illegal for decades. But long-held cultural understandings die hard; since access to education, employment, housing, and health is largely based on caste perception, those who find themselves on the bottom of the social ladder have little hope of improving or transcending their lot.

Our visit to India included many seminary lectures at United, Karnataka, and Gurulkul theological seminaries, as well as visits with several leaders of student and social organizations. Our conversations were always couched within the entrenched framework of caste; we discussed social injustice from the perspective of a minority religion focused on outreach. Pastors, bishops, professors, and lay leaders shared the stories of their faith and work. We listened and asked questions. In this dialogue, I was constantly amazed by the dedication, passion, and resiliency of their witness! Challenging a system of massive injustice, a system that’s historically and doctrinally intertwined with Hindu culture is daunting, to say the least. The Church of South India, however, takes up this challenge with vision and faith. Unencumbered by their minority position, they do what is in their power to dismantle caste perceptions and stop social discrimination. I applaud their efforts, and pray for the fruition of their work.

Is it even possible for the church to address the root causes of caste oppression? How can Christians in India go beyond mere symptom relief to fight the systemic injustices caused by lingering caste perceptions? This is truly an uphill battle. How does the work of the church challenge the caste system without causing religious friction? I posed these questions to the many pastors and professors that met with us. They all agreed that this was a very delicate, yet theologically important issue that they have to address each and every day. There was widespread agreement that the best (and perhaps only) way to fight the injustices of the caste system is through the sharing of the gospel good news, made joyfully apparent in social ministry. Advocacy is important, but the risk of being perceived as Christian converters is incredibly dangerous. To assert or even imply that Hindu based belief systems are at fault is equally risky. Since Christians are a minority with intentions that are sometimes viewed as suspicious, inter-religious relations can sometimes be volatile. Freedom of religion exists, but stops short of much of anything that resembles cross-religious faith witness. Indian Christians recognize this, and do what they can to spread the gospel message through their social work. The church speaks through its actions; in doing so, it invites everyone, both outcasts and others, to “Come and See!” The task of taking on the Hindu-based caste system is seen as long-term, incremental work; a system that has been in place for thousands of years, it is believed, will take centuries to completely dismantle. Christians in India are purposeful about being “strong and of good courage” (Joshua 1:9), and faithfully trust that the results of their efforts, through the merits of Christ, will one day be realized.

The reality of Christ’s suffering, for church workers in India, is seen daily in the eyes of the outcasts. They respond to this reality by answering the call of Jesus to feed the hungry and tend to the poor. Social justice and service are seen as central tenets of their faith. Living faithfully as a minority religion holds many challenges; the injustices of the caste system being at the top of this list. In the midst of this adversity, however, stands Christ. Indian Christians live by the words of the Apostle Paul: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female...” Despite the challenges and suffering imposed by outdated caste perceptions, the church of India is acting as a light amidst the darkness; “... for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” The gospel good news is alive and well in India, and is being spread through the hands and hearts of the Body of Christ.

I am extremely thankful for having had the opportunity to experience this culture and unique church ministry firsthand; our pilgrimage of faith to India has forever changed my worldview and the nature of my faith. Truly, Christians everywhere share in both our joys and our suffering. For this, I give thanks to God, and will respond with a renewed sense of call.

The Taj Mahal!

2007-01-28T12:04:00.000-05:00

The Taj Mahal - the 7th Wonder of the World. Built in early 17th century by the Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his 2nd wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. Between 1631-1653, over 20,000 worked to complete what has been called "the largest monument ever built for love." The Taj is considered by many to be the most beautiful building in the world. "A teardrop on the face of eternity" according to Indian poet Tagore, and "the embodiment of all things pure" according to Rudyard Kipling. I agree with their assessment, although if it was up to me I might add a coat of paint. Or some wallpaper. I kid.

The Gandhi museum. Besides the expected history and photos, etc., they had a surprising amount of Gandhi-inspired art. I took lots of photos of the Gandhi-art, of which I'll post some later. Exhibits included Gandhi's cane, a reconstruction of his room, the bloody robe he was killed in, and one of the actual bullets that did him in.

