SmallTownAbbot.com

Going on Sabbatical

Over the next four months I'll be going on a "blogging sabbatical." This upcoming season is going to need to be extremely focused. I'm going to take the time to reconsider how I use this blog and what the most successful reincarnation might look like. I will continue to write for EverydayLiturgy.com and their Everyday Journal - so please continue to support us over there. Also, for those of you interested in keeping up with the ministry of The Netzer Co-Op, the co-op's website will keep you up to date.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. 

Blessings to everyone for the rest of 2008...

- Tim

who the f*** is this?

Photo: A package sent to me by my denomination - the ELCA.

Discernment is an elusive thing. You struggle with the ambiguity, uncertainty, and the cost in an attempt to figure yourself out. I've been on this discernment journey now for a while as I discern my way into a call to ordained ministry. I've prayed, engaged my community, asked elders & mentors to help and I've taken leaps of faith to test my sense of this as I go. I just recently began to feel comfortable applying to a traditional (sort of) MDiv route and I'm almost done with the candidacy papers when this (see picture above) shows up. "Pastor Tim Snyder!" Who the f*** is that? How presumptuous! Ok, God...back to the uncomfortable state - I get it, I get it - you don't want me comfortable...

PS: I didn't used to bleep my profanity. But now that I'm a pastor, I have to start watching my f***ing language.

Writing to be published at Everyday Liturgy

For a while now I've been posting theological essays, tid-bits, etc. for response here at SmallTownAbbot.com. Good news! I'll now be shifting that work to be published over at Everyday Liturgy (www.everdayliturgy.com). Thomas Turner created this new innovative journal about a year ago and its focus is on the "everyday" voices of undergraduate and graduate level theology aimed to create "theological living." I HIGHLY recommend that you visit the site and subscribe today, NOW.

My first contribution will probably be in August. Check back for details. But seriously get yourself signed up.

a weekend with elders

This weekend was perhaps one of the most life-giving weekends in years. I spent much of my time with elders from our community. These friends are some of the best people I know - they're wells of wisdom, humor, and spirituality.

Saturday Night was spent with Dan & Maria Harringtons and their friends. Dan performs as "Foscoe Jones" fortunately for you I captured the last number on my cell phone for your listening pleasure...

Sunday Michael Gomez and I met Terry & Jill Frisbie at 8am for a day of hiking. We drove 2.5 hours to Lost Maples State Park for a 7 mile hike. We took long breaks, laughed a lot, read poetry and talked as we went. It was an amazing sabbath exercise.

This what eldership is ultimately about...it is about spiritual friendships, investing in each other's lives and sharing in life-giving time together. I am deeply grateful for the Harringtons and the Frisbies and the community we are growing together.

soul mapping::into summer

Summers are always interesting for me. For the past four years I've embarked on somewhat crazy adventures...let's recap.

Summer 2005 - I toured with Revolution Drum & Bugel Corps as drum major. I thought I was big stuff. Well as it turned out, I invested a lot into an organization that ultimately betrayed a lot of hope and trust I had in it. It was a terrible experience for the most part. It was a journey though I will not forget.

Summer 2006 - Interned with Aaron Strumpel, a missional artist/songwriter. I had met Aaron years before and that year we grew closer as he began to mentor a wandering soul. I did some promo, some grant writing and some good relationship building. Many of those relationships still bless me. Aaron and I are still close - he's one of my favorite people.

Summer 2007 - Youth Ministry Intern at First United Methodist Church here in Seguin with my good friend Dan Harrington. It was a great experience. I really learned alot walking along Dan with the youth. We had some good growth together and the kids were great. We planted some seeds for transforming that youth ministry - God willing they will bear fruit.

And that brings us to now. Now, a year after we started The Netzer Co-Op, I'm in some deep soul searching. I'm struggling with the "how" of my vocational discernment, I'm struggling with the fatigue of memories, dreams, fears, and my own brokenness. Over the past two weeks I've done some good soul mapping. I've begun to see things differently and I'm hoping to find the strength to begin again. I'm slowly starting to be real honest with myself about relationships and calling. I'm a bit disappointed and frustrated. But I'm learning to trust again...it's a painful process to grieve what could have been.

I began spiritual direction recently. I sense this will be an important rhythm to live into. I've also moved into a community house and sharing morning prayer and evening prayer here has begun to help me frame my days in a better light.

Over the upcoming months there is much work to be done. I am called into the summer to work behind the scenes - alongside some beautiful people as we begin to take steps towards places we could only begin to imagine God would call us.

T

Home

I spent five days in New Orleans. There was a vibe of home.

I visited old friends: The Reed Family, friends from church, PJ, Molly.

PJ and I recorded a podcast about our vocational journeys - I should post that soon.

Molly and I talked of fears, disappointments and limitations of moving forward post-Graduation (even though I suppose I've not graduated; I am going through a major transition - the remained of my coursework lingers and I'll trickle through it)

I have a lot of questions still...about where all this is going, about who will go with me, whether or not I get a traveling partner to share my journey and my heart with. Dana Reed asked me whether or not I was happy with this life I'm creating. That's not an easy question. I still have my doubts and I am still grieving. But there is no other place for me now - this is where I belong. It's just not that simple at the moment.

So where is home for me?

I move in tomorrow to a new house, with friends. We're creating an intentional community house. It's messy.

On the Road: Steamboat Willie

Over a shirmp Po-Boy, Kevin (my brother), and I caught Steamboat Willie at Jazz Legend Park - we enjoyed him over an Abita Beer...a local brew.

On the Road: Preservation Hall

This evening we went to Preservation Hall...This podcast file will let you listen in to the magic.
Audio: The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Preservation Hall, New Orleans, LA. 05.10.08

On the Road: New Orleans, LA.

Being from the New Orleans area, it's good to be home. Yesterday my brother, Kevin, and I arrived here for a weekend of well...eating. We've blocked out our days by framing them around the restaurants we want to be sure to check out. Last night we ate at Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse (in the top ten steakhouses according to Maxium Magazine and Penthouse - reliable sources). This morning we headed our to the New Orleans Museum of Art and to Commander's Palace (where famous New Orleans Chef and TV personality Emeril Lagasse made his name). Here's some pics for you to enjoy

Time is a funny thing.

I have to admit that its a strange time for me these days. My friends are graduating, getting (real) jobs, getting engaged and its all pretty exciting. I'm excited for them, don't get me wrong. But time is a funny thing. I'm conflicted with time these days. I wonder why my path veers off so distinctly from those around me. These are the days of my life where I am "supposed" to be lining up my life. Relationships have just failed, my job is like a vow to poverty - I make below the poverty line, and I'm not graduating on Saturday. I won't even be saying good bye to any of my friends. I head tomorrow for New Orleans. I need the break no doubt, but time: you are a funny thing.