Clergy Chicks a traveling

The kingdom of God...

2010-06-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

The kingdom of God is like...

The statement was made by Melissa Clodfelter at night, by the pool side table. She had heard it over and over in her mind while sharing the sacred space that this gathering is. YCW, the conference, it's awesome. Truly this is what the kingdom of God is like. (Thank you Melissa for those small words).

Today has been about coaching. About conflict. About owning. About what we bring to the table, and what we can leave behind.

And to top it off some parts of the CCs got to go and not just have fab food but also be cheering on a fellow clergy chick buying a pretty cool mustard yellow wintercoat (yes, despite the heat) just because you need some happy during winter!

conflict

2010-06-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

The CC are talking conflict today. Does this have anything to do with the general view that the coffee at the hotel is slightly...so-so? ;)

But seriously, management and leadership will always have to do with conflict, and knowing how to deal with it is very important.

The quote right now: Do not sacrifice yourself for the congregation, the congregation will not sacrifice itself for you.

Any thoughts on that?

pool side spirituality

2010-06-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

The day ended. A walk back home through the warm night, surrounded by the songs of cicadas. Conversation about art and creativity, and back at the hotel we sat down among friends at the pool, sharing wine and crackers and stories.
There is something about the intimacy of water that makes conversations thrive.
So we talked about weddings and Holy Eucharist, about the big issues and some silliness. Overhead lightning turned darkness into blazing light, if only for an instance at the time. And the God-given golden strands of communion and fellowship gleamed in the midnight-blue Georgia night.

Qualities of an adaptive leader

2010-06-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Featured speaker Melissa Clodfelter

2010-06-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

There has been references to "The Practice of Adaptive Leadership" by Heifetz, Grashow and Linsky.

There will be glitter glueing.

There has been sharing great questions. Like do you behave what you believe as you say you believe?

There is hopefully a few helpful answers.

Communion

2010-06-28T04:10:00.000-07:00

Holy moments in places you didn't think could feel that holy.

The story of Hanna giving birth to Samuel and really saying "here I am" long before he is -not in words (thank you Erica for your thoughts!) but in action.

So here we are.

powered by great shoes

2010-06-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

Wonderful Atlanta greeted us upon arrival. And after a ride on a Marta train and bus CC could breathe in a sigh of relief at Emory Inn. After traveling for 20 hrs or so, they needed that.

They did get online and found Suzanne and after a nice salad and wine (realizing there would be much hunger in the morning if not) and chat they crashed the Binder Party at room 220. The joy! There was filing and turning boring binders to wonderful conference ones and peeking in goodie bags until it was all time to go to bed.

Sunday morning was a day as good as any. Coffee and a muffin and CC were good to go. They did take a stroll down the road a mile or so to get some groceries. It was hot. Got back and rested for a short while before going to the mall. One has to have great shoes. NBCC did find great shoes. BCC got great other stuff.

Time for registration and the conference can start!

A challenging day

2010-06-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

Challenge 1: Getting up. Hold on, not really, since neither NBCC (Non-Blonde Clergy Chick) or BCC (Blonde Clergy Chick) could sleep very well.
Challenge 2: Choosing a magazine to bring. Oh, the choices. Should one choose an arty—farty mag to prove one's cultural cred? Or maybe something ambitious and serious, like the Economist, to present oneself as good leadership material? Or the ever-so-ironic smut magazine? Ok, maybe not. Neither did we pick the Barbie magazine or the very stylish Danish interior design mag. The result: fashion mags. Yeah, we admit, the Clergy Chicks luv them glossy pages. And, as a bonus, there were scores of pretty magazines on the plane too. We only read the really serious ones, of course. Cross our hearts, we did!
Challenge 3: Being very good and kind, we of course volunteered to get bumped to a later flight, if SAS needed our seats. The 300 euro thank you-check had nothing to do with our willingness to help. The only thing we got from this un-selfish act was getting to board last. On our original flight. Without the 300 euros.
Challenge 4: Air conditioning on the plane. As bad as ever.
Challenge 5. Maneuvering the United customer ”service”. Ha.
Challenge 6: The Big Mac-munching female fashion crime against humanity, or at least fellow passengers, waiting across the row from us for the Atlanta flight. Seeing to much in spite of full coverage is apparently possible.