India Gate, on the Rajpath - the capital boulevard that runs from the President's residence past the Senate chambers to the Gate. The gate was built after WWI, and the names of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in that war are carved on it. Picture taken at the Indian Republic Day parade, held every Jan. 26th. Over a million people in attendance, including India's president and Russia's president, Vladimir Putin.

Dudes on Camels sashaying past the Senate building.

King Cobras and Touristy Snake-Charmer Man.

Touristy photo at the Taj. Check out my vertical!!!

Stephen Spielberg

2007-01-21T06:03:00.000-05:00

Swimming in the Sea of Arabia, off the Indian Ocean.

The Tomb of St. Thomas in Chennai. Thomas is said to have travelled to India after the Christ's resurrection.

Indian boys. I really like this photo, so I posted it. Good compositional symmetry, eh?

Drinking pure cocunut milk. Sweet and coconutty. Yum!

Well said and wise. Very wise.

On our tour bus in Bangalore with Lee and Dr. Wilson, our professor.

Nearly two weeks into our India adventure, and I'm posting for only the 2nd time due to Dr. Wilson's busy scheduling, travel, and general difficulty in finding internet cafes. We are certainly cramming lots into our time here! We have seen several Hindu Temples - yesterday's was built in the 600's, with lots of elaborate carvings and statues. The "Thousand Pillar Temple" is purported to have - you guessed it - a thousand stone pillars. But woe to the man (or woman!) who dares to count them, for he (she!) will become a pillar for doing so! We've also visited a Jain temple, visited with Muslim clerics at a Mosque, and attended worship at several Christian churches.

After five days in Bangalore and five in Mangalore, we are now in Chennai (Madras) on the SE coast. Yesterday we visited a hospital and center for children with Polio, both run by the Church of South India (CSI). They do great work, offerring free and reduced-cost medical care to thousands of rural Indians. Today (Sunday) our group split up and worshipped at three different CSI churches here in Chennai, and two of the students in our group, Dorette and Wendy, preached.

Late last night while on a walk I came across the American Consulate, about a block away from the CSI headquarters where we are staying. Two soldiers from the Indian Army, replete with fatigues and large M-16 rifles, stopped me and asked sternly if I was American. I wondered if I was in trouble, if I had missed a curfew or something I didn't know about. A third guard was coming over holding his rifle in his hands. I suspected that I'd have to produce my passport and go through some questioned. The guard, a young Indian with a dead serious expression then slung his rifle over his shoulder and asked, "Do you know Steven Spielberg?" I had to stifle a laugh, replying "uh, the movie directo? Yes I do... why do you ask?" The guard answered, "I want to e-mail him as I am a big fan, do you think he will reply?" I bobbled my head a bit (a mannerism we've picked up here from the locals) and told him that I didn't know if he would reply, but it was at least worth a shot! He then proceeded to tell me all about his favorite Spielberg movies... "E.T., The Extraterrestrial, Jurassic Park, Skindler's List..."

The people here are truly fascinating.

Some local dudes that Drew, Lorraine and I met at a local Mangalore hangout. They, like many Indians, were fascinated with us, and insisted on buying our beers!

India!

2007-01-14T08:34:00.000-05:00

I just took a swim in the Indian Ocean. Actually, the Sea of Arabia. It was very warm, with 15 foot waves that we were body surfing on. Very fun! Now I'm showered and sitting in a cyber cafe in Mangalore, near the SW tip of the subcontinent. Don't have much time to write, but I wanted to let everyone know that everything is going great!

Here's the recap: We arrived in Bangalore after 20 hours of flying from Philadelphia. I watched "The Queen" and "Little Miss Sunshine" on the flight over, and drank good red wine from the south of France - after all, it was France Air, so their wine must be good, right? Three members of our group had to wait an extra day for their luggage, which took me back to Israel when Dad didn't get his luggage until 2 MONTHS AFTER we got home!

We stayed at United Theological College, an ecumenical seminary and college of the Church of South India. In the mornings, we worshipped at the college chapel and participated in several special lectures. Topics included Indian Christianity, Globalization, History of Indian Missions, etc. In the afternoons we visited Christian Student Movement, a wordwide youth organization, several Bangalore churches, a Hindu Bull Temple, a Buddhist temple, and the markets. I'll post pictures as soon as I can find a computer modern enough to take my camera!