See? For these two Clergy Chicks, there is no such thing as a challenge to big. There are only possibilities. *cue smarmy smile*

Long journeys like this actually are great opportunities to for once get to talk about Bible interpretation, priestly formation, parish life and all those things that take a little too much time to fit into the daily life of picking up kids from school, cleaning dishes, writing sermons, spending too much time on facebook, etc etc.

#ycw2010

2010-06-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Long time has passed since Clergy Chicks went a traveling together. But now order is restored.

In Sweden midsummer celebration is going on. But in the home of non blonde Clergy Chick packing replaces dancing around the pole singing about the poor frogs without ears and tail. Oh, the joy.

There are loads of expectations for the coming conference. Many happy reunions, many new aquintances and some serious inspiration coming up! Follow us here (and if you are a young clergy woman -do join the network) and do comment. We like questions, praise and an occational report from reality.

again on her own

2009-05-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

So, blonde CC has been traveling again. And again without her less blonde soul sister. Blonde CC went souz to Germany, to visit friends and see some of ze cool Luzersites.

And of course to work a little too. Zere is no traveling wizout some work.

Berlin was nice. Sunny and fun. Productive and efficient.
Eisleben was also nice. Sunny and fun. And not efficient at all.

Next time, maybe blonde CC can lure her non-blonde sister to come wiz her? One does get ze funniest accent.

traveling home

2009-02-15T10:51:00.000-08:00

Blonde Clergy Chick took her family to non-blonde CC's home. That must be the best way to travel, staying with friends of the kind that have transcended the barrier between friends and family. Yeah, blonde CC is very happy to have a friend like non-blonde CC. She rocks.

(And no, this is not written just to ensure continued hospitality. Honestly.)

London

2009-01-03T00:06:00.000-08:00

Non blonde CC is in London. Working. The youth group got funds for a fun trip. We are doing plenty of touristy stuff. Madame Tussau's (how do you spell her name?), shopping, sights, a musical and sunday, before we rush home we'll go to a church down town and hopefully see some british younger churchgoers then.

It is great, but non blonde CC misses blonde CC.

Confessions

2008-10-25T10:49:00.000-07:00

Blonde Clergy Chick also has been traveling without her sister. Yes, she is ashamed.

She even visited churches, talked to other clergy, listened to a sermon (although in a funny and almost non-understandable language), climbed bell towers and pulpits, drank wine. Yes, it was a real Clergy Chick fiesta, and all of this without non-blonde CC. Though it must be admitted, there was almost no shopping on this trip, which of course would have driven non-blonde CC mad.

Next time, huh?

Choo Choo

2008-10-03T01:13:00.000-07:00

On the train again. Blonde Clergy Chick does not really lament the disappearance of steam trains, is pretty happy about the high speed ones, but still, they don't sound as good, do they?

betrayal

2008-09-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

Non-blonde Clergy Chick is traveling without her sister. This cannot be anything else than a betrayal of the worst kind. Or maybe blonde CC is just plain jealous?

Registration and first day

2008-09-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Clergy Chick really think it's strange that the people that are teaching pedagogy are themselves not very pedagocial.

But it certainly helps when Clergy Chicks are among friends and can laugh it off during recess!

Up where we belong?

2008-09-04T23:31:00.000-07:00

Blonde Clergy Chick is on the train to Uppsala and the church leadership program.
Non-blonde Clergy Chick will join her there.

Theme songs for this day:

Queen - We Are The Champions
Joe Cocker/Jennifer Warnes - Up Where We Belong
ABBA - The Winner Takes It All

What was that? Blonde CC thought she heard someone whispering "hubris". Strange. And the pounding opening rhythm of INXSs Suicide Blonde. Even weirder.

Alcohol

2008-08-30T05:39:00.000-07:00

Now, our Lord liked the occasional glass of wine, so the Bible tells us. Martin Luther downed his share of beer. The CCs, in the footsteps of these greats, are not opposed to alcohol, when used with moderation.

But. The CCs can't help but wonder whether it is really a very good idea to start drinking strong beer and cider at ten in the morning? Even if the ones drinking are bikers.

Shutting up

2008-08-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

The Clergy Chicks wonder, very calmly, what the deal is with people who CAN'T SHUT UP WHEN KIDS ARE TRYING TO SLEEP, AND THEY ARE ASKED KINDLY TO THINK ABOUT THAT, AND STILL STAND OUTSIDE, LAUGHING AND TALKING LOUDLY, THE VERY THIN DOOR TO CC'S ROOM WHERE THE CC OFFSPRING ARE BEING PUT TO BED? The CCs are just a tiny bit annoyed, that's all.

Mattis

2008-08-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Now, this being married thing is all well, think the Clergy Chicks. But that Mattis certainly has a rugged charm. The CCs asked their offspring whether any of them would agree to substituting their dad for the robber chieftain, but they would not have it.

As an afterthought, blonde pk added: "When me and dad come here, we will have Lovis (Ronja's mother) for my mother." Blonde CC did not appreciate that thought nearly as much as the one with the robber father. Not nearly.

Another day, another journey

2008-08-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

The Clergy Chicks took their pk's (dark CC took the eldest) and went to Astrid Lindgren's World to hang out with Pippi, Ronja and the others.

Non-blonde CC traveled from Stockholm. The train left at 6.10 in the morning.
6.25: Are we there yet? said non-blonde pk.

Blonde CC traveled from Malmö. The train left at 7.14.
7.55: Are we there yet? asks blonde pk.

The price for this Pyrrhic victory goes to non-blonde CC!

joy

2008-08-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Clergy Chicks will undertake another educational journey together - the one that leads to a degree in church leadership. Today blonde CC got her admissions letter (which non-blonde CC had gotten much, much earlier due to being much more organized) and there is much rejoicing!

To those few souls who actually read this blog - watch this space. There will be regular updates from the wonderful world of organization theory, workplace legislation and powertripping. *ahem* And theology. Of course.

Uppsala, watch out! The CCs are on the move. Again. *moahahahahahahahahaha*

Yearbook pics

2008-08-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

Clergy Chicks are having fun through the years. Check it out!

status rapport

2008-08-13T12:49:00.000-07:00

Blonde Clergy Chick is heading home today. Is in fact at the airport as we speak. She munches Twizzlers, reads e-mail and is looking forward to delving into the ridiculously thick Elle magazine she just bought. All in all, all is well.

And, when she comes to Stockholm tomorrow, she will have lunch with non-Blonde CC. That, also, is well.

But most of all, it is good to be on her way home to her family.

Home sweet home

2008-08-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

The non blonde Clergy Chick do not appreciate two hours of taxing at JFK.

The non blonde Clergy Chick do appreciate hugs and kisses and gifts from son, daughter and husband.

Hurting

2008-08-11T05:17:00.000-07:00

The blonde Clergy Chick is left in the city, when the non-blonde flies home. She (the blonde) never thought it would hurt this much. She basically feels like a half person, and walked from Central Park to 15th in a daze, among bzillions of Dominicans celebrating.

At the guesthouse, blonde Clergy Chick's friend waited, and so she is no longer alone, but still a bit sad.

Newsline

2008-08-10T06:17:00.001-07:00

Clergy Chicks are splitting up.

Sadly.

Much gnashing of teeth.

New York, New York

2008-08-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today... Clergy Chicks keep singing.

They are back in the city that never sleeps. Although the shops all close too early when Clergy Chicks go by bus and need to eat before hitting the stores.

They did buy some Christian literature though. Pious ones of course. Clergy Chicks are SO clergylike sometimes.

Music lovers

2008-08-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

Clergy Chicks are all for music, and finding one's voice, and staying in touch, but honestly, singing along to music played loudly on the cell phone? Not so much in favor, all of a sudden.

The bus ride back

2008-08-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

Standing on the curb in China town waiting for the bus Clergy Chicks realize they will never be the same again. Cliché, yes, but true. And after this morning and the closing session Clergy Chicks know something about truth (as well as women, thirst, spirit and faith).

On the bus God called them to the same seats as on the way down to DC. That sacred safe space again. The holy spirit will have her fun again no doubt.