We've also participated in an Indian wedding with LOTS of GREAT food - they were friends of Dr. Wilson's. All the food's been great! Perhaps the most excitement came on our third day, however, when we got into a car accident, which then turned into an all out high-speed chase through the streets of Bangalore. Really! We were sideswiped by another vehicle, who then refused to pull over. Our driver, not wanted to get stuck with the damages, floored the van and chased him into an alley. An altercation ensued, and it wasn't very pretty, but we got out of there safe and with the other van's papers. It was most exhilarating!!!

Now we're on the coast, in Mangalore, staying at Karnataka Theological College. We worshipped this morning, and went swimming this afternoon. So far, everyone is healthy and sleeping pretty well - getting adjusted to the reverse time schedule!

Blessings to all, and thanks for keeping us in your prayers! -Christoph

Christmas in Fargo

2007-01-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

Just returned from a great two weeks at home for Christmas! I spent a lot of time catching up on sleep, eating, and eating. I also ate a lot of food. Here's a picture of my grandma and me with the beautiful new quilt she made for me! What and incredible gift - thanks Gramm!!!

Wookie, of course, got first dibs on using my new quilt. Go figure. He really seemed to like it.

Wookie was also quite fond of Shep - Erin and Matt's new dog. Shep and Wookie have become BFF's!

AnnaLisa and me winning one for the Gipper while coppin' some 'tude.

Kirsten and me with Abe.

Congratulations to Matt, Erin, and Shep on their recent engagement! To my favorite little brother and my favorite future sister-in-law! You guys are a great match!

Matthew Schmidt, the proud owner of a straw hat and a "I once lived in Fargo. Really." sweatshirt! Love you Matt!

26.2!

2006-12-05T22:16:00.000-05:00

"And coming in at a blazing 5:02:43, Christoph Schmidt from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania!"

Ok, so it wasn't exactly "blazing", but I was able to complete my first marathon in Seattle on Nov. 26th. Larry Burris, my running coach, accompanied me along the course to keep me going. Thanks Larry!

The race went pretty well, all things considered. I started training pretty late, and had to take off the three weeks prior to the race to nurse achilles tendonitis, which flared up again at mile three! To make matters even more interesting, the race started in 33 degree, rainy weather, and ended in snow - hence my many layers. My goal was simply to finish - the winner crossed the finish line in less than half my time!

The picture to the left is of me crossing the finish line in Memorial Stadium. To see a video of Larry and me crossing the finish line, click on the following link:
http://www.marathonvideo.com/seattle2006/video.php?id=2253&view=2

Philadelphia!

2006-09-15T23:39:00.000-04:00

After 5000 miles of driving I've made it to Philadelphia! To celebrate, I ran to the top of the art museum stairs and had myself bronzed. It is good to finally be here!

Philadelphia is surprisingly lovely. Old brick buildings, rivers, and an extensive park system make for some fine living.

Some local landmarks.

My new home at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, founded in 1864. Currently LTSP is the 2nd largest ELCA seminary after Luther.

Left: LTSP Library

Above: LTSP Chapel tower. Both would make excellent climbing walls!

The Family Schmidt

2006-08-22T10:08:00.000-04:00

Vicki, Peter, and Wookie Bear. Mom, Dad, and Dog. AKA the Matriarch, Patriarch, and the MetroCanine.

Christoph, AnnaLisa, Matthew, and tulips. From our family trip to the tulip fields in LaConnor, WA, April 2006. What nice children you have, Mom and Dad! And nice tulips as well. Keeping it real with the tulips.

Leaving Seattle.

2006-08-12T13:35:00.000-04:00

Back in Fargo. After saying my goodbyes all the great folks at LYONS and other Seattle friends, I took off for 4400 miles of driving, starting with a trip to San Francisco with Kirsten for a wedding. Then back to Seattle to pack the apartment and head east! Thankfully, all the driving has so far been safe and uneventful - I'll do my best to keep it that way. Congrats to Kirsten on taking the position of Transitional Director at LYONS!!! She's going to do great!

Below is a picture of the Olympics that my mom took from Sunset Park in Ballard. I'm definitely going to miss the water and mountains of Seattle - like the youth and people, Seattle's landscape has become a part of me. I've also attached my goig-away article that I wrote for the August LYONS newsletter. One more week in Fargo, then it's off to Philadelphia and seminary!