I did it my way

2008-08-09T04:33:00.000-07:00

And now, the end is near; And so I face the final curtain. My friend, I'll say it clear, I'll state my case, of which Im certain...

Yes, Sinatra is echoing in the head of the Clergy Chicks this morning. Truth has been called on, inspiration has been given and God is dwelling all around the packed bags.

Clergy Chicks might report lengthier from the asian bus with wifi. If it's less bumby than last time, they'de appreciate it.

Blessings

2008-08-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

Clergy Chicks has been blessed with good friends, challanging tasks and margaritas. They are not looking forward to ending this breathing in group, preaching away, getting so much soul food that it could last at least a year (next year in DC?) experience tomorrow.

But all good things come to an end is the saying and so it shall be. Rats.

Consumachurch

2008-08-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

The Clergy Chicks have been shopping again. But no mindless, therapeutic silly shopping, mind you, the CCs bought nice pious and shiny rosaries and colorful books on stained glass, so stop that sniggering, puh-lease.
The cathedral shop of the National Cathedral meets with the CCs approval. Lucky them.

Preaching Princess

2008-08-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

You're serving WHAT?

2008-08-07T18:03:00.001-07:00

Clergy Chicks passed Moby Dick's Kabob House, and are really, really curious. What on earth do they serve there? And what do their customers look like?

There you go, mr president!

2008-08-07T17:56:00.000-07:00

Clergy Chicks did their best to boost the American economy today. They bought shoes, t-shirts, a handbag, a camera bag, shower gel, make-up remover, baby clothes... And since it apparently is some kind of tax free week here, maybe all their efforts will be in vain. A shame, really. Clergy Chicks sure will apologize to the presidential Shrub if they run in to him.

Ecumenism

2008-08-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

Clergy Chicks have been breathing, preaching, learning scripture by heart, performing, breathing again, talked, laughed, shed tears, eating and well, they have also been sleeping somewhat. It is all good. Now we have the afternoon off. Clergy Chicks has been in DC before. Therefor there will not be any monumenting or museuming for the Clergy Chicks. Nor will there be any sermonizing. No, the Clergy Chicks are taking an ecumenical delegation on a shopping spree in Georgetown. Yay.

Number two

2008-08-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

Why is it, Clergy Chicks wonder, that conversation between moms, clergy or not, always turns to poop?

Sermonating

2008-08-06T19:01:00.000-07:00

The Clergy Chicks preached today. It went well. No one ran screaming from the room because of horrible Swedish accents, and no one laughed their asses off because of the same reason. Round one to the Clergy Chicks.

Priests Anonymous

2008-08-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

Clergy Chicks had serious internal debates concerning whether they should step in and celebrate Mass when the priest at the Cathedral didn't show this morning. But they held their tongues. Priests Anonymous, indeed. And really, would the congregation have appreciated the liturgy in Swedish?

Well, of course they would. Silly CCs.

Abstaining

2008-08-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

Clergy Chicks chose not to go with the wilder CCs to the Cantina to drink Margaritas and flirt with Mexican waiters, and dance on the tables and...umm...probably just to have Margaritas. Clergy Chicks are just too tired, and stay at Hogwart...umm...Cathedral College instead, talking and blogging.

But, even if Clergy Chicks are tired, they are tender and generous by nature, and have decided to award their dear, dear readers with some pics.

Relational theories

2008-08-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

All of a sudden, Clergy Chicks abandoned the theory that the couple in the seat in front of them were siblings. Say no more.

Translation sorely needed

2008-08-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone? What does this mean? Clergy Chicks do not understand.

The bus ride

2008-08-05T06:22:00.000-07:00

When choosing how to get from NY to DC two things mattered to Clergy Chicks, the price and access to internet. So here they are on a bus bumping away. Prayers are requested since bus driver might a) not have a license or b) not like passengers or c) all of the above.

Clergy Chicks also picked seats that during turns slide to and from aisle/window. That causes Clergy Chicks much amusement. Disney World light. Yay!

The fortune

2008-08-04T23:38:00.000-07:00

The non blonde Clergy Chick made a nice re-acquintance with General Tsoe for lunch in Chelsea. The blonde had sesame chicken. Yummy.