Surprises, Part Two!

A year ago on this page I wrote about surprises. I wrote about being open to the many ways in which God unexpectedly surprises us. It was my “goodbye message” to all of you – how we all can joyfully expect God to surprise and change us.

What I failed to say, however, was that these surprises are not always welcome. Losing Bergie and Dinah was one of these surprises – the kind we all certainly wish would never have happened. Was this God’s way of surprising us? I don’t believe so. I don’t think the accident was “meant to be” or “a part of God’s plan”; sometimes evil things just happen that have nothing to do with God. Nevertheless, it happened, and we were all heartbroken – it was definitely an unwanted, unwelcome surprise.

Thankfully, time and community have a way of helping us heal, and we give thanks for all the healing that the past year has brought. For many, our tears have slowly turned to laughter, and our grief has turned to stories and memories. Thoughts of Bergie and Dinah are slowly turning from our sorrow to remembering them as two amazing children of God. Of course, the mourning and healing will continue, but thankfully we all have each other for comfort and to reassure ourselves that life does indeed go on.

God may challenge us with surprises, but God also equips us with the faith and courage to meet these challenges. Just think about all the ways in which God has surprised LYONS in the last year! We had no idea what would happen after losing Bergie. But one by one the surprises kept rolling in! Youth, parents, volunteers, pastors, and staff all came together to keep LYONS afloat. God worked through all of us to make sure that this ministry remained meaningful and vibrant. What a great surprise, and what a testament to the LYONS community as a people of God! I sincerely want to thank all of you for stepping up to the plate and making this past year a success – LYONS could not have thrived without all your dedication, love, and support!

New challenges await all of us. LYONS will continue to run understaffed until a new Executive Director is called. We’ll need a lot of your help and patience to get through this upcoming transition. Once called, the Director will then need your hospitality, welcome, and support as well. This will not be easy (change rarely is!), but I trust that you all will embrace him or her with open hearts and arms in the same way that you openly embraced me.

Lastly, thank you for all your personal support. Some people believe that ministry is a one-way street, but this simply is not the case! While ministering to you, you have ministered to me as well. Your energy, enthusiasm, and faithful witness have inspired and challenged me, and I am very, very grateful. This interim year has truly been an amazing experience, one in which I will hold in my heart for a lifetime. I give thanks to God for all of you, and am blessed to have been a part of your lives for the last two years.

I hesitate to call this a goodbye – just look at how well that worked a year ago! I plan and look forward to visiting you and keeping in touch, and perhaps even one day returning to live here in the Northwest. Until then, may you continue to know God, live and love Christ, and practice openness to the joy of surprise!

Sincerely Yours,
Christoph

My Call to Ministry, Part One:

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(The following is an essay that I wrote for the Fund for Theological Education, www.thefund.org. I'll be working on a ministry fellowship through FTE during the summer of 2007. I don't normally converse this formally in real life, except when given money to do so.)

How do I imagine the gifts and struggles I bring to ministry participating with God’s call for the ministry of the church? I can only address this question within the framework of my core principles. Compassion, hospitality, and social justice values form the foundation of my being. All of my ministry skills, gifts, and struggles are intimately connected to these values. Looking at my life through this lens keeps me grounded, focuses my passion, and clarifies my call.

I believe that God is calling for a ministry of wholeness within the church. Poverty, war, and sin, however, have kept this ideal from being realized. While our brokenness may at times seem unanswered, God continually responds! Healing takes place through the gift of Christian community, where worship, prayer, and Christian fellowship offer reconciliation. I feel called to nurture community through word and sacrament. I am passionate about faith formation and personal growth, and live with a commitment to make God’s vision of wholeness a reality.

Personal struggles with depression and faith have gifted me with a deep and intuitive sense of compassion. My work in education and youth ministry offers numerous opportunities to identify with the emotional and spiritual needs of others. When teenagers share faith questions and doubts, I express compassion through listening and support. As an ordained minister, I will continue to serve as a Christ-like light of compassion. Following the example of Jesus, I will work to accept and love the People of God unconditionally. This is not always easy, of course; some of God’s people are easier to love than others. My approach will be to nurture a community of faith that understands compassion as action. Through Christian community, the mandate of tangible compassion for our neighbor is made possible.

My hospitality commitments are rooted in my experience of childhood. I grew up in a home where hospitality flourished. My parents opened our home to hundreds of foster children and refugees, offering stability, guidance, and love. On Sundays and holidays, our house teemed with single and elderly people who would otherwise be alone. Through this experience, I came to understand hospitality as a concrete means of practicing our faith. Inspired by the example of Jesus, I imagine my ordained ministry as one that strives to welcome the stranger. If we truly believe that we are all members of the same Body of Christ, we need hospitable churches! In addition to welcoming the unknown and unchurched, we need to welcome the strangers in our midst; those we know and love who silently struggle with abuse, addiction, orientation, faith, and/or estrangement. Unconditional, nonjudgmental love creates a safe space for wholeness and healing to take place.

I imagine myself using my relational, liturgical, and musical gifts to lead a church that practices hospitality to everyone. Relational skills will aid me in modeling hospitality to my parishioners. Experience in liturgical and worship planning, in combination with speaking and writing skills, will help me proclaim the Good News of acceptance and welcome. I have always enjoyed leading the congregation in worship and song. By encouraging musical participation, I hope to engage the congregation in a song of joyful invitation. Through creativity and hilarity, I will convey the freeing message of God’s grace and acceptance. I look forward to opening my own home and church to the diversity of God’s people, and hope to inspire others to do the same.

I also feel a deep calling to work for social justice. Pilgrimage travels in Guatemala, Taize, and the Holy Land have clarified this call and commitment. As Christians, we are called to engage ourselves in the ongoing discernment of truth. We are called to stand up for the poor, oppressed, and powerless, both abroad and within our own communities. While I know this call is real, it is easier said than done. Social justice work is oftentimes overwhelming and exhausting. For guidance, I once again need only to follow the example of Jesus. Although tired and up against tremendously powerful forces, Jesus steadfastly pursued his radical notions of social justice. He knew, however, when to take a break! When confronted with fatigue, Jesus would retreat for rest and prayerful discernment. I also need to remember to sustain myself through prayer and reflection. In my life as a parish pastor, I will work to build a sustainable movement of social justice awareness. We are called to care for the world, but we first need to take care of ourselves.

Although my social justice convictions are strong, I struggle with the question of exactly how to bring this gift to my ministry. While I know what my personal justice work looks like, I need to learn how to effectively convey this vision to a parish. Lasting change is only possible through a communally shared vision. My hope is that my gifts of facilitation and discernment, in combination with a strong theological education, will equip me to express the Gospel mandate for social justice.

Today’s church finds itself in a challenging time and place. Political, ethical, and doctrinal controversies have all taken their toll. Jesus stands within this turmoil, inviting us to remember that we are all members of the same Body of Christ. We are in desperate need of healing and wholeness; it is the essence of God’s call for the ministry of the church. My baptism has called me to a life of service. Faithfulness calls me to use my gifts and struggles to participate in God’s ministry. By nurturing compassionate communities of faith, I hope to participate in God’s ongoing call for healing and transformation.

Introduction

2006-07-24T18:50:00.000-04:00

Hello there. My name is Christoph, and this is my blog. I am a 32 years old Scandinavian-American who likes cranberries, guitars, and the Minnesota Twins.

I also like transitions. I believe that God calls and accompanies us through our transitions, guiding us on a lifelong pilgrimage of faith and discovery. Through the gifts of community, I've found myself on the receiving end of God's grace time and time again. Without this grace, life's seemingly endless succession of transitions would be daunting and difficult (if not impossible) to navigate.

Currently, I find myself in life transition #286. For another week, I am serving as a youth director with Lutheran Youth of North Seattle (LYONS), a cooperative youth ministry organization serving 10 Seattle ELCA congregations.
A week from now, however, I'll be moving across the country to start my studies at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (LTSP). There I'll be pursuing a Masters of Divinity degree, which usually leads to ordination as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Why seminary, you might ask? Well, this question is a good one. I'll write more on it later. I'll also use this blog as a way to keep my fans (aka my friends and family) up to date on what's happening with me. Perhaps I'll use it to post some interesting pictures and articles as well.

Thank you for visiting - please feel free to leave a comment or question for me about anything - but only if your'e nice and have a sense of humor. God bless!!!