Consequences

2008-08-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

Clergy Chicks have not had time to blog today due to shopping. They now pay the price of back pain, sore feet and empty wallets. No, wait. The dollar is low... Yes, Clergy Chicks are positive people and prefer to see the wallets as half full instead of half empty.

The night

2008-08-04T04:27:00.000-07:00

Clergy Chicks seriously question why God decided there should be time zones.

However, now they are fresh as rose buds and ready for some serious shopping (not that NY is this early).

Dinner amusement

2008-08-04T04:26:00.002-07:00

Clergy Chicks do not think men should have french pedicure. If possible that is a sure sign that the toe nails are too long.

Home sweet home?

2008-08-04T04:26:00.001-07:00

The very Lutheran Clergy Chicks like the Lutheran Seafarers and International House a block from Union square. But why not install wifi? Or at least a computer with an easy access usb port and possibilities to work with Word.

Transfer

2008-08-04T04:23:00.001-07:00

Who decided transfer to Manhattan should take longer than the trans-atlantic flight?

Immigrations

2008-08-04T04:22:00.001-07:00

Clergy Chicks don't appreciate passport officer closing line in front of them. That is not the pledged cordiality and welcome they expected.

Clergy Chicks do like officer Anderson (fake swede no doubt!) who smiled and opened his booth just for Clergy (Chicks). Officer Anderson is good marriage material no doubt, Susan!

The very blonde Clergy Chick put left index finger on the picture of a finger (ie the instruction) instead of on the actual finger print reader thingie. The very less blonde Chick laughed hard and realised it will be very hard to top that!

FB statuses

2008-08-04T04:21:00.000-07:00

FB status Flight start +5hrs : Wondering whether it is ok to have Crispy Creams for dinner.

FB status Flight start +5,5hrs: Wondering whether they serve cosmopolitans at Crispy Creams.

FB status Flight start +6hrs: Clergy Chicks are attacked by cheap Norwegian jewellery.

The forms

2008-08-04T04:20:00.000-07:00

Customs Declaration:
No, Clergy Chicks are not family even though they sometimes bicker as an old married couple. Clergy Chicks are not even dating, they are just friends. Two forms, please.

I-94W:
Do any of the following apply? (Answer Yes or No) A. Do you have a communicable disease: physical or mental disorder; or are you a drug abuser or addict?

Clergy Chicks clarifying question to Department of Homeland Security: (Please answer yes or no). A. Does constant incessant blabbering count as a communicable disease?

The mission

2008-08-04T04:19:00.002-07:00

Yes, Clergy Chicks have been studying. Scripture is memorized. Sort of. Clergy Chicks contemplated if they should shove Bible in Porn guys lap. Clergy Chicks started discussing church, the Lambeth conference and opposition to female ordination. They solved the issues. No need for further Church splits. If only people would listen to the wisdom of Clergy Chicks.

KL 641

2008-08-04T04:19:00.001-07:00

Where’s the food? Oh, take off hasn’t begun? Is that guy REALLY reading (uhm) a porn magazine? Who is that same guy checking out back there? And is everyone wondering if the Clergy Chicks are checking him out now? (ew) Norwegians everywhere… not him though.

Shiphol

2008-08-04T04:18:00.001-07:00

Clergy Chicks pick the wrong line for security check at the gate. They also want to go through the top modern Star Trek type of beepy gate where glass doors close around the person standing with arms up (checking arm pit hair? Bad smell? Stamina? Clergy Chicks are not quite sure). Instead they end up behind people who have difficulties following cartoon instructions.

First flight Stockholm-Amsterdam

2008-08-04T04:16:00.000-07:00

Dutch really is a funny language! Or ugly. Take your pick.

Before landing the Netherlands scares Clergy Chicks with their extremely straight fields. Not that Clergy Chicks ever would suggest that this is why it’s people tend to… uhm…escape into space…

The Prophesy

2008-08-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

Husband C wants Clergy Chicks to be at airport almost three hours before take off. One Clergy Chick (CC) not happy. They end up there 2,5 hrs before take off. Everything goes smoothly, despite Cs apocalyptic prophesies. CCs aimlessly wander around airport for 2 hrs (yeah right, shopping of course!).